Over The Oxer
All equestrians want to harness mindset know-how and learn the ease of successful riding. On this podcast, I’m demystifying the mind, delving into the best of mindset and debunking myths for equestrians and horse owners. Mindset is the key to solving a host of problems that manifest when we ride, including riding anxiety, self-doubt, limiting belief, imposter syndrome, overwhelm or perfectionism. As an accredited Trainer and Master Coach of NLP and Hypnotherapy, I’ll lead you through the solutions that work for me and my clients.
Be Like Water: for Equestrian Confidence and Calm
In this episode, we explore the powerful intersection between equestrian mindset and the timeless wisdom of Bruce Lee. Drawing on Lee’s philosophy of mental clarity, adaptability, and inner strength, we reflect on how his teachings can inspire riders to develop focus, presence, and emotional control in the saddle. Whether you're facing nerves before a competition or working through a training block, this episode offers practical tools to help you “be like water” and ride with confidence, fluidity, and resilience.
Free Workshop on Zoom 10th July 6pm UK time (GMT+1)
If you feel it's ap...
Nerves, Nominations, Oxers and NLP: my story
🎙️ In this solo episode of Over the Oxer, I’m doing something a little different—sharing my own story. From being a pony-mad preschooler in Warrington to riding across the Kansas prairies, I talk about my lifelong love of horses, the bumps along the way, and how mindset work transformed my confidence in the saddle.
I've also a very exciting announcement: Over the Oxer has been named a finalist in the Equestrian Media category at the Equestrian Business Awards! Plus, I invite you to take part in a special workshop I’m offering to thank those who leave a rev...
Chatting with Equestrian Tai Chi Expert Jenny Pim
Sometimes you chat with people for the first time and you just click. That was how I felt when Jenny and I had this fabulous chat. Jenny Pim lives in Co Wexford in Ireland with her husband, dogs and ponies. She's the founder and creator of Equestrian Tai Chi and Tao Riding (pronounced dao, rhymes with take a bow or bough of a tree.) She loves helping humans develop a deeper connection with their horses through developing their internal energy or chi.
Jenny is a Certified Tai Chi Instructor registered instructor with The Tai Union f...
Predict Success: The Neuroscience-Backed Path to Better Riding
This episode explores predictive coding, a powerful psychological model that explains how the brain generates expectations based on past experiences, emotional states and environmental cues. For equestrians, these predictions can unconsciously influence posture, tension, decision-making, and even horse–rider communication—often reinforcing fear-based or limiting patterns. Learn how this can be turned on its head to help riders re-programme their brain’s default responses and ride with greater calm, clarity, and confidence.
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Chatting with Ridercise Founder Clare Gangadeen
What's the one thing that if you stopped doing, would improve your stability, effectiveness and confidence in the saddle?
Find out from Ridercise Founder, Clare Gangadeen. As a human soft tissue therapist, avid rider and with over 20 years of experience in the fitness industry, Clare in known for her expertise in helping riders overcome their limitations in mind and body to reach their highest potential in the saddle. Clare, who offers expert coaching and bespoke programmes, lives in Shropshire with her husband, seven cats and four Friesian mares.
Contact Clare
...
Are those physical aches telling you something about your mind?
Well, are those physical aches telling you something about your mind? In certain cases, yes, physical aches and pains reveal something about your mind that we need to pay attention to. Find out which aches and pains are telling us something about our mind and what to do about the pain and the reveal.
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www.instagram.com/traceycolenlp.com Next NLP Practitioner and NLP Coach Training: Starts 28th July. E...Perimenopause, menopause and PMT: the impact on confidence
In this episode, we explore how hormonal changes during pre-menstruation, perimenopause, and menopause can impact rider confidence. We break down the science behind oestrogen levels, cortisol spikes, adrenal fatigue, blood sugar crashes, and liver function — and how these influence mindset, anxiety, and body regulation in the saddle.
■ Free Download: Hormonal Rider Confidence Cheat Sheet A printable 2-page PDF with insights, diagrams, and daily strategies to support your confidence through hormonal shifts. Email me info@traceycolenlp.com for a free copy
If this episode resonated with you, please share it with another rider...
Chatting with Holistic Vet Dr Renee Tucker
Today's episode warmly welcomes Dr Renee Tucker DVM. Renee has been a holistic equine veterinarian for over 30 years, and is the creator of Tucker BioKinetic Technique -- an energy healing modality anyone can learn. We chat about how Renee learned how to blend her scientific veterinary and chiropractic knowledge with the use of energy for healing, leading her to write her book, Where Does My Horse Hurt? and create the Tucker BioKinetic Technique.
Dr Renee's Websites & YouTube Channel
www.tuckerbiokinetic.com
https://www.wheredoesmyhorsehurt.com
(Sign up for Renee's fr...
Soothe the Storm: Reset Your Rider Mindset
Feeling a bit meh after a tricky ride or after hearing a comment about your ride that stuck with you? In this episode, we explore how equestrians can use gentle techniques to soothe minor frustrations and come back to balance—on and off the horse. Join me for a simple, guided practice you can do anywhere, designed to calm your body and refocus your mind.
Contact me if you'd like a free PDF of this episode!
If this episode helped you, I’d be so grateful if you’d leave a 5-star review —it helps more rid...
Chatting with The UK's No. 1 Equestrian Video Coach, Jay Hunt
You're in for a real treat on this episode, as it's packed with tips and tricks from the UK's no. 1 equestrian video coach, Jay Hunt.
Jay is the CEO abd founder of Equine Video Pro. She has over 30 years of TV and video experience and is a horse owner and grass roots eventer. She combines her video skills with her passion for horses to help equestrians shine online.
She specialises in teaching busy equestrians how to use their smartphones to capture engaging video content to grow their business. She says, "I am passionate t...
The Equestrian Time Traveller: Mindset Lessons from History
What if the secret to fearless riding was hidden in the past?
In this unique episode, we travel through time to uncover the mindset strategies of history’s greatest horsemen—from the fearless Mongol warriors and disciplined Samurai to the legendary Joan of Arc and the grit-driven cowboys of the Wild West.
How did these riders master their fear, sharpen their focus, and build an unbreakable bond with their horses? And more importantly—how can you apply these ancient techniques to your modern riding? Tune in for a fresh perspective on equestrian psychology! 🌍✨ #EquestrianMindset #RideLikeAWarrior #FearlessRid...
Chatting with equestrian, psychotherapist, counsellor and coach, Nadia Di-Luzio
Nadia is a Psychotherapist and Coach, who left a successful corporate career of 28 years, the last decade of which was as a Head of People to focus on supporting individuals mental and emotional wellbeing.
Why? Those incredibly powerful words, stay home, stay safe issued on 23 March 2020 changed the course of her career as employees were needing emotional support as well as practical career guidance. And she felt she wasn't equipped to support them. Around a full time job, she retrained as a Counsellor and Psychotherapist, graduating in June '24, before updating her coaching qualifications with T...
Lighten the Load: Break Free from Riding Pressure
In today’s episode, we’re tackling a huge topic that every rider faces—pressure. Whether it’s competition nerves, training stress, or just the relentless drive to always be better, it’s easy to get stuck in a cycle of self-imposed expectations.
But what if there was a way to lighten that load? We’re diving into Peter Sage’s powerful mindset framework: to me, by me, through me, and as me. These four stages of consciousness can completely change how you view pressure, shifting you from feeling overwhelmed to finding flow and connection with your horse.
...
Chatting with Marcello Costante
On this episode we chat about the remarkable journey of Marcello Costante—a real estate investor, community builder, entrepreneur, and athlete. Marcello shares how his unconventional path from being a metal singer to an 800-metre runner shaped his mindset and transformed his approach to both business and life.
Marcello opens up about why he believes that focusing on goals can sometimes do more harm than good, more than that, it's a type of deception. Sometimes, he syas that the best results come from letting go of goals. Instead, he advocates for a mindset rooted in passion, resilience, and...
What if mindset work isn't working?
Why isn't mindset work working for you?
What if you're practising mindset techniques, but they're not working?
What if you hate journalling or can't visualise?
Find out on this episode!
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Some kind peopl...
What USSR athletes knew about mindset....
In this episode, we chat about into the fascinating book Peak Performance: Mental Training Techniques of the World's Greatest Athletes by Charles Garfield. Originally published in 1985, this book explores the mental strategies that helped elite USSR and Eastern Bloc athletes reach the pinnacle of their careers—many of which are very relevant today.
We break down key insights, including:
🏆 The power of mental training vs. physical training—spoiler: mindset matters more than you think!
🎯 The role of visualisation in success, and a mind-blowing Soviet study that proves it.
💡 How goal setting, self-talk, and emotional...
100 metres in 18 seconds - can you beat that?
Today I have a story for you. It's about Frank Dick, OBE, who served as the Director of Coaching for the British Athletics Federation, earning recognition as one of the most exceptional sports coaches and mentors worldwide. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in guiding British Athletics through a highly successful period, working with Olympic champions like Daley Thompson, Steve Ovett, and Sebastian Coe. Frank was directly responsible for coaching Daley Thompson and also designed training programs for elite athletes, including Gerhard Berger, Katarina Witt, Boris Becker, and Justin Rose.
An inspiring and motivating coach.....<...
Chatting with Anne Gage - The Horse Riding Confidence Coach
If you know about Anne Gage's work, you'll know that she's a superb riding confidence coach and has many strings to her bow. Listen out for her tips and tricks as we chat about her life with horses and working for over 35 years with riders.
Anne Gage, The Horse Riding Confidence Coach is a specialist in helping mid-life horse riders rein in anxiety, achieve their riding goals, and strengthen their connection with their horses. With a supportive and encouraging approach, over 35 years experience as a riding coach and horse trainer, certified in mindset techniques that b...
Chatting with Mindset Coach John Lewis
John Lewis is a Mindset Coach, working with sporting Individuals and teams, businesses and people in their personal lives helping them to develop and overcome the obstacles stopping them performing at their best. He also runs approved trainings in Mental Health Awareness and Mental Health First Aid.
We chat about John's take on mindset, NLP, visualisation and how anyone can overcome an unhelpful mindset. We talk about doable tips that anyone can start doing right now to improve their outlook and feel more positive. We also find out about a mindset coach's typical day, if there is...
Techniques that Boost Your Confidence and Calm Your Mind
In this final boot camp episode, I share three quick techniques to help equestrians feel more confident and calm while riding. These methods are perfect for managing intrusive thoughts, anticipatory nerves and negative feelings:
Technique 1: The Power of "Stop"
Interrupt negative thoughts and feelings by saying "stop" firmly and repeatedly.Technique 2:
Instead of focusing on the start of your ride, visualise yourself 15 minutes after the ride, feeling accomplished and relaxed. This helps reduce anticipatory nerves and the fear of becoming frightened.Technique 3: Peripheral Vision (Hakalau)
Start by practising looking upwards and expanding yo...Overcoming Plateaus in Equestrian Mindset
Welcome to the third installment of our equestrian boot camp series. This episode delves into the mental challenges riders face and offers guidance on maintaining motivation and confidence. We explore the concept of plateauing in your riding journey, identifying how the reaching a goal or stepping stone may even sap your drive.
Discover the importance of resilience and self-trust as key elements to prevent stagnation. We'll discuss practical techniques for cultivating these traits, including detaching from high expectations and celebrating even the smallest victories. Through analogies like the marble jar, learn how to visualise and strengthen your...
Mastering Equestrian Mindset: From Self-Doubt to Confidence
Welcome to the second boot camp episode specially designed to empower equestrians to build confidence and eliminate self-doubt. In this session, we chat about the concepts of being at cause and being at effect, exploring how these mindsets impact our pursuit of goals and ambitions.
Discover strategies to transition from a passive, reactive state to an empowered, proactive mindset, taking full responsibility for your progress by cultivating effective habits. Learn the importance of small, consistent actions linked to your personal motivation and how they can quietly but powerfully propel you toward your equestrian ambitions.
Join...
Transform Your Riding Mindset: Stop Negative Self-Talk
Welcome to a brand new episode for 2025 - A Boot Camp to get your riding mindset (and performance) shifted! First of all, we delve into the impact of your words on your equestrian pursuits.
On this episode, discover the profound influence of words - those spoken and in your head - on your perception of yourself as a rider.
I'll give you 4 easy ways to change the words to use to change how you think, which changes how you act and ride. From complaining to gossiping, this accumulation of words can stop us from having co...
Riding the Waves: Diana Burgess's Journey from Canada to the UK Equestrian Scene
Join the conversation with Diana Burgess, a passionate coach and equestrian who has journeyed from Canada to the UK, mentored by renowned riders like Bruce Davidson and Lucinda Green along the way. Diana shares her unique beginnings, love for horses, and how her determination led her to compete at top-level events like Blenheim and Bramham, reaching the long list for the Canadian Olympic team.
Discover how Diana's journey was shaped by family support, her experiences in elite equestrian complexes, and transformative encounters such as her time with Bruce Davidson in the States. Explore the role sports psychology...
A Festive Equestrian Journey: Christmas Eve Visualisation
Welcome to this special Christmas Eve episode, where we focus on becoming more connected with our equestrian dreams. Whether you're by the fireplace or braving the winter chill, join us for a guided visualisation journey. Find solitude and peace as we explore our goals and build renewed focus and confidence in the bustling holiday season.
Envision yourself with your horse in your favourite setting, feeling the bond and harmony in your partnership. Together, we step into an imaginary world of morning light and crisp air, paving the way for a calm, confident riding New Year. This episode...
Chatting with Seonaidh Jamieson: equestrian, author, business growth coach and pole dancer
I loved chatting with Seonaidh (pronounced 'Shona') Jamieson. She is not only a laugh-a-minute (cue no knickers segment!), but she also has some great advice for how to think differently (she combines equestrianism and pole dancing), how to work with neurodivergence and how she makes her ADHD work for her! Seonaidh has always been fascinated by the things that stop us doing what we want to do. Author of 'Why You Skipped Your Workout', she rebels against "Just do it" culture and instead seeks to understand the invisible barriers in our lives, and then help you find ways to overcome t...
Chatting with Sue Dyson
I was thrilled to invite Sue Dyson onto my podcast. We chatted about how Sue evented and show-jumped to a high level and why studying veterinary science and researching lameness mean so much to her. We talked about her work and her most recent documentary - 'Horses and the Science of Harmony' as well as her previous documentary - 'The 24 Behaviors of the Ridden Horse in Pain: Shifting the Paradigm of How We See Lameness' (both are excellent and very accessible to all horse lovers, see links below. . Here's a little more information about Sue: Sue Dyson specialised in lameness an...
Harnessing the Power of Failure in Equestrian Training
In this episode, we delve into the often daunting topic of failure, challenging its negative connotations, particularly in the realm of equestrian training. Drawing from NLP principles, we argue that there is no such thing as failure—only feedback and learning opportunities.
Explore how neurochemicals like dopamine and adrenaline play pivotal roles in equestrian training, impacting motivation and learning processes. We examine how these chemicals help repel negativity from setbacks and instead enhance focus, resilience, and skill acquisition.
Learn how to manage stress effectively, utilise naturally occurring substances to maintain a balanced mindset, whether you ar...
Chatting with Carrie Turner - Equestrian, Trainer and Owner of Divine Equestrian
Carrie Turner is a dressage rider and trainer and the owner of Divine Equestrian, a beautiful equestrian boutique with the personal touch. She has many strings to her bow, having been a dressage judge, engineer and eventer! Now, having been diagnosed with palindromic arthritis, she's concentrating on her horses and her business. Oh and her chickens, dogs, cats.
*****Podcast special get 15% off at Divine Equestrian's Autumn and Winter stock non-sale items. Use the code TC15 *****
Contact Carrie and Browse Divine Equestrian
www.divineequestrian.co.uk
www.instagram.com/divine_eq...
Chatting with Carrie Turner - Dressage, Divine and Determination
Carrie Turner is a dressage rider and trainer and the owner of Divine Equestrian, a beautiful equestrian boutique with the personal touch. She has many strings to her bow, having been a dressage judge, engineer and eventer! Now, having been diagnosed with palindromic arthritis, she's concentrating on her horses and her business. Oh and her chickens, dogs, cats.
*****Podcast special get 15% off at Divine Equestrian's Autumn and Winter stock non-sale items. Use the code TC15 *****
Contact Carrie and Browse Divine Equestrian
www.divineequestrian.co.uk
www.instagram.com/divine_eq...
Stress - Signs You May Miss
Are you aware of stress? In yourself or others? Stress has a lot of signs and symptoms, some more unusual than others. Chronic stress has become a habit of 21st-century living. How do you de-stress best for your personality type?
Here I'll give you 2 quick and easy de-stressing techniques that you can do at your desk, at home or even at the yard/barn. Let's keep stress at bay!
Contact me
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...Chatting with animal communicator Ronnie King
Ronnie King is an intuitive animal communicator and works with horse owners and their equines. She developed and honed her skills after her horse had physical problems, which expert vets, chiropractors and physios couldn't pinpoint. She believes that our horses have a genuine desire to work with us and help us in whatever way they can.
Ronnie is also a trained equine massage therapist, and although she rarely sees clients for massage anymore, it has helped her to give owners even more information.
Take a listen - Ronnie is such a warm and g...
Learning - what most people miss
Equestrians are constantly learning - whether it's about their horse, a new way of riding, their dressage test, show-jumping course or even for exams.
But did you know that learning is a 2-step process and most people don't do the second part? Find out how to boost your learning and get your brain onside!
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Chatting with Managing Director of Equestrian R Infinity Craig Benton
On this week's pod - Craig Benton Craig is Managing Director at Equestrian R Infinity, a racing yard and retraining / schooling centre for retired racehorses, based in Epsom, Surrey. Craig has a vast experience of horses, having first sat on one of his father's racehorses at aged 2. In his pre-teen years, he competed in show jumping. He rode his first amateur winner at 14 and over hurdles in South Africa. In his two years of National Service in the army, he represented the South African Defence Force in show jumping and eventing winning the SADF show jumping championship in 1978. He has wo...
It's a Q&A Day!
Another one of the Q&As where I answer your questions on the hoof! Thanks to everyone who sends me these great questions, definitely food for thought.
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Free mental imagery / visualisations (no sign-up necessary)
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Free Words Have Power course...
Chatting with Chantelle Jennison - the Sober Equestrian
Chantelle Jennison is a Master Practitioner of NLP, a Practitioner of Time Line and a Hypnotherapist. She is also a Reiki Practitioner, helping riders get more enjoyment from their horses by conquering fears and establishing a genuine bond with their equines.
Today, however, Chantelle is welcomed back onto the podcast as 'The Sober Equestrian' (her Instagram handle). This frank and open chat is about being candid and being sober. We chat about how alcohol affects us and impacts our relationship with our horses.
Chantelle has kindly offered free and confidential chats to listeners w...
Making and breaking habits? Use these 3 brain hacks
Habits or patterns in the brain are wonderful for automating our actions. Not so wonderful if you have a bad habit you want to crack. However, our brains can help us out - they are perfect at making, breaking and tweaking habits, whether they are physical (e.g., heavy hands), mental (le.g., lack of self-confidence) or emotional (e.g., anxiety).
On this episode I'm talking about 3 brain hacks to help you make good habits and break the bad ones.
Contact me
Info@traceycolenlp.com
www.traceycolenlp.com<...
Chatting with Equestrian Director Robyn Cherry
Robyn is Equestrian Director at Bishop Burton College and Riseholme College, and has extensive experience in both the corporate and vocational sides of the equestrian industry, having run large yards of up to 300 horses, and spent time working all over the world for organisations such as Weatherbeeta. Robyn’s main equine obsessions are equine welfare, sleep studies and social licensing within our industry.
Robyn shares her fun and innovative style, and her horse care ethos and, having overcome a broken neck, she is a source of inspiration for riding and realism.
Robyn...
Making an issue seem distant and abstract is easy!
Have you a current issue, problem or belief about you as a rider or about riding? Something that is bothering you?
Did you know that by changing the verb tense, you can make it seem more distant, more abstract and make it into a smaller issue in your mind? Did you know that all it takes is a very subtle change in your language?
It's something you can easily do all the time, and when done every day and you'll see big changes over time.
This is a re...
Chatting with Lisa Ashton, the UK's authority on Equitation Science
Lisa needs no introduction, to find out more about her extensive work in the equine field, see below.
Lisa Ashton MBA, PGCE, BA (Hons) ESI Diploma, BHS Stage 4 Senior Coach in Complete Horsemanship, Pony Club A’Test Lisa is the UK authority in the application of Equitation Science, communicating for over two decades the science of how horses learn, globally recognised by her intersectional approach to leading positive change inside equestrian organisations: Blue Cross, Redwings, Bransby, The Horse Trust, Greater Manchester Police, UK universities and colleges, UK vets/veterinary practices, British Veterinary Nursing Association, and Int...
