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.

Performance anxiety is common across all sports, and equestrians face it regularly too. It's important to remember that ...
04/26/2025

Performance anxiety is common across all sports, and equestrians face it regularly too. It's important to remember that this anxiety not only affects riders but also their horses. It can occur not just during competitions but also during lessons, when being watched by others or in a variety of situations. Common triggers can include an upcoming lesson, someone entering the ring, a change in horse assignment, or an approaching competition.
When anxiety arises, remember to be kind to yourself and let go of self-judgment, which can exacerbate the anxiety. Focus on aspects you can control, such as thorough preparation, allowing enough time to get ready, practicing mindful breath work, and using positive visualization. Shift your attention to your horse and away from external influences. Ensure you're well-prepared for your ride, whether it's a lesson, trail ride, competition, or another event. Establish a regular routine to help calm your nerves and concentrate on the task at hand. Focus on improving past performances, avoiding comparisons to others, and setting realistic goals with a solid plan to achieve them.
Try out some of these tips and share your experiences in the comments below. If you need help building confidence around your riding, contact me at [email protected], and we can discuss how one-on-one coaching may benefit you.

Do you have a dream? Is there something you want to achieve? It won't happen without getting out there and trying and pu...
04/25/2025

Do you have a dream? Is there something you want to achieve? It won't happen without getting out there and trying and putting in hard work to make what you want a reality!

When things aren't going well think about looking at your problems from a different perspective and view. You will be am...
04/24/2025

When things aren't going well think about looking at your problems from a different perspective and view. You will be amazed at what wonderful results you can achieve doing this!

Mistakes and failures aren't the end of the road. Instead, they provide valuable opportunities to learn, grow, and build...
04/23/2025

Mistakes and failures aren't the end of the road. Instead, they provide valuable opportunities to learn, grow, and build a stronger foundation for reaching your goals. So don't give up just because you've hit a bump in the road – keep going with a positive mindset!

It's easy to fixate on the technicalities of riding, losing sight of the feel and connection with your horse. Sure, the ...
04/22/2025

It's easy to fixate on the technicalities of riding, losing sight of the feel and connection with your horse. Sure, the details matter, but endlessly drilling for perfection can be a dead-end road. You find yourself frustrated and disconnected, rather than feeling in sync with your horse. Sound familiar?

In lessons, it's tempting to lean heavily on your instructor for all the answers. While guidance is essential, this dependency can stifle your own sense of feel and intuition.

So what happens if you ease up on that quest for perfection? What if you dial back on your instructor dependence and try to work out some kinks on your own? Shifting your focus from rigid control to open-minded discovery can be liberating. It makes your lessons more rewarding and gives you the space to grow outside of formal instruction. You'll learn more, have a better time, and actually look forward to your rides.

Remember this is your journey, not someone else's. So do what is best for you and follow the path you want. Be your uniq...
04/21/2025

Remember this is your journey, not someone else's. So do what is best for you and follow the path you want. Be your unique self and let go of comparing yourself to others and trying to please them.

Embrace your mistakes and learn from them, or else you'll find yourself trapped in a cycle of regret and worry. Don't le...
04/20/2025

Embrace your mistakes and learn from them, or else you'll find yourself trapped in a cycle of regret and worry. Don't let your mistakes take the spotlight; instead, be kind to yourself and practice self-compassion. By viewing mistakes as learning opportunities, you'll be better equipped to achieve your goals and overcome challenges.

It’s so easy to rush through things wishing to get to whatever is next at the end of the carrot stick. In the process we...
04/19/2025

It’s so easy to rush through things wishing to get to whatever is next at the end of the carrot stick. In the process we can miss so much. This happens in riding. Riders worry about being successful at the next event, the next lesson the next thing they anticipate will happen in a lesson and so on So that when they practice, they become stressed and miss the enjoyment of each daily ride. They can also get so caught up in worrying that they forget to be present with what is happening, right now with their horse, themselves, and their environment. Without this awareness it’s so easy for mistakes to happen and to get frustrated about mistakes instead of learning from them.
But the most important thing that is missed in the enjoyment of each moment. We can never get moments back, but we waste so many rushing through life longing for the next best thing. When I work with riders, I tell them to slow everything down and enjoy the process. Sometimes in a clinic when I see a rider getting stressed and anxious, I will say imagine you ar on a trail ride and just enjoying the scenery. I encourage them to think about how they feel in the saddle when they are on a relaxing trail ride. It’s amazing the changes I see when they do this. They relax and both the rider and horse are happier, and they accomplish their goals. Recently a one-on-one client who is relatively new at riding and even newer at competing came back from an event and said as she was jumping a course, she suddenly heard me saying something like slow down and make it last. She did just that and really noticed a big positive, difference. So, slow down and enjoy this journey of life both on and off your horse. Don’t throw those precious moments away.

Limiting beliefs are taken on through the opinion of others. They are beliefs and not true 100% of the time. Limiting be...
04/18/2025

Limiting beliefs are taken on through the opinion of others. They are beliefs and not true 100% of the time. Limiting beliefs can be replaced by empowering beliefs through patience and hard work.

As riding students it's really easy to get caught up in waiting for the next instruction from trainers. There is nothing...
04/17/2025

As riding students it's really easy to get caught up in waiting for the next instruction from trainers. There is nothing wrong with being focused on what your trainer is telling you and trying to improve by following their instruction. But you will get deeper learning when you begin to take the tools you have developed and apply them with curiosity. Test them out and ask yourself questions as to what is working and what is not. That is how you will develop feel in your riding. You can be a student and develop independence at the same time.

We only have control over ourselves and our minds. Let go of trying to control the world outside. Focus instead on self-...
04/16/2025

We only have control over ourselves and our minds. Let go of trying to control the world outside. Focus instead on self-growth and making changes in you. As you shift your perspective to self instead of others great things will happen!

I got to spend both days this past weekend teaching a clinic at Fairbanks Stable . What a great weekend! In spite of a r...
04/16/2025

I got to spend both days this past weekend teaching a clinic at Fairbanks Stable . What a great weekend! In spite of a rough winter and slow start to the spring everyone did a great job! Wonderful group of horses and riders!🦄🐴Thanks Faye Benedict for inviting me and Amelia von Korff for organizing it!

What does it truly mean to be mindful? At its core, mindfulness invites us to be fully present, releasing the grip of pa...
04/15/2025

What does it truly mean to be mindful? At its core, mindfulness invites us to be fully present, releasing the grip of past regrets and future worries. It bestows upon us a profound awareness—an awakening to the richness of the moment. Yet, in our fast-paced lives, many of us traverse through days unaware, missing the intricate dance unfolding within ourselves and our surroundings. Habits, beliefs, and emotions become automatic, woven into our being, often triggered without conscious realization.
This lack of awareness extends to the saddle, where subtle equine cues may elude us. Our thoughts and worries can imprison us within our minds, rendering our bodies rigid and unresponsive. Our horses, too, mirror this disconnect—responding with tension and uncertainty. Understanding the purpose of a proper riding position becomes paramount. It isn't merely about aesthetics but achieving harmony and connection with our horses. By being present, we can truly listen and communicate through our entire being, guiding our equine partners with clarity and grace.

Mindfulness also opens us to curiosity and self-reflection. Without it, thoughtful responses to life's challenges elude us. Embracing mindfulness empowers us to be fully engaged, harnessing every opportunity life offers. Imagine infusing curiosity and awareness into your riding—a pathway to unparalleled success. You become more focused, attuned to the moment, and deeply connected with your horse. You gain the ability to discern the "why" behind your horse's movements, allowing you to maintain the desired course or make necessary adjustments.

In the relationship between you and your horse, observe with an open heart, free from judgment. Note the nuances of communication or any gaps that may exist. Are you truly listening, or are fears and doubts obstructing your connection? Awareness uncovers the root causes, leading you towards the transformation you seek. With newfound awareness, pay attention to your emotions, physical sensations, and reactions. Don't be too hard on yourself if you falter—mindfulness is a journey. Employ the tools that resonate with you, gently guiding yourself back to the present moment. As awareness deepens, you'll hear your horse's messages more clearly and respond harmoniously. Embark on a mindful journey through practices like meditation, focused breathing, journaling, or strolls in nature. Discover what brings you back to the present—remember, this is a practice that flourishes with time, not one of perfection. Embrace the art of mindfulness, unlock the equestrian Zen, and savor every moment on this enchanting path of growth.

Often we can recognize that we need to make a change in what we are doing. We can even decide what it is we want to chan...
04/14/2025

Often we can recognize that we need to make a change in what we are doing. We can even decide what it is we want to change and what the change needs to be. But change will never happen if we don't make the commitment to creating a plan, doing the work and sticking to it even when there are bumps in the road.

We all have some limiting beliefs. These are beliefs we believe to be true 100% of the time, when in actuality they are ...
04/13/2025

We all have some limiting beliefs. These are beliefs we believe to be true 100% of the time, when in actuality they are not. They do limit us and cause suffering. There is no need to stay attached to these beliefs as they are only things we have picked up from the modeling of others throughout our lives. We can rewire our brain and thoughts processes to replace these beliefs with more empowering ones. It does take a bit of work, but it is well worth the effort! This is where working with a coach can help. If you would like support in changing some of your limiting beliefs contact me at [email protected]

Are you gearing up for the horse show season? While it's easy to get caught up in the excitement and nerves, it's import...
04/12/2025

Are you gearing up for the horse show season? While it's easy to get caught up in the excitement and nerves, it's important to approach shows with a mindful, grounded perspective.
To help you make the most of your show experience, I've put together a list of my top mindful horse show tips. These strategies will help you stay focused, present, and perform at your best, both in and out of the saddle.
Remember, success at horse shows isn't just about ribbons and awards – it's about the journey of growth, connection, and self-discovery that you embark on with your equine partner. By approaching each show with a mindful, positive attitude, you'll not only enhance your performance but also deepen your bond with your horse and find greater joy in the process.
I hope these tips inspire you to embrace mindfulness and make the most of your horse show experiences this season. If you have any favorite mindful show tips of your own, I'd love to hear them in the comments below!
Here's to a successful, fulfilling show season ahead! 🎉✨💞🐴

This is a beautiful quote and can easily be applied to riding and to your relationship to your horse and to yourself. Do...
04/11/2025

This is a beautiful quote and can easily be applied to riding and to your relationship to your horse and to yourself. Don't try to accomplish things by force. Be open to listening to what your horse has to say and also to what is happening deep within you. Open you mind with compassion to understanding the messages you receive and answering them with kindness, gentleness and peace.

💬 New Podcast Episode!In this conversation, I talk with Abby Stearns about what it really takes to build a career in the...
04/11/2025

💬 New Podcast Episode!

In this conversation, I talk with Abby Stearns about what it really takes to build a career in the horse world—and still have a life outside of it. From grooming and managing at top hunter/jumper shows to setting boundaries and avoiding burnout, Abby shares honest insights about balancing passion with pressure in a demanding industry.

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts:
Apple Podcast:
https://apple.co/3CAuIME
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/3UWOnKWn0r043EA5BOn8bI
Podbean:
https://themindfulequestrian.podbean.com/

💡 Want support navigating your own path in the horse world? I offer one-on-one coaching for riders and professionals looking to grow with clarity and confidence. Reach out to learn more or schedule a free discovery call.
📩 [email protected] | mindfulequestrian.com

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Sherrill, NY
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