Let’s Talk Horses: The Ultimate Riding Education Podcast
Join Meg Parkinson, an experienced equestrian coach, as she explores rider biomechanics, horse behavior, and practical training techniques. Each episode offers expert insights and actionable tips to help you become a more connected and effective rider. Whether you're refining your own movement or learning to interpret your horse's cues, this podcast provides guidance for smarter, more thoughtful riding. Tune in to elevate your riding skills and deepen your partnership with your horse.
Episodes
Is riding a mental or physical sport?
In this episode I talk through a question someone asked me the other day, and why slowing things down is so important. This is a follow on from the last episode so go take a listen to that first.
Thinking about taking time in our learning and coaching as riders
In this episode I expand on conversations I have been having with my riders and academy members about taking time.Link to my Academy:https://www.alignedequitation.com/thealignedrideracademyA few extra links to research here are:Podcast on Joy vs Pressure in sport:https://open.spotify.com/episode/1cK0BhwioT23mJtTK5OTau?si=2GNAGkYoSSmjQ8Od66rzgwAn interesting YouTube video regarding time went Anya B
What every rider should consider before changing horses or moving up a level
A conversation I have been having recently that I wanted to share with you.www.alignedequitation.com
When life changes your ride
In this episode I cover some key times in your life when your riding position is affected, and what we need to think about to avoid this.www.alignedequitation.com
Redefining Success with your horse: One simple question
In this episode we just take a moment to think about what we do it all for, how do we define success with our own horse and how does that then shape how we spend our time with them.A calm relaxing episode on this January daywww.alignedequitation.com
Understanding the Outside Aids
In this episode I look at what your outside aids actually do and how to use them.
Supercharge Your Riding
In this episode I talk about how and why conscious movement in the form of Equistretch (Yoga for riders) helps your riding on many different levels. It's a conversation I have regularly with clients as to why they improve so much in a short space of time and why its so important if you want to get the most from your time on the horse.Link to subscribe to my mailing list and get your FREE bundle of
Rider Biomechanics Q&A — Stable Legs, Better Position & Progress Off the Horse
Rider Biomechanics Q&A — Stable Legs, Better Position & Progress Off the HorseStruggling with a swinging lower leg? Want one simple change that improves your whole position? In this Q&A episode, we cover lower leg stability, the top three foundations every rider needs, and how to keep improving even when you can’t ride. Clear, practical, rider-focused answers to help you ride better fr
Menopause and Riders - Confidence
In this final episode of my mini menopause series I take a deep dive into what it's like to struggle with confidence due to the menopause and why this is.I give you some helpful things to think about and action so that this doesn't become the end of your journey with horses., as well as help you to not feel so alone.
Menopause and Riders - Mini Series - Fatigue, Sleeplessness, and Brain Fog
In this episode, we tackle three of the most frustrating and misunderstood menopause symptoms - fatigue, sleeplessness, and brain fog - and explore how they uniquely impact horse riders.We’ll unpack why these symptoms happen, how they affect your balance, reaction times, confidence, emotional regulation, and even your connection with your horse. From the mornings when you wake up exhausted before
Menopause and Riders - Mini Series - Exercise and why its so important for riders
In this episode, we dive into the powerful role exercise plays for riders navigating peri-menopause and menopause. From unpredictable energy levels to changing hormones, joint stiffness, balance shifts, and emotional ups and downs—your body is moving through a transformation that directly affects how you feel in the saddle.We’ll explore why the right kind of movement matters more than ever, how st
Menopause and Riders - Mini Series
In this episode, we dive into the often-overlooked reality of perimenopause symptoms and how they show up in the saddle. From changes in balance, confidence dips, brain fog, joint stiffness, disrupted sleep, and shifting emotions - we break down how these physical and hormonal changes can directly affect your riding, your connection with your horse, and your overall wellbeing.Together, we explore
Navigating Hormones and Head Injuries
A short catch up episode on why I've been away for so long, navigating a big concussion, understanding how the peri-menopause has effected me and my horse riding and how the ponies are getting on.Link to the academy: https://www.alignedequitation.com/thealignedrideracademy Link to the meno calculator:https://zoe.com/menoscaleLink to concussion protocol:https://www.britishequestrian.org.uk/ass
Unlocking your horses nervous system
Unlocking Your Horse’s Nervous System: The Key to Better Riding and Connection In this episode, we take a deep dive into the horse’s nervous system and how it influences movement, behavior, and overall well-being. Understanding how your horse processes information, reacts to stimuli, and regulates stress can transform the way you train and ride. We’ll explore how you can work *with* your horse’s n
From sight loss to now, Thank You
This is just a short episode to say thank you, a huge milestone passed this weekend and I wanted to jump on and say a massive thank you.
Unlock Your Riding Potential: Understanding Your Nervous System
In this episode, we dive into the surprising connection between your nervous system and your riding performance. It’s not just about technique or strength—how your body processes stress, balance, and movement plays a huge role in how you connect with your horse. Learn how tuning into your nervous system can help you ride more confidently, fluidly, and in harmony with your horse. Whether you’re str
Breathe Better, Ride Better: How Your Breathing Affects Your Horse
In this episode, we’re diving deeper into the power of breathing as a rider. This is part 2 of our focus on breathing, and we’ll explore how simple adjustments to your breath can make a huge positive impact on your horse. It’s a powerful and thought-provoking episode that will not only get you thinking differently but also give you practical tips to support your horse through better breathing.
Breathe to Succeed: Transform Your Riding with Better Breathing
Are You Breathing Correctly? Transform Your Riding with Better BreathBreathing correctly is something I’m incredibly passionate about because it’s one of the most common issues both in everyday life and the horse world. Poor breathing habits can lead to a whole range of problems, from tension to lack of connection with your horse. In this episode, we’re tackling the basics: how to know if you’re b
I'm back and the new series is coming
I realise I've said this before but I am back, 20925 has so far been a bit brutal, but there is light in my diary and so recordings are coming...
E85 - What we need to consider as horse riders when making plans
Starting this year with some thoughts on what we need to think about when making plans for our horses.
E84 - You can say no to your coach
A short episode with something to think about for the new year
E83 - What to do with our horses when the seasons change
In this episode I address the issue that can be so prevalent in winter, or any season that is an extra challenge with horses, how do we stay motivated?
E82 - The riders Aids and The Horses Brace
In this episode I discuss the horses brace, and how this can effect the way your aids are responded to, if you are doing the work yet still feel like you are using more pressure than you'd like, whether it be with the legs, the seat or the reins, have a listen. The answer could be here.
E81 - Lets talk about riding with spurs
In this episode I discuss a few things we need to consider when riding in spurs, and whether we or our riders should really be choosing to ride in spurs.
I do not advocate riding in spurs, but I know a lot of people do, I used to also and have since learnt and taken time to think about really what is best.
This episode is about explaining what we need to know before making that choice.
E80 - Why might your horse not want to come to you?
A little different but still hugely relevant, in this episode I have a little thought about our responsibility to our horses on how we show up for them. And why they may like us to show up slightly differently.
E79 - The Riders seat and speedy horses
This is a follow up to last weeks episode about the riders seat, this time addressing the more forward thinking horses and how it is as equally important to think about our own bodies and how our seat functions with these types as it is with the more shut down horses.
E78 - How the riders seat effects the horse
In this episode we deep dive into the importance of the riders seat
www.alignedequitation.com
E77 - Proprioception and why its so important for riders
I love proprioception, its a long word to say and spell, but its soooo important to riders, in this episode I dive into why its so important and what we need to do about it.
www.alignedequitation.com
What's happening this winter
E76 - We have a new pony! And a bit more...
In this episode I give you little update about our new pony, but also get you thinking about how we use rider alignment and pressure, how we need to be in a state of awareness to be able to use less pressure.
E75 - The Riders Core
In this episode I delve into the detail of what the riders core is all about, why its needed, and what it actually is
www.megparkinson.com
E74 - A summer of reflection on all things horsey
Just a little catch up this time, let you know what's been happening in life here and why I may have been a tad quiet.
E73 - How to make consistent and long lasting changes to your riding
In this episode I talk about how we can make constant positional changes in our riding and why we cannot just try and do it in our weekly lessons.
www.megparkinson.com
E72 - School Movements and why are they important
Just a dip in the water as we jump back into recording, a little ramble about why school movements are important for helping us improve our own riding whilst supporting our horses journey too.
www.megparkinson.com
E71 - What to do if your saddle slips
In this episode I talk about what to do if your saddle slips, answering a question from one of you I cover what we need to think about first and a few things that aren't spoken about when it comes to saddle fit and rider straightness
To delve into more rider biomechanics and join me for live online classes head to https://www.megparkinson.com/thealignedrideracademy
To hit up my instagram
E70 - How coachable are you as a rider?
In this episode I talk about some essential areas of getting the most from your riding lessons. Give you tips on how to save yourself money and stress in the long run and get you thinking a little bit more of what may be happening when you try to correct things.
To delve into more rider biomechanics and join me for live online classes head to https://www.megparkinson.com/thealignedrideracademy
T
E69 - Goal Setting for Horse Riders
This is the audio from a webinar I recorded last week, so many of you came along to the live and since then a lot of you have watched or listened back to the recording that I thought to kick the year off I'd share it here too.
Here's the two main links to the things discussed that you may need visual for
Goal Pyramid:
https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https://i.pinimg.com/736x/9a/15/de/9a15de
E67 - Audio Horse Riding Lesson 5/5 - Building Balance through Bend
Part 5 of this audio lesson mini series
E66 - Audio Horse Riding Lesson 4/5 - Building Balance through Bend
Part 4 of this audio lesson mini series
E65 - Audio Horse Riding Lesson 3/5 - Building Balance through Bend
Part 3 of this audio lesson mini series
E64 - Audio Horse Riding Lesson 2/5 - Building Balance through Bend
Part 2 of the mini audio lesson series
E63 - Audio Horse Riding Lesson 1/5 - Building Balance through Bend
Have me coach you in your ear with this mini series, within my academy you have access to over 70 audio lessons so I thought I’d treat you to this mini series about riding a good bend.
E62 - Lets talk about how different horses respond to rider position changes
A questions from an academy ember has prompted this episode, where I talk about how different horses respond to rider positional changes and what we need to keep in mind when working on ourselves.
E61 - Let’s Talk Why hard isn’t always wrong as a horse rider
In this episode I talk about your movement story, why riding isn’t always easy and what it means when it feels hard.
E60 - Let’s Talk about the Rider and the Nervous System
In this episode I talk about how our nervous system plays a huge role in our movement and ultimately our riding, what we need to consider when trying to help ourselves and I hopefully get you thinking about when you may be working against your nervous system compared to when you’re working with your system.
E59 - Let’s talk rider balance
“Abracadabra horse disappear” ever heard your coach say that? It’s all to do with how you would land if your horse was magically erased from underneath you. This short episode is just a reminder of the basics that rider biomechanics is all about, balance, and how we need to be balanced as a rider to aid our horse.
E58 - A little catch up, why I’ve been so quiet
This episode is the begining of me coming back to regular pods, but I thought I best explain what’s been going on.
E57 - Let’s talk about the leg aids of a rider and how to apply them
In this episode I talk you through the details of how we want to apply our leg aids, what muscles we want to use and how this affects our horses and ourselves
E56 - Let’s talk about how our horse understands things like half halts
In this episode I respond to a fabulous question I got asked in my members group about “how does your horse understand what you mean when you half half”, I thought this was such a great question for so many ways so have put together a podcast for you on the subject of our horse language. If you’re interested in my membership head to www.megparkinson.com to have a mooch around and see what it’s all
E55 - Let’s talk about how your tack can effect your position in a good and bad way
In this episode I get honest about all the expensive tack you can buy and weather it really does what it claims on the box!!
E54 - Let’s talk about a little goal of mine - freestyle dressage
In this episode I just have a little batter and catch you up on a little bit of life as I prepare the next season of podcasts, the audio isn’t great as it was recorded in the car, but hopefully you can gain some inspiration from this all the same. Reach out @megparkinson_equestrian_coach on Instagram xx
E53 - Let’s Talk About the Rising Trot
This episode I delve into the biomechanics of a rising trot, from the basics through to the more detailed look at what our bodies need to do to create a correct and helpful rise trot for our horses
E52 - Let’s talk about thigh positioning in the rider
Who knew there was so much to say about the riders thighs!! On a serious note, the way the thigh is positioned in the saddle has HUGE effects on the rider and so this is a really important subject to cover.
E51 - let’s talk about why we need to focus on ourselves as well as our horses
In this episode I have a tiny rant about why it’s soooo important to not only focus on our horses but also ourselves when it comes to being better. After a few TBH if you’re listening to this podcast you’re probably already there but it doesn’t hurt to remind ourselves of the improtance of what we do. If you feel this episode resonates or you want more people to hear the message please screen shot
E50 - Let’s Talk about Culture in yards
This is a slightly different episode but something I’ve wanted to talk about as it’s relevant to all of us who want to do the work I talk about on this podcast and in my social media, the culture we surround ourselves with. If you love this let me know and please please share with friends xx
E49 - Let’s talk about the canter seat
Do you struggle to keep your stirrups or feel like you want to follow your horses movement more? Here’s some ideas as to what may be happening and how you can improve.
E48 - Let’s Talk About Body Awareness as a Horse Rider and why it’s so important
In this episode I talk you through why body awareness is vital for us as riders and why we don’t all have good body awareness, how we can do a simple thing to get it back and ultimately supercharge our riding.
E47 - Let’s talk about how we criticise ourselves as riders and how we can turn it into a positive
This episode dives into how we critique ourselves as riders, and gives you real time tools to use to help you turn it into growth and and positive motivation. Remember to screen shot and share with me by tagging me into your posts @megparkinson_equestrian_coach. If you’ve found this episode helpful please share with your friends, thank you. Megs xxx
E46 - Let’s Talk About Anchoring as a horse rider
In this episode I explain what I mean by anchoring, how it can help you improve and replicate good rides over and over, how it can help your horse to understand and how if you’re a coach you need to understand this practical tool to help empower your riders.
EP45 - Let’s talk looking down when you ride!
A short and sweet episode into the fundamentals of why we need to look up! If you’ve ever been told to “𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧!”, this episode is for you. Remember to screen shot and share with me by tagging me on Insta @megparkinson_equestrian_coach so I can see whose listening. Enjoy xx
E44 - Let’s Talk about Trigger Stacking in our horses
You may have heard of this before, but I felt this was needed to be spoken about when it comes to our horses and our own behaviour. So here’s my take on it and hopefully it helps you to see some areas where we can improve our understanding with our horses. Check out www.MegParkinson.com for 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐑𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐲 and @𝐦𝐞𝐠𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐧_𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧_𝐜𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 on insta for more content, my stories are where
E43 - Lets talk about your Glutes!!
In this episode I respond to / explain in more detail all about the glutes and how they affect our riding….good and bad
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Enjoy
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Remember if you want a question answered send me a DM or email me megparkinsonhorsemanship@gmail.com
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If anything is relevant or you want to share your moments hit me up….
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If you’re interested in The Online Riding Club check out my website👇🏼
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https://www.megparki
E42 - AUDIO LESSON - A Focussed Hack
After an unplanned mini break away from the podcast, I’m back with a brief catch up and an audio lesson to say sorry for my disappearance
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Enjoy
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Remember if you want a question answered send me a DM or email me megparkinsonhorsemanship@gmail.com
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If anything is relevant or you want to share your moments hit me up….
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If you’re interested in The Online Riding Club check out my website👇🏼
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E41 - Let’s talk about the riders ribcage
I’m so excited to share this secret of riding with you
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Enjoy
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Remember if you want a question answered send me a DM or email me megparkinsonhorsemanship@gmail.com
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If anything is relevant or you want to share your moments hit me up….
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If you’re interested in The Online Riding Club check out my website👇🏼
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https://www.megparkinson.com/theonlineridingclub
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As always let me know what you thi
E40 - Let’s Talk About Taking some time to work on Fundamental Basics
This episode is slightly different to the recent biomechanical episodes, it’s an insight into me and my current riding focus.
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Enjoy
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Remember if you want a question answered send me a DM or email me megparkinsonhorsemanship@gmail.com
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If anything is relevant or you want to share your moments hit me up….
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If you’re interested in The Online Riding Club check out my website👇🏼
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https://www.me
E39 - Let’s talk collapsing in the canter & the canter position
This episode is an answer to some of your questions about the canter position and how to maintain that.
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Enjoy
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Remember if you want a question answered send me a DM or email me megparkinsonhorsemanship@gmail.com
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If anything is relevant or you want to share your moments hit me up….
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If you’re interested in The Online Riding Club check out my website👇🏼
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https://www.megparkinson.com/theonline
E38 - Let’s talk about collapsing as a rider
In this episode I attempt to delve into the subject of why we collapse as a rider
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Enjoy
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Remember if you want a question answered send me a DM or email me megparkinsonhorsemanship@gmail.com
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If anything is relevant or you want to share your moments hit me up….
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If you’re interested in The Online Riding Club check out my website👇🏼
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https://www.megparkinson.com/theonlineridingclub
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As alwa
E37 - AUDIO LESSON - Are you sitting comfortably - the next level
This is a follow on from E36 which is all about our biomechanics and the way we hold ourselves, this can be listened too whilst riding and is suitable for any pace but was recorded in the walk.
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This is also linked with E6 - Are you sitting comfortably, so if you haven’t listened to that audio lesson you may want to head back there first.
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Enjoy
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Remember if you want a question answered send m
E36 - Let’s talk about what may be behind a positional problem that you just can’t “fix”
In this episode I delve into explaining how our nervous system has a greater function over our body than just making us stressed. And how this could be the missing piece of the puzzle when it comes to correcting positional issues.
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Enjoy
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Remember if you want a question answered send me a DM or email me megparkinsonhorsemanship@gmail.com
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If anything is relevant or you want to share your mome
E35 - Let’s talk about the Area Petplan Festival
Here’s a little debrief on this weekends area dressage festival.
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Enjoy
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Remember if you want a question answered send me a DM or email me megparkinsonhorsemanship@gmail.com
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If anything is relevant or you want to share your moments hit me up….
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If you’re interested in The Online Riding Club check out my website👇🏼
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https://www.megparkinson.com/theonlineridingclub
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As always let me know w
E34 - Let’s Talk about “Feel” as a rider
In this episode I take a deep dive into the elusive word “feel”. I explain how it is achievable but what we need to think about to achieve it.
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Enjoy
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Remember if you want a question answered send me a DM or email me megparkinsonhorsemanship@gmail.com
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If anything is relevant or you want to share your moments hit me up….
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If you’re interested in The Online Riding Club check out my website👇🏼
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E33 - You’re not a rubbish rider
In this episode I talk about all the things that can affect your ride and how you can finally let go of the thoughts that you’re just rubbish 😘
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Enjoy
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Remember if you want a question answered send me a DM or email me megparkinsonhorsemanship@gmail.com
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If anything is relevant or you want to share your moments hit me up….
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If you’re interested in The Online Riding Club check out my website👇🏼
E32 - Let’s Talk How to get your horse infront of the leg
A question asked of me so much with so many factors so let’s dive in
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Enjoy
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Remember if you want a question answered send me a DM or email me megparkinsonhorsemanship@gmail.com
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If anything is relevant or you want to share your moments hit me up….
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If you’re interested in The Online Riding Club check out my website👇🏼
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https://www.megparkinson.com/theonlineridingclub
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As always let me kno
E31 - AUDIO LESSON - A Purposeful warm up
Warning *LISTEN ON A HEADPHONE IF RIDING* as there’s horse noises!
This episode is an audio lesson helping you find a purposeful warmup.
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The sound quality isn’t amazing as it was recorded in the early days of these audio lessons, but if you can get over that, it’s a super helpful little session, if you get lost of things to do or want more purpose to your riding this is a great one for you.
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E
E30 Lets talk about activating as a rider and how we do so
For this episode I answer a question that’s coming at me a lot on social media from you guys and explain how we need to activate our body when we ride.
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This weeks Online riding club sessions have been all about this too, so remember if you like what I’m saying and find it helpful join me in the club for more daily help.
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Enjoy
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Remember if you want a question answered send me a DM or email m
E29 - Lets talk about our hands as a rider
In this episode I delve into the biomechanics that play into our ability have soft steady hands as a rider.
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Enjoy
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Remember if you want a question answered send me a DM or email me megpatkinsonhorsemanship@gmail.com
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If anything is relevant or you want to share your moments hit me up….
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If you’re interested in The Online Riding Club check out my website👇🏼
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https://www.megparkinson.com/the
E28 - AUDIO LESSON - Having fun with centre lines
This one’s an audio lesson, you can listen as you ride, top tip from others is have it in a headphone as then your horse doesn’t think there’s another one around.
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This session is great if you compete at dressage, but it is beneficial to all who school their horses, recorded for my online riding club a few weeks ago, if you like it and want more then take a look below at the links.
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Enjoy
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Rem
E27 - Let’s talk more about an Independant seat
Following on from E26, I delve into the details of how the hip muscles play a huge part in creating that independant seat.
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Remember if you want a question answered send me a DM or email me megpatkinsonhorsemanship@gmail.com
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If anything is relevant or you want to share your moments hit me up….
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If you’re interested in The Online Riding Club check out my website👇🏼
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https://www.megparkinson
E26 - Let’s talk about an independant seat
In this episode I answer one of the listeners questions about what is an independant seat and how do we go about getting one as a rider, this is obviously a vast subject so here’s the beginning….
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Remember if you want a question answered send me a DM or email me megpatkinsonhorsemanship@gmail.com
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If anything is relevant or you want to share your moments hit me up….
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If you’re interested in Th
E25 - Let’s talk about horses and napping
In this episode I answer one of your questions about horses and why they nap. This is what I see when I work with horses that nap and how I work to turning them around.
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If anything is relevant or you want to share your moments hit me up….
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If you’re interested in The Online Riding Club check out my website👇🏼
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https://www.megparkinson.com/theonlineridingclub
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As always let me know what you t
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