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:

1. Record yourself riding this week to pinpoint exactly when your leg begins to swing (trot? canter?).

2. Refine your rising/posting technique—think diagonally forward, not straight up and down.

3. 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:

1. Identify one foundational skill—like transitions, turning, or your position—that you can intentionally focus on during your next 3 rides.

2. Join the waitlist for the Returning to Riding Program so you're the first to know when enrollment opens.

3. 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

Join the Returning to Riding Waitlist at https://returningtoriding.com

How often have you felt overwhelmed about remembering and doing all of the things when it comes to your riding? Perhaps you find yourself looking at more experienced riders and wondering "How do they do it?". Maybe you feel at a loss because "As soon as I start with something different, it all falls apart.".  Or for you it could just be "I just can't remember to do all of the things at the same time!!!". This is a very real part of the riding journey for all riders. It's a phase you have to go through if you want to improve and succeed as a 'rider'.

Take a deep breath, because you’re definitely not alone. In fact, feeling overwhelmed, especially when you're still learning all of the things is a natural part of the riding journey. Every single rider—yes, even those more experienced riders you admire—has faced these exact frustrations.

One of the key differences between struggling riders and those who appear effortlessly successful comes down to one key thing: putting better habits on autopilot - and your thoughts can help you do just that...

 

Read the Full Article & All Links HERE

https://stridesforsuccess.com/episode1360-using-your-thoughts-to-put-better-habits-on-autopilot-in-your-riding/

  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

Join the Returning to Riding Waitlist at https://returningtoriding.com

Have you ever noticed how quickly things can shift from good to tense during a ride? One moment you're feeling relaxed and confident, and the next, you realize that your shoulders have crept up to your ears, your hands are gripping onto those reins for dear life, and, maybe, you've forgotten to breath for a few seconds too long!

Rather than just accepting that your body is doing it's own thing - and not what you want, this is the perfect opportunity to begin asking yourself "What's going on here?". "What thought caused this reaction in my body?"

Because, while you might think that these things just happen; leaning forward on every canter transition, or curling up like a hamster when a dog barks while out for a hack; they are a reaction. Your body is reacting to your thoughts about the situation. Yes, these physical responses aren't random—they’re usually triggered by your thoughts. Thoughts that we often don't even realize we are having!

Today, we're going to explore how to identify these unhelpful thoughts and, importantly, how you can shift them to create positive change in your riding.

Read the Full Article & Access All Links HERE

https://stridesforsuccess.com/episode1359-learning-to-identify-unhelpful-thoughts-in-your-riding/

 

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

Join the Returning to Riding Waitlist:- https://returningtoriding.com

Imagine if there was something you could actively ‘do’ every moment you’re in the saddle that would almost guarantee that you’re in the ‘right place at the right time’.  There is. It involves abiding by the 'Click Your Fingers Rule' regarding your position. And look, I get it: talking about your position is not fun or exciting. But it is 100% one of the BEST ways to improve your skills as a rider.

When you are in the right place at the right time to effectively and clearly communicate with your horse, it stands to reason that the overall connection and quality of the work will improve. 

Your position is so important, and applying the Click Your Fingers Rule will help you develop true balance and independence in the saddle. It’s one of the key elements that allows a rider to transition from being a passenger to truly riding their horse.

Read the Full Article HERE

https://stridesforsuccess.com/episode1358-the-click-your-fingers-rule-putting-your-position-on-autopilot-in-your-riding

  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

Join the Returning to Riding Waitlist:-  https://returningtoriding.com

You hop into the saddle, ready for a great ride. But before you know it, you’ve spent most of the session adjusting your hands, correcting your position, and just ‘fixing’ yourself. All while your horse just plods along! Sound familiar? Don't worry, you're not alone...

Ask yourself this: Where is the majority of your attention or focus when you ride? Think back to the very last schooling session with your horse with you in the saddle. Maybe you had a lesson, or perhaps it was just you and your horse working together alone. Who did you focus more on: you and your position, aids, tension, etc., or your horse and how well he was working?

There comes a point for most riders when they realize that they spend more time focusing on themselves in each training session. Fixing, correcting, reminding themselves to do or be a certain way...

This is the 'passenger' phase of your horse-riding journey. And while all riders must initially go through it, the challenge comes when they unknowingly get stuck there! It's when you're focusing so much of your energy in 'fixing' yourself that you're not actually riding the horse! You're simply 'sitting there'.

So, if you've been feeling like 80% of your time in the saddle is spent 'fixing' and correcting yourself - this article and episode will help you to begin making the shift from passenger to rider.

Read Full Post & Access All Links HERE

https://stridesforsuccess.com/episode1357-are-you-sitting-there-how-to-know-if-youre-stuck-in-passenger-mode

  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

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.

1. 1. 1. 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
      2. 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
      3. 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

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

• 80+ Ideas for 15 Minutes or Less with Your Horse https://stridesforsuccess.com/15
• Groundwork & Energy Live Webinar https://stridesforsuccess.com/energy
• 3 Days to Successful Lunging https://stridesforsuccess.com/3days

 

Nostalgia is a funny thing. It often causes us to look back at or reminisce about past experiences with rose-tinted glasses. And your horse riding journey is no different. Especially when you’re thinking about getting back in the saddle after a significant breakaway.

When you remember all of the adventures you’ve already had when it comes to horses and riding, it can sometimes leave you questioning if there’s any way it could ever hope to be like that again… 

And that doubt over how good getting back in the saddle could be is one of the big reasons riders never take the next action. They don’t go out and tack up. Or they stop exploring riding clubs, or schools that are nearby. And that is such a shame…

While you’re paused because you’re worrying if a new riding experience could possibly measure up to ‘what was’ for you before; you’re missing out on the very real possibility that things could actually be even better. 

Today I want to explore how this is a very real (and even more probable) outcome for you if you finally take the plunge and take action on getting back in the saddle after a break.

Read Full Article and Listen:- https://stridesforsuccess.com/episode1355-getting-back-in-the-saddle-can-things-be-even-better-than-before

 

3 Actions To Choose From for This Week:- 

So, I’m hoping that if you’ve been on the fence about getting back in the saddle, I’ve helped to steer you closer to the ‘yes, I’m ready’ camp! Which is to actually do something. Take the next action! Let’s be honest, there are lots of actions you can take to get the ball rolling…

However, I’m going to give you 3 specific things to choose from today:-

1. 1. 1. Prepare Your Equipment & Space:- Start small and use your efforts here to inspire you to do more… I’ve got a free resource you can use that gives you a list of things you can do around the yard (or with your horse) when you find yourself with 15 minutes or less https://stridesforsuccess.com/15
      2. Groundwork Session with Your Horse:- Spend time reconnecting with your horse on the ground. This helps rebuild trust, establish communication, and get a feel for each other’s energy before riding. The Connection Partnership Program is a great way to add some structure to your time – while improving your aids for when you are back in the saddle again. Find out more at https://stridesforsuccess.com/cpp
      3. Lunging Session with Your Horse:- You can take things a step further by getting into the arena and working on 12 minutes of intentional lunging. I have a training to get you started, including audio horse riding lessons to follow for the first 3 lunging sessions together. You can get that for free at https://stridesforsuccess.com/3days

Choose one of the above actions today, and commit to getting started in the coming 7 days. Then pop over to the Daily Strides Podcast Facebook Community and let me know what you’re planning on doing to kick start your journey back to regular riding again :)

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
      • Pivo Motion Tracking Software (*affiliate link for 10% off your purchase)

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