Ride with Clarity

Anyone who’s been in the horse world long enough knows this truth: progress is rarely a straight line.

Sometimes it’s weather.
Sometimes it’s a show cancellation.
Sometimes it’s personal life.
And sometimes—like we’re experiencing now—it’s an equine health event that asks us to slow down, limit movement, or pause our normal routines for the safety of our horses.

These moments can feel frustrating, disappointing, or even isolating.But they don’t have to interrupt your training, your goals, or your connection with your horse. In fact, with the right mindset and a few practical tools, these unexpected pauses can become high-value opportunities for growth, reflection, and smarter conditioning.

Progress Doesn’t Have to Stop — Even When Shows Do

It’s natural to feel uncertain when the calendar suddenly opens up.
No shows.
No clinics.
No off-property lessons.
Maybe limited barn access.

But moments like these aren’t interruptions — they’re invitations.

Unexpected pauses give us something precious: time to strengthen foundations, refine communication, rebuild good habits, and allow both rider and horse to grow in ways that often get overshadowed by busy seasons. Instead of seeing the open calendar as a setback, we can see it as a space to progress with intention. As legendary trainer George Morris reminds us:

“Practice doesn’t make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect.”

A quieter season gives us the rare opportunity to practice with clarity, patience, and purpose — without the pressure of the show ring.

Especially during health restrictions like EHV, the barn may slow down…but your partnership, your learning, and your progress don’t have to. This is the moment to turn the unexpected into an advantage. But, how?

Techniques to Keep Training When You’re Stuck Inside (or at Home)

Groundwork & In-Hand Training

In-hand lateral work

• Why it matters: improves flexibility, coordination, and communication.
• Time: 5–8 minutes.

Backing patterns (straight lines or L-shapes)

• Why it matters: strengthens core and hind end, enhances body awareness.
• Time: 3–5 minutes.

Pole exercises in-hand

• Why it matters: develops rhythm, elevation, engagement, and attention.
• Time: 5–10 minutes.

Marching walk with purpose

• Why it matters: low-impact cardio and full-body activation.
• Time: 10–15 minutes.

Slow, controlled circles

• Why it matters: improves balance, bend, and mental focus.
• Time: 3–5 minutes per side.

Stretching (carrot stretches, long & low reach)

• Why it matters: increases suppleness and reduces stiffness.
• Time: 3–5 minutes.

Mounted Conditioning at Home

7. LSD work (Long, Slow Distance)
   • Why: builds aerobic base necessary for all disciplines.
   • Time: 20–30 min walk + light trot intervals.
8. Topline conditioning (transitions, hills, long-and-low)
   • Why: strengthens postural muscles safely.
   • Time: 10–20 min.
9. Transitions practice
   • Why: improves balance, responsiveness, and precision.
   • Time: 5–10 min.
10. Straightness exercises (straight lines, serpentines)
    • Why: corrects asymmetries; improves quality of movement.
    • Time: 10 min.
11. Accuracy & balance drills
    • Why: refines skills often overshadowed during show season.
    • Time: 5–10 min.
12. Communication & behavior reset
    • Why: downtime is perfect for clarifying aids and rebuilding calmness.
    • Time: integrated into the ride.

Remote Rider Development

Request short video updates of your horse

• Why: helps track condition and movement.
• Time: 1–2 videos weekly.

Weekly progress photos

• Why: monitor topline, weight, and physical changes.
• Time: once per week.

Review past riding videos

• Why: identify patterns and areas for improvement.
• Time: 10–20 min.

Weekly goal-setting

• Why: keeps motivation and structure alive.
• Time: 5–10 min.

Rider strength & stretching routine

• Why: keeps your body ready and reduces injury risk.
• Time: 10–15 min daily.

Mental rehearsal / visualization

• Why: boosts confidence and performance readiness.
• Time: 5–10 min.

Study biomechanics, pacing, or discipline strategy

• Why: expands knowledge when saddle time isn’t possible.
• Time: 15–20 min.

Stay Informed, Not Overwhelmed: Evidence-Based Sources Only

When something unexpected happens in the horse world — like an EHV outbreak — misinformation spreads faster than facts.

Things to Avoid:

• Random Facebook advice
• Barn gossip
• Unverified blogs
• Panic-based messaging

Instead, rely on evidence-based, veterinary-backed sources:

• AAEP (American Association of Equine Practitioners)
• State veterinary reports
• University extension programs
• Your barn vet
• Official disease surveillance updates (EDCC)

Good information helps you make good decisions — calmly and confidently.

Even when the world asks us to stay inside or slow down, we still have so many ways to train, grow, and care for our horses — and for ourselves. This season will pass. And you and your horse can come out of it stronger, more informed, and more connected than before.

For more information and tailored learning and guidance register to this topic WORKSHOP.