In this episode of Over the Oxer, I'm talking about something you’re already using -  whether you realise it or not.

Anchors.

In NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), an anchor is the link your brain creates between a stimulus and an emotional state. The sound of the competition bell. Walking into the warm-up arena. Even putting your boots on.

Some anchors build confidence.

In this episode, I explain:

– What anchors actually are in everyday life

This isn’t about positive thinking. It’s about understanding how your nervous system naturally conditions responses — and learning how to work with it instead of against it.

If you’ve ever wondered why you can feel calm one minute and tense the next, this episode will make it clear.

⚓️ And if you’d like to go deeper into installing anchors that genuinely shift your riding mindset, I also share details about my upcoming Anchoring Workshop. https://traceycolenlp.com/mental-anchors-for-better-riding-performance/

👉 Contact me 

[email protected]

www.traceycolenlp.com

👉Let's be social!

www.facebook.com/traceycolenlp.com

www.instagram.com/traceycolenlp.com

🧠Next NLP Practitioner and NLP Coach Training: Starts 18thMay. Every Monday 1:30-5pm UK time. No prior learning needed. Recordings made available. NLP only for Practitioner and 5 certifications for the NLP Coach (all internationally recognised, accredited and certified by professsional boards) https://traceycolenlp.com/product/empowered-equestrian-coach/

🎓 NLP Trainers Training: 1:1 Start any time. Pre-requisite: Master NLP Practitioner https://traceycolenlp.com/nlp-trainers-training-curious-to-know-more/

📕 Confident Rider Mindset Book/ Audiobook: https://tinyurl.com/ypjunref

To win one of the Tuck 'N' Treats from Heica Feeders, answer this question:

What are the Tuck 'N' Treats made out of?

www.en.heicahorse.com

Send your answers to [email protected]

In this episode of Over the Oxer, we travel (virtually!) to Finland to speak with Sonja and Katja, the founders of Heica Hay Feeders. Finland is at the forefront of equestrian welfare legislation, and my guests provide a fascinating look at how these new regulations are changing the landscape for horse owners.

We dive deep into the philosophy of equine enrichment: moving beyond the idea of "slow feeding" to creating a lifestyle that respects the horse’s natural behaviours. Sonja and Katja share the origin story of Heica, explaining how a search for a better feeder evolved into a mission to provide mental stimulation for horses in stables and paddocks worldwide.

In this episode, we discuss:

Equestrian Culture in Finland: What makes the Finnish approach to horse care unique?

The New Regulations: A breakdown of the latest welfare standards in Finland and what they mean for the future of horse ownership.

From Feeding to Enrichment: Why "slow feeding" was only the beginning for Heica.

The Psychology of the Stable: How to use enrichment tools to reduce stress and boredom-related behaviors.

Innovation in Design: How Sonja and Katja built a brand centred on horse welfare.

👉Heica Feeders website: https://en.heicahorse.com/category/11/heica-feeders 

👉Follow Heica

🐎On Instagram (English): https://www.instagram.com/heica_hayfeeders/

[Finnish, Swedish, German and Hungarian channels too]

🐎On Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093350024074

👉 Contact me 

[email protected]

www.traceycolenlp.com

👉Mental Anchoring Workshop 19th March 2026 10am-1pm UK time on Zoom. For equestrians and coaches. Recordings available. https://traceycolenlp.com/product/mental-anchors-for-riding-performance/

👉Let's be social!

www.facebook.com/traceycolenlp.com

www.instagram.com/traceycolenlp.com

📕 Confident Rider Mindset Book/ Audiobook: https://tinyurl.com/ypjunref

When things go wrong in the saddle, do you push harder… or shut down?

This week I compare the powerful (and very different) thinking of Alfred Adler and Carl Jung—and how their ideas can transform the way you handle mistakes, pressure, and ambition in riding.

Achievement or healing?

Mental Anchors Workshop

https://traceycolenlp.com/product/mental-anchors-for-riding-performance/

Contact me 

[email protected]

www.traceycolenlp.com

Watch on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@traceycolenlp2086

Let's be social!

www.facebook.com/traceycolenlp.com

www.instagram.com/traceycolenlp.com

Next NLP Practitioner and NLP Coach Training:

Starts 18th May. Every Monday 1:30-5pm UK time. No prior learning needed. Recordings made available. NLP only for Practitioner and 5 certifications for the NLP Coach (all internationally recognised, accredited and certified by professsional boards)

https://traceycolenlp.com/product/empowered-equestrian-coach/

Next NLP Master Practitioner Training:

NLP Only. Starts 15th April. Every Wednesday 1:30-5pm. Recordings made available. NLP Practitioner or Coach as pre-requisite. https://traceycolenlp.com/product/nlp-master-practitioner-coach/

NLP Trainers Training:

1:1 Start any time. Pre-requisite: Master NLP Practitioner https://traceycolenlp.com/nlp-trainers-training-curious-to-know-more/

Confident Rider Mindset Book/ Audiobook:

https://tinyurl.com/ypjunref

Sue Hill is a Havening Techniques® Practitioner, trained in NLP, hypnosis and EFT, and she’s currently in the final stages of becoming a Havening Techniques Practitioner Trainer. She helps clients reduce anxiety, overwhelm and emotional triggers using gentle, effective techniques that calm the nervous system and create lasting change. Sue’s focus is simple: helping people feel better fast, giving them tools they can use for life, and making Havening accessible to as many people as possible.

👉 Contact Sue

https://www.findingyourhaven.co.uk 

https://www.facebook.com/findingyourhaven

👉Contact me 

[email protected]

www.traceycolenlp.com

👉Let's be social!

www.facebook.com/traceycolenlp.com

www.instagram.com/traceycolenlp.com

In this episode of Over the Oxer, we explore how confidence changes as we get older and why riding can feel different than it did in your twenties. If you’re an older rider or adult horse rider, this episode is packed with insights on how your brain assesses risk, why adult confidence is selective and context dependent, and how trying to “ride like your younger self” can hold you back. Learn practical tips to work with your nervous system, build calm, sustainable confidence, and enjoy your horse more than ever. Perfect for equestrian mindset, horse riders, and adult riders looking to improve trust and partnership with their horse.

Contact me 

[email protected]

www.traceycolenlp.com

Mental Anchors for Better Riding Performance 

19th March 10-1pm UK time, recordings available. £45 per person

https://traceycolenlp.com/mental-anchors-for-better-riding-performance/ 

Watch on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@traceycolenlp2086

Let's be social!

www.facebook.com/traceycolenlp.com

www.instagram.com/traceycolenlp.com

Next NLP Practitioner and NLP Coach Training:

Starts mid-May 2026. Every Monday 1:30-5pm UK time. No prior learning needed. Recordings made available. NLP only for Practitioner and 5 certifications for the NLP Coach (all internationally recognised, accredited and certified by professsional boards)

https://traceycolenlp.com/product/empowered-equestrian-coach/

Confident Rider Mindset Book/ Audiobook:

https://tinyurl.com/ypjunref

This week, I’m sharing a simple “toe curling” technique to help you reset your nervous system, release tension, and feel calmer—on your horse or anytime you need a quick mental reset. Plus, a little laugh about why some moments are just toe curling!

If you love the podcast, I’d be thrilled if you could nominate it in the Equestrian Media category at the Equestrian Business Awards: [email protected]

www.traceycolenlp.com

Let's be social!

www.facebook.com/traceycolenlp.com

www.instagram.com/traceycolenlp.com

Next NLP Practitioner and NLP Coach Training:

Starts in May 2026. Every Monday 1:30-5pm UK time. No prior learning needed. Recordings made available. NLP only for Practitioner and 5 certifications for the NLP Coach (all internationally recognised, accredited and certified by professsional boards)

https://traceycolenlp.com/product/empowered-equestrian-coach/

Next NLP Master Practitioner Training:

NLP Only. Starts 25th March 2026. Every Wednesday 1:30-5pm. Recordings made available. NLP Practitioner or Coach as pre-requisite. https://traceycolenlp.com/product/nlp-master-practitioner-coach/

NLP Trainers Training:

1:1 Start any time. Pre-requisite: Master NLP Practitioner https://traceycolenlp.com/nlp-trainers-training-curious-to-know-more/

Confident Rider Mindset Book/ Audiobook:

https://tinyurl.com/ypjunref

On this episode, I’m joined by Maha Khallaf from Saudi Arabia, as she shares her inspiring journey back to horses as an adult rider and starting her own equestrian online shop.

Maha opens up about stepping away from riding for many years, returning to the saddle during a challenging period in her life, and navigating the mindset struggles adult riders know so well — fear of falling, overthinking, trauma and responsibility. She offers thoughtful insights and why healing the inner child can be key to riding with more confidence and calm.

We also explore what it’s really like to ride in Saudi Arabia, including cultural shifts for female riders, air-conditioned stables, riding after sunset in the summer heat, and how the equestrian world there is evolving rapidly.

Maha is the founder of Epona’s Horses, an international equestrian brand specialising in custom saddle pads, ear nets, rider and horse wear and therapeutic horse products.

🐎 Find out more about Epona's Horses

https://eponashorses.net/ar/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eponashorses?igsh=MWJjcHUzYXF5YjBmcA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Maha is kindly offering Over the Oxer listeners:

A chance to win a free saddle pad and ear net (selected colours) - simply email me at [email protected] and I'll add your name to the draw on 31st January 2026

20% off anything else in her online shop - use the code EPNTRCY

Contact me 

[email protected]

www.traceycolenlp.com

Let's be social!

www.traceycolenlp.com

www.facebook.com/traceycolenlp.com

www.instagram.com/traceycolenlp.com

[email protected]

In this episode of Over the Oxer, Tracey Cole is joined by Louise Tayler, an ADHD business coach who helps business owners, especially women, move from knowing what to do to actually doing it. Louise shares her personal journey of discovering her ADHD later in life and how understanding her neurodivergence transformed her mindset, motivation, and approach to work. They explore the different types of ADHD, the challenges of focus, emotional regulation, and motivation, and practical strategies for managing daily life. Louise also explains how horses can provide a calming, grounding influence for neurodivergent brains, and the importance of self-compassion and simple, actionable strategies for building sustainable, successful businesses. Plus, she introduces her free five-day Follow-Through Formulacourse designed to help you move from procrastination into action.

👉Contact Louise

On Instagram: @louise_understanding_adhd

Website: https://understanding-adhd.co.uk/

5️⃣ Day 'Follow Through Formula (free 5-day course) 

👉 Contact me 

[email protected]

www.traceycolenlp.com

📺Watch on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@traceycolenlp2086

🤳Let's be social!

www.facebook.com/traceycolenlp.com

www.instagram.com/traceycolenlp.com

Next NLP Practitioner and NLP Coach Training:

Starts in May 2026. Every Monday 1:30-5pm UK time. No prior learning needed. Recordings made available. NLP only for Practitioner and 5 certifications for the NLP Coach (all internationally recognised, accredited and certified by professsional boards)

https://traceycolenlp.com/product/empowered-equestrian-coach/

Next NLP Master Practitioner Training:

NLP Only. Starts 18th June. Every Wednesday 1:30-5pm. Recordings made available. NLP Practitioner or Coach as pre-requisite. https://traceycolenlp.com/product/nlp-master-practitioner-coach/

NLP Trainers Training:

1:1 Start any time. Pre-requisite: Master NLP Practitioner https://traceycolenlp.com/nlp-trainers-training-curious-to-know-more/

Confident Rider Mindset Book/ Audiobook:

https://tinyurl.com/ypjunref

Buy me a cup of tea!

Some kind people have suggested that my podcast is helping them with their riding and asked how they can help to defray the costs of making the podcast, (mostly editing software etc.). Many, many thanks, you can buy me a cup of tea here: www.buymeacoffee.com/?via=Ny2j49lgXB  

In this episode, Tracey explores 1930s research by neuroscientist Harold Saxton Burr that suggests we are surrounded by a measurable energy field that guides the body. Learn how your thoughts, emotions and tension could affect your riding and your horse and why understanding this invisible blueprint could change the way you ride (and think) forever.

👉 Contact me 

[email protected]

www.traceycolenlp.com

👉Let's be social!

www.facebook.com/traceycolenlp.com

www.instagram.com/traceycolenlp.com

🧠Next NLP Practitioner and NLP Coach Training: Starts in May. Every Monday 1:30-5pm UK time. No prior learning needed. Recordings made available. NLP only for Practitioner and 5 certifications for the NLP Coach (all internationally recognised, accredited and certified by professsional boards) https://traceycolenlp.com/product/empowered-equestrian-coach/

🎓 NLP Trainers Training: 1:1 Start any time. Pre-requisite: Master NLP Practitioner https://traceycolenlp.com/nlp-trainers-training-curious-to-know-more/

📕 Confident Rider Mindset Book/ Audiobook: https://tinyurl.com/ypjunref