Stable Riding with Solange

The hunt field is the definition of Real World Riding! Solange speaks on her love of the field and how it truly is a place for All Riders…and All Horses! Next we have an interview with a long time Foxhunter who shares her riding story. Spring is here and Solange thinks that this makes it the perfect time for us all to practice our halt transitions!Horses in the Morning Stable Riding with Solange Episode:Host: Solange of Stable RidingSponsor: Stable RidingGuest: ValerieTime Stamps:00:32 - Solange on riding cliques and foxhunting02:46 - Discovering foxhunting at 1705:00 - Foxhunting basics and terminology06:21 - Hunt fields and field master roles07:41 - Community vibe and introducing Valerie09:11 - Wild hunt on bad pony Pickles10:17 - Valerie’s age and starting riding at 3612:36 - Anxiety around “large fauna” and value of groundwork16:05 - Why Valerie loves hunting and “church” on horseback20:00 - Meet Gorn, the OTTB gentle giant24:12 - Memorable joint meet and extended trot “sailing”29:34 - Stable Riding vs show ring position and key tweaks34:54 - Huge rear and “sit a little trouble” success story40:00 - Rex the standardbred and foxhunting’s inclusivity45:39 - Rider tip: practicing halt transitions

Stable Riding and Equine Affaire go together like chocolate and peanut butter! Listen to Solange tell the story of Equine Affaire from the Professionals point of view. Then we hear from Alex, long time Equine Affaire participant and a rider in one of Solange’s clinics at the event. The Rider tip and homework focuses on light seat with how to correctly stand in your stirrups.Horses in the Morning Stable Riding with Solange Episode:Host: Solange of Stable RidingSponsor: Stable RidingGuest: AlexTime Stamps:01:40 - Preparing for first Columbus Equine Affaire03:58 - Best Booth award & first podcast interview05:04 - Equine Affaire becomes core of business05:26 - Heading to Massachusetts 2024 event06:28 - Meeting Alex through Rider Pro program10:01 - Alex’s lifelong riding & fairy-tale pony Sam11:48 - Why they love foxhunting14:52 - Alex’s history with Equine Affaire15:57 - Losing confidence after serious accidents & menopause link24:11 - Clinic experience and Solange’s teaching approach32:40 - Lab and mounting lessons40:47 - Standing in the stirrups rider tip & homework

Stable Riding is for All Riders. All body types…and all ages! Today we hear from Pam, who is happily riding well into her retirement. Next Solange will talk about how to put your feet back into your stirrups smoothly and on the first try. Listen in....Horses in the Morning Stable Riding with Solange Episode 3891:Host: Solange of Stable RidingSponsor: Stable RidingGuest: PamTime Stamps:00:31 - Solange on age, riding, and “Fabergé egg” riders07:35 - Introducing Pam, Solange’s 70-year-old student08:37 - Pam’s return to riding after 50 years14:10 - Pam’s career as an L&D nurse and retirement shift16:49 - Riding different horses, confidence, and first fall21:59 - The lab tools: Mighty Bucky, Home Horse, Equisizer24:40 - Neck pain, migraines, and benefits of riding & PT27:49 - Other movement practices: water aerobics & hiking33:56 - Older success stories + stirrup retrieval tip & homework

As riders we use our body every time we sit on our horse, but often our own fitness, motion and movement gets passed over. It’s easy to invest in our horses’s bodywork and ignore own own! This month Solange speaks with Ifa Simmonds, a professional fitness coach who specializes in equestrians. As the creator of EFA, the Equestrian Fitness Academy, Ifa is the perfect person to talk about all things rider bodies!Horses in the Morning Stable Riding with Solange Episode 3871:Host: Solange of Stable RidingSponsor: Stable RidingGuest: Ifa Simmonds from IfaFitTime Stamps:00:41 - Rider vs. Horse Wellness: Solange discusses the industry’s focus on horse soundness over rider fitness.03:00 -Psychology of the Rider: Addressing why many female riders are dismissive or adversarial toward their own bodies.06:50 - Interview with Ifa Simmons: Ifa shares his background in exercise science and his transition to training equestrians.09:30 - The Ideal Body Type Myth: A discussion on "fence and dancer" body types and how traditional instruction can fail different frames.12:20 - The Lab vs. The Arena: Solange explains the benefits of teaching rider mechanics on an "equisizer" rather than a live horse.16:45 - The "Not-So-Secret" Secret: Ifa shares his frustration with riders who only want to talk about their horses during fitness assessments.19:00- The Reality of Rider Injuries: A look at the high percentage of lower back injuries in the equestrian community.23:15 - Virtual vs. Online Coaching: A breakdown of Ifa’s different training tiers (EFA Ultimate and EFA Elite).27:10 - Rider Homework - The Dead Bug: Ifa provides a step-by-step guide to a core-stabilizing exercise designed specifically for riders.31:00 - Final Encouragement: Solange reflects on the importance of being a "professional encourager" for both humans and horses.

All riders have bodies and some have Complex bodies. Our guest Stephanie shares her story of riding with Cerebral Palsy and how working with her body instead of against it she is able to meet her riding goals. We talk about different tack options as well as how having a positive outlook makes all the difference in the world! This month's rider’s tip and homework tackles crookedness and leaning on the horse's back. Let Solange help you tackle your “bad foot” once and for all! Listen in....Horses in the Morning Stable Riding with Solange Episode 3846:Host: Solange of Stable RidingSponsor: Stable RidingGuest: Stephanie C.Time Stamps:01:00 - Intro to topic08:14 - Stephanie 31:15 - Joy and Judgement32:29 - Rider Tip

Returning to the saddle after a pregnancy, birth and with a new baby has its own unique set of challenges! Solange breaks down all the factors at play and interviews a new mom who made the transition back to riding both successfully and gracefully. Listen in...Horses in the Morning Stable Riding with Solange Episode 3826:Host: Solange of Stable RidingSponsor: Stable RidingGuest: Valerie PflughoeftTime Stamps:01:31 - Returning to Riding After Baby12:23 - The Impact of Stable Riding on Horses20:06 - Reentering the Saddle After Pregnancy25:41 - Returning to Riding After Motherhood31:46 - Rider Tips and Homework: Understanding Time in the SaddleTakeaways:The profound journey of returning to riding post-pregnancy is one that necessitates careful consideration and planning, as discussed in this episode.The host's personal narrative underscores the importance of seeking professional guidance during one's transition back to riding after childbirth, which can prove invaluable.A key takeaway from the discussion emphasizes the necessity of patience and gradual progression, particularly for those re-entering the saddle after an extended hiatus due to motherhood.Emotional factors play a significant role in a rider's experience post-pregnancy, and acknowledging these nuances can facilitate a more supportive riding environment.Riders must understand that their bodies undergo considerable changes during pregnancy and childbirth, necessitating a thoughtful approach to reconditioning and skill development.The podcast highlights the importance of community and support networks for mothers returning to riding, as these can provide encouragement and practical assistance during their transition.

Men are half the population but a small percentage of the non-professional horse world. Solange discusses the challenges and differences in teaching a male rider and interviews a gentleman who came into hunt seat riding as both an adult and a complete beginner. Listen in...Horses in the Morning Stable Riding with Solange Episode 3806:Host: Solange of Stable RidingSponsor: Stable RidingGuest: Dan StohlmannTime Stamps:00:26 - Introduction to Stable Riding06:25 - The Journey into Riding: A Personal Story13:03 - Beginning the Journey: From Running to Riding18:52 - Learning to Ride: The Journey Begins28:13 - The Transition to Equestrian Life29:21 - The Experience of Fox Hunting35:26 - The Impact of Riding on Personal Life44:53 - Rider tipTakeaways:The podcast emphasizes the importance of diversity in the equestrian community, particularly the inclusion of male riders who may feel underrepresented.The discussion reveals that teaching male riders presents unique challenges and opportunities, highlighting the differences in learning styles between genders.Listeners are encouraged to recognize the historical significance of riding, as it connects them to a long-standing tradition that transcends generations.The conversation stresses the necessity of direct communication in instruction, particularly for male riders, who often prefer straightforward guidance.

Today we tackle something that happens to All Riders. Riding after a fall and how to navigate the physical and mental rehab needed to return to doing what we love. Our guest Lisa has successfully returned to riding after 3 terrible falls that all resulted in injuries. She shares with us her experience healing her body and most importantly overcoming the natural fear that comes from that experience. Solange's Rider Tip and Exercise for the week is all about Hands and Shoulders! She tells you how to find the correct hand position for your individual body. Listen in...Horses in the Morning Stable Riding with Solange Episode 3781:Host: Solange of Stable RidingSponsor: Stable RidingGuest: Lisa MeringoloTime Stamps:07:17 - Lisa's Journey: Overcoming Fear and Injury in Riding18:20 - Making Good Decisions in Riding22:27 - The Evolution of a Rider: Overcoming Fear and Finding Confidence31:00 - Embracing the Journey of Recovery33:01 - The Importance of Professional Help in Overcoming Rider FearTakeaways:The episode emphasizes the significance of addressing both the physical and mental rehabilitation of riders after experiencing a fall or injury, which is often overlooked in traditional riding instruction.Listeners are encouraged to embrace their emotions and fears as normal responses to riding incidents, rather than viewing them as signs of weakness or failure.The podcast highlights the importance of compassionate instruction and the need for judgment-free understanding to foster a supportive environment for riders during their recovery process.The conversation illustrates how creating a calm and stable atmosphere for riders can help alleviate anxiety, allowing them to regain confidence and enjoy their riding experience once again.