Resilient Reiner

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Podcast by Nicole Burnett

Resilient Reiner

The Resilient Reiner with Nicole Burnett is your go-to podcast dedicated to mental performance coaching for reiners and western riders. Join us as we explore the power of the mind and how it can elevate your performance to new heights. Each episode uncovers invaluable strategies, techniques, and mindset shifts to help you overcome mental barriers, boost confidence, and achieve peak performance in the saddle. From managing competition nerves to cultivating focus and resilience, our podcast provides actionable insights and real-life stories that inspire and empower riders at all levels. Whether you're a passionate amateur, rookie reiner, or a seasoned competitor, The Resilient Reiner is your go-to resource for sharpening your mental edge and unlocking your equestrian potential & transforming your riding journey. Tune in, harness the power of your mind, and ride towards excellence.
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Latest episodes

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18 February 2025

#149 Do You Have A Subconscious Riding Block?

DON’T MISS THE UPCOMING FREE RIDE LIKE A PRO MASTERCLASS! Sign up here!! https://www.nicoleburnettcoaching.com/rlap 

What if I told you that your biggest riding struggle isn’t about skill or talent—it’s about what’s happening inside your mind? That hesitation before pushing for more speed in a run, the frustration over not getting that perfect stop, or the weird resistance you feel when things start going too well—it’s not just in your head. It’s a subconscious block, and it’s quietly running the show.

Most riders think that if they just work harder, practice more, or “get tougher,” they’ll break through their limits. But what if the real reason your progress feels like a rollercoaster has nothing to do with how much you ride—and everything to do with the hidden beliefs and fears shaping your decisions? In this episode, we’re going straight to the root of the issue so you can stop feeling stuck and start riding at the level you know you’re capable of.

If you or someone you know has benefited from this episode, be sure to tag me @nicoleburnettmentalcoach and @resilientreiner on Instagram and share this episode with your community! I’d love to hear your thoughts—what subconscious blocks have shown up in your riding? Also, if this episode hit home for you, leave a review on iTunes. It helps other riders find the podcast and step into their full potential!

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

✔️ What subconscious blocks are and how they impact your riding decisions, confidence, and progress

✔️ The real reason you might hesitate, procrastinate, or overanalyze every little thing in the saddle

✔️ How fear—of failure, judgment, and even success—can shape your riding without you realizing it

✔️ Why some riders struggle with inconsistency and self-sabotage (even when they really want to improve)

✔️ How to finally break free from mental blocks and ride with clarity, confidence, and consistency

Questions I Answer:

🐴 Why do you feel stuck in your riding, even when you are putting in the work?

🐴 How do subconscious beliefs control your performance in the arena?

🐴 Why do you hold yourself back when things are going well?

🐴 How can you break out of fear-based habits and start trusting yourself in the saddle?

🐴 What’s the fastest way to retrain your brain and finally ride to your full potential?

Link and Resources:

Your riding isn’t just about what happens in the arena—it’s about what’s happening in your mind before you ever step into it. So if you’re ready to stop second-guessing, start showing up fully, and ride like the competitor you were meant to be—this episode is for you. Let’s get to it! 🎙️

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11 February 2025

#148 I’m Not Here To Talk About The Super Bowl

Let me ruffle some feathers here—more saddle time isn’t a silver bullet. I said it. It’s not always the answer. 😲

Pssst- don’t miss out on the FREE masterclass next week! Ready to ride like a pro!? SIGN UP HERE!

I know, I know. That’s what we’ve always been told, right? You mess up in the show pen, you need more practice. You get outscored, you need to work harder. You choke under pressure, you just need more miles.

But what if I told you that’s dead wrong?

Because I’ve seen it a hundred times. Riders who could lay down a textbook-perfect pattern at home crumble the second the pressure is on. And no amount of extra practice fixes it. So what’s really going on?

It ain’t your cues. It ain’t your horse. It’s what’s happening in your head.

Today, we’re throwing out the old-school “just ride better” advice and getting into what actually separates the riders who hold it together when it matters from the ones who don’t. Because confidence? Focus? Consistency? Those aren’t personality traits—they’re skills. And you can train ‘em just like anything else.

So if you’re tired of overthinking, second-guessing, and feeling like your brain is working against you in the show pen, pull up a seat. This one’s for you.

If this episode hits home for you, do me a favor—tag me @nicoleburnettmentalcoach and @resilientreiner on Instagram and share this with a rider who needs to hear it. I love seeing how you are putting this to work. And if you’re feeling extra generous, leave a review on iTunes—it helps more riders find this and get their mental game right.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

✅ Why more practice won’t fix a shaky mental game (and what will)

✅ The biggest mindset mistake riders make that keeps them stuck

✅ The moment I realized we’ve been coaching riders all wrong

✅ The exact four-step framework I use to help riders get bulletproof under pressure

✅ Why confidence isn’t a feeling—it’s a skill (and how to train it)

Questions I Answer:

❓ Why do some riders ride great at home but fall apart in the show pen?

❓ How can you train confidence like a skill instead of waiting to “feel” it?

❓ What do pro riders do mentally that most amateurs never even think about?

❓ What’s the #1 thing you can do today to start riding with more focus and consistency?

Link and Resources:

Riding under pressure isn’t about talent. It’s not about hard work. It’s about whether or not your brain is trained for it. And if you’re sick of letting fear, doubt, or nerves run the show, it’s time to do something about it.

Shoot me a DM on Instagram @nicoleburnettmentalcoach or reply to this episode—I’d love to help you get your mental game dialed in. 💪

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04 February 2025

#147 From Anxiety to Achievement: Inside the Mental Gym for Equestrians with Shelby A.

DON’T MISS THE UPCOMING FREE RIDE LIKE A PRO MASTERCLASS! Sign up here!! https://www.nicoleburnettcoaching.com/rlap 

Did you know your horse can feel your self-doubt before you even step into the arena? It’s true—and it’s probably holding you both back. Today, we’re diving into the untold truth about how your mindset affects your riding.

Joining me is Shelby Adcock, a veterinarian and fierce competitor from the rugged Wild West of Montana. With her talented mare, Scarlett, Shelby transformed from battling crippling nerves to qualifying twice for the prestigious NRCHA World Show; the World Championships of Cow Horse, the “Celebration of Champions”. Her story is living proof that the biggest breakthroughs start with the way you think.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, doubted your abilities, or wondered how to deepen your connection with your horse, this episode will open your eyes to what’s possible. Let’s ride!

If you or someone you know has benefited from this episode, be sure to tag us @nicoleburnettmentalcoach, @resilientreiner, and Shelby at @adcock_the_doc on Instagram and share this episode with your community! I’m curious to hear all about your experience. Also, be sure to leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the show. Your feedback means the world to us!

Tune in to Hear:

🎙 What it’s REALLY like to train your mind for competition—straight from a rider who’s done it.

💭 Shelby used to struggle with crippling nerves in the show pen. Now, she’s qualifying for world championships. What changed?

🔥 The ONE shift that finally helped Shelby stop second-guessing herself and start riding with total confidence.

🤯 Why the traditional “just show more” advice for overcoming nerves is completely WRONG—and what actually works.

🧠 The surprising mindset strategy that made the biggest difference in Shelby’s performance (and why she wishes she had known it sooner).

🐴 How Shelby’s relationship with her horse transformed when she stopped focusing on her mistakes and started focusing on THIS instead.

🚀 Shelby’s biggest “aha” moment inside Mental Gym for Equestrians—and how it changed her approach to competition forever.

👀 Thinking about joining the Mental Gym? Shelby shares her honest experience, her results, and what she’d tell any rider who’s on the fence.

🎧 Listen now and learn how to go from anxiety to achievement in the show pen!

Questions I Answer:

  • What’s it like to work with Nicole?
  • What role does mindset play in competitive riding?
  • How can riders stop focusing on mistakes and shift toward celebrating progress?
  • How visualization techniques can enhance your performance and deepen your bond with your horse.
  • Can you build trust with your horse by improving your mental game?
  • Why your horse’s confidence depends on yours.
  • What steps can riders take to calm their nerves before stepping into the arena?

Connect with Shelby Adcock:

Follow Shelby on Instagram @adcock_the_doc to see her journey with Scarlett, gain inspiration from her resilience, and learn what it takes to succeed in the competitive world of working cow horse events. Shelby’s story shows that with the right mindset, anything is possible.

Links/Resources:

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28 January 2025

#146 This Is Cowgirl Spirit

What makes a true cowgirl spirit?

It’s not the price tag on the horse or the accolades on the wall—it’s the heart, grit, and unshakable belief in yourself and your partnership with your horse. 

In today’s episode, I’m sharing a heartfelt story about one of my clients who embodies this spirit. Her journey is proof that success isn’t about the easy path or the fanciest horse—it’s about showing up with courage, connection, and commitment every single day.

This episode is a love letter to the riders out there who pour their hearts into their horses, even when the odds are stacked against them. If you’ve ever doubted yourself or your horse, or if someone has ever told you to “just get a different one,” this episode is for you. Let’s talk about what it really means to be a cowgirl in spirit and action.

If you or someone you know has benefited from this episode, be sure to tag me on Instagram @nicoleburnettmentalcoach and @resilientreiner. Share this episode with your community, and I’d love to hear all about your experience! Don’t forget to leave a review on iTunes—it helps more riders discover the podcast and join this incredible community.

In This Episode You Will Learn:

  • Why the hardest path is often the most rewarding.
  • The difference between chasing accolades and building a true bond with your horse.
  • How the "cowgirl spirit" translates to resilience, belief, and unstoppable determination.
  • Why having an expensive horse doesn’t guarantee success—and what truly does.
  • How to develop the mental toughness and connection needed to achieve the “impossible” with your horse.

Questions I Answer:

  • What does it mean to have a cowgirl spirit, and how does that impact your riding journey?
  • How can you stay motivated and confident when working with a challenging horse?
  • Why is it important to prioritize connection over competition?
  • What mental shifts are essential for turning doubt into determination?

Links/Resources:

Whether your horse is a million-dollar prospect or a quirky rescue, remember this: success comes from the connection, belief, and determination you bring to your partnership. The path may be hard, but it’s also the most rewarding. I’m here to help you every step of the way.

See you next time, cowgirl! 🐎

– Nicole

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21 January 2025

#145 Running on Empty

You ever had one of those days where it feels like you’ve hit rock bottom? Maybe it’s halfway through a long show day, or maybe it’s after yet another ride where things just didn’t click. You’re sitting there thinking, “That’s it. I’m done. I’ve got nothing left in the tank.”

Well, let me tell you something I wish someone had told me sooner: you’ve got more in the tank than you think. Just like your truck’s fuel gauge might say “E,” but there’s still that hidden reserve waiting to get you to the next gas station, your mind has reserves of confidence, focus, and resilience. In today’s episode, I share 5 ways to find and use them when you need them most.

Let’s get real about why we hit those mental walls and, more importantly, how to break through them.

If this episode hit home for you, be sure to tag me @nicoleburnettmentalcoach and @resilientreiner on Instagram. I’d love to hear how you’re tapping into your hidden reserves! Share this episode with a friend who might need a little pick-me-up, and don’t forget to leave a review on iTunes. Your feedback helps me—and other riders—keep moving forward.

In This Episode You Will Learn:

  • Why feeling like you’re on “E” isn’t the end
  • Five simple strategies to access your mental reserves and keep going.
  • Why shifting your focus can transform your riding experience, even on bad days.

Questions I Answer:

  • What do you do when you feel mentally drained in the middle of a ride or a show day?
  • How can small wins boost your confidence when nothing seems to go right?
  • Why does humor matter so much when we’re frustrated?
  • Does visualization and focusing on the “best-case scenario” make a difference?

Links/Resources:

Here’s the thing: every rider has days where they feel like they’re running on fumes. That doesn’t mean you’re out of options. You’ve got so much more inside you than you realize. You just need the tools to tap into it.

If you’re ready to stop feeling stuck and start riding with confidence, resilience, and a full tank, stick with me. I’ve got you covered. And remember, no matter where you’re at in your journey, you’re not alone.

Ride strong,

Nicole

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07 January 2025

#144 How Comfortable Are You Gambling $50k?

Let’s talk about a question I hear all the time: “Do I have enough time for mental training?” 

If you’ve ever thought mental training sounds great but felt like your schedule is too packed to add one more thing, this episode is for you. Today, we’re diving into why mental training isn’t just another task—it’s the game-changer that makes everything else in your life and riding smoother, more enjoyable, and more effective. 

Imagine riding with clarity and confidence, breaking through self-doubt, and saving time—all by shifting your mindset. Let’s get to it!

If you or someone you know has benefited from this episode, be sure to tag us @nicoleburnettmentalcoach and @resilientreiner on Instagram and share this episode with your community! I’m curious to hear all about your experience. Also, be sure to leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the show.

In This Episode You Will Learn:

  • Why mental training isn’t about spending more time but about making your time work for you.
  • How small mindset shifts can lead to massive breakthroughs in your riding and life.
  • The real cost of avoiding mental training (hint: it’s not just about money).
  • Practical, real-world strategies to integrate mental training into your already busy schedule.
  • The options for working with me to transform your riding mindset.

Questions I Answer:

  • How can mental training save time rather than take it?
  • What’s the impact of mindset on riding performance?
  • Is it possible to fit mental training into a packed schedule?
  • What’s the difference between Resilient Reiner Academy, the Mental Gym, and 1:1 coaching, and which one is right for me?

Links/Resources:

Let’s take the stress out of mental training and show you how to make it a powerful tool for growth and transformation. Be sure to share your takeaways from this episode and tag me on Instagram @nicoleburnettmentalcoach. I can’t wait to hear how this impacts your riding journey!

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