Do you feel like no matter how hard you try, some habits in your riding just won’t change? 
Maybe you’re constantly:

• Leaning forward over jumps
• Gripping with your knees
• Using too much rein

Even with your trainer pointing it out (again and again), you keep slipping back into old patterns. Does this sound familiar? 

You’re not alone—and the good news is that breaking bad habits isn’t as hard as you think. The secret isn’t trying harder; it’s building the right kind of awareness.

Tips for Breaking Bad Habits in the Saddle

1. Stop Fighting the Habit—Understand It First

Bad habits aren’t random—they’re your body’s way of solving past problems.
For example:

• Leaning forward might have helped you stay balanced when your horse kicked out.
• Gripping with your knees might have made you feel more secure over fences.

 The takeaway: Recognize that these habits served a purpose at one point. They’re not “bad”—just outdated.

2. Build Non-Judgmental Awareness

Most habits run on autopilot, so you may not even realize you’re doing them.

 What to do instead:

• Notice what your body is doing without labeling it as “good” or “bad.”
• Avoid trying to fix it right away.

 Example: If you tip forward over a jump, start by noticing when it happens. Is it during the approach? Mid-air? On landing? Awareness is the first step to change.

3. Trust Your Body to Learn Naturally

Your body knows how to adjust—just like it did when you learned to walk or ride a bike. 

 What to do:
Instead of forcing a correction, give your body space to experiment and refine its movements on its own.

4. Use Feedback to Reinforce Awareness

Struggling to spot the habit? Tools like video or photos can make a big difference. 

 Here’s how:

• Ask your trainer or a friend to film you during a ride.
• Review the footage to pinpoint patterns you might not notice in real-time.

5. Focus on One Thing at a Time

Trying to fix too many habits at once can feel overwhelming.

 Keep it simple:

• Choose ONE habit to focus on for a few weeks.
• Dedicate time to observing and practicing awareness around that habit.

 Example: If your hands creep up the reins, spend one session noticing just your hands.

6. Be Patient—Progress Takes Time

Habits don’t change overnight. 

 What to do:
Stay consistent, practice awareness, and trust the process. The more you commit, the sooner your body will adapt to new patterns.

 Want to Dive Deeper?

Listen to our full podcast episode Correcting Bad Habits in the Saddle:

LISTEN ON APPLE PODCAST

LISTEN ON SPOTIFY 

 Take Action This Week

Pick one habit to focus on and:

• Notice when it happens during your ride.
• Avoid judging it as “good” or “bad.”
• Give your body time to find a better way naturally.

 Every ride with awareness is a step closer to breaking that habit for good.

Breaking habits doesn’t have to feel impossible. With the right tools and a little patience, it’s easier than you think.