Kimberly Dunn of Idyllwild Horsemanship and Mindset Coaching

The Horsemanship and Mindset Podcast

Welcome! The Horsemanship and Mindset Podcast is here to help you better understand yourself, and your horse, by bringing you the best in stories, tips, tricks, interviews and advice, around all things mindset and horsemanship. If you are ready to cultivate your confidence, and deepen your level of understanding of yourself and your horse...then this is the pod for you. Lets go!

Author

Kimberly Dunn of Idyllwild Horsemanship and Mindset Coaching

Category

Education

Latest episode

Nov 6, 2026

Where to listen?

Podcasts in the app Replaio Radio Coming soon

Podcasts are coming to the app soon. Install now and be the first to see a whole new take on podcasts

Get it on Google Play Install for free Android almost 10M downloads · 4.7+ rating iOS soon

Episodes

Gratitude & Small Wins, Training Your Brain for Confidence! 06.11.2026

In this weeks episode, I am reading from chapter 8 of my book - The Equestrians Guide to Confidence and Connection which is all about the power of gratitude and small wins. I hope you find it helpful! To find out more about working with me, email me at info@idyllwildhorsemanship.com, or DM me on the socials @thehorsemanshipandmindsetcoach or to find the book, PDF workbook, and call tickets- click...

Scared Your Horse Will Trip When You Canter? Let's Talk About It! 30.10.2026

Are you scared your horse might trip, stumble or lose their balance when you canter? You're not alone! Fear of cantering is a common concern for equestrians, particularly riders who have experienced a fall, lost their confidence or find themselves worrying about everything that could go wrong. In this episode of the Idyllwild Horsemanship & Mindset Coaching podcast, we're exploring why the tho...

Is Your Horse Feeling the Seasons? How Autumn and Spring Affect Your Horse, Your Mindset & Your Riding 23.10.2026

Have you noticed your horse behaving differently as the seasons change? Perhaps they're feeling sharper, spookier or more energetic in the autumn, or you're noticing a fresh burst of energy as spring arrives. Or maybe it's your own mindset that's changing as the weather, daylight and riding routines shift. In this episode, we're exploring how seasonal changes can affect both you and your horse, fr...

The Fear of Cantering: What's Really Going On in Your Head? | 100th Episode Special! 16.10.2026

Does the thought of cantering make your stomach flip, your shoulders tense up or your brain immediately start imagining everything that could go wrong? Perhaps you’re perfectly happy walking and trotting, but the moment someone suggests a canter, your confidence disappears. Maybe you used to love cantering but, after a fall, a confidence knock or time away from riding, it suddenly feels terrifying...

Your confidence questions answered! 09.10.2026

In this weeks episode, I answer your questions, all related to confidence, and building it back up with your horse when it seems all is lost! I hope you find it helpful, and as always, if you enjoyed this weeks episode please be sure to rate/review/subscribe the pod, and share on your socials too! If you'd like access to the resources mentioned or you'd like to arrange a free consult call to talk...

Why I became a hypnotherapist for equestrians. 02.10.2026

In this weeks episode I'm sharing WHY I decided to become a hypnotherapist who specialises in helping equestrians. I share a little of my own struggles with confidence, and why I pivoted from a career in horse training to helping train humans brains instead. I hope this episode helps provide a little insight into how important this work is for me, but also restore a little hope and faith in your o...

Its time to stop seeking validation. How to trust yourself instead! 25.09.2026

Do you find yourself constantly looking for reassurance, approval or validation from other people? Whether it’s in your relationships, your horsemanship, your work or simply the decisions you make every day, the need for external validation can quietly chip away at your confidence and self-trust. In this episode, we’re getting into why we seek validation, where the need for approval comes from, ho...

Your Worst-Case Scenario Happened. Now What? 5 Steps to Rebuild Horse Riding Confidence After a Setback. 18.09.2026

What happens when the thing you've been worrying about with your horse actually happens? A dog chases you on a hack. Your horse spooks badly. You fall off. Your horse bolts. Something happens that genuinely scares you, and suddenly the confidence you've worked so hard to build feels like it's disappeared overnight. But here's the thing: A frightening experience doesn't automatically erase your pro...

Self Awareness...why it so important, and how you can cultivate it! 11.09.2026

In this weeks episode I am reading out a chapter of my book, The Equestrians Guide to Confidence and Connection, which is all about self awareness, why its so important for our relationship with our horses, and how you can start cultivating it. I hope its helpful! Wanna jump into the The Ride Reset Challenge starting Monday 14th? Heres the link! https://buy.stripe.com/9B65kDarT4VF1v4grq7ss0s

Some Real Life Examples of the Work...Working! 04.09.2026

This weeks episode is a little riff on some real life examples of nervous system regulation, mindset work, and breaking things down, and how they can truly help you build confidence, self trust, and go and live your life...well. I hope you find them helpful! As I mention in the podcast, I now have a few 1:1 spots open to work with me, if you would like a free consult call, email me at info@idyllwi...

The 21 Day Rider Reset: A sneak peek! 28.08.2026

If you've ever struggled with rider confidence, anxiety around horses, overthinking, catastrophising, self-doubt or trusting yourself in the saddle , this episode is for you. Today I'm giving you an exclusive first look at The 21 Day Rider Reset ....a brand-new challenge I've created to help riders understand their minds, work with their nervous systems, build self-trust and develop greater confid...

What If It Goes RIGHT? How to Trade Catastrophe for Curiosity With Your Horse 21.08.2026

Do you ever find yourself worrying about what might happen with your horse before anything has actually happened? What if he spooks? What if he naps? What if I can't stop him? What if I fall off? What if everyone thinks I'm a rubbish rider? What if this goes horribly wrong? If your brain has a habit of jumping straight from uncertainty to worst-case scenario , this episode is for you. In this epis...

“What If They Think I’m a Terrible Rider?” How to Stop Worrying About What Other People Think!!! 14.08.2026

Do you worry about people watching you ride? Maybe you’re scared they think you’re a bad rider. Maybe you worry they’re judging your decisions, laughing at you, talking about you afterwards or thinking you’re doing the wrong thing with your horse. Or perhaps you find yourself constantly needing reassurance that you’re doing the “right” thing. In this episode, we’re talking about fear of judgement,...

When the Horse World Feels Heavy: Protecting Your Confidence With Compassion 07.08.2026

Recent tragedies within the equestrian community have understandably left many riders feeling anxious about getting back out competing. In this episode, I explore how to acknowledge difficult events with compassion and respect, while protecting your own confidence and mindset. You'll learn why our brains naturally become more cautious after hearing upsetting news, how social media can amplify fear...

The Horse Welfare Conversation Is Missing One Critical Piece (And No One's Talking About It!!) 31.07.2026

Horse welfare has become one of the biggest conversations in the equestrian world...but are we overlooking one of the most important factors? In this episode, I, a Clinical Hypnotherapist, Mindset Coach and Horsemanship Coach, explore why the rider's nervous system plays a crucial role in horse welfare, confidence and communication. Discover how horses read our emotional state before we even ask t...

The Hidden Habit That's Holding You Back With Your Horse (And Why Worry Isn't Protecting You) 24.07.2026

Do you find yourself constantly worrying about your horse or your time together? Whether it's worrying your horse will spook, worrying what other people think, or worrying something might go wrong, you're certainly not alone. In this episode, I explore why worry feels so convincing, what it's actually doing inside your brain and nervous system, and why it often keeps riders stuck rather than safe....

The Truth About 'Napping' (And Why Forcing Forward Often Makes It Worse) 17.07.2026

In this episode, I explore one of the most outdated and misunderstood terms in the horse world: "napping." Is your horse really being stubborn, lazy or trying to "get out of work", or are they communicating something much deeper? Discover why labelling horses as "nappy" can prevent us from addressing the real cause of the behaviour, and learn a more compassionate, evidence-based approach to helpin...

Your Mid-Year Rider Reset: How to Rebuild Confidence, Let Go of Self-Doubt & Enjoy Your Horse Again! 10.07.2026

Can you believe we're already halfway through the year? If you're looking back feeling proud of some moments but disappointed by others, this episode is for you. Whether you've struggled with riding confidence, overthinking, anxiety around your horse, or simply haven't made the progress you hoped for, this isn't the time to criticise yourself. It's the perfect opportunity to pause, reflect and int...

Have You Given Up Hope? (And Why Getting It Back Changes Everything!) 03.07.2026

Have you stopped allowing yourself to hope because you're scared of being disappointed? In this episode, I'm diving into why hope isn't naive, why it's actually incredibly powerful for your mindset and nervous system, and how losing hope might be one of the reasons you feel stuck. I also share some personal reflections from my own recent work around hope and why I've realised that allowing ourselv...

Why You Can't Stop Worrying About What Other People Think (And How to Let It Go) 26.06.2026

Do you constantly worry about what other people think of you? Do you avoid clinics, competitions or trying new things with your horse because you're scared of being judged? If so, you're not alone. In this episode, we're diving into why fear of judgement affects so many equestrians and how worrying about other people's opinions can quietly steal your confidence, joy and connection with your horse....

A riff on going bridleless, myths about nervous system regulation, and a friendly kick up the bum if you feel 'behind'. 19.06.2026

This episode is a bit of an off the cuff freestyle where I chat about the recent bridleless competition and going bridleless with your horse, some myths about nervous system regulation, and I'll be giving you a friendly kick up the bum if you are feeling stuck or behind with your horse this summer. Want to come along to the Summer Confidence Reset Call? Grab your ticket here: https://www.eventbrit...

What Humming, Singing and Talking To Your Horse Does To Your Brain 12.06.2026

Why does singing make us feel calmer? Why do so many riders talk to their horses, hum while grooming, or sing when they're nervous? In this episode, I'm diving into the fascinating science behind singing, humming and nervous system regulation. You'll learn how your voice can activate the vagus nerve, help calm anxiety, regulate stress responses and create a greater sense of safety and confidence b...

The Confidence Journey Nobody Sees Behind the Social Media Posts 05.06.2026

Have you ever looked at another rider confidently cantering across a field, smiling from ear to ear, and thought: "That could never be me." This week's episode is a powerful and honest conversation with one of my previous clients who, just 18 months ago, had completely lost her confidence with her horse, Pegs. At the time, riding felt overwhelming. Fear had taken over. She had stopped enjoying her...

The Missing Piece in Most Riders’ Schooling Sessions... 29.05.2026

Are you truly training your horse… or just repeating exercises? In this episode, I explore why riding and lunging should be about far more than “walk, trot, canter both ways” and ENDLESS circles! You’ll learn: • how horses actually learn through release and association • why nervous system regulation affects learning and performance • the importance of pauses and processing time in training • how...

Moving Yards, Nervous Systems & Solo Canters: Real Rider Questions! Answered 22.05.2026

In this rider Q&A episode, I’m answering real questions sent in by listeners, and honestly, these are things SO many horse owners quietly struggle with. We’re talking about: adjusting after moving yards, how your energy and mindset affect your horse, rebuilding confidence after rehab, and returning to canter solo after a long break. If you’ve ever felt anxious, disconnected, overwhelmed, emoti...

Listen to the The Horsemanship and Mindset Podcast podcast in Replaio

Radio and podcasts in one app - free, with no sign-up. Install today and do not miss the launch

Get it on Google Play

Replaio is not a podcast publisher; show names, artwork and audio belong to their authors and are distributed through public RSS feeds.