You can have your heels down, shoulders back, and hands perfectly placed…

And your horse will still look at you like, “Girl… pick a lane.”

Let’s cut to the chase: your horse doesn’t care about how well you follow the textbook and how perfect your hip angle is if your energy is scattered and your cues are saying two different things. They’re not confused because they’re stubborn. They’re confused because you’re giving them mixed messages—and most of the time, you don’t even know you’re doing it.

This episode is for every rider who’s ever walked away from an arena wondering, “Why didn’t that go the way I planned?” The answer? It starts between your ears—not under your saddle.

Today we’re talking about one of the most overlooked (but wildly powerful) truths in horsemanship: clear communication starts with a clear mind.

Welcome to Day 3 of this powerful (and yeah, maybe slightly uncomfortable) training series: How to Get Your Horse to Actually Listen to You.

Each day this week, you’ll get a short, practical episode that blends mindset work, neuroscience, and in-the-saddle strategy—because what’s going on in your brain directly impacts what’s happening under your seat.

Today’s Topic: Day 3 – The Key to Clear, Confident Communication

Don’t forget to Join the Mental Gym for Equestrians! → Align your subconscious mind and nervous system with your biggest riding goals for better rides without more time in the saddle! Live high-touch group coaching. Limited Spots. Starting April 1st.

👉 Sign up here!

If you or someone you know has benefited from this episode, be sure to tag us @nicoleburnettmentalcoach and @resilientreiner on Instagram and share this episode with your community! I’m genuinely curious to hear all about your experience—especially the moment you realized your horse was just reacting to your mental energy. And hey, don’t forget to leave a review on iTunes to help more riders discover the show!

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why technically “doing it right” doesn’t always work
• The hidden reason your horse seems confused or reactive
• How mental clutter creates mixed signals under saddle
• What it actually means to ride with leadership and clarity
• The simple but powerful mindset shift that leads to better connection

QUESTIONS I ANSWER:

• Why does my horse respond differently when I think I’m riding the same?
• How do I know if I’m giving mixed cues?
• What does my mindset have to do with my horse’s behavior?
• How can I get grounded before I ride so I’m clear in the saddle?

• 🎯 5 Days to Confident Competitor. Stop ‘show nerves’ and saddle up with swagger! https://nicoleburnettcoaching.thrivecart.com/5-days-to-confident-competitor/ 
• 🎯 Resilient Reiner Academy → The confidence to win so you ride like you belong. Sign up here!  https://www.nicoleburnettcoaching.com/resilientreineracademy 
• 🎯 Mental Gym for Equestrians → Ride like a pro https://mentalgymforequestrians.com/ 
• 🎯 Get Free Weekly Mental Coaching Tips → Join my email list! Subscribe here

🎧 Now, hit play & let’s celebrate these incredible wins together!