The Resilient Reiner blog

When you are chasing a faster barrel racing time, it is easy to assume you need more speed. But for many riders, the biggest time loss begins before they ever reach the first barrel. Pressure changes how they ride before the run even gets started. They go down the alley tight.They hesitate instead of committing.They […]

Learn the signs of a toxic horse trainer A good horse trainer may challenge you. A toxic horse trainer makes you question yourself, your instincts, and sometimes even your love of riding. The tricky part is that unhealthy coaching does not always look obvious at first. It can sound like “tough love,” “high standards,” or […]

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 […]

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 […]

Mental resilience for riders isn’t built on perfect rides. It’s built by learning how to rebuild confidence after a bad ride. Especially the rides that shake you the most. Moments before riding your pattern, your breath catches. Your hand tightens on the reins. That invisible barrier between potential and performance? I know it intimately. In […]

Mental preparation for horse shows is often the difference between riding to your potential and letting nerves take over. Here’s the hard truth I’ve learned after coaching riders on their mental game for years: Most riders don’t lose because of their horse. Or a tricky pattern. Or because they aren’t talented enough. They lose because […]

Raise your hand if your horse kicks out during lead changes If your horse kicks out during lead changes, it can feel like your horse is mad, resistant, or calling you out in the middle of the ride. That was exactly the energy in the message sitting in my inbox last week: “My mare kicks […]

A simple mindset routine can help you get back on track when life knocks you out of rhythm. Whew. I’ve been sick. Like “lay on the couch and feel like a used dishrag” kind of sick. And if you’ve been there, you know the weird feeling that comes after. You start to feel better… but […]

Can horses sense your emotions? If you’ve ever noticed your horse acting differently when you’re stressed, science says there’s a good reason why. The other day, I rolled into the barn like a storm cloud rolling in over the plains. Dark. Stormy. Nobody could do anything right. Honestly, if you’d shown up with coffee and […]