Fill the Hole in Your Riding Goals 🌟
Hello Athletes,
November has arrived, and with it comes the familiar #nostirrupsnovember hashtag flooding our social media feeds. I've shared my evolving perspective on No Stirrup November over the years. Nine years ago, I removed my stirrups for the entire month, but nowadays, I occasionally drop my stirrups. Instead of solely focusing on stirrupless work this month, I've developed a program called "No Nonsense November." While this program is technically available year-round, this is the time of year when I encourage you to dive in!
My mantra for the season is: Your horse is not a piece of gym equipment. It's YOUR responsibility to get fit for their sake; it's not their job to get you fit. I'm sure you already understand this, which is why you're here, right?
November is a unique month as it marks the end of the riding season for most of us. Some have wrapped up their shows or races, while others who enjoy leisurely rides slow down due to diminishing daylight and dropping temperatures. This means we potentially have the time and mental space to work on something new.
This is the perfect time of year to address our weaknesses. So, take a moment right now, pause your reading, and assess where you are at this moment or perhaps reflect on a recent rid. Some questions I like to ask are:
Did you feel strong in your ride?
Did you have the stamina to perform at the desired level?
What was your reaction time like?
Did your balance quality allow you to not interfere with your horse's movement?
Were you able to stay focused on the task at hand?
Can your technique improve?
How about your form or posture?
Are there new skills that can enhance your overall riding performance or old skills that need refreshing?
Are there habits you wish to build or change both in and out of the saddle?
Did you experience any injuries that need rehabilitation or identify areas where you're at risk of injury?
I know, that was quite a bit to ponder. If you're anything like me, your head is probably buzzing with ideas. However, after considering all these thoughts, is there one recurring theme? Take that theme and incorporate it into your off-season routine. You don't need to set another goal race or show on the calendar right now; just focus on one aspect that might be holding you back from your full potential and enjoyment in the sport.
I recently came across a great analogy that I'd like to share with you. Imagine a grain silo with a small hole halfway up its side. As you fill the silo, you make progress until you reach the level of the hole. At this point, grain starts seeping out, and your gains slow or even stall, depending on the hole's size. You can continue to fill the silo, perhaps even faster (i.e., working harder), or you can pause and patch the hole. While fixing the hole may take some time, if done right, it will set you up for long-term success.
Now, in November, this is your opportunity to patch that hole. The changing seasons and the ride calendar offer the perfect chance to pause, assess your situation, and, instead of critiquing yourself for your weaknesses, focus on improving them. Embrace the mindset of a novice, be curious, and simply try. What do you have to lose by taking a moment to mend the hole?
And remember, repairs are faster when you have a team by your side. I'd love to help you work on these areas. Check out the free trial and paid programs below to find ways in which I can assist you in tackling big goals by working on the little ones!
Cheers,
Sarah
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