The Mindful Equestrian

The Mindful Equestrian Performance coaching for equestrians wanting to achieve more positive results in all aspects of the Hunter/Jumper lessons and clinics.

Mindfulness is the practice of being present in every moment, not worrying about what was or what might be. A mindful rider is able to focus on what is happening right now with themselves and their horse, maintaining low stress and a higher ability for top performance. My clinics combine my 35+ years of experience in the hunter/jumper industry (AHSA/USEF, IHSA, Equine Science Professor Hunt Seat M

orrisville State College), mindfulness training and coach training and certification (International Coach Academy) to give riders strategies and tools for better mental focus and riding success. Each rider is considered individually and supported with the tools that will work best for them. The benefits from the performance coaching can also be carried into day to day life since we mirror the same issues in our riding that we do in other areas of our lives. Mindfulness then becomes a whole life practice and success tool. Performance coaching for riders of all disciplines who want more a positive experience whenever riding and competing. Group seminars available as well as private phone coaching sessions. Add a performance coaching seminar to your riding clinic. Over 35 years experience training hunters/jumpers and students.

Shoveled my way out… for now. Who needs a gym when you have a never-ending winter workout plan? ❄️💪 And now this! Snowed...
02/17/2025

Shoveled my way out… for now. Who needs a gym when you have a never-ending winter workout plan? ❄️💪

And now this! Snowed in with my very helpful assistant. Productivity may be at an all-time low, but morale is high! ❄️🐱

Snowed in and getting a little stir-crazy… so naturally, the only solution is a horror movie marathon. Gracie and Kuzco ...
02/17/2025

Snowed in and getting a little stir-crazy… so naturally, the only solution is a horror movie marathon. Gracie and Kuzco are fully invested in Marianne—pretty sure they’re bigger horror fans than I am! Anyone else stuck inside today? What are you watching?

But seriously, sending positive thoughts to all the barn owners, horse people, and caretakers out there dealing with this brutal winter weather. Stay safe and warm!

Success doesn't come easy. It takes very hard work on a daily basis. It's not always fun work but if you keep at it , th...
02/16/2025

Success doesn't come easy. It takes very hard work on a daily basis. It's not always fun work but if you keep at it , the results will be worth all the effort!

🚨 New Podcast Episode Alert! 🚨Are you actually learning, or just collecting information? 🤔📚In this episode of The Mindfu...
02/16/2025

🚨 New Podcast Episode Alert! 🚨

Are you actually learning, or just collecting information? 🤔📚

In this episode of The Mindful Equestrian Podcast, I dive into the all-too-common trap of overconsumption—when we convince ourselves that we need to keep learning before we take action. But real growth happens when we apply what we’ve learned!

🎧 Tune in now:
📍 Podbean:
https://themindfulequestrian.podbean.com/
📍 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3UWOnKWn0r043EA5BOn8bI
📍 Apple Podcasts:
https://apple.co/3CAuIME

This applies to riding, business, and life. Whether it’s overanalyzing your position in the saddle, waiting to launch your business, or feeling stuck in a never-ending cycle of "getting ready"—this episode is for you!

✅ Listen
✅ Apply what you learn
✅ Share your thoughts in the comments!

If this resonates with you, I’d love to hear: What’s one thing you’ve been learning about that you’re finally going to take action on? 👇

Tag a friend who needs this reminder! ⬇️

Podcast · Lisa Eklund · The Mindful Equestrian Podcast brings you conversations, tips, and reflections on all things equestrian mindset, riding, training, and business. Hosted by Lisa Eklund, a trainer and certified coach with decades of experience, this podcast dives into practical advice, insigh...

It’s a common occurrence for riders to work on fixing more than one thing at a time in their riding. Though it is an hon...
02/15/2025

It’s a common occurrence for riders to work on fixing more than one thing at a time in their riding. Though it is an honorable thing to work hard to try and correct many things, this method of training is often a path to discouragement and frustration. Does this sound familiar? Do you have a laundry list of things that you want to fix with your riding or with your horse’s training? Do you feel like no matter how hard you try you keep spinning your wheels and feel it hard to stay focused and move forward? Well, you are not alone, as this is a common occurrence in riding and in life.

The messages we regularly get from society today is that we should do more and put more tasks on our plate in order to be successful. But that is not good advice as our brains can only efficiently handle one thing at a time. When we try to fix, accomplish, or improve more than one thing at a time our brains lose focus through shifting back and forth between each task.
Our brains do automate things so that we can subconsciously multitask, but when we consciously are trying to learn something new, do a complicated task or create some change our brains do best with focusing on one thing at a time.
When you ride it is best to decide what is the most important, foundational thing you need to change, learn, or accomplish and work on that first. Once that becomes a habit and is automated then you can focus on something new. You can also choose to focus on one thing in one session and then focus on something else in the next, as long as you don’t try and focus on both at once.
You will be surprised at how much faster you can improve and how much less frustration and discouragement you will feel. Talk to your trainer to help you plan and ask them to keep things focused on improving one thing at a time. Give it a try! Let me know how it goes!

If you are feeling stuck and are looking towards a new path, consider shifting your perspective. Look at things differen...
02/14/2025

If you are feeling stuck and are looking towards a new path, consider shifting your perspective. Look at things differently and open your mind to new ideas and possibilities. You will be surprised at the new opportunism you will see!

Passion for something is never enough. When things get tough, passion alone will not help you endure and make it through...
02/13/2025

Passion for something is never enough. When things get tough, passion alone will not help you endure and make it through the tough times. But a good dose of grit and perseverance will! If you really want something, don't give up when times are hard. Instead, dig down and find your grit!

Focus is so important. Don't be distracted about the bumps in the road. Look for ways around them and keep moving forwar...
02/12/2025

Focus is so important. Don't be distracted about the bumps in the road. Look for ways around them and keep moving forward towards your goals.

The need to be in control of things often stems from a need to be safe and to make sure to all things stay in ‘status qu...
02/11/2025

The need to be in control of things often stems from a need to be safe and to make sure to all things stay in ‘status quo.” It's a hope that mistakes won’t happen and there will be no upset if things can be kept in a tightly wrapped package. The problem is, that no matter how hard we try, we can’t keep everything in control. Mistakes happen and life will regularly throw unexpected change at us.

We do have control of ourselves and how we respond to things in our lives. It is important to respond in a thoughtful way and not in a knee jerk reaction to something. Reactive behavior is filled with emotions like anger, frustration and fear. Thoughtful response are done after sitting quietly with our emotions and then calmly coming up with a solution to a problem. This thoughtful approach allows learning to happen when mistakes and bumps in the road occur. This is how riders grow and develop feel in their riding.

A controlling rider tends to be demanding and inflexible. There is a lack of communication between the rider and the horse and little or no feel. No matter how hard someone tries to control a situation, things will fall apart. When this happens a controlling person can become quickly upset, stressed and anxious.

A shift in perspective, from a need for control, to an open minded, allowing mindset of acceptance that bumps in the road will happen, can create a sense of freedom and ease.Thoughtful responses replace quick reactions. A rider with this mindset is open to learning from mistakes and listening to their horse. There is a flexibility, freedom and feel for riding that begins to replace the stress and anxiety. Just imagine how much better your rides will be!

Begin to notice when you try to hold on to control. You can’t change this all at once. Start with small steps and keep building on your progress. You will be so pleased with the results!

When you get frustrated with what is happening take time to pause, breathe and open up space to allow yourself to become...
02/10/2025

When you get frustrated with what is happening take time to pause, breathe and open up space to allow yourself to become calm. This will allow you to come up with a better approach to your problem that can lead to success.

Our brains are naturally inclined to detect danger and potential negativity first, so don't be too hard on yourself for ...
02/09/2025

Our brains are naturally inclined to detect danger and potential negativity first, so don't be too hard on yourself for having negative thoughts. However, not all perceived negative events are genuinely harmful. The fantastic news is that you can rewire your brain to recognize positive aspects more readily if you're willing to put in the effort to identify negative thoughts and replace them with potential positive outcomes. Embrace your freedom of choice!

One of the most common problems we can face in riding and in our lives is being afraid to step out of our comfort zones ...
02/08/2025

One of the most common problems we can face in riding and in our lives is being afraid to step out of our comfort zones and try something different. It is so easy to say "what if." What if I fail? What if I look foolish? What if I get hurt? What if? What if? What if? It can go on and on. Yes, all of those "what ifs" can be possible, but more than likely they won't happen. The real "what if" to ask ourselves is "what if" I don't step out of my comfort zone? What opportunities will I miss? In what way will I stop growing? What possibilities will pass me by?

Take a chance and try new things. Take that chance to fail. I am not saying take chances without some reflective analysis. Some chances are just too dangerous and risky to take. But many aren't. So analyze the choices in front of you and then step outside of your comfort zone and take some risks. Be honest with yourself. Are you choosing not to take a chance with something because the risks far outweigh the potential benefits or is it because you are afraid to fail? If the latter is the reason, sit with your fears and then push through them to take the chance. Take the chance to grow and succeed in new things.

It is easy to dream about what you want. But it takes focus and planning to really create a map to where you want to go.
02/07/2025

It is easy to dream about what you want. But it takes focus and planning to really create a map to where you want to go.

Let go of worry about what was and instead stay present and work on where you want to go next.
02/06/2025

Let go of worry about what was and instead stay present and work on where you want to go next.

When you open your mind to learning from lofe, mistakes and whateever comes your way change is inevitable. Learning lead...
02/05/2025

When you open your mind to learning from lofe, mistakes and whateever comes your way change is inevitable. Learning leads to growth and growth is change.

As equestrians, we often find our greatest lessons not in the ease of a perfect ride, but in the challenge of a difficul...
02/04/2025

As equestrians, we often find our greatest lessons not in the ease of a perfect ride, but in the challenge of a difficult one. "Get comfortable with being uncomfortable" is a mantra that reminds us that growth lives in these moments of discomfort.

Whether it’s mastering a new skill or navigating a complex course, lean into the unease. It’s there that we find resilience, adaptability, and ultimately, progress. Your journey is about embracing every step, comfortable or not, because that's where true learning and improvement happen.

Another very wise quote from one of the most famous Stoics. It is so important to realize we only have control of oursel...
02/03/2025

Another very wise quote from one of the most famous Stoics. It is so important to realize we only have control of ourselves and not external factors and events. we have control on how we percieve them and how we respond to them. Pausing and taking time to analyze our perceptions and thoughtfully respond to life without the need to control everything will get the most positive results.

🎉 Exciting News! 🎉The Mindful Equestrian Podcast is officially live! I’m sharing stories, insights, and tips to help you...
02/03/2025

🎉 Exciting News! 🎉

The Mindful Equestrian Podcast is officially live! I’m sharing stories, insights, and tips to help you find more joy, confidence, and connection in your riding journey (and your equestrian business!). 🐎✨

🎧 Check out the first episodes here:
Apple Podcast:
https://apple.co/3CAuIME

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/3UWOnKWn0r043EA5BOn8bI

Podbean:
https://themindfulequestrian.podbean.com/

Let me know what you think—and if you have topics you’d love me to cover—or if you’d like to be interviewed —drop a comment! If you enjoy the episodes, I’d love for you to share it with a fellow rider or leave a quick review.

Podcast · Lisa Eklund · The Mindful Equestrian Podcast brings you conversations, tips, and reflections on all things equestrian mindset, riding, training, and business. Hosted by Lisa Eklund, a trainer and certified coach with decades of experience, this podcast dives into practical advice, insigh...

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