In this episode, I outline three examples where I often see riders using ‘low’ energy to try to influence their horse. In each example, I share what I see and the challenges that often come from this method. What do you believe about low energy? Is low energy better than high energy? Does the idea of using strong or powerful energy around your horse seem: wrong, unnecessary, or even bad? What If I said that the ability to have a strong, powerful energy around your horse would actually make your cues more clear and subtle? I believe it does, and I explain it with examples in this podcast.
Do you have a thought, that you are not aware of, that is holding you back? While this might seem like an impossible question to answer- it’s not. It is however a higher level idea that will require you to do some work. In this podcast, I share a story to illustrate how a hidden thought showed up for one young lady and how we uncovered it. Then I explain how this could be showing up in your work with your horse and the signs to look for. Finally, I share a very specific exercise you can do the next time you are at the barn to help uncover your hidden thoughts.
When I say that I ride the same pattern over and over again in training, the most common question is, “Doesn’t the horse memorize the pattern?” In this podcast, I explain: the reasons I teach with simple patterns how using the same pattern with different techniques can help you understand how the technique influences the horse why switching patterns when horses anticipate the pattern actually robs you of a great training opportunity. There are three stages that horses and riders go through if they ride my four leaf clover pattern over and over again. Riders who commit to moving through all three stages create a situation where both horse and rider realize, it was never about the pattern at all. It was about improving communication.
Are you willing to be out of sync with your horse to make progress? In this podcast, I talk about the idea of moving faster or slower than your horse as a concept that exists both physically, and mentally. When physically riding a horse, it makes sense that you could be ’ahead’ of the horse's motion, ‘with’ the horse's motion, or ‘behind’ the horse's motion. When riders learn how to ride, they are taught to move with the horse at all times. What if the next level of learning happens when you aim for another position? I also share how this ‘ahead’, ‘with’, ‘behind’ can also show up mentally when working with your horse. A listener shares a success story that illustrates how getting ‘ahead’ can bring a horse into a state of being ‘with’…and it feels truly amazing.
Wouldn’t it be nice if you could just read a book or see a demonstration once…and just do the new thing with ease? The reality is often quite different. I would even go as far as saying that the process is backward from what we desire. Take the example of changing a current habit, where you release the rein, to a new habit…a slightly different release point. First, you must gain awareness of the new release point. Maybe an instructor or a video suggests this change. When you go out to practice…you will often realize AFTER you have missed the timing…that you were late. Eventually, with practice, you’ll get closer and closer to the timing, maybe you'll even notice DURING…but you’ll probably still notice you’re a moment late. Then, with enough practice, you’ll see the proper timing BEFORE the moment approaches…and you’ll release with perfect timing. The challenge is that both the ‘after’ and the ‘during’ stages feel like constant mistakes. And you can choose to view them that way, or you can view this as the practice you need to finally achieve your new habit.
This podcast was recorded while I was on a long, ‘non’ specific ride. I categorize riding sessions into four different types to increase my awareness and effectiveness. I often teach students how to do short, very specific rides. You’ll hear why in the podcast. This could be a pep talk for how to ride for time and effectiveness…AND it could also be considered ‘permission’ to do long, nonspecific rides for enjoyment.
Self-concept is how you perceive your behaviors and abilities. It affects your motivation, attitude, and behavior. It is possible that your self concept is slowing you down more than your technical skills. Signs your self concept might need an upgrade: You have trouble staying motivated to work with your horse. When you do work with your horse, you see mostly what isn’t working. When you do have success, you quickly have thoughts like ‘this is a fluke’, or ‘I won’t be able to do it again.’ Improving your self concept is more than just thinking better thoughts. It is a skill that you can learn. I give real life examples that clearly illustrate the power of this concept.
Have you developed the skill of evaluating your rides? The skill of evaluating yourself is highly valuable. It improves your ability to be fully present during your ride, it makes you more coachable when you receive instruction, and you get results faster. If all this is true…why do people resist evaluating themselves? The main reason people avoid it is that they haven’t learned how…so they default to criticism and self judgement. Evaluating yourself is a SKILL that you can develop. It is a process you can learn. In this episode, I explain the value, the challenges and offer two tips for overcoming the resistance to evaluating yourself.
A listener asks a question about changing her horse's pushy, fidgety behavior on the ground. She asks, “How can I deconstruct a behavior or a reaction and rebuild a more favorable behavior?” This podcast discusses the difference between training (or retraining) and deconstructing or rebuilding. During training or retraining, the horse is often learning the building blocks that create a solid foundation. Once the horse understands these building blocks, the concept of deconstructing or rebuilding is the idea that those foundation ideas can be rearranged to create many things. Listen to learn more.