You ever hear someone say, “You just need to build trust with your horse,” and want to scream, Cool, but HOW?!

Same.

Unless we’re about to do a full-on trust fall in the middle of the warm-up pen (hard pass), that advice can feel vague at best and frustrating at worst.

Here’s what no one tells you: trust doesn’t come from a perfect pattern or flawless cue. And it doesn’t come from just sitting in the middle of the field with your horse, either. It comes from what’s going on in your brain before your butt hits the saddle. It’s your mindset. Your energy. Your consistency. That’s what your horse is reading 24/7—and today, we’re talking about exactly how to clean that up so you can build the kind of bond that holds steady under pressure.

Because if your horse is hesitating, spooking, or shutting down... it’s not about training harder. It’s about becoming the rider they can actually count on.

Let’s dig into what trust really means, why it starts with you, and how to become the calm, confident leader your horse has been waiting for.

Welcome to Day 4 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 4 — Not Another Trust Fall: How to Build Unshakable Trust with Your Horse

If you or someone you know has benefited from this episode, be sure to tag me @nicoleburnettmentalcoach and @resilientreiner on Instagram and share this episode with your community! I am so curious to hear all about your experience building trust with your horse—what’s working, what’s not, and what you’re changing after today’s talk.

Also, it means the world if you leave a quick review on iTunes to help other riders discover the show. 🤠💛

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

• What trust actually means in a rider-horse partnership (hint: it’s not just about “bonding”)
• Why your mental state is either building trust or eroding it—every time you ride
• The 4 core mindset shifts that make you a more trustworthy leader in the saddle
• Practical mental performance strategies that help you regulate your energy and build consistency
• Why perfection is NOT the goal—and how to handle mistakes in a way that builds connection, not tension

QUESTIONS I ANSWER:

• What does trust really look like in the saddle?
• How do I stop second-guessing myself and show up more confidently for my horse?
• What can I do to stay grounded, especially on high-pressure rides?
• How do I handle mistakes without damaging the trust I’ve worked so hard to build?

• 🎯 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!