Overspin penalties in reining are so frustrating because the spin is one of the flashiest, funnest maneuvers out there. The rider shakes out their arm with panache, sets their hand down and with the barest touch on their horse’s neck, their horse is spinning like a top. Mane flying out to the side, then they […]

If you ride better at home than at shows, you’re not crazy—and you’re definitely not the only rider dealing with it. At home, you can ride. You can warm up, go through your pattern, make a correction, adjust, and actually feel what’s happening underneath you. You can lope circles, work your transitions, and ride with […]

How to stay motivated to ride when you’re tired, busy, or just not feeling it? That’s the question. Alright, be honest with me for a second… Have you ever wanted the results — the smooth pattern, the clean stop, the confident run — but absolutely did not feel like doing the boring, unsexy thing that […]

If you’re thinking about hiring a mindset coach for riders with horse show nerves, you’re probably not a beginner. You can ride. You’ve shown. You’ve put in the time. But something keeps happening under pressure. (And if you don’t show, you’ve still felt this — clinics, lessons, hauling out, new arenas. Same pressure, different setting.) […]

Somehow, I’ve ended up in baby colt land the last couple of years. Started my mare.Started my mustang.Started my baby. (horse baby, just to be clear)Started another mustang. And this year I’ll be starting another colt. Who am I? Anyway… as someone who has the great honor of getting older each year, I’ve realized I’m […]

If you’ve ever wondered how to get your horse to respond to you, there’s a moment every rider knows. You pick up your reins. You ask for a stop, a turn, a transition… and your horse gives you something, but it’s delayed, dull, bracey, sticky, or just… not you. And immediately your brain goes: “He’s […]

Decision making under pressure is often the difference between an okay run and a money run. You’re loping along and you guide your horse into that right circle. You’re thinking ahead—because you want that circle nice and wide, so you’ve got room. Ten good strides across the arena to set up and execute your lead […]

To perform under pressure, you need training — not hype. Not another affirmation you only believe when things are going well. Not another pre-run ritual that falls apart when your horse gets strong, the judge is watching, or your brain starts spinning. You need skills your nervous system can reach for when pressure is real. […]

If “just stay positive” worked, horse show nerves would disappear the second you pulled into the show grounds. The warmup pen would be full of Pinterest quotes and zero anxiety. But… here we are. And listen—positivity isn’t evil. I’m not out here trying to cancel good vibes. I’m just saying: “stay positive” is not a […]

How often should you ride your horse if you want to improve? Most riders think the answer is “more.” Ironically, that mindset is exactly what keeps many riders stuck. I work with dedicated riders. You don’t hire a mental coach unless you’re in this for real — and I love that about you! But after […]