Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of finally 'getting' the rising trot as a beginner rider… But what if the way you first found success—your trusty “up downs”—is now what’s holding you back? In this episode, we’re exploring how the rising trot evolves far beyond rhythm and balance. I’m breaking down how posting to the trot is actually a tool—one that can either help or hinder your horse’s movement and training, depending on how you’re doing it. Because yes, there’s a better way—and it all starts with YOU. 🎙️ Inside this episode, you’ll learn... ✅ Why “up downs” are useful at first—but dangerously limiting in the long run ✅ How poor rising trot habits interrupt your horse’s natural movement and block connection ✅ Why bouncing, bracing, or relying on your horse’s energy and gravity makes independent aids impossible ✅ How refining your rising trot improves balance, feel, and true communication ✅ A step-by-step approach to improving your rise - starting at halt and walk Whether you're just returning to riding or feeling stuck in your progress, this episode will help you rethink your rising trot so you can ride with more intention, clarity, and harmony. 🧭 Next Steps? Let’s Do This Together… Join me for a free live webinar on 7th & 8th of May 2025 - From Passenger to Rider: 3 Shifts to Fix Your Position, Your Aids & Your Confidence (Without Riding More, Starting Over, or Turning Your Rides Into Boring Drills) We’ll take everything from this episode and go even deeper - so you can start using your rising trot as an actual aid (not just something you 'do'). 📅 Save your seat here >> https://returningtoriding.com 💡 Want to practice this in the saddle right now? You’ll love Daily Strides Premium – audio riding plans that guide you step-by-step through improving your posture, balance, and timing in every ride. 👉 Learn more here >> www.stridesforsuccess.com/join 👥 Come Join the Conversation… Love the podcast and want more support as you ride alone? Join the Daily Strides Podcast Online Community on Facebook — it's where riders just like you are sharing wins, asking questions, and getting inspired every week. We take the ideas from the episodes and bring them to life - with real conversations, encouragement, and extra tips to keep you moving forward in your riding (even on the tough days). 👉 Come say hi inside the group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dailystridespodcast Let’s keep the momentum going — together! 🌟 If this episode helped you, don’t keep it to yourself :) 📲 Share it with a friend ⭐ Leave a rating or review 💬 Tag me in your stories @stridesforsuccess

This week didn’t go as planned. And if yours didn’t either - you’re not alone. In this episode of Sunday Strides, I’m sharing what I do when life throws everything off course. From illness and exhaustion to just plain overwhelm, we all face moments where our riding plans feel impossible to follow through on. But here’s the key: One bad day doesn’t mean the whole week is a write-off. Sometimes, the best thing we can do is regroup instead of retreat. 🐴 In this Pep Talk You’ll Hear: Why setbacks don’t mean failure How to separate what has to get done from what can wait Why rest is a tool - not a weakness How to bounce back mid-week and still create momentum A reminder that consistency looks different every week - and that’s okay 🎯 When You’re Ready to Ride Again… Inside Daily Strides Premium, we support your real life - not the imaginary perfect one. ✅ Weekly riding plans delivered via audio ✅ Weekly Virual Group Live Lessons ✅ Training and support that helps you stay on track - even after setbacks ✅ A private podcast feed you can take with you anywhere 🎧 Join Daily Strides Premium here This week’s DSP lesson is perfect for getting you back into flow—no pressure, just steady progress. ⏱️ Not Much Time This Week? Download the “15 Minutes or Less” freebie for easy training sessions you can fit in even on the busiest days. 🎁 Grab your free guide here 💬 Join the Conversation Inside the Daily Strides Podcast Facebook Group, we’re sharing how we’re regrouping this week and what small steps we’re still taking. ➡️ Join the group here Drop a comment and let us know what you’re committing to between now and Sunday! 🔁 Don’t Miss Next Week Sunday Strides drops every Sunday to help you reset, refocus, and ride—wherever you are in your journey. Make sure you’re subscribed to the Daily Strides Podcast and share the episode with a friend who needs a nudge this week. 📌 Quick Links Recap: Join DSP: https://stridesforsuccess.com/dsp Download the Freebie: https://stridesforsuccess.com/15 Join the Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DailyStridesPodcast

Do you ever feel like your hands are sending mixed signals to your horse? If you’ve been trying to improve your contact, connection, or communication in the saddle - but things still feel off - this Strides Revisited episode is for you. Originally aired in February 2025 as Episode 1137, this conversation dives into four of the most common (and sneaky!) ways your hands may be unintentionally causing confusion while you ride. Whether it's fidgeting, flapping, or just plain floating... It’s time to find your ‘Goldilocks’ hands - just right 😉 This episode is especially helpful as many riders don't realize they’re even doing these things in the first place. You can read the original blog post and listen HERE https://stridesforsuccess.com/episode1137/ In This Strides Revisited Episode, You’ll Learn: ✅ Why 'Piano Fingers' are sabotaging your rhythm and connection ✅ How to tell if your hands are too high, too low, or just not in the right place ✅ The ideal spacing between your hands - and when to adjust it ✅ The difference between a soft feel and just giving everything away ✅ How your hand aids support every other aid in your riding Your Hands Aren’t the Problem… But They’re Making Things Worse Most riders working alone are trying to create better contact, but without realizing it, their hands are either doing too much - or nothing at all. This episode will help you become more aware of what your hands are really saying to your horse… and how to make sure it’s clear, kind, and consistent. 💡 Small, intentional changes = big breakthroughs in the saddle. 🎧 Listen now & discover your ‘Goldilocks’ hands > Whether you're on a solo ride or schooling in the arena, this one is worth revisiting—no matter where you are in your riding journey. 👉 Subscribe to The Daily Strides Podcast to never miss an episode 👉 Rate & review if you’ve been enjoying the show 👉 Share this with another equestrian who could use some clarity in the saddle 💬 Join the Conversation Inside Our Free FB Group Come share your takeaway from this episode (or your own experience with tricky hand habits) inside the Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians Facebook Group. We’d love to hear from you! 🟢 Join the Free Group Here » 🎧 Ready for More Support with Your Riding? Daily Strides Premium is where you get weekly riding plans, live virtual lessons, and audio guidance to make every ride count. If you're training your horse alone and want to stay consistent, focused, and supported - this is for you. ✨ Learn more & join us inside DSPremium here >> www.stridesforsuccess.com/join

Do your hands seem to have a mind of their own when you're riding? You're not alone—and the good news is, unsteady hands aren't usually the real issue. They're often a symptom of deeper balance, stability, or position problems in your riding. Whether you find yourself constantly shortening your reins or unintentionally using your hands for balance, this episode will help you understand what's actually causing your unsteady hands and how to finally develop steadier, softer communication with your horse. Read the full article on this HERE https://stridesforsuccess.com/episode1365-steady-hands-as-you-ride-your-horse   In This Episode of the Daily Strides Podcast, You’ll Discover: ✅ Why steady hands are essential for clear, kind communication with your horse ✅ How your elbows directly influence your hand stability (and what to do about it!) ✅ Why relying on your hands for balance is causing bigger problems in your riding ✅ Practical off-horse exercises to build core strength and hand stability  ✅ How improving the connection between your seat and hands will transform your riding   🎯 3 Actionable Steps to Begin Improving Your Hand Stability Today: Record Yourself Riding: Use a whip across your fingers or wear white gloves to clearly see exactly what's happening with your hands. Relax and Adjust Your Elbows: Make sure your elbows are softly bent and draped naturally by your sides - like you’re carrying two cups of tea. Strengthen Your Core: Incorporate simple core exercises, like planks or balance-ball workouts, to reduce reliance on your hands for balance.   🎉 Join the Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians Online Community Looking for additional support as you improve your riding? Join me and thousands of other equestrians inside the Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians Online Community on Facebook. Ask questions, share your riding breakthroughs, and access free training to help you make consistent progress - especially if you train your horse alone. 👉 Join us here   ✨ Ready for Structured Audio Lessons for Every Ride? If you're ready to consistently improve your riding, come join us inside Daily Strides Premium. You'll get: Structured riding plans delivered as audio horse riding lessons A clear focus for each ride—no more wondering what to work on Support and coaching to keep you progressing Step-by-step guidance, even when riding alone 🎧 Listen, ride, and improve—every day. 👉 Join Daily Strides Premium Here   👇 Don’t Miss the Free Training Coming Soon If you're noticing old habits—like unsteady hands—creeping into your riding, it's time to revisit and refine your basics. 🌐 Join the waitlist for my free online training at Returning to Riding We’ll explore habits holding you back and how to build new ones that support your riding today.   💛 Subscribe, Rate & Review If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your podcast app. Your feedback helps more riders discover the show and make every ride great. 💌 Know a rider who struggles with unsteady hands? Share this episode with them! 📌 Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Daily Strides Premium Membership Returning to Riding - VIP Training Waitlist Daily Strides Podcast Online Community – Facebook Group Equestrian Fitness Challenge

Welcome to the very first episode of Sunday Strides – the new weekly series from the Daily Strides Podcast designed to get your mindset right before the week begins. These episodes are short (under 5 minutes), unscripted, and packed with the motivation, truth, and tough love you need to get back in the saddle—even when it’s not perfect. In this episode, we’re talking about the trap of waiting for the “perfect time” to ride and why that’s costing you real progress with your horse. Because here’s the truth: You don’t need a perfect plan. You need to just get on. 🐴 What You’ll Hear in Today’s Pep Talk: Why waiting for ideal conditions is slowing you down How imperfect action builds confidence The mindset shift you need to ride more consistently A direct challenge to ride this week—even if it’s messy The difference between riders who grow… and those who don’t 🎯 Want Help Knowing What to Do Once You’re On? Inside Daily Strides Premium, you’ll get: ✅ Weekly audio-guided riding plans ✅ Step-by-step lessons to follow in real time ✅ Support, structure, and progress without needing a trainer by your side ✅ A private podcast feed so you can listen anywhere This month inside DSP: We’re working on groundwork and lunging over poles -perfect if your horse needs a reset, or you want to build connection before getting back in the saddle. 👉 Join Daily Strides Premium here ⏱️ Short on Time? Grab your free copy of 15 Minutes or Less – a guide packed with quick, effective exercises you can ride today. 🎁 Download the Freebie 💬 Join the Conversation: Inside the Daily Strides Podcast Facebook Group, we’re sharing weekly riding goals and holding each other accountable. ➡️ Join the group here Tell us what you’re committing to this week after listening to the episode! 🔁 Love Sunday Strides? Make sure you’re following the Daily Strides Podcast on your favorite platform and share this episode with a rider who needs a little motivation today. 🎧 Subscribe, share, and let’s ride together. 📌 Quick Links Recap: Join DSP: https://stridesforsuccess.com/dsp Download the Freebie: https://stridesforsuccess.com/15 Join the FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DailyStridesPodcast

Do you ever feel like the more effort you put into canter, the worse your seat becomes? You're not alone... In this encore episode of the Daily Strides Podcast, we're revisiting a popular lesson: Developing Your Seat in the Canter. Originally aired in March 2020, it’s packed with timeless insights for riders who feel stuck, disconnected, or frustrated in the canter. This episode will help you: Understand the difference between following and forcing in the canter Use the "clothes hanger" analogy to create true postural alignment Recognize how shoulder tension and over-efforting are sabotaging your seat Learn why carrying yourself is step one in developing a supple, effective seat Discover how to use the half-halt with your seat—without blocking your horse Whether you're a returning rider, a bit rusty, or just ready to upgrade your seat… this episode is your starting point. Read the full blog post HERE https://stridesforsuccess.com/episode1139-developing-your-seat-in-the-canter/ 🎯 Ready to Ride Better in the Canter? 💪 Get stronger, more balanced, and more aware in the saddle with the free 👉 Equestrian Fitness Challenge It's 21 days of walking and 'yogaing' designed for riders, to help you feel more secure and effective in every gait - including the canter. 🐴 Want to Go from Being a Passenger to Being a Rider in the Saddle? Join the waitlist for Returning to Riding, to make sure you get notified of my new upcoming live training to help you do just that.  👉 ReturningtoRiding.com 💬 Let’s Make Every Ride Great If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review the Daily Strides Podcast on your favorite app. Your support helps more riders find the show and start making real progress in their riding. 🎧 Know another rider who’s struggling with their seat in the canter? Send this episode their way or share it in your riding group! 💬 Join the Conversation Inside Our Free Online Community Want more support in your riding journey? Join the Daily Strides Podcast Online Community—a free space where riders like you come together to ask questions, share wins, and stay motivated. 🎉 Join us here → Daily Strides Podcast Online Community Let me know what stood out to you in this episode - and how your seat feels in the canter these days. I’d love to hear your thoughts inside the group 💛

Have you ever noticed your lower leg swinging like a windscreen wiper while you're trotting or cantering? You’re not alone—and here’s the good news: your swinging lower leg is not the real problem. It’s a symptom of something deeper going on in your riding. Whether your horse is tuning you out… or rocketing off when you didn’t mean to ask for more—this episode will help you understand what's actually causing the instability and how to finally fix your swinging lower leg in a way that lasts. Read the full blog post HERE https://stridesforsuccess.com/episode1364-securing-your-swinging-lower-leg-in-trot-and-canter In This Episode of the Daily Strides Podcast, You’ll Discover: ✅ Why your lower leg swinging is rarely the actual problem ✅ What to check in your rising/posting trot technique that could be causing the swing ✅ How your shoulders in canter are secretly sabotaging your leg stability ✅ What to do instead of "holding" your leg still (spoiler: that doesn’t work!) ✅ The missing link between your seat, balance, and leg aids that could change everything 🎯 3 Actionable Steps to Begin Fixing Your Swinging Lower Leg Today: Record yourself riding this week to pinpoint exactly when your leg begins to swing (trot? canter?). Refine your rising/posting technique—think diagonally forward, not straight up and down. Check your shoulders in the canter—they may be causing imbalance that your lower leg is reflecting. 🎉 Join the Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians Online Community Want more support as you work on your position and improve your riding? Come join me and thousands of other equestrians inside the Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians Online Community on Facebook. Ask questions, share your riding wins, and get free trainings to help you make consistent progress - especially if you train your horse alone. 👉 Join us here 👇 Don’t Miss the Free Training Coming Soon If you’re ready to upgrade the basics in your riding and move past frustrating habits like a swinging lower leg, hop on the waitlist for my free online training at: 🌐 www.returningtoriding.com We’ll dive into the habits that are holding you back—and how to build new ones that support your riding right now. ✨ Want Guided Audio Lessons for Every Ride? If you're ready to improve your riding every time you swing into the saddle, come join us inside Daily Strides Premium. You’ll get: Structured riding plans delivered as audio horse riding lessons Weekly virtual LIVE group horse riding lessons A clear focus for each ride - so you’re never wondering what to work on Fortnightly Live Review & Planning co-working sessions Support and coaching to keep you on track Monthly Live Q&A to get your questions answered Step-by-step progression, even when riding alone 🎧 Listen, ride, and improve—every day. 👉 Join Daily Strides Premium Here 💛 Subscribe, Rate & Review If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your podcast app. Your reviews help more equestrians discover the show and make every ride great. 💌 And if you know a rider who struggles with a swinging lower leg, please share this episode with them! 📌 Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Join the Free Training Waitlist – Returning to Riding Daily Strides Podcast Online Community – Facebook Group  

Feel like you're stuck going in circles with your horse - even though you've been riding for years? You're not alone, and you're definitely not doing it wrong. In this episode of the Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians, Lorna Leeson helps you reframe the basics… not as boring, beginner stuff, but as the real foundation for making lasting progress in the saddle. Whether you're returning to riding after a break or have been riding for decades, this episode will help you understand how revisiting the fundamentals with intention can reignite your progress, rebuild your confidence, and deepen the connection with your horse. Read the full blog post and get all of the links HERE https://stridesforsuccess.com/episode1363-why-basics-arent-just-for-beginners 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why experienced riders often feel stuck — and how to move through it How “the basics” evolve as your riding improves The difference between beginner basics and advanced fundamentals How your position, posture, and aids create (or block) communication Why continuous refinement is the key to consistent, confident rides How to make the basics your superpower — not your punishment 🐴 This Episode is Perfect For You If: You’re a returning rider who wants to get back in the saddle with clarity You’ve lost momentum in your training and don’t know where to start again You feel frustrated that you’re working on things you “should’ve mastered” You want to ride with more feel, awareness, and effectiveness You’re ready to turn the basics into breakthroughs ✍️ Take Action from This Episode: Identify one foundational skill—like transitions, turning, or your position—that you can intentionally focus on during your next 3 rides. Join the waitlist for the Returning to Riding Program so you're the first to know when enrollment opens. Register for the Free Live Training Webinar where we’ll walk through exactly how to spot and upgrade the basics that matter most to you right now. 🔁 Join the Returning to Riding Program Waitlist Ready to rebuild your riding confidence and start making consistent progress again? Lorna’s Returning to Riding Program is designed specifically for riders who are coming back after a break or navigating a plateau. It’s the structured, supportive system you need to reconnect with your horse — and yourself. 👉 Join the Waitlist Here 📩 Or email [email protected] 💬 Want Support & Accountability? You don’t have to figure it out alone. Inside the Daily Strides Podcast Online Community, riders like you are working on the same things — basics, breakthroughs, and better communication with their horses. 💬 Join us here: stridesforsuccess.com/group 🔗 Resources Mentioned Returning to Riding: Join the Waitlist Daily Strides Podcast Community: Join the Group 📌 Connect with Lorna Website: www.stridesforsuccess.com Email: [email protected] Instagram: @stridesforsuccess Facebook: Daily Strides Podcast Online Community 🎙️ Subscribe & Review Loving the podcast? Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! And if this episode helped you reframe the basics, please leave a 5-star review — it helps other riders discover the show and get back on track in the saddle. 💬 Quote from the Episode “Basics are not something you leave behind. They're something you keep refining—because they’re the secret to moving forward in your riding.”

Feeling stuck in your riding or horse training? You’re not alone — and more importantly, you’re not broken. In this episode of the Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians, Lorna Leeson shares a powerful and practical approach to getting unstuck: a structured, intentional 90-day reset. Whether you're plateauing in the saddle, unsure how to move forward with your horse, or overwhelmed by inconsistent results, this episode gives you the exact steps to create momentum — and keep it going. Plus, Lorna opens up about her own journey through a frustrating period of feeling stuck and the rules she created to finally turn things around. Read the full blog post (and get all the links) HERE https://stridesforsuccess.com/episode1362-stuck-your-90-day-riding-reset-starts-here 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why riders and horses both get stuck — and how to recognize the signs How to create a 90-day riding and training plan that actually works The power of simple rules and personal commitment How to stay motivated through the dips and distractions Lorna’s personal experience with hitting a plateau and how she bounced back Why accountability and clarity are key to staying on track 🐴 This Episode is Perfect For You If: You’re a rider training alone without a regular instructor You’ve lost momentum in your riding or feel like you’re going in circles Your horse’s training progress has plateaued or feels inconsistent You want structure, motivation, and real progress in the next 90 days You’re ready to commit to change, even if it feels uncomfortable ✍️ Create Your Own 90-Day Reset Plan Start by defining where you want to be in 90 days. Set 3–5 clear, non-negotiable rules that will support that vision. Then, write them down and commit to showing up — no matter what life throws at you. Need help putting your plan together? Scroll down for a powerful next step… 🔁 Join “Restart & Reschool: Private Coaching” Ready for personalized support in your riding and training journey? Lorna’s Restart & Reschool Private Coaching Program is designed specifically for riders training solo. Get access to weekly audio lessons, virtual check-ins, tailored feedback, video reviews, and more. 👉 Learn more here 📩 Or email [email protected] 🤝 Share Your Plan & Get Support Inside the Daily Strides Podcast Online Community, we’re cheering each other on, one stride at a time. Share your 90-day plan, post your rules, and get real accountability from like-minded riders. 💬 Join us here: https://stridesforsuccess.com/group 🔗 Resources Mentioned: Restart & Reschool: Private Coaching Program Daily Strides Podcast Community 📌 Connect with Lorna: Website: www.stridesforsuccess.com Email: [email protected] Instagram: @stridesforsuccess Facebook: Daily Strides Podcast Online Community 🎙️ Subscribe & Review: Enjoying the podcast? Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! And if this episode helped you, please leave a 5-star review — it helps other riders find the show and get back on track with their horses. 💬 Quote from the Episode: “You need structure. You need clarity. You need a finish line. And that starts today — not next Monday, not after your next tack upgrade, and not when the weather is better.”

Have you ever found yourself mid-ride thinking, “Wait… what am I doing right now?” Maybe your heels are creeping up, your reins have slipped, or your posture’s gone missing… You’re not alone. And more importantly - you’re already riding on autopilot. The key is making sure that what’s on autopilot is actually moving you and your horse forward. In this episode of the Daily Strides Podcast, I’m breaking down how to reset your riding habits, step by step. These are simple shifts you can start using right away to ride more intentionally — and confidently. 🎯 What you’ll learn: How to identify and remove resistance in your setup Why environmental “checkpoints” can change your riding How to stack better habits onto your current routine The power of tracking and rewarding your progress Why perfection isn’t the goal — but consistency is Whether you're returning to riding or just feeling a little stuck, this episode will help you build better habits in the saddle - starting today. Read the full article on this topic (and access all links) HERE https://stridesforsuccess.com/episode1361-begin-to-transform-your-riding-using-autopilot 🎧 Listen now and download your free checklist to implement what you learn. 🌟 Sign up for the waitlist at ReturningtoRiding.com to join the upcoming live training.   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