Feb 26 2025 22 mins 5
So you desperately want to get back in the saddle on the regular again. And you definitely feel excited. But you're also feeling more than a little overwhelmed! The big looming question is "What do I do on that first ride?!" Stop panicking because today, I will guide you through exactly what to do on that first ride... Step by step with your horse. Remember, whether it's been months or years, your body and mind need time to adjust.
For your first few rides back, I want you to focus on increasing your awareness, rather than questioning if you're 'doing it right. Awareness over perfection!
Today, as we ride together, you will make some small but mighty shifts in how you sit, move, and connect with your horse. These strategic adjustments will make all the difference in rebuilding your confidence and comfort. And they will also help to keep your mind from wandering too much!
So, obviously, this can be listened to while you are riding. But you can also listen before you mount up and then use what you learn to make your first or next ride really count in your journey back to regular riding.
You can read the full article and get all of the links mentioned in the episode over at:- https://stridesforsuccess.com/episode1356-back-to-riding-improve-your-seat-hands-balance-on-day-1
What’s Next? Choose Your Focus...
Okay, so the first ride is done and dusted. However, now you need to build a little momentum. Choose one of the three following suggestions to work on for your next ride so that you can keep improving and truly make the most of this opportunity to be back in the saddle again.
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- Learn to Begin Controlling Your Seat – Neutral, Go, and Whoa are all real ways you can influence your horse using your seat. I have an episode on this topic HERE
- Applying the Click Your Fingers Rule – Those lines are really important for both keeping you in the saddle and also how well your horse can listen to and understand your aids. I have got an episode on this HERE
- Developing Your Riding Fitness – Maybe you felt that you lacked the suppleness to move with your horse... If so, I strongly suggest diving into walking and yoga-based free 21-day Equestrian Fitness Challenge HERE
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Finally, I would love to hear from you... Which one of the above exercises felt the most impactful for you in your ride today? Pop over to the Daily Strides Podcast Online Community on Facebook and let me know! I’d love to hear about your experience.
“Progress isn’t about doing everything at once - it’s about improving one small thing at a time.”
And if you’re looking for more ways to make the most of your time with your horse, grab my free 80+ Ideas to Do with Your Horse in 15 Minutes or Less by visiting https://stridesforsuccess.com/15
Everything is neatly divided into categories for you to choose from depending on your vision, intention, or focus for your riding.
Happy Riding
Lorna
Online Training to Help Your Riding
- Returning to Riding Program Waitlist
- Daily Strides Premium – Audio Horse Riding Lessons for Riders
- Connection – Private Virtual Online Lessons for Equestrians
- Information on Virtual Horse Riding Lessons
Connect with Lorna online:-
- Connect in the Daily Strides Podcast Online Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/dailystridespodcast
- Connect in the Virtual Stable Lounge Private Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1499737810323191