The Horsemanship and Mindset Podcast

Why lunging to ‘take the edge off’ doesn’t work for horses...in this episode I’m breaking down one of the biggest myths in the horse world: that lunging a fresh, spooky or tense horse will magically calm them down.

 We talk about:

Perfect for riders who deal with spooky horses, anxiety, loss of confidence, rushing, over-reactivity, and pre-ride nerves.

Subscribe, share, and stay tuned — My new book...The Equestrian’s Guide to Confidence...

In this week’s episode, we’re diving into something most riders try to hide… crying.

 Yep! The tears, the wobble, the “I’m fine” lie we’ve all said through clenched teeth.

But here’s the truth: crying isn’t weakness. It’s regulation, release, and an essential part of rebuilding confidence with your horse.

We unpack:

<...

In this episode, I unpack one of the most common worries I hear from riders ...“I feel like I’m wasting my horse’s potential.”

If you’ve ever thought your horse deserves someone better, this is for you.

We’ll explore:

Ever wondered why your confidence can vanish overnight, even when things were going so well with your horse? In this episode, we dive into the real reasons behind sudden dips in confidence, the frustration that follows, and how that inner tension feeds the anxiety cycle between you and your horse.

You’ll learn how to spot this pattern for what it is, a protective loop...and how to reclaim your power to break it. Because when you understand yourself, you can change everything about how you show up for your horse.

If you’re ready to r...

Feeling a bit meh about the mud, the dark mornings, and the endless rug changes? You’re not alone.

In this episode, we’re talking about how to actually enjoy autumn with your horse, even when the weather’s grim and the days feel far too short.

I’m sharing 10 ways to ease into the season with more calm, connection, and joy, including:

🌿 Shifting your goals instead of giving up on them

☕ Turning your yard into a cosy autumn haven

🐴 Focusing on connection and groundwork when riding time shrinks

💡 Getting...

This week’s anniversary episode is something a little different, a Q&A special!

I answer real (and very relatable) questions from riders about confidence, fear, connection, and mindset. From overcoming nerves after a fall, to stopping the comparison spiral, to calming yourself when your horse spooks, this episode is packed with grounded, honest advice to help you rewire your mind and rediscover joy in the saddle.

Whether you’ve lost your confidence, find yourself overthinking, or just want to build a deeper bond with your horse, you’ll find practical tools, reassurance, and mindset shifts...

As the weather turns cooler and the wind picks up, many riders start to notice their horses feeling a little extra. Fresh, spooky, on edge, sound familiar?

In this episode, we dive into why autumn energy can make horses feel more reactive, and how you can stay calm, confident, and connected no matter what your horse is doing.

This isn’t about fighting against seasonal changes, it’s about learning to recalibrate your own nervous system so your horse can mirror your steadiness.

We’ll explore:

🌬️ Why your horse’s behaviour often changes...

Ever noticed how some days you feel unstoppable in the saddle… and other days you just want to curl up with a cuppa instead? There’s a reason for that, and it’s not because you’re inconsistent, lazy, or “too emotional.” It’s your cycle.

In this episode, I’m diving into the topic so many women were never taught to understand: our hormonal cycles, and how they influence not just our mood and energy, but also our confidence, motivation, and connection with our horses.

I’ll break down each phase of the cycle (menstrual, follicu...

Ever noticed how your horse seems to pick up on your mood before you’ve even touched the reins? That’s no coincidence, horses are powerful mirrors of our inner state.

In this episode, I dive into:

✨ Why horses reflect our emotions, thoughts, and nervous system state.

✨ How ‘nervous chatter’ at or to your horse creates confusion (and what to say instead).

✨ Practical ways to shift your energy so your horse feels safe, connected, and ready to listen.

✨ The mindset and nervous system tools that create real partnership—on the ground and in...

Struggling with nerves in the saddle? In this episode, I share 5 science-backed daily habits to help you become a more confident rider. Discover how breathwork calms your nervous system, why celebrating small wins rewires your brain, and how simple shifts in mindset transform your partnership with your horse.

Whether you’re overcoming riding anxiety, building trust with your horse, or just wanting to enjoy your time in the saddle more—these practical tips will help you ride with calm, clarity, and confidence.

You’ll Learn:

In this episode, we’re exploring Triggers vs Glimmers — two powerful concepts for understanding your nervous system and your relationship with your horse. Learn what each one means, why it’s so important to recognise them, and how to use them to create more safety, calm, and joy in your riding.

I’ll also share 3 simple ways to bring more glimmers into your life with your horse so you can rewire your nervous system, let go of fear, and build unshakable confidence in and out of the saddle.

Whether you’re an anxious equestrian, a rider comi...

Do you keep telling yourself, “I’ll work on my confidence later”? Maybe you’re waiting for the right time, more free weekends, or to feel a little braver before you start. Maybe you don't even feel like its important enough? But here’s the hard truth: waiting isn’t neutral, it’s costing you.

In this episode, I break down the three hidden costs of riding with anxiety:

Do you ever tell yourself, “I’ve always been an anxious rider — that’s just who I am”?

In this episode, I’m breaking down one of the biggest myths holding equestrians back: the belief that you can’t change. Using science-backed insights from the brain and nervous system, I’ll show you exactly why transformation is possible — no matter how long you’ve been stuck in fear, doubt, or self-sabotage.

We’ll dive into the science of neuroplasticity, the role of your nervous system in riding confidence, and how to begin rewiring old fear patterns into calm, tr...

This week I wanted to share a very personal story of my own journey with confidence.

I have experienced several lows in my time with horses where I felt I should give up, like I wasn't good enough, and I got in my head so much I just could not stop falling off! I wanted to share this this week to convey that change is possible. It is possible to go from that, to believing in yourself, to feeling calm and confident in all you do.

For more info on how you can work with...

Do you ever feel like everyone else at the yard/barn is braver, more talented, or just born more confident than you? You ride, you practice, you put in the effort...but the nerves, overthinking, and self-doubt still creep in.

In this episode, I’m busting the biggest myths about rider confidence and showing you why it’s not about being naturally brave or just riding more. Confidence is not a personality trait, it’s a state you can train, and your horse will thank you for it.

We’ll dive into:

If you’ve ever felt your horse switch from relaxed to ready to bolt on a hack/trail ride, you’ve seen cortisol at work. In this episode, we break down the science of stress for both horse and rider, how it impacts connection, and how to lower it in real-time while out hacking.

You’ll learn:

🎟 Join t...

We’ve all been there – those moments where everything feels heavy, unfair, or just downright rubbish. Whether it’s a bad day at the yard, a confidence wobble, or something completely outside of horses, it can feel impossible to pick yourself back up.

In this week’s episode, I’m sharing 5 practical tips to help you move through the tough stuff and come out stronger on the other side. No toxic positivity, no “just get over it” advice – just grounded advice you can actually use.

If you’ve been feeling knocked down lately, this is your reminder that...

If you dream of hacking out or trail riding without the nerves, this episode is for you! I'm sharing my favorite tips and mindset shifts to help you feel calm, confident and actually enjoy your rides.

You'll also hear about:

✨ My FREE Perfect Ride Audio – your go-to tool for hacking confidence

✨ This month’s Empower Hour theme (you don’t want to miss it!)

✨ A few rare 1:1 coaching spots now open for August

💌 Want to work with me 1:1 this month? Email me at info@idyllwildhorsemanship.com with the subject “August 1:1” and I...

Ever spiral, shut down or feel paralysed, even when you want to feel confident? That’s likely your Protector Self stepping in.

In this short solo episode, I’m breaking down the difference between your protector parts (the ones trying to keep you safe) and your Boundless Self (the calm, capable, connected version of you that’s already there beneath the noise).

You’ll learn how to spot when a protector part is running the show, and how to start leading from your grounded, empowered inner self instead.

💡 You’ll Hear:

In this short and sweet episode, I am here to remind you that its OK to get off your horse if you need to. You have not failed, in fact, you are giving you and your horse a better chance at confidence.

Enjoy, and if you have any questions or comments please email me at info@idyllwildhorsemanship.com. If you'd like to find out about working with me, email me at the same place or slide into my DMs on the socials, at @thehorsemanshipandmindsetcoach

In today’s unfiltered, and completely off-the-cuff episode, I’m riffing on something that’s been bubbling under the surface for a while… the need for more kindness and compassion, online, in real life, AND in business.

I’m talking about:

In this deeply honest solo episode, I share what happened when a trigger hit this week, when everyone's old friend comparison popped up!

If you’ve ever found yourself comparing to others and coming up short, this one’s for you.

I walk through:

🎧 Take what you need from this one! Be gentle with your...

Feeling overwhelmed by everything going on in the world right now? You're not alone.

In this special guided meditation episode, I'm inviting you to pause… breathe… and come back home to yourself.

This is your safe space — a soft, grounding reset to help you reconnect to your inner light, your body, your breath… and that quiet sense of calm your horse feels when you're truly present.

Whether you're listening at the yard, in your car (parked!!!), or curled up with a cuppa, this is for you.

Let this be the moment you retu...

In this episode, we’re diving into what really causes a loss of motivation and what to do when you’ve lost that spark in the saddle. Whether you’re doubting yourself, riding less, or feeling like you’ve fallen off the wagon completely, this is your gentle but powerful nudge back on track.

You'll learn:

Plus, I’m...

In this episode, I’m joined by Ashleigh Howland — Licensed Muscular Therapist, Certified Personal Trainer, and founder of Howland Muscular Therapy. Ashleigh is the creator of the EquiForm and Get Back Your Back coaching programs, where she helps active women — especially riders — overcome back pain, correct posture issues, and improve their performance in the saddle.

Ashleigh’s unique methodology focuses on strengthening the Internal Pressure System — the integral foundation that supports us from the inside out — for results that last, both in and out of the saddle.

Whether you’re struggling with back discomfort, inconsistent posture, or just...

Falling off your horse can shake more than just your confidence — it can rattle your identity, your joy, and your trust in yourself. In this episode, I’m getting personal. I share my own experiences with falling off (and getting back up again), unpack the psychology behind why it feels so much bigger than “just a fall,” and offer some powerful, practical tips to help you move forward — not with pressure, but with compassion, clarity, and calm.

If you’ve ever said “I should be over this by now…” — this one’s for you. You’re not broken, you’re not alone, and this moment does not define you.

🎧 In this episode:

Ever felt like your body betrays you around horses? You know you're capable, but your heart races, your hands shake, or your mind goes blank? You're not broken. Your nervous system is simply doing its job… it just needs a little retraining.

In this powerful episode, we’re diving into the science behind nervous system regulation and why it’s the missing piece for so many riders. You'll learn how your nervous system affects your confidence, your horse's behaviour, and even your ability to enjoy time in the saddle.

I'll walk you through practical, science-backed techniques you can use on and off the horse to build more resilience, expand your window of toler...

This might be the sign you need to put your phone down and pick up a book.In this episode, I’m diving into the unexpected power of reading, and how something as simple as sitting down with a book has helped me shift my mindset, soothe anxiety, reconnect with joy, and even improve how I show up in my work with horses and humans.We’ll explore:Why reading is more than just a hobbyThe science behind how it calms your nervous systemHow reading boosts confidence, connection, and clarityThe powerful link between self-awareness and horsemanshipPlus, I’m sharing a few personal stories about how books became one of my secret weapons for inner work and emotional re...

In this powerful episode of the podcast, I’m joined by Abi, an amateur dressage rider based in the East Midlands with a professional background in psychology. Abi is passionate about making psychological tools more accessible for equestrians and helping riders better understand the connection between their mindset and their time in the saddle.

We explore how Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) can support riders struggling with fear, anxiety, or self-doubt, and how a psychologically informed approach can deepen your connection with your horse. If you're a rider who wants to build more confidence, calm, and clarity, this co...

In this Q&A episode, I’m diving into the questions you sent in on Instagram, covering everything from riding confidence and comparison, to rebuilding trust after a scary experience with your horse, and dealing with passive-aggressive yard drama.

I’ll share honest advice, personal tools I use myself, and the truth about what it really takes to shift your mindset and feel confident both in and out of the saddle.

Whether you're struggling with fear, feeling disconnected from your horse, or just want a little motivation to keep going, this episode is packed with insi...

If you’ve ever thought, “Why do I feel like this around my horse?” or “What happened to the confident rider I used to be?” – this episode is for you.

I’m diving into the truth about your nervous system, fear, and why your riding anxiety isn’t a personal flaw… it’s a safety response. You’ll learn how your brain and body are wired to protect you, how those patterns can be rewired, and why you’re absolutely not broken.

This is the science and soul of confidence building, no toxic positivity, just real talk and real tools...

In this episode, I’m joined by the incredible Sandor Miko - liberty horse trainer, performer, and clinician - whose passion for horsemanship has taken him from Hungary to dreamy destinations around the world.

Sandor shares his journey into the world of liberty and trick training, the philosophy behind how he works with horses, and the importance of mindset - for both horse and human. We dive into what it really takes to build trust, connection, and communication without force, and how that can completely transform your relationship with your horse.

We also chat about th...

Have you ever felt like no matter how much you want to feel confident around your horse… something keeps holding you back?

In this episode, I’m diving deep into the world of secondary gains—the hidden emotional or psychological benefits we get from staying stuck in fear, avoidance, or old patterns.

If you’ve ever said:

Then this episode is 100% for...

Do competition nerves get the best of you? Do you find yourself overthinking, doubting your abilities, or struggling to focus when it matters most? You’re not alone - so many riders battle with confidence when stepping into the arena. But the good news? You can change this.

In today’s episode, I’m sharing three powerful ways to prepare mentally and emotionally for competition so you can ride with clarity, focus, and self-belief. You’ll learn how to manage pre-ride anxiety, stay present under pressure, and fully trust in yourself and your horse.

And if you’r...

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Kaitlyn, a graduate of my Enlightened Equestrian Program based in the USA, who shares her remarkable journey of transformation. Kaitlyn opens up with raw honesty about how she overcame fear, self-doubt, and a lack of confidence with her horses - which rippled out into her work life too.

Her story is a powerful reminder that the changes we create in the saddle drift into every area of life. From riding with ease and joy to bringing more peace and ease into work and feeling more confident in herself, Kaitlyn’s...

In this weeks episode, I'll be talking about confirmation bias, and how it could be sabotaging your confidence, and seeping the joy out of the time you spend with your horse!

I'll be sharing what it is, why it happens, and some tangible tips you can take away today to help shift this bias to more positivity, confidence and joy with your horse.

ENJOY...and I hope find it helpful!

As always, any questions or comments, please email me at info@idyllwildhorsemanship.com, or if you'd like to find out more about The...

In this episode I share a personal story of a dark point in my horsey life, where my confidence was at an all time low, I was completely stuck in my own head, looping on limiting beliefs, and as a result, I could not stop falling off - and very nearly gave up horses altogether.

I share this, to help show the power of the mind, the importance of finding the right coach/instructor, and that just because you don't fit in, does not mean you are not good enough...and it certainly does not mean you...

In this episode I discuss the 3 Main Reasons you are stuck in fear with your horse, and one really tangible and EASY way you can start to break that cycle!

To get in touch about this episode, or to find out more about how you can work with me, email me at info@idyllwildhorsemanship.com, or visit my website at www.idyllwildhorsemanship.com.

To grab your spot and find out more info for my free training: Fear to Freedom, click here!

https://subscribepage.io/8EXJP7

Thats all for this week!

In this weeks interview episode I chat with Chrissy Hawkins of Strong in the Saddle.

We talk all things fitness, strength, and body image for equestrians, and talk through easy ways of incorporating strength training into our routines as busy horse people! We also talk how how important it is to empower ourselves with our WHY when it comes to physical fitness and strength, and some helpful mindset shifts around body image for us all the consider!

To find out more about Chrissy, you can head to :

Website: www.chrissyhawkins.com

...

In todays episode I talk about spookiness in our horses, the science behind it, and how we can help our horses to find the world a little less scary.

I hope you find it helpful!

For more information on how you can work with me, head to www.idyllwildhorsemanship.com or email me at info@idyllwildhorsemanship.com.

I'm also on the socials at @thehorsemanshipandmindsetcoach

Finally, if you found this episode helpful, please be sure to share with a friend, rate and review the podcast, and give it a follow/hit subscribe...