The Horsemanship and Mindset Podcast

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 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...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

I'm back! In this weeks episode I'm reflecting on the last couple of weeks being oot and boot in the 'field'. I share some insights that I hope are helpful, aswel as some quick tips on nervous system regulation that you can take away and use right away! If you have any questions or things you'd like me to talk about on the podcast, email me at info@idyllwildhorsemanship.com, or DM me on the social...

Comparison doesn’t have to hold you back, it can actually become one of your most powerful tools for growth. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why comparison triggers self-doubt How to shift from feeling “behind” to feeling inspired The difference between being triggered vs activated Practical mindset shifts to build confidence 📩 Work with me: info@idyllwildhorsemanship.com ⭐ Please rate, follow, a...

In this episode, we dive into the impact of external pressure and the need for approval on your confidence and connection with your horse. You’ll learn: How comparison and judgement affect your riding Why seeking approval disconnects you from your instincts Practical ways to rebuild self-trust How to start riding in a way that feels aligned and authentic 📩 Work with me: info@idyllwildhorsemanship...

In this episode, we explore the powerful (and often overlooked) horse–human loop the way your internal state directly influences your horse’s behaviour, and vice versa. You’ll learn: Why your nervous system plays a bigger role than you think How tension, anticipation, and fear impact your horse Why “fixing the horse” isn’t always the answer Simple ways to start regulating yourself before and durin...

Spring can feel exciting…but it can also bring a lot of pressure! More riders out. More expectations. More comparison. ...and suddenly you’re wondering why you don’t feel as confident or as “ready” as you think you should. In this episode, I’m sharing 10 simple reminders to help you: – come back to yourself – release the pressure – and move forward in a way that actually feels good Because you’re...

Do you find yourself constantly expecting the worst when you’re around your horse? In this episode, we’re diving into catastrophising—what it is, why your brain does it, and how it’s impacting your confidence, riding, and connection with your horse. If you’ve ever imagined falling off, your horse bolting, or something going wrong (even when everything is actually fine), this episode will help you...

In this episode, we explore the powerful and often misunderstood difference between good stress and bad stress, for both horses and riders. In a world where the horse industry is becoming increasingly polarised between “no stress ever” and “just get on with it/make them get on with it,” it’s easy to feel confused about what’s actually right. You’ll learn: The difference between eustress (good stre...

Do you find yourself overthinking every ride, constantly correcting your horse, or feeling like you need to control every step? In this episode, we’re diving into micromanaging in horse riding (and on the ground!), what it is, why it happens, and how it might actually be holding you back from true confidence, connection, and enjoyment with your horse. You’ll learn: What micromanaging looks like in...

Why does your riding confidence feel strong one day and disappear the next? Many equestrians experience this frustrating cycle, a brilliant ride followed by unexpected nerves, tension, or self-doubt the next time they get on their horse. In this episode, I (an equestrian mindset coach and clinical hypnotherapist) explore why confidence with horses isn’t linear and why these fluctuations are far mo...

Is getting off your horse really “letting them win”? (spoiler alert- no- it isn't!!!) In this episode, I explore one of the most outdated beliefs still circulating in the horse world, that riders should never get off during a difficult situation. After hearing a client describe being told to stay on while her horse was rearing, I break down why this advice can be not only unhelpful, but potentiall...

Do you feel calm and capable at home… but unravel the moment you enter a competition environment? In this episode, we’re diving into: Why competition nerves are not a sign you’re weak or incapable What’s actually happening in your nervous system How social pressure and identity attachment fuel anxiety The physical signs of dysregulation most riders miss 3 practical shifts you can use immediately o...

Confrontation at the yard, at shows, or during clinics can feel shocking, embarrassing and deeply unsettling, especially if you’re already working on rebuilding your riding confidence. In this episode, I’m talking about how to handle confrontation in equestrian environments without spiralling into self-doubt or shame. Whether it’s a sharp comment from another rider, tension with a trainer, or awkw...

In this weeks episode I take you through my own journey of rebuilding my confidence, the good the bad, the down right embarrassing, and the ugly. It wasn't an easy path to take, but I am grateful for every step, because it led me to where I am now, and allows me to help others reconnect to their own confidence with horses and to truly enjoy their lives together again. Ready to do that too? Email m...

In this weeks episode, I'm talking about the BIGGEST thing my clients struggle with, why it's so important to be aware of...and easy ways to make changes! I hope you find it helpful, and as always, any questions or comments...or...to work with me, email me at info@idyllwildhorsemanship.com or DM me on the socials at @thehorsemanshipandmindsetcoach See you next week!

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can make the winter months feel heavy, exhausting, and emotionally draining, especially towards the end of the season when motivation is low and spring still feels far away. In this episode, we explore what SAD really is, why February can feel harder than January, and how to support your nervous system through the final stretch of winter with compassion rather tha...

In this episode, I’m reflecting on why 2016 is suddenly everywhere, and why, for me, it was a year that changed everything! I share what it was like to: Leave a job of 8 years when my confidence was wobbling Travel to Australia for the first time and navigate new environments and self-doubt Backpack alone up the east coast and through New Zealand Learn how to trust myself, enjoy my own company, an...

Confidence loss with horses isn’t a personal failure, it’s a nervous system response. In this episode, we explore why anxiety shows up, what it’s actually trying to do, and how true confidence is rebuilt through safety, regulation, and self-trust, not force or 'bravery'! In this episode, we cover: Why confidence disappears even in experienced riders What anxiety with horses is really trying to pro...