Happy rider, Healthy horse⎮dressage rider, dressage exercises, horse trigger point therapy, horse acupressure

EP 14 // No 3/5 of the From Nerves to Flow Series: The Power of Patience – How to Feel and Support Your Horse During Competitions

🌿 Episode Overview
When the competition atmosphere heats up, it’s tempting to push harder — but often, patience is what truly wins the day.In this episode, we’re diving into The Power of Patience — how slowing down, listening, and feeling your horse can reduce tension, build trust, and help you both perform your best in the show ring.
This is the third episode in the From Nerves to Flow series.
In episode one, we explored what happens when nerves take over and how to shift into a calm, confident mindset.
In episode two, we discussed how planning and preparation create a sense of control and calm before entering the ring.And today, we take that next step — learning how patience transforms tension into trust and helps you truly support your horse when it matters most.
🐴 What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Why pushing harder under pressure often backfires — and how patience builds real confidence and connection.
How to recognize tension in both yourself and your horse and respond without adding pressure.
A powerful mindset shift that allows you to ride the horse you have today — not the one you wish you had.
Simple breathing and visualization exercises to help you stay grounded and present in warm-up and competition settings.
How patience deepens trust, turning your preparation into true flow in the arena.
💬 My Story with Enzo
I’ll share a story about my horse, Enzo, who had so much energy it felt like it was about to burst out of him in twenty vaults in a row.Even though he wasn’t afraid of much, he used every excuse to leap and play — especially at shows.For a while, I tried to manage him by tightening the reins, bending more, and pushing through. But the more I tried to control him, the more tense he became.
One day, I tried something different: I loosened the reins, let him stop and look when something caught his attention, and waited until he was ready to move on.That patience changed everything. He began to trust me, and I began to trust him. Our rides became calmer, more connected, and full of flow.
This experience taught me that patience isn’t passive — it’s one of the most powerful forms of leadership we can offer our horses.
🌬️ Key Exercises from This Episode
1️⃣ Mini Breathing ExercisePause, place your hand on your belly, and take three deep breaths — in through your nose, out through your mouth.Feel your body soften and your mind slow down. This is the energy of patience you want to bring to your horse.
2️⃣ Visualization PracticePicture yourself in the warm-up arena. Your horse tenses and looks around — instead of tightening, you smile softly, breathe, and give her space.See yourself riding with calm, quiet confidence as your horse relaxes beneath you.
💡 This Week’s Homework
Your challenge this week is to practice patience intentionally in one of your rides.
When your horse gets tense or distracted, take three slow breaths before giving another aid.
Give her a moment on a long rein to settle before resuming work.
Notice what changes — in her breathing, her stride, or her focus.
📝 After your ride, jot down a few reflections:
What changed when I practiced patience?
How did my horse respond?
What do I want to remember for next time?
Bonus:Before you dismount, close your eyes and silently thank your horse for what she gave you today. Gratitude is patience in action — and it deepens your connection every single time.
💭 Final Thought
Patience isn’t weakness — it’s a quiet strength that builds trust and creates harmony, even in high-pressure environments.When you trust your preparation and respond with patience, you open the door to true flow — for both you and your horse.
🌟 Next Episode
Join me next week for episode four in the From Nerves to Flow series, where we’ll talk about The Comparison Trap — how to stop measuring yourself against others and find joy and confidence in your unique progress.
Until then, ride with patience, stay connected, and enjoy the partnership with your horse.

EP 13 // No 2/5 of the From Nerves to Flow Series: How to Prepare for Your Next Dressage Competition: Visualization Techniques, Pre-Show Routines & Confidence Strategies

🎙️ Episode 13 — From Nerves to Flow Series (2/5)
How to Prepare for Your Next Dressage Competition: Visualization Techniques, Pre-Show Routines & Confidence Strategies
Welcome back to the From Nerves to Flow Series! 💛If you listened to Episode 12, you’ll remember we explored why competition nerves show up, how they affect both you and your horse, and a few simple ways to begin shifting from stressed to steady.
Today, we’re taking the next step: visualization, pre-show routines, and confidence strategies. These are game-changing tools that help you feel calm, clear, and ready when competition day arrives.
Because here’s the truth: when you’ve already rehearsed your ride in your mind, and when you know exactly what to do and when, the chaos of show day doesn’t throw you off. Your body feels like it’s been there before, your brain doesn’t panic, and your horse gets a steady, confident rider by their side.
 
🌟 What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Part 1: The Power of Visualization
Why mental rehearsal works for riders (and how it shapes muscle memory).
How to visualize your entire show day—not just the test.
Step-by-step tips for riding through your test in your mind with calm, clear focus.
The secret to visualizing both the best-case scenario and a gentle backup plan.
Anchoring confidence with your final salute.
Part 2: Pre-Show Routines
How to eliminate chaos and last-minute stress with simple prep.
What to pack and organize the night before.
Step-by-step flow for show morning (and how to delegate if you have help).
How to use the drive, warm-up, and even small pauses as mental reset points.
My favorite routine to keep you grounded right before entering the ring.
Confidence Strategies woven throughout:
Physical anchors to pull you back into calm (touch, breath, body awareness).
Keeping perspective and celebrating small wins.
Why your horse doesn’t care about ribbons—just your presence.
 
✨ Rider’s Reflection
This week, I challenge you to take just 10 minutes to visualize.👉 Walk through your whole competition day in your mind—from waking up, to loading the trailer, to the final salute.Notice the calm moments, notice the tricky spots, and practice your ride both when it goes beautifully and when it doesn’t go quite to plan.
No test coming up soon? No problem. Choose a test at your level and practice mental rehearsal anyway—because visualization itself takes practice. The more you train your brain now, the easier it will be to slip into calm, focused flow when show day arrives.
 
🔮 Coming Up Next
In Episode 14, we’ll dive into the power of patience—how to slow down, stay soft, and keep your horse feeling supported even when show pressure makes you want to rush.
 
💬 Join the Conversation
What’s your biggest show-day stressor? Packing? Forgetting the test? Managing warm-up?Share your thoughts in the Happy Rider Healthy Horse Facebook Community so we can support each other on this journey.

EP 12 // No 1/5 of the From Nerves to Flow Series: Dealing with Competition Nerves: How Dressage Riders Can Stay Calm, Focused, and Confident

🎙️ Episode 12 — From Nerves to Flow Series (1/5)
Dealing with Competition Nerves: How Dressage Riders Can Stay Calm, Focused, and Confident
Hey my horsies 🐴💛, welcome to the very first episode in my brand-new From Nerves to Flow Series! This is a 5-part journey where we’ll turn those pre-show butterflies into calm focus, steady confidence, and a stronger connection with your horse.
And we’re kicking things off with a big one: competition nerves.
If you’ve ever felt…
a tight chest before entering the arena,
sweaty hands holding the reins,
your mind racing three steps ahead of your horse,
or that awful cycle where your nerves feed your horse’s nerves (and vice versa)…
…then this episode was made for you.
The good news? Nerves aren’t weakness. They’re just energy—and when you learn to redirect them, they can actually help you ride with clarity, presence, and flow.
🌟 What you’ll learn in this episode:
Why competition nerves happen (hint: it’s your body doing its job with adrenaline).
How nerves impact your horse, and why they pick up on them so easily.
The mindset reframe every rider needs: nerves mean you care.
Five first steps to move from tense to calm:
Reset your mindset → progress over perfection.
Prepare at home → use visualization and routine to make show day feel familiar.
Practice patience → slowing down helps both you and your horse breathe.
Let go of comparison → focus on your dressage journey.
Support your horse’s relaxation → calm horse = calm rider.
✨ Rider’s Reflection
At the end of this episode, I’ll give you a simple challenge:👉 Pick just one of the five steps and try it this week. Notice how it changes your mindset, your ride, and even your horse’s energy.
🔮 What’s coming next in the series:
Episode 13: Visualization techniques, pre-show routines & confidence boosters.
Episode 14: The power of patience — how to ride soft and present under pressure.
Episode 15: Breaking free from comparison — finding joy in your progress.
Episode 16: Horse relaxation strategies — practical training to reduce tension.
💬 Join the Conversation
What makes you most nervous on competition day?Is it forgetting the test, warming up around others, or worrying about your horse tensing up?
Come share your story in the Happy Rider Healthy Horse Facebook Community — because your words might be the exact encouragement another rider needs

EP 11 // Stop Blocking Your Horse: How to Carry Yourself So Your Horse Can Move Freely

Episode 11: Stop Blocking Your Horse: How to Carry Yourself So Your Horse Can Move Freely
Have you ever felt your horse heavy in your hands, stiff to one side, or just not moving as freely as you’d like?Before blaming your horse, it’s worth asking: Could it actually be me?
In this episode of The Happy Rider Healthy Horse Podcast, we’re exploring the rider’s position — how the way you sit, breathe, and carry yourself in the saddle can either free your horse’s movement… or unintentionally block it.
You’ll hear:
Why your posture, balance, and breathing influence how your horse carries themselves.
A simple at-home test to spot your own stiffness or asymmetry (and how it shows up in the saddle).
Quick warm-up exercises you can do before riding to free your shoulders, open your chest, and create 30% more mobility.
How to check your balance using bathroom scales (yes, really!).
A fun in-hand exercise to reveal where your horse might be stiff — and how your own body position plays a role.
Why “warming up the rider” can sometimes matter more than “warming up the horse.”
When you ride with balance and softness in your own body, you create the space for your horse to lift through the shoulders and back, use their core, and carry you with ease. Small adjustments in your seat and posture can make a big difference in how your horse moves and feels under you.
🎧 Tune in now and discover how to stop blocking your horse — so you can both enjoy more freedom, balance, and connection.
🔑 Key Takeaways
Your horse already carries 60% of their body weight on the forehand — don’t add more with your posture.
A blocked rider creates a blocked horse.
Small warm-up rituals for yourself = big improvements for your horse.
Balance and alignment aren’t about being perfect, but about being aware and fair.
📌 Resources & Links
Join the conversation in the Happy Rider Healthy Horse Facebook Group.
Watch the videos of rider balance tests mentioned in this episode (posted in the group).
Learn more about the Masterson Method for releasing tension in your horse’s body.
Interested in body alignment? Look up a certified DORN therapist in your area.
🙌 Call to Action
If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to:
Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and a short written review.
Share this episode in your Facebook story or send it to a friend who could use a reminder that position matters just as much as training.
Let me know what happens when you try these little experiments with your horse — come share your wins (and challenges) in the Facebook group. You’re not alone on this journey.
Until next time, ride with balance, ride with kindness, and stay connected with your horse. 🐴💛

EP 10 // Busy, tired and overwhelmed? How to Balance Work, Life, and Riding Your Horse

Do you ever feel like there’s just not enough time in the day to ride? Between work, family, household chores, and life’s endless responsibilities, finding time to spend with your horse can feel impossible.
In this episode of The Happy Rider Healthy Horse Podcast, we dive deep into how busy riders can actually create quality time with their horses, without feeling overwhelmed or guilty.
We’ll explore:
Why it’s often not really about time, but motivation, clarity, and decisiveness.
Common excuses riders make and how to overcome them.
How your mindset directly affects your riding and your horse’s comfort.
Practical strategies to plan your week using the 5-Block Time Management System.
How to identify your fundamental needs to make riding non-negotiable in your life.
Simple steps to ride intentionally and make even short sessions meaningful.
Whether you’re struggling to find motivation after a busy day, coming back from injury, or just want to make the most out of your weekly rides, this episode will give you tools and strategies to stop procrastinating and start riding with purpose.
Take control of your time, improve your riding, and enjoy every moment with your horse.
Key Takeaways:
Time isn’t always the issue—motivation, clarity, and decisiveness matter just as much.
Even 15–20 minutes of mindful riding can significantly impact your horse and your connection.
The 5-Block Time Management System helps you organize your week and prioritize what matters most.
Identifying and addressing your fundamental needs can free mental space for riding.
Planning your session in advance—goal, focus, and success criteria—boosts motivation and improves performance.
Resources & Links Mentioned in the Episode:
Learn more about the 5-Block Time Management System by Chelsi Jo: https://open.spotify.com/show/4IPLLBMSkXwtacplRZonzc?si=7a61135965ad47ef 
Connect with me and share your wins in our Facebook Community "Happy Rider Healthy Horse": https://www.facebook.com/groups/4007067746246133/ 
Listen If You:
Want to ride more consistently, even with a busy schedule.
Struggle to find motivation to ride after work or on hectic days.
Want practical strategies to improve your riding and connection with your horse.
Are ready to take control of your time and enjoy every session.

EP 09 // From Rhythm to Collection: How to Use the Training Scale in Your Daily Dressage Training

From Rhythm to Collection: How to Use the Training Scale in Your Daily Dressage Training
Welcome back to the Happy Rider, Healthy Horse Podcast! In this episode, we dive into one of the most important foundations for every dressage rider: the training scale. Don’t worry — this isn’t a lecture. We’ll explore the scale in a way that makes sense in the saddle, with real-life examples and practical exercises you can use tomorrow.
We break the training scale into three phases:
Phase 1 – Familiarisation:Your horse’s “elementary school” of dressage. Here we focus on:
Rhythm: Every step, in every gait, should be even and steady. Try forest rides, pole work, or slow arena trots to really feel your horse’s back.
Looseness: A relaxed horse is a happy horse. Learn to recognize swinging backs, soft breathing, and elastic contact.
Contact / Acceptance of the bit: True contact is soft, elastic, and forward, not a pulled head. Practice low-tempo gaits and steady hands to build trust.
Phase 2 – Developing Push / Thrust:Once rhythm, looseness, and contact are established, we focus on impulsion and straightness:
Impulsion is energy traveling over the back into the reins — not rushing, but suspended power.
Straightness helps your horse load both hind legs equally, setting the stage for carrying more weight behind.
Phase 3 – Developing Collection:The “holy grail” of dressage. Collection is not about pulling the head in — it’s the result of all previous steps working together: rhythm, looseness, contact, impulsion, and straightness. When done correctly, it feels like your horse is dancing with you — light, balanced, and powerful.
Practical Homework for This Week:
Rhythm: Forest walks, straight-track trots, or riding over poles to find natural tempo. Try switching diagonals on a large circle to maintain even rhythm.
Looseness: Ride four poles in a circle repeatedly to encourage correct bending and suppleness.
Contact: Ride in low tempo, letting the horse stretch into your hand; try holding both reins in both hands briefly.
Impulsion: Transitions between gaits and within gaits, including shoulder-in exercises on circles.
Straightness: Ride slightly inside the arena track at slow walk to feel and correct drifting shoulders or hind legs.
Collection: Walk transitions, sitting tall, engaging your core, and feeling your horse shift weight behind before softening and lengthening again.
Whether you’re aiming for your next dressage test or just want a stronger connection with your horse, this episode gives you practical, step-by-step guidance to apply the training scale in everyday riding.
🔗 Resources & Links:👉 Join the Happy Rider, Healthy Horse Facebook group for visuals of the exercises👉 Connect with me to hear more about 1:1 online coaching or if you are situated in DK you can order a Masterson session.👉 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!
💡 Takeaway:Think of the training scale like building a house: you can’t start with the roof. Lay the foundation first, and when cracks appear, return to the basics. Step by step, your horse will become stronger, happier, and more balanced — and your riding will feel smoother and more connected.

EP 08 // Reframe your mindset and take responsibility! How to be Present and Build Confidence as a Rider

🎧 Episode Summary:In this empowering episode, we explore the mindset shifts that can transform your riding experience—from taking ownership of your cues to creating moments of presence in even the busiest of days. If you're a time-crunched rider juggling life, work, and horses, this one's for you.
You’ll learn how to reframe common thought patterns, deepen your connection with your horse, and build confidence by celebrating small, consistent steps forward.
 
🧠 Topics Covered:
Why saying “he was good today” might be holding you back
How to shift from horse-focused to team-focused language
The impact of your presence in the saddle (and before you even mount)
A simple 5-step presence ritual to use before or during any ride
How to work with a busy mind, not against it
Embracing growth through imperfection and small wins
 
🛠️ Try This Today: 5-Step Presence Exercise
Take a deep, calming breath
Notice your thoughts—and let them float by
Open your mind, just a little - maybe you will discover new dreams
Be fully in the moment with your horse
Reflect on how lucky you are to ride this horse
You can do this anywhere—no perfect setting required.
 
💡 Key Takeaway:Your horse’s performance is often a reflection of your clarity, energy, and focus. By taking responsibility, being present, and allowing yourself space to grow, you unlock not just better rides—but deeper joy in the partnership.
 
✨ Final Words:You don’t need more time or fancier gear to be a better rider. You just need to be here—with your horse, your breath, and your intention. Progress happens in presence.
So ride happy, ride healthy, and celebrate every small step forward. You’re doing better than you think.
 
📩 Want more?Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow rider who could use a little mindset reset.

EP 07 // The Secret to Keep Your Horse Injury-Free: Why Varied Training is a Game Changer

Episode 7: "The Secret to Keep Your Horse Injury-Free: Why Varied Training is a Game Changer"
Most riders know the value of consistency, but did you know that too much repetition can actually harm your horse? One of the leading causes of lameness in horses is arthritis — often caused by overload and repetitive stress on the same joints. The good news? You can help prevent this with varied training.
In this episode of the Happy Rider, Healthy Horse Podcast, I share why mixing up your horse’s routine is a game changer for their health, fitness, and happiness. I’ll tell you the story of my childhood pony Toni, and how I learned (the hard way) what happens when training becomes circles after circles after circles. More importantly, I’ll give you practical ideas you can start using today to keep your horse sound, motivated, and engaged.
Whether you’re a dressage rider, a pony parent, or just want to make your training sessions more enjoyable, this episode will inspire you to rethink your routine.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why varied training helps prevent arthritis and injuries in horses
How repetitive routines create overload and resistance
My personal story of Toni — the pony who taught me to listen more
Simple cross-training ideas: hacks, hill work, poles, groundwork, and more
How to spot the early signs your horse might be telling you they need a change
The role of recovery, rest, and bodywork (like Masterson Method) in keeping horses healthy
Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:
Join the Happy Rider, Healthy Horse Facebook Group for extra tips + the video tutorial on Masterson Method leg checks https://www.facebook.com/groups/4007067746246133 
Want 1:1 online coaching to create a balanced, varied training plan for you and your horse? Send me a DM or email me dyrlaegesarahthor@gmail.com
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review — it helps other intentional riders find this podcast!
 
✨ Remember: When we mix it up, listen to our horses, and give them the recovery they need, we don’t just protect their joints — we protect their joy. And that’s what creates a true partnership: a happy rider and a healthy horse, moving forward together.

EP 06 // How to unlock Your Horse’s Energy! 7 Hidden Causes of Low Energy in Horses

 
Does your horse feel sluggish, unmotivated, or “lazy” under saddle? It’s easy to assume your horse is just being difficult — but more often, low energy is a sign that something is wrong physically, mentally, or emotionally.
In this episode of The Happy Rider Healthy Horse Podcast, I share my personal journey with my own horse, who went from being labeled a “lazy stallion” to moving with energy, softness, and joy — all by uncovering and addressing the real causes behind his lack of response.
We’ll explore the most common reasons horses can appear lazy, from saddle fit and body imbalances to pain, overpressure, and even learned helplessness. You’ll learn how to investigate what’s going on with your own horse, plus practical steps to help your horse feel better, move better, and enjoy your time together.
 
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
The hidden physical and mental causes of low energy in horses
How to tell if your horse’s “laziness” is actually pain or discomfort
Why pushing a sluggish horse forward can make things worse
The role of saddle fit, rider balance, and training style in your horse’s motivation
How slowing down can actually improve your horse’s movement and topline
Signs of learned helplessness and how to rebuild your horse’s confidence
 
Key Points Covered:
Common causes of low energy in horses: bad fitness, pain, mental overpressure, past training trauma, body asymmetries, poor saddle fit, and rider influence
Investigation tips: tack checks, body assessments, observing patterns in your horse’s energy, reviewing training loads, and self-checking your riding
Solutions: conditioning plans, bodywork, tack adjustments, mental resets, and exercises that encourage balance and curiosity
 
Listener Homework:
Spend one ride or groundwork session simply observing your horse’s responses without pushing for more.
Check your saddle and bridle for fit and comfort.
Try slowing your riding pace to see if your horse moves with more freedom.
Give your horse a “curiosity break” to explore without correction.
 
Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:
Connect with me in my Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4007067746246133
Learn more about horse physical checks & bodywork send me an email at dyrlaegesarahthor@gmail.com or send a DM.

EP 05 // Too Busy to Ride? How to Create Time to Connect with Your Horse in Everyday Life

🎙️ Episode 5: Too Busy to Ride? How to Create Time to Connect with Your Horse in Everyday Life
What if the best thing you could do for your horse this week... wasn’t a training session?
In today’s episode, we’re unpacking the busy-ness so many of us feel—and how to still find time and presence for your horse, even when life is full. Whether you're juggling work, kids, or just the daily demands of modern life, this episode is filled with mindset shifts, practical strategies, and powerful reminders that connection doesn't require a saddle or a perfect plan—it just needs you, fully present.
You’ll learn:
✅ How to reframe what “productive” time with your horse looks like
✅ What it means to prioritize presence over performance
✅ How to reclaim 2–5 hours a day with one bold phone habit
✅ The 5-Block Method that helps you ride (and live) with intention
✅ Why small moments—like standing in silence—can transform your bond
Whether you're in a riding rut or just craving a deeper connection, this episode is your permission slip to slow down, simplify, and show up in a way that feels good to you and your horse.
💡 Highlights & Takeaways
🔹 Presence Over PerformanceA walk, a groom, or even a quiet shared breath can be more powerful than a “perfect” ride.
🔹 Reimagine Your GoalMake your next goal match your life season. Try a groundwork week, a walk in nature, or aim to get one good sigh or chew per session.
🔹 Time Is There—But It’s Getting StolenDelete your social apps Friday, reinstall Monday. Sounds extreme? Try it—you might unlock 2–5 hours a day. And your horse will feel the difference in your energy.
🔹 Make Small Moments CountWatch your horse’s reactions: is he curious, shut down, or nervous? These micro-interactions tell you more than you think.
🔹 Don’t Wait for “Perfect”Connection doesn’t need ideal weather or a clear schedule. Ten intentional minutes can make your whole week.
🔹 Bonus: The 5-Block Time Method + Fundamental NeedsThis flexible system helps you protect your priorities and feel grounded—not overwhelmed. You'll learn how to structure your days around what truly matters, including riding, family time, and self-care.
📝 Your Homework This Week:
Set a realistic, feel-good goal for this season—focus on connection, not just progress.
Track your phone’s screen time for 1 day—then trade 15 of those minutes for horse time.
Spend pressure-free time with your horse—a walk, a stretch, or just standing together in silence.
Pick 1–2 of your own Fundamental Needs and schedule them in this week.
Write down how it felt—notice what shifts when you choose presence over pressure.
💬 Final Thoughts
"Your horse doesn’t need you to do more. He needs you to be more present."
If you’re ready to feel more calm, connected, and in control of your time again—this episode will get you started.
👣 Next Steps:
💬 Join the conversation: The Happy Rider Healthy Horse Community on Facebook
📆 Need help setting your seasonal goal? Book a 1:1 online coaching session here
🐴 Located in Sealand, Denmark? DM me to book a full Masterson Method session for your horse!
Thanks for tuning in—see you in the next episode!