You don’t need to be stronger to sit the stop—you need to feel safer.

Sounds backwards, right? But that’s exactly what I see trip up even the most talented riders in the arena. They’re told to sit deep and stay soft—but no one talks about how to do that when your brain is screaming “Danger!” the moment your horse locks in for the slide.

In today’s episode, I’m answering a question straight from a rider in our community who asked, “Nicole, how the heck do I sit at the sliding stop without bracing or getting thrown forward?” And if you've ever felt like a sack of potatoes or a ragdoll flung around during your stops, trust me—you are not alone, and you are not broken. You're just dealing with a very normal, very human nervous system response.

This episode is all about showing you how to work with your body—not against it—so you can ride your stops with softness, clarity, and confidence. If you’ve been gripping with your thighs, holding your breath, or tensing up when the pressure’s on… this one’s for you.

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’m always curious to hear your stories, your takeaways, and your progress. And don’t forget to leave a review on iTunes—it helps more riders find the support they need. 🤠

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why your body braces during a sliding stop (even when you know what to do)
• The surprising role your nervous system plays in seat softness
• A clear, step-by-step breakdown of how to train your body to stay soft under pressure
• What safety has to do with softness—and why “trying harder” doesn’t work
• How to train your seat like you train your horse: with consistency, presence, and trust
• The 3-part process I use with riders to help them stop spiraling and stay grounded

Questions I Answer:

• “Why do I brace in the stop, even when I’ve practiced the right technique?”
• “How do I keep from getting thrown forward or feeling like I freeze up?”
• “What can I do before, during, and after a ride to stay more grounded in my body?”
• “Is it really possible to retrain my nervous system to respond better in high-pressure moments?”

Links/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

Whether you’re working on sitting your stops, rebuilding after a tough ride, or just trying to get out of your own head—remember this: your horse doesn’t need perfection. They need presence.

And presence starts with safety.

Safety allows softness.

And softness? That’s the secret to a powerful, beautiful stop.

You’ve got this.

Let’s ride. 🤠

Nicole 

You can have the best-trained horse in the warm-up pen… and still lose.

I know that sounds harsh, but I’ve seen it too many times to ignore. A rider pours months—heck, years—into perfecting every detail of their horse’s training. The circles are round, the stops are deep, the lead changes are smooth as butter. And yet, when the pressure’s on? They choke. Not because they’re not good enough—but because they never trained their mind to handle the moment.

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the real reason so many talented riders hit a ceiling they can’t break through. It’s not about talent. It’s not about horsepower. It’s about what’s happening between your ears. If you’ve ever walked out of the arena thinking, “My horse was ready, but I wasn’t,” this one’s for you.

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’m always curious to hear about your experience. Also, don’t forget to leave a review on iTunes to help more riders discover the show.

In This Episode You Will Learn:

• Why talent and training alone won’t guarantee success in the arena
• The #1 mistake high-level riders make when preparing for competition
• How to spot the difference between “wishful thinking” and real mental preparation
• The mindset shift that separates average riders from elite competitors
• A breakdown of what it actually means to train your mind like you train your horse

Questions I Answer:

• Why do you still struggle to win even when their horse is fully trained?
• What role does mindset play in competition results?
• How can you prepare mentally for a high-pressure show?
• What are the signs that you need a mental strategy (not just more saddle time)?
• What should you focus on in the days leading up to a competition?

🚀 Ready For Your Own Mental Breakthrough? Here’s How:

• 🎯 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

Truth bomb: Wanting it to be different doesn’t make it so.

In this episode, we’re digging into one of the most overlooked—but powerful—mental performance tools I teach: radical acceptance. Not hustle. Not trying harder. Not demanding that things go your way. But meeting the moment exactly as it is… so you can actually do something about it.

Because here’s the thing—most riders burn out not from the ride itself, but from the resistance. From the frustration of, “My horse shouldn’t be acting like this,” or “I should be further along by now.”

Whether you’re dealing with tech meltdowns in your business, a horse that spooks at air, or a show that goes nothing like you planned, this shift will change how you show up—for real.

And no, radical acceptance doesn’t mean giving up or lowering your standards. It means dropping the drama and meeting reality so you can take smart, steady action in the only moment you truly have power: right now.

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 what hit home for you—and where you’re practicing radical acceptance in your own riding.

And if this episode gave you a new way of looking at something, please take a second to leave a review on iTunes. Your review helps other riders find the support they need too.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

• Why radical acceptance is not the same as giving up
• How to stop wasting energy on frustration and start riding from clarity
• Real-life rider (and life!) examples where radical acceptance made all the difference
• How to reclaim your mental energy and confidence—even in moments that feel “off”
• The key difference between reaction mode vs. response mode
• How this mindset shift helps you ride with more trust, more agency, and less mental noise

QUESTIONS I ANSWER:

• What does radical acceptance actually mean, and how does it apply to riding?
• How do you stop spinning out when things don’t go to plan with your horse?
• Isn’t it important to be goal-driven? How do you balance acceptance with ambition?
• What do you do when you’re emotionally flooded or upset about where you're at in your riding?
• How can you use this mindset in real-time—at shows, in the arena, or when life throws curveballs?

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

“I’m just free.” -Janessa 

You know that dream? The one where you ride out into the arena with confidence, freedom, and ease — just you and your horse, no pressure, no second-guessing, no needing someone to hold your hand?

Well… what happens when you finally get the horse, the lessons, the gear — and you still don’t feel ready?

In this episode, I’m sitting down with one of my amazing clients, Janessa, to talk about the real stuff behind riding confidence. Not the fake-it-til-you-make-it kind — but the deep, grounded trust that changes how you ride, how you show up, and how you feel in your own skin. Janessa went from constant what-if spirals and fear of riding solo… to riding alone, lighthearted, laughing, and living out her cowgirl dreams in the saddle.

She’s been through our programs - Resilient Reiner Academy and Mental Gym for Equestrians, and the transformation she’s experienced will give you chills. If you’ve ever wondered whether confidence like that is possible for you — this episode is your proof.

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'm so curious to hear what parts hit home for you. And if you’re feeling inspired, leave a review on iTunes so others can discover the podcast and find the support they need to ride with confidence, too.

In This Episode You’ll Learn:

• What Janessa really struggled with — even after getting the “right” horse, trainer, and tack
• The surprising realization that changed everything for her (and how it had nothing to do with her riding skills)
• Why solo riding felt impossible before — and how she worked her way toward it, one breath at a time
• The specific mental tools that helped her shift from spiraling thoughts to grounded confidence
• How her work in RRA and MGE helped her ride with ease — and live with more freedom outside the barn, too
• What riding her horse now feels like (hint: it's totally in alignment with who she is off the horse, too)

Questions I Answer:

• Why do you still feel anxious around riding even when nothing’s “wrong”?
• How do you stop overthinking and start enjoying time with your horse again?
• What’s the difference between nervousness and not being ready?
• How do you build confidence when you feel like I’m starting late in the game?
• What does it actually look like to ride from a calm, focused place — not just hope the anxiety disappears?

🔗 LINKS & 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

This episode is full of heart, honesty, and hope. Whether you’ve been riding for years or just getting started, Janessa’s journey is a reminder that the real transformation doesn’t start in the saddle — it starts in your mind.

Be sure to follow the podcast and stay tuned for more client stories, mindset tools, and rider breakthroughs. And if this story lit something up in you… don’t ignore it.

You’ve got more control than you think.

Nicole

They won’t tell you this part.

That getting better, wiser, and more experienced… can sometimes feel like fading into the background.

You’re not the rookie anymore. Not the one everyone’s watching. And even if you’re still chasing big dreams, there are moments where it feels like most of your energy goes toward helping someone else win.

This week’s episode was born in a dark movie theater with buttered popcorn, where I thought I was watching an action flick—and instead got hit in the gut by something much deeper. Brad Pitt. Fast cars. And an unexpected masterclass in quiet leadership.

It cracked something open in me.

And if you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Am I still going after my dream… or just helping everyone else chase theirs?”—this episode is for you.

We’re talking aging, ego, and that strange, tender season of evolving from the one in the spotlight… to the one holding the line. And what it really means to lead with strength no one claps for.

🎧 If this episode hit home—or reminded you of a rider who needs to hear this—tag me on Instagram @nicoleburnettmentalcoach and @resilientreiner so I can cheer you on and hear your story. And don’t forget to leave a review on iTunes so more riders can find this podcast when they need it most.

In This Episode You’ll Learn:

• The surprising emotional gut punch from a Brad Pitt racing movie (yep, really)
• How aging in the saddle can bring up grief—and wisdom
• Why quiet strength is often invisible, but never wasted
• What it means to lead behind the scenes (and why it’s just as powerful as standing in the spotlight)
• How to honor the version of you that still wants the win—even if your role looks different now

Questions I Answer:

• Can you still chase your dream and make space for others?
• What happens when no one sees the work you’re doing behind the scenes?
• How do you keep riding with fire and vision when you're no longer the "rising star"?
• Is it okay to still want more, even if you're mostly mentoring, parenting, or supporting someone else's journey?

🔗 LINKS & 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 
• 🎯 Get Free Weekly Mental Coaching Tips → Join my email list! Subscribe here

This one’s close to my heart.

Sometimes, growth isn’t about riding harder—it’s about not giving up while carrying more quietly.

And still showing up. Still dreaming. Still going.

You’re not done. You’re just evolving.

Let’s ride.

— Nicole

Treat yourself like a toddler for better rides?!

What if your biggest confidence issue isn’t mindset… but blood sugar? 🫣

Here’s something most riders don’t talk about: you’re not losing your edge because you lack grit—you’re running on fumes.

The horse world loves to glorify mental toughness. “Push through it.” “Cowgirl up.”

But what if the real reason you feel anxious, snappy, or disconnected in the saddle… is because you hasn’t had breakfast?

In today’s episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on a conversation most riders desperately need to have.

We’re not just talking about mindset—we’re talking biology.

Because if you’ve been second-guessing yourself, losing patience, or just not feeling the joy in riding lately…

It might not be a mental block.

It might be your body asking for literal gas in the tank.

Let’s talk about how sleep, food, and hydration are secret weapons for calm, confident rides—especially when you're working hard to rebuild trust, momentum, and fun again.

Whether you’re showing or trail riding, green horse or seasoned partner—this one’s for you.

🎧 If this episode hits home, don’t keep it to yourself.

Tag me @nicoleburnettmentalcoach and @resilientreiner on Instagram and share it with your barn crew or riding bestie. I want to know how this lands for you!

And if it sparked a breakthrough? Leave a review on iTunes—it helps other riders like you discover the show. 🤠

🧠 IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why fatigue and blood sugar crashes are secretly wrecking your confidence
• The real reason you feel reactive or emotional in the saddle (and no, it’s not just “a bad ride”)
• How elite athletes treat recovery, nutrition, and rest as performance tools—and why you should too
• Tiny, doable shifts that help you ride clearer, calmer, and more connected—without changing your whole life

❓QUESTIONS I ANSWER:

• Why does everything feel harder when you’re tired—even when you want to ride well?
• How does food actually affect your mental performance as a rider?
• What should you eat before a ride if you want to feel grounded and focused?
• Is it really that big of a deal if you’re running on caffeine?
• How do you know the difference between burnout and just needing rest?

🔗 LINKS & 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 
• 🎯 Get Free Weekly Mental Coaching Tips → Join my email list! Subscribe here

Let this be your reminder:

You don’t need more pressure. You need more presence!

And that starts with sleep, snacks, and support—just like you’d give a toddler before a rodeo day. 😉

So if you’ve been frustrated with your mindset or stuck in your head… Zoom out.

Your confidence might not be gone, it just might be tired, hungry, or dehydrated. Let’s fix that!

Catch you in the episode,

Nicole 💛

When her success hits you harder than you expected…

Let’s be real for a second. You’re in the warm-up pen, or maybe just scrolling Instagram—and boom.

There she is. Confident. Collected. Owning it.

And you feel it.

That tight chest. That wave of “ugh.” That tiny voice whispering, “Why am I not there yet?”

Comparison sneaks in before you even realize it.

But what if I told you… that reaction isn’t something to hide or fight?

What if it’s actually a message—a clue to your next level?

In this episode, we’re breaking down the moment that stings the most—and flipping it into something powerful. I’m walking you through how to stop making comparison mean something’s wrong with you… and start letting it show you what you truly want.

Because here’s the truth: her success isn’t your shame—it’s your signal.

If this episode hits home for you (or makes you see things in a new light), be sure to tag me @nicoleburnettmentalcoach and @resilientreiner on Instagram and share this with your riding buddies. I’m so curious to hear what part stuck with you. And if you haven’t yet, leave a review on iTunes to help more riders like you find the show!

• Why that gut-punch of comparison is actually a powerful indicator of desire
• How to stop making someone else’s success mean you’re behind
• What your nervous system has to do with showing up confident in the saddle
• Why copying her strategy won’t get you her results—and what will
• A new way to turn comparison into clarity

• Why do I feel triggered when I see other riders succeed?
• What does it actually mean when someone else’s confidence makes me shrink?
• Can I ever get to that level of confidence without pretending to be someone I’m not?
• How do I shift from comparison to creation—and do it my way?

🔗 LINKS / RESOURCES:

• If this conversation hit close to home—and you're ready to stop letting fear call the shots in the saddle? 👇

If fear’s been creeping into your rides—or you’ve been holding back, second-guessing, or wondering if you're even cut out for this—you don’t have to stay stuck.

Ride Free is my brand-new coaching experience for western riders who want to rebuild confidence, regulate their nervous system, and finally enjoy their horse again.

💥 Beta Round Includes:

✅ 6 weeks of coaching

✅ My signature 4R Framework

✅ Live calls + live support

✅ Just $97 for this first group

🗓 Doors close Thursday, June 19 at 11:59pm MST

⚡ Limited to 10 riders

👉 Grab your spot here: https://buy.stripe.com/4gM00j07P7FLg0N5FafUQ08

Let’s ride.

• 🎯 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 

• 🎯 Get Free Weekly Mental Coaching Tips → Join my email list! Subscribe here

Ever crush a run on paper yet feel shaky inside your own boots? That gap between what you can do and what you believe you can do is where today’s conversation lives. Angela Bitencourt has shown working cattle in high‑pressure Brazilian ranch‑sorting pens, holds a master’s in animal science and beef genetics, and still found herself riding like she didn’t trust her own talent after a brutal fall and two surgeries.

In this episode we peel back the curtain on that invisible pressure: why skill alone won’t plug the confidence leak and how Angela rewired her mindset so she could ride fast, ride free, and actually have fun again. Grab a coffee, throw a leg over the saddle, and let’s dig in.

If you or someone you know gets value from this chat, tag us on Instagram @nicoleburnettmentalcoach, @resilientreiner, and @angelbittencourt. Share the episode with your barn family—I’d love to hear which moment hit home for you! And if you’ve got two spare minutes, drop a review on iTunes so more riders can find the show.

🎯 In This Episode You Will Learn

• Why “just ride more” never fixes post‑injury hesitation on your horse
• The hidden mental load competitors carry (and why it spikes in practice, not just on show day)
• Angela’s shift from “prove I belong” to “ride forward as who I am now”
• How a second horse unexpectedly accelerated her emotional recovery
• Simple pre‑ride rituals to ground your nervous system when time is tight
• The mindset reframe that turns fear into a fuel source instead of a stop sign

❓ Questions I Answer

• What really causes that confidence lag long after the body has healed after an injury involving your horse?
• How do you rebuild trust with a horse you love but secretly fear?
• Why does practice sometimes feel harder than competition?
• Can limited saddle time still lead to big wins?
• What first step should a rider take when pressure steals the joy?

🧠 GUEST INSTAGRAM

Follow Angela and her journey at @angelbittencourt 

🔗 LINKS / RESOURCES:

• If this conversation hit close to home—and you're ready to stop letting fear call the shots in the saddle? 👇

If fear’s been creeping into your rides—or you’ve been holding back, second-guessing, or wondering if you're even cut out for this—you don’t have to stay stuck.

Ride Free is my brand-new coaching experience for western riders who want to rebuild confidence, regulate their nervous system, and finally enjoy their horse again.

💥 Beta Round Includes:

✅ 6 weeks of coaching

✅ My signature 4R Framework

✅ Live calls + live support

✅ Just $97 for this first group

🗓 Doors close Thursday, June 19 at 11:59pm MST

⚡ Limited to 10 riders

👉 Grab your spot here: https://buy.stripe.com/4gM00j07P7FLg0N5FafUQ08

Let’s ride.

• 🎯 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 
• 🎯 Get Free Weekly Mental Coaching Tips → Join my email list! Subscribe here

Whether you’re recovering from an injury, juggling too many responsibilities, or just feeling stuck in your head, Angela’s story is your reminder:

You don’t need to ride perfect—you just need to ride present.

🎧 Go hit play. Your comeback might be one ride away.

✨ Let’s be honest: most riders aren’t breaking down because they’re weak—they’re breaking down because they’ve been told to stay strong for too long.

In this episode, I’m joined by Devin Bang, the founder of @buck.thestigma, and we’re cracking wide open the pressure, identity weight, and unspoken mental load riders carry. From the outside, Devin looked like she had it together. But underneath? Anxiety, overwhelm, and a constant battle to prove she was enough. Constantly inspired by her experiences and interactions with other competitors, trainers, owners and friends in rodeo, the idea of Buck The Stigma was sparked not only from her own deep struggle with anxiety and depression, but from others’ struggle as well.

Devin shares what it looked like to ride through the noise—without the tools, without support, and with a whole lot of internal pressure. Together, we talk about what happens when you finally realize: you’re not broken… you’re just burned out from carrying the mental weight no one sees.

This isn’t just a feel-good chat. It’s a real, grounded conversation about how high-achieving riders can look fine while struggling hard—and what it actually takes to shift the way you show up in and out of the saddle.

📣 If you or someone you know has benefited from this episode, be sure to tag us

@nicoleburnettmentalcoach @resilientreiner and @buck.thestigma on Instagram and share this episode with your community! I’m curious to hear what landed for you most. Also, please leave a quick review on iTunes—it helps more riders find these important conversations.

🎧 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why burnout in the western world is more common than we admit
• What anxiety can actually look like in the saddle (and why it’s not always obvious)
• How hustle culture keeps riders stuck in survival mode
• The identity trap of feeling like you have to “earn” rest or confidence
• Why showing up with empathy and self-discipline matters more than either one alone
• Devin’s personal story of transformation—from panic to presence
• A mindset shift that will change the way you approach pressure forever

❓Questions We Explore in the Episode:

• What does anxiety look like in riders who don’t “seem anxious”?
• How can you tell if what you’re feeling is burnout—not lack of motivation?
• Why do so many riders feel like they have to prove their worth before they deserve to rest?
• How did Devin go from carrying shame about her mental health to building a community around it?
• How do you build the courage to learn in public, mess up, and keep going anyway?”
• How do you learn to ride through the fear of judgment, failure, or just plain not being good yet?
• What’s the difference between avoiding pressure and riding with emotional awareness?

🔗 Want to Connect with Devin?:

• Follow Devon on Instagram: @buck.thestigma

🔗 LINKS / RESOURCES:

• If this conversation hit close to home—and you're realizing it’s not your horse, your saddle, or your lesson schedule that needs to change—it might be time for something deeper.

• Ride Free is my newest, application-only coaching experience for riders who want to reconnect with joy, confidence, and the version of themselves that used to love this. We start soon. Applications are open now through Monday, June 16. 👉 Click here to apply.

• 🎯 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 

• 🎯 Get Free Weekly Mental Coaching Tips → Join my email list! Subscribe here

Ever felt like you’re stuck in reverse? Like no matter how hard you try, you’re not moving forward—not in your riding, your mindset, or even your life? I’ve been there. And let me tell you, I’ve had a horse who quite literally refused to go forward, no matter how patiently or clearly I asked.

This episode is about what I learned from that experience—and trust me, the lessons go far beyond groundwork. Because whether you’re working with a tricky horse or tackling your own mental blocks, the truth is the same: there are no shortcuts to lasting success. The “long way,” as frustrating as it feels, is what builds confidence, trust, and results that stick.

So, grab your coffee, saddle up, and let’s chat about why the hard stuff isn’t forever, how to stay the course, and why the long way truly is the shortcut.

If this episode resonates with you—or if you know someone who’s in the thick of it—tag me @nicoleburnettmentalcoach and @resilientreiner on Instagram. I’d love to hear how this episode hits home for you, what you’re working through, and how you’re staying committed to your journey. Don’t forget to leave a review on iTunes—it’s one of the best ways to help more riders find this podcast!

In This Episode You Will Learn:

• Why the “long way” is the only way to real progress (and why shortcuts often backfire).
• How breaking challenges into tiny, manageable steps makes the impossible feel possible.
• Why nothing stays hard forever and how to shift your mindset in tough moments.
• The importance of building trust—whether with your horse or yourself—and how it transforms everything.
• Practical strategies for staying patient and resilient when you’re tempted to quit.

Questions I Answer:

• What do you do when things feel like they’ll never get easier?
• How do you keep going when progress feels painfully slow?
• What’s the connection between training a horse and training your mindset?
• How can small wins build momentum for big results?

🔗 LINKS / 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 
• 🎯 Get Free Weekly Mental Coaching Tips → Join my email list! Subscribe here

When things feel impossibly hard, I want you to remember this: hard doesn’t last forever. Whether you’re struggling with a training challenge, battling show-day nerves, or rebuilding confidence, remind yourself that this is for NOW, not forever. The long way—the patient, intentional, step-by-step way—will get you where you want to go. Stay committed to your journey, and trust in the process.

Ride on,

Nicole