Resilient Reiner

✨ Let’s be honest: most riders aren’t breaking down because they’re weak—they’re breaking down because they’ve been told to stay strong for too long. In this episode, I’m joined by Devin Bang, the founder of @buck.thestigma, and we’re cracking wide open the pressure, identity weight, and unspoken mental load riders carry. From the outside, Devin looked like she had it together. But underneath? An...

Ever felt like you’re stuck in reverse? Like no matter how hard you try, you’re not moving forward—not in your riding, your mindset, or even your life? I’ve been there. And let me tell you, I’ve had a horse who quite literally refused to go forward, no matter how patiently or clearly I asked. This episode is about what I learned from that experience—and trust me, the lessons go far beyond groundwo...

Hot take:  It’s not them. It’s you. If you’ve ever asked your horse for a lead change and got a tail swish, ear pin, or full-on kick in response… this episode is for you. I’ve heard from so many riders who say things like: “She knows how to do the change… but lately, she kicks out like she’s mad at me.” Yep. From ranch riders to reiners. From cowhorse to barrel racers. And beyond! The dreaded lead...

After being down sick for a week—coughing, couch-bound, and completely out of rhythm—I realized it’s not just your body that needs a comeback plan.  Your brain does too. And I’m not talking about “motivation” or “trying harder.” I’m talking about that subtle shift that happens when your energy feels off, your confidence feels thin, and you’re just not all the way  with it  anymore. Whether you’ve ...

Ever feel like your brain is overloaded with everything but actually riding your horse? If you’re a trainer—or even just a client who’s lived through the chaos—you know exactly what I’m talking about. Managing the business side of training horses is a full-time job in itself. Today, I’m bringing on James Dexter, a lifelong horseman who grew up ranching in Nevada and has seen it all firsthand. Afte...

Truth bomb: Sometimes the biggest growth as a rider comes when you don’t get to ride. This one’s personal. I’m bringing you behind the scenes of what’s been going on with my horses lately—yep, two three-year-olds, big dreams, and a whole lot of unexpected detours. Between surprise injuries, weather chaos, and a few humbling reality checks, I had to let go of the perfect plan… and remind myself wha...

You can be 99% ready, 99% confident—and one tiny mistake can make your brain yell, "Welp. Guess we blew it." Sound familiar? Today, we’re diving straight into something most riders don’t want to talk about but EVERY rider faces: what to do when your confidence tanks mid-pattern. Because here’s the hard truth— even the best riders lose it sometimes. The real difference? It’s not about never wobblin...

Here’s something wild: your brain is tricking you on purpose. Yep, you read that right. And not because it’s broken or messed up—but because it’s doing its best to protect you. In this episode, I share the story of a tiny bird with one of the strangest survival strategies in nature… and how that same pattern plays out in your brain every time you step into the show pen and feel your confidence dis...

Here’s a hot take: Confidence has nothing to do with ribbons or high scores. Last week, I was riding through wide-open country, soaking up a scene that looked like it came straight out of an old western film—bison off the trail, a bald eagle overhead, and a sunset that nearly stopped me in my tracks. But what gave me goosebumps wasn't just the view. It was the feeling . Of being grounded. Present....

If fear is still showing up before a run—even after the journaling, the breathwork, the visualization—you are not broken. And no, it doesn’t mean your mindset work isn’t working. Here’s the hard truth we don’t talk about enough in the horse world: Confidence isn’t the absence of fear. It’s what you choose to focus on in spite of it. This episode is your no-fluff reminder that waiting for every las...

You ever hear someone say, “You just need to build trust with your horse,” and want to scream, Cool, but HOW?! Same. Unless we’re about to do a full-on trust fall in the middle of the warm-up pen (hard pass), that advice can feel vague at best and frustrating at worst. Here’s what no one tells you: trust doesn’t come from a perfect pattern or flawless cue. And it doesn’t come from just sitting in...

You can have your heels down, shoulders back, and hands perfectly placed… And your horse will still look at you like, “Girl… pick a lane.” Let’s cut to the chase: your horse doesn’t care about how well you follow the textbook and how perfect your hip angle is if your energy is scattered and your cues are saying two different things. They’re not confused because they’re stubborn. They’re confused b...

You storm into the barn after a rough day. Your brain’s still chewing on a conversation you had hours ago, your jaw’s tight, your shoulders are up around your ears… and the second you swing a leg over? Your horse is tense, distracted, maybe even downright cranky. And we think they're the problem? Nah. Sometimes your horse isn’t being a brat. They’re just mirroring YOU! I know that’s a tough pill t...

Okay, I’m gonna say something that might ruffle some reins—but hear me out. What if your horse isn’t being stubborn? What if they’re not being disrespectful, lazy, or out to ruin your ride? What if… they’re actually trying to communicate with you—and you’ve just been missing it? In this episode, we’re flipping the script on one of the most frustrating experiences as a rider: when your horse just w...

What if the reason you’re not winning isn’t your riding—but your mind ? I’m not talking about confidence in the usual way. I’m talking about the deep, hidden beliefs that make success feel unsafe —like stepping up will bring more pressure, more judgment, or more expectations than you’re ready for. Riders think they need more training, more practice, more saddle time. But if your subconscious isn’t...

What If Your Biggest Riding Breakthrough Had Nothing to Do with More Time in the Saddle? You’ve trained, you’ve practiced, you’ve put in the work—but something still feels off. Maybe you’re inconsistent in the show pen, holding back when it matters most, or feeling like there’s a ceiling on your progress. What if I told you that the real reason you’re stuck has nothing to do with your riding abili...

You never forget your first — 🏆 First big score. 🏆 First blue ribbon. 🏆 First time stepping into the show pen and actually believing you belong there. But getting there? That’s the hard part. In today’s episode, I’m sharing real client wins that prove confidence, connection and success isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build. 🚀 The rider who just walked away with her first-ev...

Some horses are steady, quiet, and predictable. And then… there are the ones that make you question every life decision that got you here. You know the type—the kind that steps into the warm-up pen already buzzing, flicking an ear, shifting a hoof, coiling up like she’s ready to launch into orbit. And no matter how much you try to settle her, she’s not having it. So, you do what feels natural—you...

What if I told you that one simple change could completely shift your mindset, eliminate distractions, and help you ride with more confidence than ever before? 🚨 Spoiler: It has nothing to do with training harder… and everything to do with what you DON’T do before you ride. 🚨 >>>DON’T MISS THE FREE RIDE LIKE A PRO MASTERCLASS! Watch the replay here while it’s available! https://www.nico...

What if I told you that your biggest riding struggle isn’t about skill or talent—it’s about what’s happening inside your mind? That hesitation before pushing for more speed in a run, the frustration over not getting that perfect stop, or the weird resistance you feel when things start going too well—it’s not just in your head. It’s a subconscious block, and it’s quietly running the show. Most ride...

Let me ruffle some feathers here—more saddle time isn’t a silver bullet. I said it. It’s not always the answer. 😲 Pssst- don’t miss out on the FREE masterclass next week! Ready to ride like a pro!? SIGN UP HERE! I know, I know. That’s what we’ve always been told, right? You mess up in the show pen, you need more practice. You get outscored, you need to work harder. You choke under pressure, you j...

DON’T MISS THE UPCOMING FREE RIDE LIKE A PRO MASTERCLASS! Sign up here!! https://www.nicoleburnettcoaching.com/rlap   Did you know your horse can feel your self-doubt before you even step into the arena? It’s true—and it’s probably holding you both back. Today, we’re diving into the untold truth about how your mindset affects your riding. Joining me is Shelby Adcock, a veterinarian and fierce comp...

What makes a true cowgirl spirit? It’s not the price tag on the horse or the accolades on the wall—it’s the heart, grit, and unshakable belief in yourself and your partnership with your horse.  In today’s episode, I’m sharing a heartfelt story about one of my clients who embodies this spirit. Her journey is proof that success isn’t about the easy path or the fanciest horse—it’s about showing up wi...

You ever had one of those days where it feels like you’ve hit rock bottom? Maybe it’s halfway through a long show day, or maybe it’s after yet another ride where things just didn’t click. You’re sitting there thinking, “That’s it. I’m done. I’ve got nothing left in the tank.” Well, let me tell you something I wish someone had told me sooner: you’ve got more in the tank than you think. Just like yo...

Let’s talk about a question I hear all the time: “Do I have enough time for mental training?”  If you’ve ever thought mental training sounds great but felt like your schedule is too packed to add one more thing, this episode is for you. Today, we’re diving into why mental training isn’t just another task—it’s the game-changer that makes everything else in your life and riding smoother, more enjoya...