Episode 187 of Over The Oxer sees Tracey Cole in conversation with equine behaviour expert Nadia Hernandez, exploring the powerful link between horse behaviour and rider mindset. Blending human psychology with equine science, Nadia explains why horses mirror our emotions, how prey animal instincts drive reactions like spooking and bolting, and what riders often misunderstand about their horse’s behaviour. Packed with practical insight, this episode shares simple but effective tools to improve confidence, regulate your nervous system and create a calmer, safer partnership with your horse through breathing, present moment awareness and gratitude. You’ll also learn how to rebuild trust after setbacks, manage fear and “what if” thinking, and develop a stronger, more balanced horse and rider partnership. Perfect for anyone interested in equestrian mindset, horse behaviour, confidence in the saddle and improving performance through better connection.

Connect with Nadia:

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

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  

[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

This week on Over The Oxer, I’m joined by the wonderful Alex Fleming, someone I’ve known and admired for several years now. Alex helps horse riders train their brains for confidence, trust and enjoyment in the saddle, and in this conversation we go deep into the real psychology behind confidence, mindset and performance with horses.

Alex shares her journey into the horse world, from starting at a riding school with no horsey background, to working in racing, becoming an instructor and eventually moving into psychology, NLP and hypnotherapy after experiencing a profound loss that shook her own confidence and identity as a rider.

This is a powerful and honest conversation about confidence, nervous systems, kindness towards ourselves, and why mindset work is not a luxury in riding – it’s essential.

👉 Contact Alex

 www.coaching4confidence.co.uk  https://www.facebook.com/alex.fleming.9803/  https://www.instagram.com/coaching_for_confidence 

👉Join Alex's Free 5-Day Challenge (starts 13th April 2026) -

https://coaching4confidence.co.uk/challenge/

👉Get Alex's Free Nervous System Reset 

https://coaching4confidence.co.uk/nervous-system-reset/

👉 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 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/

🎓 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

Have you ever entered the arena and suddenly forgotten your "C" from your "E"? Or couldn't remember whether your next jump was the red oxer or the yellow double? In this quirky episode of Over the Oxer Equestrian Mindset Podcast, we dive into a fascinating "brain hack" involving nothing more than your own two hands. We explore the 2013 research by Ruth Propper on hemispheric encoding and retrieval—specifically, how squeezing your fists in a certain order might actually prime your brain to memorise courses and tests more effectively. Whether you're a show jumper or a dressage rider, this "Memory Sandwich" technique might be the missing piece in your mental performance toolkit.

👉 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 18t hMay. Every Monday 1:30-5pm UK time. You can also learn form the recodings. No prior learning needed.  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

In this episode, I'm speaking with Louise Einchcomb, equestrian mindset coach and founder of Rider Mentality.

Louise combines psychology, applied coaching and real-world equestrian experience to help riders, coaches and professionals build confidence, regulate their nervous systems and create healthier partnerships with horses.

We explore how rider mindset impacts performance — and how improving human wellbeing directly influences horse welfare.

Louise’s journey from horse-mad child to equestrian professional

Her experience working across the industry — including yard management and therapeutic riding environments

Why Rider Mentality was created during lockdown

How anxiety and life stress show up in riding

The power of self-compassion for equestrians

Why self-compassion strengthens accountability rather than removes it

Culture, hierarchy and tradition within the equestrian industry

Social licence, welfare standards and positive change

Why asking “why?” can transform practice and improve horse welfare

Insights from the early stages of Louise’s upcoming book exploring psychology and welfare

Contact/Follow Louise

Rider Mentality Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rider_mentality/?hl=en-gb

(Discounted to £8 with the code COMPASSION2)

Contact Tracey

[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

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

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