Equestrian Performance Mindset

By Jocelin Lillienau

The Equestrian Performance Mindset podcast is teaching equestrians how to get the most out of themselves by training their mind alongside their riding skills. It provides actionable tips on how to: Im... more

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FAQs about Equestrian Performance Mindset:

How many episodes does Equestrian Performance Mindset have?

The podcast currently has 227 episodes available.

Equestrian Performance Mindset episodes:

December 15, 2025From Olympic Dream to Derby Miracle & The Mindset Behind It with Esteban Benitez Valle - #215
This episode isn’t just a story, it’s a masterclass in mindset, belief, resilience, and refusing to give up on a dream even when everything around you says don’t bother.
In this conversation, Esteban Benítez Valle takes us behind the scenes of qualifying for the Olympics, navigating heartbreak, dealing with insane pressure, and then - somehow - stepping into the legendary Hamburg Derby and doing what nobody expected him to do.
But the REAL power of this episode? It shows that elite-level mindset is not magic. It’s a skill. A skill ANY rider can learn.
Inside, Esteban shares:
How he stayed certain about the Olympics even when everything went wrong
Why he hired a sports psychologist before he needed one
How he dealt with a season full of injuries, pressure, and travel
The exact mindset shift that kept him focused instead of overwhelmed
His process for shutting down negative thoughts instantly
How he used visualization to ride a 160cm course before he ever rode it
Why belief must come before evidence
How he built a relationship with a horse he barely knew, days before the Derby
Why treating the moment as a “gift” removes fear
The mental routine that kept him calm, grounded, and razor-focused
How he created a “tunnel” of focus in front of a stadium full of spectators
And the one thing every rider should stop apologizing for when competing
This episode isn’t about talent or luck. It’s about mindset, belief, consistency, and the courage to think bigger than your circumstances. If you’re a rider who:
✔ overthinks every mistake
✔ doubts yourself more than you admit
✔ feels like you’re not progressing fast enough
✔ wonders if you’re ever “good enough”
✔ freezes under pressure
✔ dreams big but feels small
…this episode will show you what’s possible when you back yourself; fully, unapologetically, and consistently. And more importantly: It will show you how your mind becomes your biggest advantage when you train it like athletes in every other sport do.

Resources Mentioned:
🧠 Receive our weekly mindset & performance hacks: https://www.mindeq.eu/weeklyhacks
🧠 Be a part of the Mindeq Community: https://www.mindeq.eu/offers/djg9H2Bf
Follow Jocelin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelinlillienau
Follow Lorna on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lornahogarth_coaching/
Esteban's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebenitezeventing/
...more
1h 1min
December 08, 2025The Real Reason You Never Feel “Caught Up” - #214
If you’re an ambitious rider trying to juggle horses, work, family, goals, money, fitness, and your sanity… this episode is going to feel like a deep exhale.
Today, I and Lorna dive into one of the biggest struggles riders face: How do you manage everything without feeling overwhelmed, guilty, or constantly behind? And the honest answer? You don’t “balance” it. Because balance is a myth, an illusion we keep chasing, then beating ourselves up for not catching.
Inside this episode, we explore:
Why riders don’t actually have a time problem, they have a thinking problem
How overwhelm isn’t failure… it’s the abundance of everything you once wished for
The link between your to-do list and your limiting beliefs
Why your mind becomes a “washing machine” of pressure, and how to stop feeding it
The REAL reason you procrastinate (hint: it’s not laziness)
How to recognize when your subconscious is trying to protect you
Why some days you glide through 80 tasks and others you can’t handle five
The secret difference between an “incapable rider” and an “incapable state”
This episode gives you the awareness, the metaphors, and the mental models to finally understand:
why you feel overwhelmed
why your brain spirals
why you keep recreating the same stress patterns
and how to start shifting out of them with compassion instead of criticism
Whether you’re riding six horses a day or squeezing in one evening ride after work, this conversation will help you stop fighting your mind and start working with it.

Resources Mentioned:
🧠 Learn more about the Mindeq Community: https://www.mindeq.eu/offers/djg9H2Bf
Follow Jocelin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelinlillienau
Follow Lorna on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lornahogarth_coaching/
...more
19min
December 01, 2025Dressage Mindset Secrets with Sara Van Gool - #213
In this inspiring and deeply honest conversation, we sit down with Sara, a dressage coach who blends technical training with mindset work to help riders show up with confidence, clarity, and calm.
Sara shares how her own struggles with pressure, frustration, and self-doubt led her into mental performance work, and how she now teaches riders to overcome the exact challenges she once faced herself.
We dive into:
Why dressage riders struggle more than they realize
How to build confidence as a rider (the real way)
Creating a warm-up that actually works
Her unusual secret to staying present
Why fun and relaxation must come before results
You’ll learn how self-talk:
Reduces tension
Keeps you in the moment
Helps you respond to your horse
Stops the “little men running around in your head
Resources Mentioned:
🧠 Receive our weekly mindset & performance hacks: https://www.mindeq.eu/weeklyhacks
Follow Jocelin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelinlillienau
Follow Lorna on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lornahogarth_coaching/
Sara's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saravangool_dressuurcoach/
...more
1h 3min
November 23, 2025Releasing Old Judgments So You Can Ride Freely - #212
In today’s episode, I and Lorna take a deep dive into one of the most emotionally charged struggles riders face: caring too much about what other people, especially trainers, think.
A listener asks how to move on from a negative trainer experience in the past that still affects her riding years later. And that’s where this episode gets powerful.
I and Lorna unpack:
Why your mind holds onto old memories
How past criticism can shape your confidence today
And most importantly, how to change the emotional impact of those memories so they stop controlling you
You’ll learn the exact process Lorna uses with clients to release old judgments, shift the “submodalities” of a memory, and take back control of how you feel.
This episode isn’t just helpful, it’s transformational. If old comments, past trainers, or past mistakes still hold space in your mind… this one is for you.
Tools & Techniques You’ll Learn:
How to alter visual “sub-modalities” (size, color, distance, speed)
How to reduce the emotional charge of a memory
Auditory techniques to silence or soften a trainer’s voice
Kinesthetic tools to remove unwanted tension from the body
The simple but powerful act of disassociating to reduce overwhelm
Anchoring a new emotional state to replace the old one
(And yes, I literally walk through an example with my own memory; you’ll learn a lot just listening to the process.)
Quotes Worth Remembering:
“You created the memory, that means you can also change it.”
“You’re not changing the past. You’re changing the emotional meaning of it.”
“Disassociate, change the picture, remove the feeling, and suddenly the memory loses its power.”
“The moment you shift the sub-modalities, the memory cannot stay the same.”
Resources Mentioned:
🧠 Receive our weekly mindset & performance hacks: https://www.mindeq.eu/weeklyhacks
🧠 Apply for coaching/discovery call: https://www.mindeq.eu/coaching
Follow Jocelin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelinlillienau
Follow Lorna on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lornahogarth_coaching/
...more
19min
November 17, 2025Conquering Fear, Expectations, and the 'What If' Chatter with Maeve Foley - #211
How do you find your way back when intense fear and self-doubt take over your riding?
In this deeply moving episode, Maeve Foley opens up about her journey, from being the fearless amateur who’d sneak off to jump bigger tracks, to facing crippling nerves after years away from the sport.
She shares how a single bad stride changed everything, how grief shaped her riding, and how she slowly found her way back to courage, confidence, and joy.
Together with I and Lorna, Maeve explores what it really takes to overcome fear, build true mental resilience, and learn to trust yourself, and your horse again.
You’ll Learn:
The hidden fears that can derail even the most experienced riders
How one “bad stride” can anchor deep-seated fear, and how to rewire it
The real reason nerves take over (and how to stop them from controlling you)
Why bravery isn’t the absence of fear, it’s acting in spite of it
How to move past setbacks, grief, and self-doubt to rediscover your love of riding
Maeve’s powerful mantra: “I never want to leave anything on the table.”
Key Quotes:
“You haven’t lost your confidence, it’s still there, waiting for you to rebuild trust.”
“Fear doesn’t mean stop. It means you’re stretching your comfort zone.”
“Do the thing you’re scared of, that’s how you prove your thoughts wrong.”
“When you stop fighting yourself, that’s when the progress starts.”
Resources Mentioned:
🧠 Receive our weekly mindset & performance hacks: https://www.mindeq.eu/weeklyhacks
🧠 Be a part of the Mindeq Community: https://www.mindeq.eu/offers/djg9H2Bf
Follow Jocelin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelinlillienau
Follow Lorna on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lornahogarth_coaching/
Maeve's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foleymaeve/
...more
1h
November 10, 2025Riding Under Pressure, and Rising Above It - #210
"Pressure". Every rider feels it, whether it’s from expectations, money, owners, parents, or the quiet voice inside saying “you have to prove yourself.”
In this powerful and honest conversation, I and Lorna unpack where that pressure really comes from and how much of it is self-created. We explore how fears of failure, financial strain, self-worth, and identity all tie into the invisible weight riders carry, and how to start letting it go.
You’ll learn to recognize when pressure is helping you perform and when it’s holding you back, how to find your own “ideal pressure zone,” and how to reconnect with the real reason you ride: because you love it.
You’ll Learn:
Why pressure isn’t real, and how you’re actually creating it
The difference between healthy pressure and destructive pressure
How your self-worth and identity fuel performance anxiety
Why “doing your horse justice” often adds emotional pressure, and how to reframe it
How to find your optimal mindset state for peak performance
The secret to enjoying the sport again, even when stakes feel high
Key Quotes:
“Pressure isn’t something you can touch, it’s something you create in your own mind.
“You are a worthy, good human being right now, success is just a bonus.”
“Pressure is a privilege, but only when you learn to manage it.”
“Challenge the story you’re telling yourself, it’s often not reality.”

Resources Mentioned:
🧠 Receive our weekly mindset & performance hacks: https://www.mindeq.eu/weeklyhacks
Follow Jocelin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelinlillienau
Follow Lorna on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lornahogarth_coaching/
...more
27min
November 03, 2025Your Mindset Toolkit for Injury & Chronic Setbacks - #209
What do you do when life or your body keeps throwing setbacks your way?
When pain, injury, or frustration make it feel like you’re right back at square one?
In this heartfelt and empowering conversation, I and Lorna tackle a listener’s question about dealing with chronic back pain and the feeling of discouragement that comes when progress keeps getting interrupted.
We explore what to do when your circumstances feel completely out of your control, and how to shift from frustration and hopelessness to curiosity, choice, and empowerment - one small mindset change at a time.
You’ll Learn:
How to stop spiraling into discouragement when things don’t go your way
The crucial difference between your circumstance and your response
How your thoughts directly shape your emotions, and your healing
Practical mindset tools for regaining a sense of control, even when pain persists
The power of asking: “What about this can I control?”
How hypnotherapy can help you reframe and even reduce the perception of pain
Key Quotes:
“You can’t always control your circumstances, but you can always control how you react.”
“Your subconscious mind is always listening. What thoughts are you planting?”
“You only have to get up one more time than you fall down.”
“The goal isn’t to get rid of pain, it’s to learn how to live and move with it.”
Resources Mentioned:
🧠 Apply for Hypno sessions: https://www.mindeq.eu/hypnoapplication
🧠 Receive our weekly mindset & performance hacks: https://www.mindeq.eu/weeklyhacks
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelinlillienau
Follow Lorna: https://www.instagram.com/lornahogarth_coaching/
...more
19min
October 27, 2025What to do when People Misjudge You - #208
Have you ever felt frustrated that people have the wrong image of you, that they don’t see how hard you actually work?
Maybe they assume you’re lucky, spoiled, or that things just come easy… when in reality, you’re grinding every day.
In this honest and eye-opening episode, I and Lorna unpack why we care so deeply about what others think, and how to let go of that need for approval so you can focus on your path, your values, and your goals.
We explore what’s really happening beneath the surface when you feel judged or misunderstood; from subconscious fears of not belonging to insecurities about your worth, and we share practical tools to shift your mindset back into confidence, clarity, and self-trust.
You’ll Learn:
Why people’s opinions of you are never in your control
How subconscious fears trigger your need for acceptance
The link between caring what others think and not trusting yourself
A simple question to reconnect with your authentic self: “What do I want when no one else is watching?”
How to stop overthinking, start trusting your instincts, and ride (and live!) with confidence
Key Quotes:
“It’s not the thought that’s the problem, it’s how long you hang onto it.”
“If it’s not something you can control, it’s a waste of energy.”
“Stop caring about what others think, and start caring more about what you think.”
Resources Mentioned:
🧠 Apply for Hypno: https://www.mindeq.eu/hypnoapplication
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelinlillienau
...more
20min
October 19, 2025The Hidden Cost of Trying Too Hard - #207
In this episode, I and Lorna tackle a struggle that every ambitious rider knows too well - trying too hard.
We pour our hearts, time, and energy into riding, believing that working harder must lead to better results. But what happens when pushing more, training more, and wanting it more actually holds you back?
Together, we explore why over-effort often blocks progress, both for you and your horse; and how to find the balance between determination and trust.
This conversation is an honest, relatable deep dive into the mental side of “more isn’t always better.”
Key Takeaways:
Trying harder isn’t always trying smarter. Sometimes the best way forward is to pause, reflect, and reset.
Effort has a limit. Beyond a certain point, extra pressure creates tension, not progress.
Trust the process. Growth doesn’t follow a straight line, your timing and your horse’s timing matter.
Rest is part of performance. Breaks allow both your mind and your horse’s body to absorb learning.
Your mindset determines your muscle memory. Give your subconscious time to do its job.
Memorable Quotes:
“When you want something so badly, you start to overconsume your own progress.” - Lorna
“It’s not about doing more, it’s about doing deeper.” - Jocelin
“Rest. Don’t quit.” - Lorna
“We’ll get there, on our own timeline.” - Jocelin

Resources Mentioned:
🐴 Our Website: https://www.mindeq.eu/
🧠 Receive our weekly mindset & performance hacks: https://www.mindeq.eu/weeklyhacks
🐴 Mindeq Quiz: https://www.mindeq.eu/mindeq-quiz
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelinlillienau
...more
23min
October 12, 2025How to Best Prepare for Your Next Competition - #206
In this episode, I and Lorna dive deep into one of the most crucial, yet often misunderstood parts of equestrian sport: how to prepare yourself and your riders for competition.
Whether you’re stepping up to your first event or pushing for that next level, this episode helps you discover your ideal performance state and understand how to manage nerves, pressure, and preparation so you can truly get the most out of yourself and your horse.
Through personal stories, mindset tools, and practical strategies, we unpack the messy middle of competing; the space between calm and chaos, between control and adrenaline, and how to find your own sweet spot.
Key Takeaways:
Find your ideal performance level: Everyone’s energy “sweet spot” is different, learn to identify yours (and your horse’s) before you compete.
Reflect and adjust: Growth starts with reflection. Use every competition or training session as data for your next one.
Nerves are not the enemy: Nerves mean you care. Learn to use them to sharpen your focus rather than hold you back.
Plan ahead - in detail: Structure your day, from when you’ll eat to when you’ll tack up, warm up, and ride. Time is a mindset tool.
Build routines: Consistent pre-competition routines bring calm and confidence when it matters most.
Mistakes are information: Redefine failure, every error is feedback that helps shape your progress.
Support matters: Whether it’s a coach, friend, or mindset professional, no rider thrives alone.
🐎 Quotes Worth Remembering:
“You can sell time, but you can’t buy time.” - Abi Lyle
“Find your ideal energy level, your arousal state, and train for it before competition.” - Lorna
“Everything you can make certain before competition saves you focus and energy.” - Jocelin
“We grow when we learn, and we learn by making mistakes.” - Lorna

Resources Mentioned:
🐴 Our Website: https://www.mindeq.eu/
🧠 Receive our weekly mindset & performance hacks: https://www.mindeq.eu/weeklyhacks
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelinlillienau
...more
28min

FAQs about Equestrian Performance Mindset:

How many episodes does Equestrian Performance Mindset have?

The podcast currently has 227 episodes available.

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