Are you part of the digital party? I've started virtual lessons and surprised myself - I love them!

More than ever, I’m reminded how important it is to be part of the 'digital party' and to be able to do remote/video lessons. Over the past few months, we've obviously had Covid-19 restrictions and adding to that the potential EHV concerns, we've all had one thing or another which has challenged our ability to keep up our training.

Over the past number of weeks, I’ve been able to keep up my own training 'virtually' which has been vital as I prepare for my next Dressage test! Last time Sal and I were out at the Dressage Ireland competition at www.greenogueequestrian.ie we stepped up to Advanced and although its always nice to get a First, I'm all about improving the scores at this level now! My next Dressage Ireland Advanced test is at www.redhills.ie this weekend so keeping up my training has been so important for my motivation and Sal's fitness too.

I was lucky enough to get onto the virtual training through www.dressageireland.ie and connect with www.annemariedunphy.com (virtually!) which to be fair I wasn't that sure how it would work but it has been invaluable! and I was really surprised how quickly we established a trusted coaching relationship and....i actually really loved the virtual lessons!

Feedback is a gift! 😊

It is so important to get feedback on areas to improve that you mightn’t have been aware of yourself while you are in the saddle… those ‘eyes on the ground’ have become ‘eyes on the screen’!! Recently, we’ve seen Dressage Ireland offer their High Performance Squad training and subsidised training online too. I think it is here to stay at least short-term and its much easier than you think - in fact, I could see a hybrid scenario in the future!

I’ve also been able to keep my students going too….. I didn’t really ever see the day when I’d be on the end of a phone/tablet doing a lesson but whether its jump or dressage its actually way easier than you think!

So, how does it work? Some of my students use Zoom, Facetime, Whatsapp … all you need is a phone or tablet and either decent 3/4G connection or Wifi that supports the video call. I find bluetooth earphones handy too.

At such a difficult time, it is important to remember there are a lot of well-being benefits from horse riding – which let’s face it, we could all do with right now!!! So, when you are feeling a lack of motivation – think of the benefits for you and your horse. When you ride you need to be focused so it’s a great way to stay ‘present’ and keep away from the stresses and strains of every- day life (especially in a pandemic).

We’ve all had to learn new ways of doing things over the past months; from finding new types of work, to working and home schooling from kitchen tables, to entertaining ourselves with toilet roll challenges and now, doing lessons by video and even online shows!

If you’d like to book an online/video lesson or just get started and record your work and WhatsApp/PM me for some feedback. You can also contact me through my website www.tomwalshequestriancoach.com Thanks to @Equestrian Antics for the lovely pic!