Rider Mentality

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Rider Mentality “Helping Equestrians Build Confidence & Resilience Through Coaching & Online Courses. Specializing in Neurodiverse Riders.

With 15+ years of experience and a Master’s in Equine Science, I help riders overcome mental barriers and achieve results.

🌿 The Power of Boredom 🌿I love watching Finley grow and explore the world. But sometimes, in those quiet moments — when ...
16/09/2025

🌿 The Power of Boredom 🌿

I love watching Finley grow and explore the world. But sometimes, in those quiet moments — when he’s watching lorries go by or playing with stones — I find myself feeling bored. My mind rushes ahead: all the jobs I need to do, all the things waiting on my list.

And yet… when I stop and allow myself to be still with him, I realise how much power there is in that space. ✨

It’s in those unhurried pauses that:
💭 We notice the little things
🧠 Our minds get chance to process and reset
💜 Connection deepens, because we’re truly present

Maybe the answer isn’t always more busyness. Maybe it’s learning to value the slower pace — with our children, with our horses, and with ourselves.

💬 Do you ever notice the magic in the “boring” moments?

🌍 Parenting & Horses: A Parallel 🌍💜 “Children and horses alike blossom when they are given time, kindness, and room to g...
14/09/2025

🌍 Parenting & Horses: A Parallel 🌍

💜 “Children and horses alike blossom when they are given time, kindness, and room to grow at their own pace.”

As both a parent and a coach, I see this truth play out daily. When I give Finley the space to process rather than pushing, he finds his way in his own time — calmer, happier, and more confident.

It’s the same with our horses. 🐴 Too much pressure, too soon, and we see resistance or stress. But with patience, clarity, and compassion, they have the chance to understand, to try, and to flourish.

✨ Progress doesn’t always mean “more, faster, now.” Sometimes the greatest growth happens in the quiet moments where we simply step back and allow learning to unfold.

💬 Do you notice this in your own parenting or horsemanship journey?

🌟 Safeguarding in the Equestrian Industry 🌟As someone who works within the equestrian world, both with young people and ...
12/09/2025

🌟 Safeguarding in the Equestrian Industry 🌟

As someone who works within the equestrian world, both with young people and adults, I feel it’s important to acknowledge an uncomfortable truth: safeguarding in our industry is not where it should be.

There are far too many stories of people — of all ages — being mistreated, bullied, exploited, or worse. From historic and recent cases of sexual assault, to young people being manipulated with false promises, pressured into unsafe situations, or silenced through fear of losing their job or place in the sport — these are not isolated incidents.

It can feel easier to look away or hope someone else will speak up. But silence only allows this behaviour to continue.

That’s why I want to highlight the work of EQUISS UK (Equestrian Industries Safeguarding & Standards UK). This organisation has been set up to raise standards of safeguarding across all sectors and, most importantly, to offer support.

📩 If you or someone you know needs help or simply someone to listen, you can email: [email protected]
to arrange a safe and confidential chat.

You are not alone 🫶🏻

🌟 Market Research – Would You Be Interested? 🌟I’ve been thinking about creating something a little different… an online ...
11/09/2025

🌟 Market Research – Would You Be Interested? 🌟

I’ve been thinking about creating something a little different… an online equestrian competition that’s not about perfection or ribbons, but about celebrating:
🐴 Connection with your horse
💜 Confidence and progress (no matter how small)
🌱 Welfare and care
🎨 Creativity and expression (even if you don’t have a horse right now!)

The idea would be simple:
📸 Submit a short video or photo (2–3 mins max) with a reflection.
🏵 Judging based on effort, creativity, and mindset — not “show ring polish.”
🏆 Prizes: digital rosettes, certificates, and optional feedback from judges.

Classes could include things like:
✨ Mindful Moments – grooming, bonding, or quiet time with your horse
✨ My Small but Mighty Step – showing a confidence win, however small
✨ Happy Horse, Happy Human – enrichment or care that makes a difference
✨ Horses in Art & Expression – drawings, poems, or creative photos

👉 Open to all ages and abilities, designed to be inclusive, supportive, and fun.

💬 I’d love to know what you think:

Would you/your child/your riders be interested in entering something like this?

Which class themes appeal to you most?

What would make it feel fun and worthwhile to join?

Drop me a comment or DM — your feedback will really help shape this idea.

🌱 Pressure, Processing, and Patience 🌱I’ve noticed recently with Finley that the more pressure I put on him, the harder ...
10/09/2025

🌱 Pressure, Processing, and Patience 🌱

I’ve noticed recently with Finley that the more pressure I put on him, the harder things can become. Often it isn’t that he won’t do something — it’s that he doesn’t fully understand what I’m asking yet. Add pressure or tension into the mix, and he feels uncomfortable and resistant.

But when I step back, remove the pressure, and give him time to process… he usually finds his way to the answer. And not only that — he does it in a happier, calmer state. 💜

It struck me how much this mirrors working with horses. 🐴 They, too, need time to process, to understand, to feel safe before they can respond. Too much pressure creates resistance, but patience and space allow understanding and confidence to grow.

✨ Sometimes the best progress comes not from pushing harder, but from allowing space for learning to happen.

💬 Have you noticed this with your horses (or children!) too?

🌟 Win or Learn 🌟One of the quotes I often share with riders is this: “You never lose — you either win or you learn.”Nida...
08/09/2025

🌟 Win or Learn 🌟

One of the quotes I often share with riders is this: “You never lose — you either win or you learn.”

Nidal puts it perfectly. Every ride, every experience with our horses, is an opportunity. Sometimes things go exactly how we planned (that’s a win 🎉). Other times, they don’t — but even then, if we reflect and take something from it, we’re still moving forward. That’s learning 📚.

This mindset takes the pressure off. It reminds us that a “bad ride” isn’t a failure — it’s feedback. And when we see it that way, we can grow in confidence, resilience, and compassion for ourselves and our horses.

💜 Next time you feel like something hasn’t gone to plan, ask yourself: What did I just learn that will help me next time?

💬 Do you see your riding this way — as wins and lessons rather than wins and losses?

🌟 Saturday Check-In 🌟Happy Saturday everyone! 🐴✨Weekends often mean more time at the yard, with our horses, or catching ...
06/09/2025

🌟 Saturday Check-In 🌟

Happy Saturday everyone! 🐴✨

Weekends often mean more time at the yard, with our horses, or catching up on everything else that’s been pushed aside during the week. Sometimes that feels exciting… and sometimes it feels overwhelming.

This weekend, I’m reminding myself (and you too!) that it doesn’t have to be about doing everything. It can simply be about taking a moment:
💜 To enjoy your horse’s company
💜 To notice the small wins
💜 To breathe and be present

Whatever your Saturday looks like, I hope you can find a little space for connection — with your horse, your people, and yourself.

💬 What are you and your horses up to this weekend?

🌟 What Does “Outline” Really Mean? 🌟One of my clients recently asked me: “When people say get your pony into an outline ...
04/09/2025

🌟 What Does “Outline” Really Mean? 🌟

One of my clients recently asked me: “When people say get your pony into an outline — what does that actually mean?” 🐴

It’s such a great question, because so often we think of outline as just “where the head is.” But the truth is, a correct outline is about the whole body working in balance:
✅ The horse steps actively from behind
✅ The back lifts and swings
✅ The neck softens and stretches into a light, steady contact
✅ The poll stays relaxed, not forced

A horse with its head tucked in isn’t necessarily “in an outline” — that can be a false outline if the hindquarters and back aren’t engaged.

✨ Outline is the result of correct riding, not the goal in itself. When the body works as a whole, the soft, round frame follows naturally.

💬 Have you ever struggled to know if your horse is in a true outline?

👀✨ The Art of Noticing ✨👀I was recently reminded of John Mason’s idea of “the art of noticing” — slowing down enough to ...
02/09/2025

👀✨ The Art of Noticing ✨👀

I was recently reminded of John Mason’s idea of “the art of noticing” — slowing down enough to really see what’s in front of us.

With horses, this couldn’t be more important. The flick of an ear, a shift in breathing, the way a horse softens (or stiffens) under our hand… these tiny details tell us everything about how they’re feeling.

And it’s the same with people. In coaching, I notice the clenched jaw of a nervous rider, the quickened breath before they mount, or the smile that creeps in when they realise they’ve done something they thought they couldn’t.

Noticing is powerful. It’s what turns a moment into a learning opportunity, a struggle into progress, and an everyday ride into connection.

💜 This week, I’m challenging myself — and you — to practice the art of noticing. With your horse, with yourself, and with those around you.

What small detail have you noticed recently that made a big difference?

☀️🍂 The Last Sunday in August 🍂☀️Somehow, here we are — the final Sunday of August. The mornings are cooler, the evening...
31/08/2025

☀️🍂 The Last Sunday in August 🍂☀️

Somehow, here we are — the final Sunday of August. The mornings are cooler, the evenings are drawing in, and the horses’ coats are just beginning to hint at autumn.

For me, this time of year always feels like a pause… a chance to take stock of the summer that’s flown by, to celebrate the little moments, and to start looking ahead to the season to come.

Horses teach us so much about cycles and change — from growing coats to shifting routines, they remind us that each season brings something new.

💜 Today I’m grateful for the connections made, the lessons learned, and the rides enjoyed this summer.

How are you spending this last Sunday in August?

🌟 Coming Back to Riding as an Adult 🌟So many of my recent clients have something in common: they learned to ride as chil...
29/08/2025

🌟 Coming Back to Riding as an Adult 🌟

So many of my recent clients have something in common: they learned to ride as children, then life took them away from horses for years… and now, as adults, they’ve found their way back.

It’s such a different journey the second time around. As kids, we ride with fewer fears, less responsibility, and bodies that bounce! Coming back as an adult often means carrying old memories (sometimes even falls), juggling time, money, and confidence, and finding a new rhythm with horses.

But what shines through in every session is this: the love of horses never goes away 💜. And when adults return, they bring with them patience, thoughtfulness, and a real appreciation for the small wins. Watching that spark re-ignite is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.

🐴 Have you come back to horses after time away? What’s been the biggest difference for you?

29/08/2025

🌟 Calling Female Equestrians – Your Voice Matters! 🌟
Many of you joined me for the Hormones & Horsepower webinars earlier this year, where we explored how menopause impacts our riding, wellbeing, and connection with horses.
Now, I’d love to share a fantastic opportunity to contribute to ongoing research in this area 📚🐴.

A PhD researcher is currently studying:
✨ Knowledge and experiences of the menopause transition
✨ Common symptoms and how they affect equestrians
✨ Physical activity levels during this stage of life
✨ Lived experiences of female equestrian athletes

If you’re a female equestrian navigating the menopause transition, your insights could make a real difference in shaping understanding and future support for women in our sport.
📝 Take the survey here:
👉 https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/uchartpury/menopause-transition-and-equestriennes-2025
Please do share with others who might be interested — the more voices included, the stronger this research will be 💜

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What I do in a nutshell :-)

Louise (Einchcomb) is an equine coach specialising in developing the correct rider mentality to build confidence and mental resilience using a combination of NLP, Hypnotherapy and Sports Psychology techniques.