The Mindful Equestrian Podcast

Is Stress Holding You Back? Understanding the Mindful Brain

Do stress, anxiety, and self-doubt show up in your riding, your business—or both? You're not alone! In this episode, I explore how our brains are wired to protect us, sometimes at the cost of growth and performance. You'll learn how developing a simple mindful practice can help you recognize and manage these mental blocks.

I share relatable stories from my own experiences and clients, introduces the idea of limiting beliefs, and offer a practical takeaway to help you start shifting your mindset right away.

Plus, I introduce an upcoming series on "The Mindful Brain," filled with powerful tools like breathwork, visualization, and positive self-talk, designed to help you ride, coach, and live with more confidence and clarity.

Whether you're an equestrian professional, rider, or entrepreneur, this episode will give you insights to move past stress and toward your goals.

The Myth of Constant Progress_ Why Plateaus Are Where the Magic Happens

In this episode of The Mindful Equestrian Podcast, I dive into the myth that progress should always be a straight upward line. I share why plateaus — those slower, sometimes frustrating phases — are actually where real growth happens, both in riding and in business. Instead of seeing plateaus as setbacks, we’ll talk about how to recognize them as powerful opportunities for integration, rest, learning, and true transformation. Whether you’re in the middle of a struggle, just coming off a breakthrough, or feeling stuck, this episode will help you reframe how you see your journey.

From Burnout to Balance: Abby Stearns on Thriving in the Equestrian Industry

In this episode of The Mindful Equestrian Podcast, I’m joined by Abby Stearns—a talented equestrian and barn manager with experience ranging from collegiate riding to managing horses at top-level hunter shows across the East Coast. Abby shares her journey from Vermont to the Winter Equestrian Festival and beyond, and gives honest insight into what it’s really like behind the scenes in a demanding industry.

We talk about burnout, setting boundaries, and the importance of finding a healthy balance between work and personal life—something many equestrians struggle with. Abby also opens up about the role coaching has played in helping her define her path, speak up for herself, and build confidence in and out of the ring.

Whether you're just entering the equestrian world or have been in it for years, there’s something in this conversation for you.

Connection and Clarity: Keys to Riding and Business Success

In this episode of The Mindful Equestrian Podcast, I’m diving into the power of connection and clarity—two essential ingredients for success in both riding and business. I talk about what it means to truly feel your horse, how to move from control to communication, and why getting out of your head is the first step to better rides. I also share insights on creating ease and professionalism in your equestrian business through clear communication, contracts, and thoughtful systems that support both you and your clients.

Whether you’re in the saddle or running a barn, these principles can help reduce stress, improve relationships, and create more flow in your day-to-day work.

Navigating the Horse Industry: Appraising, Boarding, and Business with Samantha Clark

In this episode of The Mindful Equestrian Podcast, I sit down with Samantha Clark, the owner of SS Equestrian Services and an AHA and ASEA Associate Equine Appraiser. Samantha shares her journey from managing a busy boarding and training barn to transitioning into equine appraisals. We dive into the ins and outs of horse appraisals—why they’re needed, how the process works, and the role they play in legal cases, donations, and sales. Samantha also opens up about the challenges of running a barn, setting boundaries with boarders, and finding the right business balance.

Whether you're a barn owner, aspiring equine professional, or just interested in how horses are valued in the industry, this episode is full of practical insights on making smart business decisions in the horse world.

Rewiring Your Brain for Confidence in the Saddle

Have you ever felt like no matter how much you ride, that voice of doubt still creeps in? Maybe you hesitate before a jump, second-guess your cues, or feel like confidence is just something some riders have and others don’t.

The good news? Confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you can train. Just like you train your horse, you can train your mind. In this episode, I break down the science behind confidence, how your brain wires itself based on habits and beliefs, and practical strategies to start shifting from self-doubt to self-trust.

We’ll cover:
✔️ How neuroplasticity shapes confidence
✔️ The role of limiting beliefs in holding you back
✔️ Training your mind like you train your horse 🏇
✔️ Visualization, small wins, and mindfulness for building lasting confidence

Confidence isn’t a personality trait—it’s a skill you build. Tune in to learn how to retrain your brain for success in the saddle!

👉 Let’s connect! email me at lisa@mindfulequestrian.com or share how you’re working on rewiring your confidence.

Are You Learning or Just Collecting Information? Breaking Free from Overconsumption and Taking Action

In this episode of The Mindful Equestrian Podcast, I dive into a common trap many of us fall into—endlessly learning without actually applying what we’ve learned. Whether it’s riding, business, or personal growth, overconsumption of information can lead to paralysis, perfectionism, and procrastination. I explore why we often feel the need to keep learning before we take action, how to recognize when you’re stuck in this cycle, and practical ways to shift from gathering knowledge to actually implementing it. From riding techniques to business strategies, the real progress happens when we start doing instead of just studying. Join me as I share insights, personal experiences, and actionable steps to help you break free from the cycle of overlearning and start making meaningful progress. What’s one thing you’ve been learning about that you’ll finally take action on? Let’s talk about it!

Interview with Karin Krchnak: Embracing Riding Later in Life

In this episode of the Mindful Equestrian Interview Series, I’m excited to introduce Karin Krchnak, a successful professional who began her riding journey as an adult. Despite her busy career and frequent travels, Karin found a way to integrate her passion for horses into her life. In this conversation, we discuss her inspiring journey, the challenges and joys of starting riding later in life, and how she's balanced her professional responsibilities with her love for horses. Karin shares her experiences of gaining confidence, embracing mindfulness, and the profound connections she's made through riding and travel. If you’re an adult rider or considering starting your own riding journey later in life, Karin’s story offers valuable insights and inspiration. Enjoy the episode!

Ready to build confidence in the saddle or grow your equestrian business? Learn more about my coaching at The Mindful Equestrian.

Have questions or ideas for future episodes? Reach out to me at lisa@mindfulequestrian.com.