Resilient Reiner

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 horse riders. Join us as we explore the power of the mind and how it can elevate your performance with your horse 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 horse riders at all levels. Whether you're a passionate non-pro, rookie reiner, veteran competitor or seasoned pro, The Resilient Reiner is your go-to source 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

28 March 2025

#158 Not Another Trust Fall 🙄

You ever hear someone say, “You just need to build trust with your horse,” and want to scream, Cool, but HOW?!

Same.

Unless we’re about to do a full-on trust fall in the middle of the warm-up pen (hard pass), that advice can feel vague at best and frustrating at worst.

Here’s what no one tells you: trust doesn’t come from a perfect pattern or flawless cue. And it doesn’t come from just sitting in the middle of the field with your horse, either. It comes from what’s going on in your brain before your butt hits the saddle. It’s your mindset. Your energy. Your consistency. That’s what your horse is reading 24/7—and today, we’re talking about exactly how to clean that up so you can build the kind of bond that holds steady under pressure.

Because if your horse is hesitating, spooking, or shutting down... it’s not about training harder. It’s about becoming the rider they can actually count on.

Let’s dig into what trust really means, why it starts with you, and how to become the calm, confident leader your horse has been waiting for.

Welcome to Day 4 of this powerful (and yeah, maybe slightly uncomfortable) training series: How to Get Your Horse to Actually Listen to You.

Each day this week, you’ll get a short, practical episode that blends mindset work, neuroscience, and in-the-saddle strategy—because what’s going on in your brain directly impacts what’s happening under your seat.

Today’s Topic: Day 4 — Not Another Trust Fall: How to Build Unshakable Trust with Your Horse

Don’t forget to Join the Mental Gym for Equestrians! → Align your subconscious mind and nervous system with your biggest riding goals for better rides without more time in the saddle! Live high-touch group coaching. Limited Spots. Starting April 1st.

👉 Sign up here

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 am so curious to hear all about your experience building trust with your horse—what’s working, what’s not, and what you’re changing after today’s talk.

Also, it means the world if you leave a quick review on iTunes to help other riders discover the show. 🤠💛

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

What trust actually means in a rider-horse partnership (hint: it’s not just about “bonding”)
Why your mental state is either building trust or eroding it—every time you ride
The 4 core mindset shifts that make you a more trustworthy leader in the saddle
Practical mental performance strategies that help you regulate your energy and build consistency
Why perfection is NOT the goal—and how to handle mistakes in a way that builds connection, not tension

QUESTIONS I ANSWER:

What does trust really look like in the saddle?
How do I stop second-guessing myself and show up more confidently for my horse?
What can I do to stay grounded, especially on high-pressure rides?
How do I handle mistakes without damaging the trust I’ve worked so hard to build?

🚀 Ready For Your Own Mental Breakthrough? Here’s How:

🎯 Join the Mental Gym for Equestrians! → Align your subconscious mind and nervous system with your biggest riding goals for better rides without more time in the saddle! Live high-touch group coaching. Limited Spots. Starting April 1st. Sign up here!
🎯 Resilient Reiner Academy → The confidence to win so you ride like you belong. Sign up here!
🎯 Get Free Weekly Mental Coaching Tips → Join my email list! Subscribe here

🎧 Now, hit play & let’s celebrate these incredible wins together!

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27 March 2025

#157 Your Horse Is Listening… Are You Being Clear?

You can have your heels down, shoulders back, and hands perfectly placed…

And your horse will still look at you like, “Girl… pick a lane.”

Let’s cut to the chase: your horse doesn’t care about how well you follow the textbook and how perfect your hip angle is if your energy is scattered and your cues are saying two different things. They’re not confused because they’re stubborn. They’re confused because you’re giving them mixed messages—and most of the time, you don’t even know you’re doing it.

This episode is for every rider who’s ever walked away from an arena wondering, “Why didn’t that go the way I planned?” The answer? It starts between your ears—not under your saddle.

Today we’re talking about one of the most overlooked (but wildly powerful) truths in horsemanship: clear communication starts with a clear mind.

Welcome to Day 3 of this powerful (and yeah, maybe slightly uncomfortable) training series: How to Get Your Horse to Actually Listen to You.

Today’s Topic: Day 3 – The Key to Clear, Confident Communication

Don’t forget to Join the Mental Gym for Equestrians! → Align your subconscious mind and nervous system with your biggest riding goals for better rides without more time in the saddle! Live high-touch group coaching. Limited Spots. Starting April 1st.

👉 Sign up here!

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 genuinely curious to hear all about your experience—especially the moment you realized your horse was just reacting to your mental energy. And hey, don’t forget to leave a review on iTunes to help more riders discover the show!

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

Why technically “doing it right” doesn’t always work
The hidden reason your horse seems confused or reactive
How mental clutter creates mixed signals under saddle
What it actually means to ride with leadership and clarity
The simple but powerful mindset shift that leads to better connection

QUESTIONS I ANSWER:

Why does my horse respond differently when I think I’m riding the same?
How do I know if I’m giving mixed cues?
What does my mindset have to do with my horse’s behavior?
How can I get grounded before I ride so I’m clear in the saddle?

🚀 Ready For Your Own Mental Breakthrough? Here’s How:

🎯 Join the Mental Gym for Equestrians! → Align your subconscious mind and nervous system with your biggest riding goals for better rides without more time in the saddle! Live high-touch group coaching. Limited Spots. Starting April 1st. Sign up here!
🎯 Resilient Reiner Academy → The confidence to win so you ride like you belong. Sign up here!
🎯 Get Free Weekly Mental Coaching Tips → Join my email list! Subscribe here

🎧 Now, hit play & let’s celebrate these incredible wins together!

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26 March 2025

#156 The Weird Way Horses ‘Feel’ Your Emotions (and Why It Matters)

You storm into the barn after a rough day. Your brain’s still chewing on a conversation you had hours ago, your jaw’s tight, your shoulders are up around your ears… and the second you swing a leg over? Your horse is tense, distracted, maybe even downright cranky.

And we think they're the problem? Nah.

Sometimes your horse isn’t being a brat. They’re just mirroring YOU!

I know that’s a tough pill to swallow—but hang with me.

What if I told you there's actual neuroscience behind this? Not just woo-woo “energy” stuff—but hard, proven brain science that says your horse is literally mirroring your nervous system?

Today we’re breaking down how that invisible connection between your state and their behavior works—and more importantly, how to use it in your favor.

Welcome to Day 2 of this powerful (and yeah, maybe slightly uncomfortable) training series: How to Get Your Horse to Actually Listen to You.

Each day this week, you’re getting a short and practical episode that blends mindset work, neuroscience, and in-the-saddle strategy—because what’s going on in your brain shows up in your reins.

Today’s Topic: Day 2 —Magic Mirror On The Wall, Who’s The Best Horse of All? The Science of Mirror Neurons and How They Impact Your Horse’s Responses

Don’t forget to Join the Mental Gym for Equestrians! → Align your subconscious mind and nervous system with your biggest riding goals for better rides without more time in the saddle!

Live high-touch group coaching. Limited Spots. Starting April 1st.

👉 Sign up here

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 riding crew.

I’d love to hear how your horse responds when you check your energy first. Seriously—DM me your “ah-ha” moment or tag me in your barn stories!

And hey—don’t forget to leave a review on iTunes. It helps other riders find the show and join this wild and resilient community we’re building together. 🐴🤠

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:

What mirror neurons are and why they matter in the barn
How your emotional state directly impacts your horse’s focus and behavior
The unexpected reason your horse might be “off” during a ride
Why “checking yourself” before a ride matters more than checking your tack
A simple, effective mindset shift you can use before every ride to reset your energy

QUESTIONS I ANSWER:

Why does my horse act differently when I’m stressed or upset?
Can my horse really sense my emotions—or is that just a myth?
What’s the fastest way to reset my energy before a ride?
How do I stop bringing outside stress into my time with my horse?
What does neuroscience say about horse and rider connection?

🚀 Ready For Your Own Mental Breakthrough? Here’s How:

🎯 Join the Mental Gym for Equestrians! → Align your subconscious mind and nervous system with your biggest riding goals for better rides without more time in the saddle! Live high-touch group coaching. Limited Spots. Starting April 1st. Sign up here!
🎯 Resilient Reiner Academy → The confidence to win so you ride like you belong. Sign up here!
🎯 Get Free Weekly Mental Coaching Tips → Join my email list! Subscribe here

🎧 Now, hit play & let’s celebrate these incredible wins together!

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16:27

25 March 2025

#155 Yes, I Paid A Horse Psychic To Decode My Mare

Okay, I’m gonna say something that might ruffle some reins—but hear me out. What if your horse isn’t being stubborn? What if they’re not being disrespectful, lazy, or out to ruin your ride?

What if… they’re actually trying to communicate with you—and you’ve just been missing it?

In this episode, we’re flipping the script on one of the most frustrating experiences as a rider: when your horse just won’t do the thing. You know what I’m talking about—when they hesitate at the gate, throw their shoulder out, or flat out ignore your cues. Instead of chalking it up to disobedience, we’re digging into what’s actually going on beneath the surface—for both you and your horse.

This one’s a mix of tough love, neuroscience, and good old-fashioned cowgirl curiosity. So pull up a seat, or tighten your cinch—we’re going there today.

Welcome to Day 1 of this powerful (and yeah, maybe slightly uncomfortable) training series: How to Get Your Horse to Actually Listen to You.

Each day this week, you’ll get a short, practical episode that blends mindset work, neuroscience, and in-the-saddle strategy—because what’s going on in your brain directly impacts what’s happening under your seat.

Today’s Topic: Day 1: Ugh! You Just Don’t GET IT!! Why Understanding Your Horse’s Perspective Changes Everything (Plus The Mindset Shift That Leads to Long-Term Success).

Don’t forget to Join the Mental Gym for Equestrians! → Align your subconscious mind and nervous system with your biggest riding goals for better rides without more time in the saddle! Live high-touch group coaching. Limited Spots. Starting April 1st. Sign up here!

If you or someone you know has benefited from this episode, be sure to tag us @nicoleburnettmentalcoach, @resilientreiner on Instagram and share this episode with your community! I am so curious to hear about your experience and aha moments. Also, please leave a review on iTunes to help other riders discover the show and build their own unshakable confidence in the saddle.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

Why “bad behavior” in your horse might actually be a sign they’re unsure or overwhelmed
How your energy, emotions, and mental state directly influence your horse’s reactions
The mindset shift that turns frustrating rides into powerful communication moments
Why taking resistance personally kills progress (and what to do instead)
How to read your horse with more empathy—and ride with more leadership

Questions I Answer:

What’s really going on when my horse doesn’t listen to me?
How can I tell the difference between disobedience and communication?
How do my own thoughts and emotions impact my horse’s performance?
What mental shifts can I make to become a more effective rider and partner?
Is it possible to fix “behavior issues” without drilling more? (Spoiler: yes!)

🚀 Ready For Your Own Mental Breakthrough? Here’s How:

🎯 Join the Mental Gym for Equestrians! → Align your subconscious mind and nervous system with your biggest riding goals for better rides without more time in the saddle! Live high-touch group coaching. Limited Spots. Starting April 1st. Sign up here!
🎯 Resilient Reiner Academy → The confidence to win so you ride like you belong. Sign up here!
🎯 Get Free Weekly Mental Coaching Tips → Join my email list! Subscribe here

🎧 Now, hit play & let’s celebrate these incredible wins together!

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14:08

19 March 2025

#154 It’s NOT A Skill Issue

What if the reason you’re not winning isn’t your riding—but your mind?

I’m not talking about confidence in the usual way. I’m talking about the deep, hidden beliefs that make success feel unsafe—like stepping up will bring more pressure, more judgment, or more expectations than you’re ready for.

Riders think they need more training, more practice, more saddle time. But if your subconscious isn’t fully on board with success, no amount of extra effort with your horse will fix it.

In this episode, we’re digging into the mental blocks that hold horse riders back, why you can’t just “push through” them, and how to finally get your mindset working for you instead of against you.

If this episode hits home for you, I want to hear about it! Tag me @nicoleburnettmentalcoach and @resilientreiner on Instagram and share this episode with your barn crew. Tell me—have you ever caught yourself hesitating, second-guessing, or holding back in competition or in training? Let’s talk about it. Also, leaving a review on iTunes helps more riders find this podcast, so if this episode resonated with you, please take a second to share your thoughts!

~Nicole~

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

The hidden fears that cause horse riders to hold back—without even realizing it
How your nervous system keeps you safe by keeping you stuck
The subconscious beliefs that make winning feel unsafe, overwhelming, or “undeserved”
Why pushing harder isn’t the answer—and what actually works
How to rewire your mindset for confidence, ease, and next-level performance in the saddle

Questions I Answer:

Why do you freeze up or second-guess yourself when it matters most?
Could your fear of success be stronger than your fear of failure?
How do you stop making things harder than they need to be?
Why do you feel guilty about winning or getting ahead?
How can you break the cycle of overthinking and just ride?

📲 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going!

Enjoying the podcast? If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a review on iTunes—it helps more horse riders find the mental strategies they need to ride with confidence and perform at their best. 🐴⭐

💬 What’s one moment with your horse that made all the hard work worth it?

📲 Tag me @nicoleburnettmentalcoach and @resilientreiner on Instagram and let me know!

🚀 Ready For Your Own Mental Breakthrough? Here’s How:

🎯 Join the Mental Gym for Equestrians! → Align your subconscious mind and nervous system with your biggest riding goals for better rides without more time in the saddle! Live high-touch group coaching. Limited Spots. Starting April 1st. Sign up here!
🎯 Resilient Reiner Academy → The confidence to win so you ride like you belong. Sign up here!
🎯 Get Free Weekly Mental Coaching Tips → Join my email list! Subscribe here

🎧 Now, hit play & let’s celebrate these incredible wins together!

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26:43

13 March 2025

#153 Steal My Exercise To Uncover Hidden Mental Blocks Stalling Your Progress 🔥🐴🏆

What If Your Biggest Riding Breakthrough Had Nothing to Do with More Time in the Saddle?

You’ve trained, you’ve practiced, you’ve put in the work—but something still feels off. Maybe you’re inconsistent in the show pen, holding back when it matters most, or feeling like there’s a ceiling on your progress. What if I told you that the real reason you’re stuck has nothing to do with your riding ability or your horse?

In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on the hidden mental blocks that are keeping you from riding at your absolute best.

Most riders don’t realize how much their subconscious fears, beliefs, and doubts are running the show—until they do. And once you see it? You can change it.

🔥 Inside This Episode, You’ll Discover:

✔️ The #1 factor that determines whether you level up or stay stuck

✔️ How to know if your mind is unconsciously holding you back

✔️ The one question that can instantly reveal a hidden fear sabotaging your progress

✔️ A simple yet powerful exercise to reveal mental blocks you didn’t even know you had

✔️ How shifting your mindset can create massive breakthroughs—faster than you think

If you’re tired of second-guessing yourself in the show pen and ready to step into the rider you were meant to be, this episode is for you.

🚀 Ready to Take the Next Step?

If this episode hits home, don’t stop here—let’s actually DO something about it.

🔥 Join the next round of the Mental Gym for Equestrians!

👉 Align your subconscious mind & nervous system with your biggest riding goals—for better rides without more time in the saddle.

👉 High-touch coaching, deep mindset work, and a program designed to rewire your riding from the inside out.

🚀We kick off April 1st! Limited slots—save your spot! → Join Here

📲 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going!

📩 Did this episode hit home? DM me on Instagram @nicoleburnettmentalcoach or @resilientreiner and tell me:

💬 What’s one belief you uncovered that might be holding you back?

⭐ Don’t forget to subscribe & leave a review! Your support helps more riders break through their mental barriers and ride with confidence.

🎧 Now, hit play—this episode is going to change the way you ride!

Nicole

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