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/

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

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

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

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

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 🐴✨