Lisa Todd Coaching

10/03/2025

🌿 To a friend who feels alone right now… 🌿

I see you. I know some days feel unbearably heavy, like you're carrying the weight of the world alone. Maybe you’re wondering if things will ever shift, if the spark will return, if the laughter will feel real again.

It will. 💛

But until then, hold on. You are stronger than you feel right now. Even on the hardest days, you keep going. Even when you don’t see it, your strength is still there. And you don’t have to do this alone.

I’m here. Not just in words, but truly. If you need to talk, to sit in silence, or just to be reminded that someone has your back, I am here.

One day, you’ll look back and see how far you’ve come. Until then, keep going—moment by moment, breath by breath. You are valued, you are loved, and you are never alone.

If you needed this today, I’m sending you love. And if someone else needs to hear it—pass it on. 💛✨

09/03/2025

The Strength of Women

I’ve always been surrounded by strong women. The kind who juggle a hundred things at once—careers, families, responsibilities, worries—and still find a way to show up.

Yesterday was International Women’s Day, but really, I see the strength of women every day. I see it in the riders who carve out time for their passion, even when life pulls them in every direction. In the mum's who rush straight from school runs to the yard, the professionals who swap office shoes for muddy boots, and the women who turn up even when their confidence is wavering.

It’s easy to think that strength looks like having it all together—but real strength? It’s showing up when you’re tired. It’s making space for yourself in a world that constantly asks more of you. It’s pushing forward even when self-doubt whispers otherwise.

To every woman I coach, work alongside, and learn from—you inspire me. Your resilience, your dedication, your love for what you do—it’s incredible.

So here’s to you. The women who make it work, who keep showing up, and who deserve to be celebrated—not just yesterday, but every single day. 💙

Who’s a woman that inspires you? Let’s celebrate them in the comments. 👇✨

08/03/2025

Role Reversal: What Would You Say to a Friend?

If your best friend said, “I’m not good enough,” how would you respond? You’d remind them of their strengths, their progress, and how much they’re capable of.

Now, say that to yourself. 💙

We’re often our own worst critics, but this simple shift helps separate emotion from logic—giving you a much kinder, more supportive perspective.

You deserve the same encouragement you’d give to someone you love.

07/03/2025

Why Learning to Regulate Your Nervous System Changes Everything—for You and Your Horse

It’s so easy to believe that staying calm under pressure is something other people can do—but not you. That it works for them, but somehow, it wouldn’t for you.

I hear this all the time. And yet, every day, I watch riders prove themselves wrong.

Here are two real-life examples of why this work matters—and why you can do it too.

Example 1: Choosing Confidence Over Doubt

Yesterday, one of my clients turned up absolutely buzzing after her ride. And for good reason!

She had ridden in the outdoor arena for the first time in a while, and it had gone brilliantly.

But here’s the thing—she easily could have talked herself out of it.

✔️ She was tight on time.
✔️ She had a mountain of work waiting for her.
✔️ It was breezy (and let’s be honest, a fresh horse in the wind isn’t always fun).

In the past, she would have let those reasons be enough to stay in the indoor or skip riding altogether. But this time, she made a different choice.

She reminded herself:

🧠 I know this horse. I know this arena. I get to choose how I approach this ride.

She felt a few nerves creep in, but instead of letting them take over, she used the tools we’ve worked on. She focused on her breathing. She stayed present. She controlled what she could control—and let the rest go.

And the result? A fantastic ride.

Even when her mare spooked, she barely reacted. Instead of tensing up, she laughed, refocused, and carried on.

But here’s the real win—it wasn’t just that she rode outside that day. It was that she had built the confidence to do it with ease—and she was willing to do it again. That’s where the real shift happens. When something that once felt daunting becomes just another ride.

Example 2: When Your Stress Becomes Your Horse’s Stress

Another client turned up looking wired. One of those days where you’re juggling a million things, rushing around, and running on stress.

The moment she picked up the reins, her horse felt it.

He mirrored her tension—tight through his back, bracing in his steps, and mentally somewhere else entirely.

If we’d just pushed on, it would have been a battle. Instead, we took a different approach.

💡 We started in motion—just walking, giving her space to settle.
💡 She focused on where her body felt tight.
💡 Through breathing and small shifts in posture, she slowly let go of the tension.

And like magic, her horse followed.

Bit by bit, he softened. He exhaled. He stopped bracing and started moving forward, seeking the contact instead of resisting it.

And all she had done was regulate herself.

That’s the power of this work. When you shift, your horse shifts too.
Why This Matters for Every Rider

Horses don’t just sense our emotions—they depend on it for survival.

For millions of years, their ability to read energy, body language, and nervous system signals has been the difference between life and death. In the wild, if the herd leader tensed up, they ran. No questions asked.

That instinct hasn’t gone anywhere. Your horse still looks to you for information. If you feel safe, they feel safe. If you’re anxious, they assume there’s something to worry about too.

That’s why this work is so powerful.

That bird flying out of a bush? That gust of wind? That plane overhead? You can’t control those.

But you can control how you respond to them.

When you learn to work with your nervous system, you stop reacting on autopilot and start choosing your response. You stay present, make better decisions, and—most importantly—your horse feels that stability.

And that’s why this work isn’t just about you. It’s about creating a stronger, calmer partnership with your horse.

Have you ever noticed your horse mirroring your energy? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear! 👇

06/03/2025

🧠 "Your mindset is your most powerful aid—train it like you train your horse."

You wouldn’t skip your horse’s warm-up, feed them rubbish, or expect them to perform well if they were tense—so why do it to yourself?

Just like your horse, your mind needs patience, nourishment, and the right training.

🐎 Reward progress – You praise your horse for small improvements—do the same for yourself. Every step forward counts.

🌱 Feed your mind well – You wouldn’t fuel your horse with junk, so why fuel your mindset with doubt? Choose belief, encouragement, and support.

🎯 Learn the aids for your mind – Just like you don’t expect your horse to understand an aid without teaching it properly, you can’t just tell yourself to be calm and expect it to work. Learning how your mind and nervous system function—and how to regulate them—is part of your rider toolkit.

A regulated nervous system means clearer thinking, better reactions, and a more confident ride. When you train your mind with the same care and understanding as your horse, it will reward you.

💬 What’s one way you’ll train your mindset with kindness this week? Drop it below! ⬇️

06/03/2025

Mindset Check-In: Midweek Edition! 👀

Remember that little mindset shift we started on Sunday? How’s it going?

Have you caught yourself swapping ❌ “I can’t” for ✅ “I’ll figure it out”?

Small shifts = big impact over time. If you've noticed a difference (even a tiny one), drop a 🔥 in the comments! If not, keep going—you’re training your mind just like you train your horse. 😉

05/03/2025

🌟 What’s Holding You Back? 🌟

Ever feel like you know you can do it, but something just keeps getting in the way? Maybe it’s that little voice of doubt, the fear of making a mistake, or the pressure of trying to be perfect.

Mindset coaching isn’t about changing who you are—it’s about unlocking the confidence, focus, and resilience already inside you. And I’ve already had riders just like you take that step, tackle their mental blocks, and never look back!

Whether it’s competition nerves, fear after a fall, or just wanting to enjoy your riding more, these sessions have helped others ride with more confidence, clarity, and control—and they haven’t looked back.

A coaching session is your time to:
✅ Tackle self-doubt and anxiety
✅ Build unshakable confidence
✅ Learn practical strategies to stay focused and positive
✅ Feel more in control of your riding and your goals

You wouldn’t expect your horse to perform at their best without the right training—so why expect it from yourself?

📅 Book your session today and start riding with the mindset of a winner. Message me to chat about how it works or to secure your spot!

04/03/2025

It’s always heartwarming to hear how our riders feel about their journey. Here’s a thoughtful testimonial from a client who has rediscovered their love for riding!

04/03/2025

With Lisa Johnson – I just got recognised as one of their top fans! 🎉 Can’t wait to get going through her OTM program via Flying Changes Mindset which gives me lots of added bonuses! 💪

04/03/2025

I did it because I recognised that confidence was a huge issue in many riders. It gave me the knowledge and tools to be able to safely navigate the process without making issues worse. I’ve not looked back and the growing testimonials I’m receiving are the proof that this was the right decision!

Myth or Fact?

"Confidence comes from simply facing fears repeatedly until they disappear."

🚨 MYTH! 🚨

While exposure can help in some cases, pushing someone to repeatedly do something scary without the right approach can actually reinforce their fear rather than eliminate it. Without a solid understanding of the psychology behind fear, this method can lead to higher anxiety, reduced confidence, safety risks, and frustration for both coach and rider.

True confidence-building isn’t about forcing action - it’s about understanding fear, knowing why it happens, and using the right tools at the right time to guide someone safely from fear to self-assurance.

Want to learn how to help others grow their confidence in a way that truly lasts?

Our Flying Changes Licensed Mindset Coach Programme Waitlist is opening soon! If you're ready to make a real impact, DM me to find out how to get involved.

03/03/2025

Coaching Juniors: The Parent’s Role from the Sidelines

Today was one of those days that reminded me why I love my job. The sun was shining, and I was able to take all my junior groups outside for their sessions. Don’t get me wrong—I’m incredibly grateful to have an indoor school, but after months of feeling rooted to it, I was starting to get cabin fever!

Now, I know for some coaches, the mere thought of coaching teenagers might bring them out in hives—the idea of dealing with hormonal, monosyllabic teens can be daunting. But I love coaching them. I never struggle to get them talking or engaging in the learning process. And I like to think that’s because I create an environment where they feel safe to learn, experiment, and grow. They know that progress comes from understanding, adjusting, and refining their skills—not just endlessly repeating mistakes.

But here’s the thing: the biggest challenge isn’t usually the juniors themselves—it’s the well-meaning parents on the sidelines.

Thankfully, I haven’t had too many issues in this area, and I believe that’s because I make it a priority to educate parents as much as I educate the children. But one of the trickiest aspects of coaching can be managing parental involvement. While their intentions are always good, parents offering instruction from the side of the arena can sometimes do more harm than good.

I completely understand how hard it is to watch your child face difficulties in their riding. It’s natural to want to step in and help. But sideline coaching, no matter how well-intended, often disrupts the learning process and prevents riders from thinking for themselves.

I recently read an excellent article by Gordon MacLelland, founder of Working with Parents in Sport, discussing the negative impact of parents coaching from the sidelines. While his focus was football, the same principles apply to equestrian sports. In a small experiment, he counted the number of tactical instructions shouted at kids during a grassroots football match—134 instructions in 40 minutes. That’s over four instructions per minute, not including praise.

Now, imagine as an adult if you were trying to learn something new, and every few seconds, someone shouted different (and often contradictory) instructions at you. Would you be able to concentrate? Would you be able to make decisions effectively? Would you still enjoy the experience?

For children, especially in a sport as intricate as riding—where they are not only managing their own body and emotions but also communicating with a horse—this can be overwhelming.

Why Coaching from the Sidelines is Problematic

1️⃣ Outdated Knowledge: Equestrian training has evolved. The way many parents were taught decades ago is often outdated. Thanks to advances in science, biomechanics, and horse welfare, our understanding of effective and ethical riding has progressed significantly. As professional coaches, we are required to continuously educate ourselves through CPD (continuing professional development) to stay current.

2️⃣ Lack of Experience: If a parent has never ridden before, it’s even harder for them to understand the complexities involved. Riding isn’t just about sitting pretty and steering—it’s about melding two nervous systems together in harmony. I often joke with parents, “Would you like to get on and try it?” because only then do they truly appreciate how much is happening at once!

3️⃣ Increased Pressure & Anxiety: When parents intervene, it disrupts the learning process. It adds pressure, increases anxiety, and often diminishes the child's enjoyment. Worse still, that stress transfers to the horse, creating a negative cycle. Horses thrive on calm, clear communication—if a rider is tense, the horse will feel it.

4️⃣ The Brain and Learning: Why Stress Shuts Everything Down

One of the biggest reasons sideline coaching is problematic comes down to how the brain processes information under stress. When a child feels anxious or overwhelmed, their autonomic nervous system (ANS) shifts into fight, flight, or freeze mode, making it harder for them to process instructions or make logical decisions.

Instead of accessing the prefrontal cortex (which handles problem-solving and learning), their brain prioritizes survival, meaning they can’t rationalize, adapt, or absorb new information effectively. This is why a child under pressure may start making more mistakes, become frustrated, or even shut down entirely.

For real learning to take place, a rider needs to be in a calm, balanced state where they can take in information, process it, and apply it effectively. A good coach focuses on creating this environment—where riders feel supported, not overwhelmed—so they can develop skill, confidence, and independence.

Supporting Your Child in the Right Way

The best thing a parent can do is provide a calm, supportive environment for their child to develop their riding skills—without pressure, without judgment, and without feeling the need to intervene. Riders progress most when they have the freedom to think, adapt, and refine their skills in a safe space.

One of the greatest gifts we can give young riders is the ability to trust their own instincts and problem-solving abilities. When we step in too much, we inadvertently teach them to second-guess themselves. But when we allow them to work through challenges—while offering encouragement rather than constant correction—they develop confidence, self-belief, and a growth mindset.

In equestrian sport, it’s not about pushing through struggle for the sake of it—it’s about riding smarter, not just harder. Riders who learn to assess, adjust, and refine their approach will always progress faster than those who just repeat the same mistakes.

I say all this with complete empathy because I know how hard it is to watch your child experience setbacks. But in sport—and in life—learning comes from making thoughtful adjustments, not just from effort alone. When we step back, we give them the gift of independence, resilience, and self-trust. And isn’t that what we all want for them in the long run?

Let’s teach our juniors that it’s not just about effort—it’s about learning, adapting, and growing in the right mental state.

02/03/2025

Mindset Makeover: Sunday Edition!

Think mindset is just fluffy nonsense? 🙄

Cool. Let’s test that theory.

For the next 7 days, swap out just one phrase:

❌ “I can’t.”
✅ “I’ll figure it out.”

That’s it. No vision boards. No deep soul-searching. Just one small shift in how you talk to yourself.

Give it a go. If by next week absolutely nothing changes, feel free to roll your eyes at me forever. But if something shifts—even just a little—you might just be onto something.

Deal? Let me know in the comments if you’re in! 👇🔥

02/03/2025

Wise words 😍

“Your competition isn’t other people..

Your competition is your procrastination, your ego, the unhealthy food you’re consuming, the knowledge you neglect, the negative behaviour you’re nurturing, and your lack of creativity.

The only healthy and worthwhile comparison is this:
- Learn from your past self.
- Compete with your present self.
- Set the bar for your future self.

Compete against that 👊

It’s you vs you. Focus on that, no one else.”
Steven Bartlett

01/03/2025

27/02/2025

Hard Way or Smart Way? How Your Mindset Shapes Your Path

Looking back, I can see so many times when I made life harder than it needed to be. My mum used to say, “If there’s an easy way and a hard way, you will always pick the hard one!” And honestly? She wasn’t wrong. Not that I deliberately made things difficult, but I had a habit of choosing the path with the most resistance, thinking that was the way to success. Spoiler alert: It’s exhausting.

This realization hit me (quite literally) while lying on a spa table on Sunday, getting my first massage in years. My husband had treated me to a night away—a rare luxury and, unbelievably, the first time we’d been away together without the kids since they were born. (They’re 13 and 15 now! Let that sink in.)

The massage was part of the package, and when I casually mentioned to the therapist that I hadn’t had one in over a decade, she sighed and said, "Good job you’re my first client today!"

Let’s just say…it was NOT the relaxing experience I’d envisioned. Years of stress, tension, and my old habit of micromanaging everything (something I’ve been actively working on!) had left my body in a state. As she worked through the knots, I had a moment of clarity—this wasn’t just physical.

It was a perfect metaphor for how I’d approached so much of my life: pushing through, ignoring the warning signs, choosing the toughest road because I thought that’s what I had to do.

And isn’t that exactly what I see in equestrian coaching and mindset work?

I’ve lost count of the times I’ve heard riders say, “I can’t get where I want because I don’t have the money for a smart horse.” But here’s the thing—I’ve seen people in that exact situation make it onto the performance pathway through sheer determination and smart choices. And I’ve also seen riders with every financial advantage not make it. Some even made it onto the pathway—only to ask to come off.

The difference? Mindset.

It’s never just about talent, opportunity, or even money. It’s about whether your mind monkeys are running the show. If you want something badly enough, you can make it happen—but only if your mindset is working for you, not against you.

So, let me ask you—are you making things harder than they need to be? Are you telling yourself stories about why you can’t? Or are you ready to work smarter—aligning your mindset, your actions, and your goals?

Because success isn’t just about pushing harder. It’s about knowing where to focus your energy. And sometimes? That starts with listening to the signs, taking a breath, and realizing you don’t have to fight for everything.

26/02/2025

🧠🐴 If this testimonial resonates with you, now’s your chance to explore your own mindset! Flying Changes Mindset and team will be at the National Equine Show this weekend, offering 30-minute 1:1 mindset coaching sessions for just £15! These have been selling fast, so I can’t guarantee how many are left. https://forms.gle/hmQomnPS4sMRSbJU7

💡 Missed out on a session? Don’t worry—come by the stand for a chat! There will be plenty of opportunities to connect, gain insights, and take the first step toward a more confident, harmonious partnership with your horse.

📍 Come find us and step into the Mindset Space!

24/02/2025

It’s a bit strange, but since diving deeper into mindset coaching, I’ve realized that its applications reach far beyond what I initially thought. It’s like developing a sixth sense—suddenly, you start picking up on subtle body language and the throwaway phrases people use, revealing so much about what’s going on beneath the surface. It almost feels like a superpower!

Recently, I had the perfect chance to put this to the test—during a furniture delivery of all things.

For context, we had ordered a large armoire back in November. Like most things these days, it had to be made and then shipped from who-knows-where, so we’d been waiting a long time. Eventually, I got a message confirming delivery, asking for photos of where it was going and any doors or staircases it might need to navigate. I sent them over.

Then came the call.

“We won’t be able to get it upstairs.”

“Why not?”

“We might damage the walls.”

Now, I had already anticipated this could be an issue. Their own website stated they weren’t responsible for any damage during assembly. But given the rather hefty delivery fee, which included installation, there was no way we’d have ordered it if it wasn’t going to end up in the right place! After some back and forth, they agreed to at least attempt delivery and assess the situation on the day.

Fast forward to delivery day.

The drivers arrived, and immediately, their body language and tone told me everything—I could see they had already decided it wasn’t going to happen. They were in a negative mindset from the start, listing all the reasons it wouldn’t work.

I saw that as a challenge.

"Okay, let’s set that aside for a second. Why exactly can’t it go upstairs?"

“It’s too big and too heavy to lift around the bend at the bottom of the stairs.”

"Alright, so what are the options? We either leave it downstairs… OR is there a way to make it easier? Can it be broken down at all?"

And here’s the key part—they hadn’t even considered that. Their mindset was locked into one perspective: it must go up as one unit. They hadn’t stopped to ask, is there another way?

They paused. Thought about it. And suddenly, a shift happened.

Within five minutes, they had unscrewed the doors, removed the shelves and drawers, and separated it into smaller, more manageable parts. And just like that—up the stairs it went, installed exactly where it was meant to be.

But what fascinated me the most was watching their mindset shift in real time. As they realized it was possible, their body language changed. They started smiling, even admitting they had dreaded this job the entire drive down. And by the time they left, they had a spring in their step, buzzing with the success of getting it done.

The rest of their deliveries that day? A piece of cake.

This whole event was the perfect real-world example of mindset work in action.

When we face what seems like an impossible task, we have two choices:
❌ Focus on why it can’t be done.
✅ Step back, break it down, and look for solutions.

And that’s exactly what mindset work does—it gives you the ability to shift perspective, see different options, and break challenges down into manageable steps. Often, the answer is there—we just need to change how we’re looking at it!