07/16/2025
Are you struggling to get into a weekly riding routine or maybe find the time to work on your homework between lessons?
"Rider Mindset" is one of the keys to success in this industry. My most productive riders use their lessons as an outline for what they work on during their practice rides working towards weekly, monthly and yearly goals. Each week we build on what we learned and practiced the last week. These students have a game plan for every visit to the barn with goals they want to achieve during that visit. If you are looking to improve your riding experiences here are some helpful tips to get there. Create a routine that is specific to your horse goals; make sure to include these four areas of opportunity
✔️ Groundwork Plan
✔️ Warm Up Routine
✔️ Practice Ride Agenda
✔️ Cool Down Process
Groundwork should be centered on what you are working on under saddle. Can your horse do a shoulder in, haunches out, stop square and release to pressure etc. on the lunge? If not let's work on it in a lesson.
Warm Up are you working parts of your test during your warm up? If you are working on training level are you practicing your transitions, incorporating 20m circles and working on suppleness? It is important to think of riding every stride and this includes the warm up!
Practice Ride Agenda ride your last lesson. Focus on the key points made and areas of opportunity to improve your last movements or patterns. It is vital to your progression to ride with purpose. Growth comes when we practice with consistency.
Cool Down your cool down should reflect your level of work in the saddle. We want our horses to stretch, reset and clear their minds before leaving the saddle. Allow extra time to build your relationship with your horse
If you are struggling with any of these issues please see me in your next lesson we can create a solid plan to improve your mindset and work towards your over all riding goals. If you are not seeing me weekly for lessons DM me for schedule availability. -Coach Shannon