The Mindful Equestrian Podcast

A Different Way to Start the Year: Intentions, Presence, and the 12-Week Focus

In this episode, I’m sharing a different way to approach the new year—one that focuses on intention instead of resolutions, and presence instead of constant future thinking.

Big goals can be motivating, but they can also create pressure, overwhelm, and disconnection from what’s happening right in front of us. I talk about how shifting toward daily intention, mindfulness, and working with what’s in front of you can create steadier progress in riding, business, and life.

I also share how the concept of the 12-Week Year can help break the year into more manageable, realistic cycles—allowing space for reflection, adjustment, and growth without the stress of trying to plan everything at once.

This episode is an invitation to start the year with clarity, flexibility, and self-awareness, rather than rigid expectations.

Pausing Without Guilt: Self-Care in Riding and Business

In this episode, I’m talking about why I took a break from the podcast, why it took longer than planned to come back, and what that taught me about self-care, burnout, and change.

Burnout isn’t always about hating what you do—it’s often about being stretched too thin, carrying too much, or feeling pressure to keep going without pause. In the horse world especially, we’re taught to push through, stay busy, and feel guilty when we slow down.

This episode is a reminder that pausing doesn’t mean quitting, questioning doesn’t mean failing, and change doesn’t have to be dramatic to be meaningful. Whether you’re a rider, trainer, or professional, this is an invitation to reassess, protect your energy, and choose a path that feels more sustainable and aligned.

The Unleashed Equestrian: Connection in the Saddle and in Business

In this episode of The Mindful Equestrian Podcast, I wrap up the Unleashed Equestrian Model miniseries with a focus on two key areas:

• The Rider’s Partnership with the Horse — shifting from a self-focused mindset on “fixing” position to developing a two-way dance of listening and supporting your horse.

• The Equestrian Professional’s Business Connection — learning to “listen” to your business, adapt, innovate, and think outside the box to create sustainable growth.

I also share how I’m applying these same lessons to my own business by taking a mindful pause from the podcast during my busy clinic season this fall. I’ll be back in December with fresh energy and new content to inspire your riding and business journey.

The Unleashed Equestrian Model: Mindset, Position & Business Foundations

In this episode of The Mindful Equestrian Podcast, I continue my series on the Unleashed Equestrian Model, diving into two essential pillars: Position & Technique for Riders and Efficient Business Foundations for equestrian professionals.

We start with a quick refresher on mindset—why presence and awareness matter both in the saddle and in business. Then, I explore:

• Why correct position goes beyond security and is truly about connection with your horse.

• How over-focusing on technique can disconnect riders from feel and communication.

• Why honing the tools you already have matters more than constantly adding new ones.

• The critical role of efficient business systems, from planning and finances to client management.

• How shifting your mindset toward business tasks can create sustainability and growth.

Whether you’re looking to ride with more balance and feel or run your equestrian business with clarity and confidence, these foundations will help you align with long-term success.

Unleashing Your Potential in Riding and Business

In this episode, I dive into what I call The Unleashed Equestrian — a model I use in both my riding and business coaching. It’s built on three strong foundations that support growth, awareness, and connection. Whether you’re in the saddle or building your business, these same principles can help you show up with more clarity, confidence, and focus. It’s about taking the pressure off, finding balance, and giving yourself permission to grow in a sustainable way.

Boundaries and Balance in the Horse Business

Running on empty doesn’t make you a better horse professional — it just makes you burned out. In this episode, I talk about why boundaries and balance matter in the horse business, both for professionals and clients.

I share insights from my own experience and conversations with colleagues who are struggling with overwork, blurred client relationships, and the pressure to be “on” 24/7. We’ll look at:

• Why setting expectations and policies up front is a game-changer.

• How to value your time — not just in the saddle, but in all the unseen parts of your work.

• The importance of saying no, delegating, and protecting your downtime.

• Why clients also need boundaries and how respecting them helps everyone thrive.

Whether you’re a trainer, barn owner, or passionate rider, this episode is a reminder that boundaries aren’t selfish — they’re essential for long-term success, joy, and well-being in and out of the barn.

Turning the Page: A New Perspective on Your Journey

In this episode of The Mindful Equestrian Podcast, I dive deep into the power of perspective—how the stories we tell ourselves shape our experience in the saddle and in life. I reflect on my own cancer diagnosis and how shifting my internal narrative helped me move forward, not from denial but from a place of clarity and self-compassion.

I also share insights sparked by recent Hidden Brain episodes and how Stoic philosophy reminds us that control lies not in what happens, but how we respond. Whether it's a disappointing ride or a life-altering challenge, we are the authors of our story—and we get to decide how that story continues.

Inspired by recent episodes of Hidden Brain, including:

https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/healing-2-0-change-your-story-change-your-life/

https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/you-2-0-the-wisdom-of-stoicism/

https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/happiness-2-0-the-path-to-contentment/

 

Soul Miles: The Distance That Truly Matters

In this episode of The Mindful Equestrian Podcast, I dive into the concept of “Soul Miles” — the emotional and mental distance we travel when we give ourselves permission to pause, reset, and nourish our inner lives. I share how a simple walk after a long judging weekend helped me find clarity and inspiration, and how doing less sometimes leads to so much more. Whether you're a rider, trainer, or equestrian business owner, this episode is a reminder that real growth and creativity often show up in the quiet moments.