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.

When we stay stuck in our fears we miss out on so many opportunities. Take a chance, get out of your comfort zone and em...
01/12/2026

When we stay stuck in our fears we miss out on so many opportunities. Take a chance, get out of your comfort zone and embrace possibility!

01/12/2026

Something I see all the time with riders is how quickly we go to what we didn’t like about a ride. That habit feels normal, but it’s not very helpful. There’s a better way to look at your rides that actually supports learning and confidence…

Problems in life will always happen. The way we approach our problems can increase or decrease our struggles. Let go of ...
01/11/2026

Problems in life will always happen. The way we approach our problems can increase or decrease our struggles. Let go of the need to have a mindset that creates more crisis during tough times. A shift in mindset will open up space to be able to better manage difficulty. It's how we approach our problems that determines the amount of struggle there will be. The worst of times are easier to manage when we let go of our attachment to chaos and crisis.

Limiting beliefs often stem from our past experiences and can hinder us from realizing our true potential. Examples incl...
01/10/2026

Limiting beliefs often stem from our past experiences and can hinder us from realizing our true potential. Examples include the need for perfection, fear of mistakes, concern about others' opinions, aversion to change, and fear of the unknown. Although these beliefs aren't universally true, they can still impede our progress.

As an equestrian coach, my role is to help riders transform limiting beliefs into empowering ones. It begins with recognizing the beliefs that are constraining you. Once identified, you'll need to pinpoint the triggers that activate these beliefs and result in negative outcomes. When triggered, take a moment to pause and consciously opt for a more empowering belief.

Changing these beliefs requires consistent effort and practice. Start by acknowledging the positive impacts of the new belief and gradually build upon each success. Through practice, you'll become proficient at selecting the empowering belief and the associated positive behaviors when faced with triggers. Don't let limiting beliefs hinder your riding aspirations. Begin the process of shifting your beliefs today and take that first step towards your goals.

Take care of what you can control. Change is great if it is within your grasp. But if it isn't and you get caught up in ...
01/09/2026

Take care of what you can control. Change is great if it is within your grasp. But if it isn't and you get caught up in being unhappy about what you can't change it serves no purpose. Shift your peprspective and let go of the struggle. We all have the abilty to choose.

If we want to make changes we have to take on the responsibility to do the work to make those changes. The choice has to...
01/08/2026

If we want to make changes we have to take on the responsibility to do the work to make those changes. The choice has to come from from within us to create the success we desire. We can get support and guidance from others but we have to be invested in doing the work.

01/08/2026

Quick thought I had today about how curiosity can change the way we show up for our horses.

This profound statement captures the essence of growth and resilience. Just as mountains are formed through the powerful...
01/07/2026

This profound statement captures the essence of growth and resilience. Just as mountains are formed through the powerful forces of earthquakes, our own strength and wisdom often emerge from the struggles we face. Embracing adversity is a fundamental part of our journey, and it's through these challenges that we truly learn and grow.

Scientific research supports the idea that our brains need struggle to develop and form connections, enabling us to learn and adapt. By living mindfully, we can approach our struggles with a different perspective – leaning into them, seeking the lessons they hold, and discovering the opportunities for growth within.

As an equestrian coach, I encourage my clients to see struggle not as something to avoid, but as a catalyst for progress and transformation. By embracing the challenges that come our way, we can harness our inner strength, develop resilience, and achieve remarkable heights in our riding and in life.

So, don't shy away from the earthquakes in your path; welcome them as the stepping stones to the mountains you are destined to conquer.

When my riders finish an exercise I will sometimes ask them a simple but powerful question in order to get them to shift...
01/06/2026

When my riders finish an exercise I will sometimes ask them a simple but powerful question in order to get them to shift their perspective from staying stuck in their mistakes to one of open mindedness. That question is. What is it that you like about the ride you just had? If this is the first time they have been asked this in a lesson they often get caught off guard and have trouble coming up with an answer. As coaches and trainers we often talk about the mistakes riders make in order to look for places to improve. Sometimes that way of talking can get the riders only focusing on what is going wrong instead on what is going right. If the focus is shifted to what is going right the riders begin to relax when they ride and build on what is working and let go of the judgement about their mistakes. So they build on the positive and look for possibilities instead of feeling shame. It is a great tool to use as a performance coach and as a life coach. This helps your client open up to what is happening instead of shutting down when there is a bump in the road.

01/05/2026

Sometimes nothing needs to change… except how we’re looking at it.
A quick reminder about shifting perspective.

As we head into 2026, I’m thinking less about resolutions and more about intention.Big goals can be helpful—but they can...
01/04/2026

As we head into 2026, I’m thinking less about resolutions and more about intention.

Big goals can be helpful—but they can also pull us out of the present and into constant future thinking. In this week’s podcast episode, I talk about working with what’s right in front of you, breaking the year into manageable pieces, and using intention (not pressure) to move forward.

New episode of the Mindful Equestrian Podcast is live.
Listen now →
Apple Podcast:
https://apple.co/3CAuIME
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/3UWOnKWn0r043EA5BOn8bI
Podbean:
https://themindfulequestrian.podbean.com/

01/03/2026

Ever notice how your body lets go the moment you stop living in the future?

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