Here’s the thing most riders don’t realize: the riders who look the calmest under pressure aren’t born that way. They built that.

You’ve seen them in the warm-up pen—the ones who stay cool when their horse blows a lead, when the gate guy yells, or when the run just doesn’t go as planned. They don’t crumble, they course-correct. And while most people are still trying to control every little thing around them—the footing, the judge, the draw—these riders have learned to control what actually matters: their mindset.

In this episode, we’re diving into ten game-changing habits that’ll give you a stronger mindset than 99% of riders. We’re not talking about toxic positivity or forcing yourself to “just be confident.” We’re talking about mental performance—the kind that helps you stay steady, ride clear, and show up like a pro no matter what chaos hits the arena.

If you’ve ever wondered why some riders seem unshakable while others spiral after one mistake, this episode breaks down exactly what separates the two—and how you can start training your own mind like the riders who always find their way back to focus, no matter what. 🤠

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’d love to hear how you’re putting these mindset habits into practice. Don’t forget to leave a review on iTunes to help other riders discover the show—it truly makes a difference.

In This Episode You Will Learn:

• The ten core habits that mentally strong riders practice every day (and why they work).
• Why “radical ownership” is your secret weapon against frustration and blame.
• How to train your thoughts with the same consistency and compassion you give your horse.
• What emotional regulation really looks like for riders (and how it changes your performance).
• Why visualization isn’t about perfection—but about recovery.
• The mindset shift that separates amateurs from pros: focusing on state instead of outcome.
• How to protect your mental space from comparison, negativity, and overwhelm.
• The real reason your horse feels your mental clutter—and how to fix it fast.

Questions I Answer:

• What does “radical ownership” actually look like for a rider?
• How can I train my mind like I train my horse?
• How do I keep my emotions steady when the pressure hits?
• What’s the difference between visualizing success and visualizing recovery?
• How do I stay confident even when I mess up in the show pen?
• What daily mindset habits make the biggest difference long-term?

LINK/RESOURCES:

• 🎯 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

Here’s the truth most riders never want to admit: your mindset is your ride. You can have all the talent, training, and horsepower in the world, but if your thoughts are running wild, your results will too.

The good news? You can train your mind. You can build calm under chaos. You can turn those shaky moments into steady ones. It’s not magic—it’s mental fitness. And just like leg strength or balance, it’s something you work on every single day.

So start simple. Pick one of these ten habits this week. Maybe it’s catching your self-talk before it spirals, or focusing on how quickly you can regroup after a mistake. Whatever it is—practice it with the same dedication you bring to your riding.

Because the riders who rise to the top aren’t the ones who never lose their cool. They’re the ones who know exactly how to get it back.

You’ve got this, cowgirl. Let’s ride. 🧠✨