and how to avoid them?
Are you returning to the saddle? Whether is’s been two years or twenty, congratulations! You’re stepping back into something that once felt natural, but now feels unfamiliar. That’s normal.
There are a few things you have to acknowledge when you return to the tack.
Don’t Expect to Pick Up Where You Left Off
You can rely on your muscle memory. But it may be a bit rusty. It isn’t gone forever. Give it time and develop it correclty. Start with basics: balance, rhythm, and breathing. Focus on connection, not collection.
Your Mindset
Riding is 90% mental.
Coming back with old pressure or perfectionist habits will crush your confidence. Replace “I used to be able to…” with “I’m learning how to…” You’ll progress faster with self-compassion than self-criticism.
What I have found is that I am not as quick as I used to be. I used to be able to ride those tricky tbreds. Now I know that I will have to relearn how to connect with them again.
Put on your Blinkers
You’re not the same rider you were and sometimes that’s a good thing. Put on your blinkers and stop comparing yourself to the others around you, or, your “young” self.
You’re wiser, more aware, and more intentional. Stay in your lane. Your growth will come from consistency, not comparison.
Do the Reps
Everyone wants to canter on day one. But it’s the walk work, the seat awareness, the soft hands that matter most. Build from the ground up—and trust me, your horse will thank you.
Ready to dive deeper into riding smarter after a break?
📺 Watch: Stop Riding in the Chair Seat
📝 Read next: “How to Rebuild Confidence in the Saddle (Without Feeling Judged)”
Your comeback isn’t about getting back to who you were. It’s about becoming the rider you’re meant to be now.