Letting go is hard. Especially when what you're letting go of feels like who you are.

In this episode of Sunday Strides, Lorna explores the idea of mental suppleness as a rider; and why it's just as important as physical suppleness in the saddle.

Because sometimes the very thing holding you back isn't your horse, your skill, or your circumstances…

It's the identity you're clinging to!

Connection Membership

Join a growing community of riders from around the world who are building consistent progress in the saddle, often without riding more. Inside Connection, you'll get access to our fortnightly Review & Planning Calls, live virtual group lessons, Q&A sessions, and a full library of on-demand audio horse riding lessons. Start your two-week cycle with us today: 👉 https://stridesforsuccess.com/join

🐴 Restart & Reschool: Private Coaching

Feeling stuck or uncertain in your riding and training? This 13-week 1-to-1 coaching program is designed to help you get unstuck and move forward with clarity and confidence. We'll work closely together to map out your next steps, troubleshoot your challenges, and get real results with your horse. 👉 https://stridesforsuccess.com/rr

⏱️ 15 Minutes or Less

Short on time? You don't need a full hour to make meaningful progress with your horse. This free resource gives you over 80 ideas for exercises, groundwork, mounted work, and mindset—all designed to help you move forward in your riding in 15 minutes or less. Perfect for busy riders or unpredictable days. 🎁 Grab it here: https://stridesforsuccess.com/15

💬 The Daily Strides Podcast Online Community

Want to join other riders who are working alone but not feeling alone? Come be part of our free Facebook group where we share inspiration, training ideas, behind-the-scenes updates, and mini-challenges like Your Signature Ride. We'd love to welcome you! 👥 Join the group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dailystridespodcast

🎧 Subscribe, Share, Rate & Review

If this episode helped you, please consider subscribing to the podcast so you never miss a new one. Share it with a riding friend who could use a little extra clarity and encouragement. And if you have a moment, rating and reviewing the show really helps us reach more riders around the world. Thank you for being part of the Strides for Success community!

Have you ever started working toward something new in your riding where you intially felt excited, motivated, and ready to do the work...

Only to realise halfway through that you might have bitten off more than you can chew?! If so, welcome to the messy middle!

In this episode, we're diving into the phase of growth that most riders experience, but many allow to keep them stuck - and even turn back!

It's the point where:

• Things feel worse before they feel better

• Your horse doesn't look as "pretty" as before

• Your aids feel awkward

• Communication gets a little jumbled

• You're tempted to go back to the way things were

This is not failure; it's a sign that change is happening and this is the episode to encourage you to stick with it.

Connection Membership

Join a growing community of riders from around the world who are building consistent progress in the saddle, often without riding more. Inside Connection, you'll get access to our fortnightly Review & Planning Calls, live virtual group lessons, Q&A sessions, and a full library of on-demand audio horse riding lessons. Start your two-week cycle with us today: 👉 https://stridesforsuccess.com/join

🐴 Restart & Reschool: Private Coaching

Feeling stuck or uncertain in your riding and training? This 13-week 1-to-1 coaching program is designed to help you get unstuck and move forward with clarity and confidence. We'll work closely together to map out your next steps, troubleshoot your challenges, and get real results with your horse. 👉 https://stridesforsuccess.com/rr

⏱️ 15 Minutes or Less

Short on time? You don't need a full hour to make meaningful progress with your horse. This free resource gives you over 80 ideas for exercises, groundwork, mounted work, and mindset—all designed to help you move forward in your riding in 15 minutes or less. Perfect for busy riders or unpredictable days. 🎁 Grab it here: https://stridesforsuccess.com/15

💬 The Daily Strides Podcast Online Community

Want to join other riders who are working alone but not feeling alone? Come be part of our free Facebook group where we share inspiration, training ideas, behind-the-scenes updates, and mini-challenges like Your Signature Ride. We'd love to welcome you! 👥 Join the group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dailystridespodcast

🎧 Subscribe, Share, Rate & Review

If this episode helped you, please consider subscribing to the podcast so you never miss a new one. Share it with a riding friend who could use a little extra clarity and encouragement. And if you have a moment, rating and reviewing the show really helps us reach more riders around the world. Thank you for being part of the Strides for Success community!

One Pole = Endless Possibilities.

Why do we overcomplicate our riding, when often the biggest breakthroughs come from doing less?!

In this episode of Sunday Strides, Lorna challenges you to strip things right back. No fancy setups. No complicated grids. No elaborate plans.

Just one pole, placed on the ground, and a willingness to get creative.

Back to Basics to Move Forward

Inside Connection this quarter, the theme is ground poles. But instead of building complex exercises, Lorna suggests starting with the simplest possible version: a single pole.

Because when you remove the overwhelm, you create space for clarity. And clarity leads to progress.

Your Challenge This Week: Place one pole on the ground and explore what you can do with it.

• Groundwork around it

• Lateral movements

• Stride adjustments

• Riding straight lines with intention

• Raising it slightly for core strength

The possibilities are endless when you stop waiting for the "perfect setup."

Take Action This Week

1. Set up one pole.

2. Get creative with how you use it.

3. Film a short clip.

4. Reflect on what you notice.

Then head over to the Daily Strides Podcast Online Community and let us know how it went https://facebook.com/groups/dailystridespodcast

What happens when you expect the worst in your riding?

More often than not, you brace! And when you brace, your horse feels it.

In this episode, I'm diving into what bracing when working with your horse really looks like (physically, mentally, and emotionally), why it quietly blocks connection and suppleness, and how it can accidentally teach your horse to anticipate tension before anything has even happened.

If you've ever:

• Gripped before asking for canter

• Tightened your reins when another horse whinnied

• Held your breath during transitions

• Expected things to go wrong before they even started

This episode is for you!

We'll explore:

• Why bracing becomes a habit

• How horses learn to anticipate our anticipation

• Why "just relax" isn't always the answer

• The real opposite of bracing (and how to practice it)

• Simple ways to shift from bracing to embracing in your next ride

📖 Read the Full Blog Post:

Bracing When Working With Your Horse https://stridesforsuccess.com/episode1389-guilty-of-bracing-when-working-with-your-horse

📥 Free Resource:

Download the 15 Minutes or Less Workbook Simple, practical ideas to help you show up intentionally with your horse. 👉 https://www.stridesforsuccess.com/15

💛 Want More Support?

Inside Connection, we work on exactly this — building softness, clarity, and confidence in your riding (without overthinking everything).

Learn more here: 👉 https://stridesforsuccess.com/join

If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a fellow rider or leave a review; it helps more riders find the podcast.

Happy Riding and chat soon Lorna

Life doesn't always leave space for long, luxurious rides, but that doesn't mean your riding has to slide backwards. In this episode, Lorna shares a simple, intentional 10-minute riding plan that keeps you connected, consistent, and moving forward with your horse… Even when everything else feels chaotic.

If you've ever found yourself thinking, "I don't have time for a proper ride," this episode will show you how to make the most of the time you do have, and why short, focused riding sessions often create more progress than long, unfocused ones.

In This Episode, You'll Learn…

• Why a 10-minute plan can save your riding during busy seasons

• How to set up a smaller space to improve focus and reduce overwhelm

• Why "riding" doesn't have to mean being in the saddle

• The exact structure of the 10-minute riding plan

• What not to do when you're short on time

• Why intentional short rides often lead to better results than rushed long ones

• How to create momentum over 4–6 busy weeks using time windows, weekly focuses, and tracking

https://stridesforsuccess.com/episode1388-a-10-minute-riding-plan-to-keep-you-riding-when-life-gets-busy/

🐴 Connection Membership

Join a growing community of riders from around the world who are building consistent progress in the saddle, often without riding more. Inside Connection, you'll get access to our fortnightly Review & Planning Calls, live virtual group lessons, Q&A sessions, and a full library of on-demand audio horse riding lessons. Start your two-week cycle with us today: 👉 https://stridesforsuccess.com/join

🐴 Restart & Reschool: Private Coaching

Feeling stuck or uncertain in your riding and training? This 13-week 1-to-1 coaching program is designed to help you get unstuck and move forward with clarity and confidence. We'll work closely together to map out your next steps, troubleshoot your challenges, and get real results with your horse. 👉 https://stridesforsuccess.com/rr

⏱️ 15 Minutes or Less

Short on time? You don't need a full hour to make meaningful progress with your horse. This free resource gives you over 80 ideas for exercises, groundwork, mounted work, and mindset, all designed to help you move forward in your riding in 15 minutes or less. Perfect for busy riders or unpredictable days. 🎁 Grab it here: https://stridesforsuccess.com/15

💬 The Daily Strides Podcast Online Community

Want to join other riders who are working alone but not feeling alone? Come be part of our free Facebook group where we share inspiration, training ideas, behind-the-scenes updates, and mini-challenges like Your Signature Ride. We'd love to welcome you! 👥 Join the group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dailystridespodcast

🎧 Subscribe, Share, Rate & Review

If this episode helped you, please consider subscribing to the podcast so you never miss a new one. Share it with a riding friend who could use a little extra clarity and encouragement. And if you have a moment, rating and reviewing the show really helps us reach more riders around the world. Thank you for being part of the Strides for Success community!

Slowing down in your riding can feel frustrating, especially when you're eager to move forward or feel like you "should" be doing more. In this episode, I'm answering the most common questions riders sent in after last week's conversation and showing you how slow, steady work creates real, lasting progress for both you and your horse.

We'll cover:

• Where to begin when slowing things down (and why groundwork is the missing step for most riders)
• How to tell the difference between thinking forward and rushing so you know what's actually improving
• Why your first attempt at slow work might feel awful, and what that really means about your basics
• How to keep your horse (and yourself!) engaged when the work feels simple or repetitive
• What to do if you've been helicopter-riding and your horse falls apart when you stop helping
• Whether going slow affects fitness — and the mindset shift that makes all the difference
• How to know if your slow work is working by watching for specific changes in rhythm, balance, and responsiveness

If you're a rider working alone without a regular coach or trainer, this episode will help you feel more confident, more prepared, and far less overwhelmed about what "going slow" really looks like in practice.

Connection Membership

Join a growing community of riders from around the world who are building consistent progress in the saddle, often without riding more. Inside Connection, you'll get access to our fortnightly Review & Planning Calls, live virtual group lessons, Q&A sessions, and a full library of on-demand audio horse riding lessons. Start your two-week cycle with us today: 👉 https://stridesforsuccess.com/join

🐴 Restart & Reschool: Private Coaching

Feeling stuck or uncertain in your riding and training? This 13-week 1-to-1 coaching program is designed to help you get unstuck and move forward with clarity and confidence. We'll work closely together to map out your next steps, troubleshoot your challenges, and get real results with your horse. 👉 https://stridesforsuccess.com/rr

⏱️ 15 Minutes or Less

Short on time? You don't need a full hour to make meaningful progress with your horse. This free resource gives you over 80 ideas for exercises, groundwork, mounted work, and mindset, all designed to help you move forward in your riding in 15 minutes or less. Perfect for busy riders or unpredictable days. 🎁 Grab it here: https://stridesforsuccess.com/15

💬 The Daily Strides Podcast Online Community

Want to join other riders who are working alone but not feeling alone? Come be part of our free Facebook group where we share inspiration, training ideas, behind-the-scenes updates, and mini-challenges like Your Signature Ride. We'd love to welcome you! 👥 Join the group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dailystridespodcast

🎧 Subscribe, Share, Rate & Review

If this episode helped you, please consider subscribing to the podcast so you never miss a new one. Share it with a riding friend who could use a little extra clarity and encouragement. And if you have a moment, rating and reviewing the show really helps us reach more riders around the world. Thank you for being part of the Strides for Success community!

If you've ever felt like things in the saddle are either happening at 100km/h with you just hanging on, or your horse feels like the handbrake will not release no matter how you ask... This episode is for you!

Today, we're diving into the uncomfortable truth that keeps so many riders stuck: not being willing to slow down in order to go faster later. We're stripping everything back to the foundational communication between you and your horse, the mindset of forwardness, and rebuilding from the beginning in a way that actually works.

Whether your horse feels like a rocket with a mind of its own… Or like they need a push and a prayer just to enter the arena; this episode will help you understand what's really going on, and what needs to happen next.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why "forward" has nothing to do with speed and everything to do with mindset

• The biggest communication gap that causes both rushing and slugging

• How groundwork becomes the key to changing your horse's willingness under saddle

• Why walk–halt transitions are the most underrated power tool in your riding

• How to know when you're ready to move on to trot and finally canter

• The 12-week framework that will rebuild responsiveness, confidence and connection

You don't need a different horse, you don't need to ride more. You just need to start at the beginning again, with the basics done correctly this time.

Let's dig in… https://stridesforsuccess.com/episode1386-what-youre-not-willing-to-do-in-order-to-improve-your-riding/

Connection

Your next step if you're serious about creating actual progress in your training, without needing to ride more or change horses! Inside Connection, we're currently working through the Half Halt: first on the lunge, now in the saddle, and December is where everything clicks into place.

✔️ For riders working without a regular coach ✔️ Structured lessons + accountability so you stay consistent ✔️ A training rhythm that builds confidence, clarity & connection

Join us for the December Half Halt Training 🚀 👉 https://stridesforsuccess.com/join

The Daily Strides Podcast Online Community

This is our free, friendly Facebook group where you can share your wins, get support, ask questions, and connect with other riders who are also working alone, but not doing it alone anymore.

✔️ Weekly prompts & practical ideas ✔️ A space to stay motivated between rides ✔️ Real conversations with riders like you

Join us inside → https://facebook.com/groups/dailystridespodcast

15 Minutes or Less Freebie

If time is the reason you feel stuck… This is your lifeline! The "15 Minutes or Less" workbook gives you quick, focused exercises you can do on busy days to keep momentum going with your horse.

✔️ For riders short on time ✔️ No arena required ✔️ Keeps progress happening in tiny but powerful ways

Download it now → https://stridesforsuccess.com/15

Restart & Reschool: Private Coaching

If after listening you're thinking: "Yes, this is me. I need personal guidance through this process…", this is where we work 1–to-1 over 12 weeks to restart patterns, rebuild foundations, and reschool habits so you can move forward with certainty.

✔️ Tailored coaching for your exact partnership ✔️ Video reviews + clear assignments each week ✔️ Perfect for horses coming back into work or needing a clean slate

Learn more → https://stridesforsuccess.com/rr

Subscribe, Share & Leave a Review 💛

Loving the podcast? The best way to support the show is to:

1️⃣ Follow/Subscribe in your favourite podcast app 2️⃣ Share this episode with a riding friend who needs to hear it 3️⃣ Leave a review so more riders can find us

Thank you, truly! You being here matters, and your progress in the saddle matters even more 🐴✨

Your Energy Begins the Conversation

From the moment your horse becomes aware of you, before any halter, tack, or aids, the conversation has already started. In this episode, we explore how your energy sets the tone for the entire interaction. Whether it's calm, chaotic, focused, or distracted, your energy speaks louder than your words or actions.

Suggested Reflection: Pause before you approach your horse. Ask yourself: What energy am I bringing into this space?

Intentional Stillness as a Training Tool

Doing "nothing" might be the most impactful thing you do this week. We often think connection comes through doing, but true partnership is often built through simply being with your horse. Still. Calm. Present.

Try This: Spend 5–10 minutes just being with your horse this week. Sit, stand, or walk quietly, no agenda. Just notice the shift.

The Power of Breath Awareness

Lorna reminds us that breath is one of the most underutilized tools in riding and groundwork. Shallow, erratic breath reflects stress. Deep, calm breathing brings safety and groundedness. Your horse will feel the difference.

Mini Exercise: Before interacting, take 3 slow, conscious breaths. Let each exhale settle you more deeply into the moment.

Partnership Starts on the Ground, Not in the Saddle

Many riders focus on improving their connection during rides, but often skip over the groundwork of connection that starts long before the ride. The first look, the first breath, the first touch. All shape your training outcomes.

Shift in Perspective: See every interaction, grooming, leading, even watching from the fence, as an opportunity to strengthen your partnership.

🎧 The Connection Partnership Program

This powerful program was originally created as a live in-person experience at the farm. It's now available as a self-paced audio training, designed to help you intentionally develop your presence, energy, and awareness to deepen your partnership from the ground up.

🟢 On special this weekend only! Access the full Connection Partnership Program at 👉 www.stridesforsuccess.com/cpp

You're in the arena. It's just you and your horse. No trainer. No instructor. Just the two of you - riding alone. This probably wasn't the plan, yet here you are. And if you're like most riders, it's not the riding alone that's the problem... It's what tends to creep in when you do:

• You lose motivation

• You skip the structure

• Progress stalls (or feels non-existent!)

• Boredom shows up

• You start questioning everything

• And before you know it, you're wondering if you're going backwards

This week's Strides Revisited episode goes back to the heart of riding alone, and how to actually keep moving forward when it's just you and your horse.

"Riding alone can work brilliantly if you know how to keep yourself inspired, accountable, and structured."

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The 5 sneaky roadblocks riders face when going solo

• How to create small wins that keep you showing up

• Why having markers in the arena can change everything

• How to start holding yourself accountable (even without a coach)

• The power of timing, tracking, and planning (yes, even as a solo rider!)

Listen in and rediscover how to take ownership of your riding, and do it in a way that actually feels fun again.

Download the 15 Minutes or Less Freebie

If you struggle to ride consistently because of time… this is for you.

The 15 Minutes or Less Riding Plan Guide includes:

• 10+ exercise ideas you can do with just 15 minutes

• Instant 'get in, get done' ride themes

• Goal-aligned prompts for every session

• Editable plan templates

🎁 Grab it now (free): https://stridesforsuccess.com/15

Join Connection

The structured monthly membership for riders who train alone

Inside Connection, you'll get audio horse riding lessons, live virtual group riding lessons, monthly themes for clear progression, bi-weekly Review & Planning Sessions, and something to work on every day your with your horse!

Riding alone doesn't have to mean guessing alone. Get the rhythm, structure, and set lessons you need to ride better, from wherever you are.

👉 Learn more at: https://stridesforsuccess.com/join

Restart & Reschool: Private Coaching

Perfect for riders feeling 'stuck' or overwhelmed on their horse's training journey, especially if you're starting over, returning after a break, or working with a green or retraining horse.

You'll get:

• Private virtual lessons

• 1:1 feedback and video reviews

• Clear step-by-step guidance

• Support to rebuild confidence and structure

Get off the merry-go-round and into real progress.

📝 Get the Details here:- https://stridesforsuccess.com/rr

Join the Daily Strides Podcast Online Community

A free group for riders like you, committed to riding better and building real momentum.

Inside, you'll find:

• Weekly discussion questions

• Bite-sized tips and prompts

• Accountability threads

• Community support

🟣 Come join us: https://stridesforsuccess.com/group

Whether you're training your own horse or simply trying to get back into the saddle more consistently, planning when riding alone can feel like a guessing game. In this episode, I'm breaking down how to use your own riding review to create focused, doable 1 to 2 week plans that actually move your riding and training forward.

We'll cover:

• What to include in your review (and why timing matters)

• The 3 planning traps most riders fall into (and how to avoid them)

• How to choose your one priority that will create the most progress

• Building in practice, progress, and pauses for lasting improvement

• How to make your next review easier by tracking smarter now

If you're riding without a regular coach or trainer, this is exactly what will help you feel less alone and more in control of your progress.

https://stridesforsuccess.com/episode1385-turning-your-reviews-into-a-plan-when-riding-alone/

Connection Membership

Join a growing community of riders from around the world who are building consistent progress in the saddle, often without riding more. Inside Connection, you'll get access to our fortnightly Review & Planning Calls, live virtual group lessons, Q&A sessions, and a full library of on-demand audio horse riding lessons. Start your two-week cycle with us today: 👉 https://stridesforsuccess.com/join

🐴 Restart & Reschool: Private Coaching

Feeling stuck or uncertain in your riding and training? This 13-week 1-to-1 coaching program is designed to help you get unstuck and move forward with clarity and confidence. We'll work closely together to map out your next steps, troubleshoot your challenges, and get real results with your horse. 👉 https://stridesforsuccess.com/rr

⏱️ 15 Minutes or Less

Short on time? You don't need a full hour to make meaningful progress with your horse. This free resource gives you over 80 ideas for exercises, groundwork, mounted work, and mindset—all designed to help you move forward in your riding in 15 minutes or less. Perfect for busy riders or unpredictable days. 🎁 Grab it here: https://stridesforsuccess.com/15

💬 The Daily Strides Podcast Online Community

Want to join other riders who are working alone but not feeling alone? Come be part of our free Facebook group where we share inspiration, training ideas, behind-the-scenes updates, and mini-challenges like Your Signature Ride. We'd love to welcome you! 👥 Join the group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dailystridespodcast

🎧 Subscribe, Share, Rate & Review

If this episode helped you, please consider subscribing to the podcast so you never miss a new one. Share it with a riding friend who could use a little extra clarity and encouragement. And if you have a moment, rating and reviewing the show really helps us reach more riders around the world. Thank you for being part of the Strides for Success community!

How well do you really know your horse? Not just how he feels under saddle, but how he is when you're not riding?

This week on Sunday Strides, I'm inviting you to do something simple, but powerful. You're going to spend a few minutes each day checking your horse's vitals. Why? Because when something feels "off," knowing what's normal helps you act fast, give your vet accurate information, and be the advocate your horse needs.

No riding required. No lunging. Just you, your horse, and a little extra attention.

Here's Your Challenge for the Week:

✅ Take your horse's temperature (morning + evening) ✅ Count their resting breath rate ✅ Check the colour of the mucus membranes (gums or inner eyelids) ✅ Test capillary refill time ✅ Record the digital pulse in the lower leg (for all 4 legs) ✅ Run your hands down their legs and feet for lumps, swelling, and heat

Do this four times this week, ideally morning and evening for 4 days, and then commit to making this part of your regular routine twice a week going forward.

It takes just a few minutes, but could save you hours (or worse) later.

Mentioned in the Episode 🔁 Strides Revisited (Thursday Episode)

Want to saddle up with more clarity this week? Thursday's Strides Revisited episode is a riding-based lesson that complements what we covered today. It helps you take what you're learning from your daily groundwork and body checks—and apply it to the time you spend in the saddle. Listen in to keep your momentum going.

➡️ Listen here →

💬 Join the Free DSPodcast Online Community

The conversation continues in the Daily Strides Podcast Online Community on Facebook. It's a welcoming space to share your wins, ask questions, and get support as you build a stronger connection with your horse. This week, post a photo of you doing one of your daily checks—or share what surprised you most!

➡️ Join the free group →

🎯 Connection Membership

If you're enjoying this and want more structure, support, and rhythm in your riding and training, Connection is where it all comes together. Inside, we follow a clear 90-day cycle of Groundwork, Basics, and Training. Members receive ride plans, live lessons, and monthly challenges that turn awareness (like today's topic!) into consistent progress.

➡️ Explore Connection →

🧭 Connection VIP Private Coaching

Sometimes you don't need more information; you need the right eyes on your riding. The Connection VIP Private Coaching is a private coaching experience where we identify the gaps, create a plan, and move you from stuck to certain. If you feel like you're spinning your wheels, this is for you.

➡️ Learn about private coaching →

🏇 Your Signature Ride Challenge

A fun and free challenge designed to get you thinking (and riding!) in new ways. You'll track your ride using GPS and 'write' your name in the arena using only seat and leg aids. A great way to practice intentional riding, and maybe even win 3 months of Connection!

➡️ Join the Challenge →