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 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

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16 July 2025

#173 From “I wish I could do that…” to “I CAN ABSOLUTELY DO THIS!”

“I’m just free.” -Janessa

You know that dream? The one where you ride out into the arena with confidence, freedom, and ease — just you and your horse, no pressure, no second-guessing, no needing someone to hold your hand?

Well… what happens when you finally get the horse, the lessons, the gear — and you still don’t feel ready?

In this episode, I’m sitting down with one of my amazing clients, Janessa, to talk about the real stuff behind riding confidence. Not the fake-it-til-you-make-it kind — but the deep, grounded trust that changes how you ride, how you show up, and how you feel in your own skin. Janessa went from constant what-if spirals and fear of riding solo… to riding alone, lighthearted, laughing, and living out her cowgirl dreams in the saddle.

She’s been through our programs - Resilient Reiner Academy and Mental Gym for Equestrians, and the transformation she’s experienced will give you chills. If you’ve ever wondered whether confidence like that is possible for you — this episode is your proof.

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 so curious to hear what parts hit home for you. And if you’re feeling inspired, leave a review on iTunes so others can discover the podcast and find the support they need to ride with confidence, too.

In This Episode You’ll Learn:

  • What Janessa really struggled with — even after getting the “right” horse, trainer, and tack
  • The surprising realization that changed everything for her (and how it had nothing to do with her riding skills)
  • Why solo riding felt impossible before — and how she worked her way toward it, one breath at a time
  • The specific mental tools that helped her shift from spiraling thoughts to grounded confidence
  • How her work in RRA and MGE helped her ride with ease — and live with more freedom outside the barn, too
  • What riding her horse now feels like (hint: it's totally in alignment with who she is off the horse, too)

Questions I Answer:

  • Why do you still feel anxious around riding even when nothing’s “wrong”?
  • How do you stop overthinking and start enjoying time with your horse again?
  • What’s the difference between nervousness and not being ready?
  • How do you build confidence when you feel like I’m starting late in the game?
  • What does it actually look like to ride from a calm, focused place — not just hope the anxiety disappears?

🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES:

This episode is full of heart, honesty, and hope. Whether you’ve been riding for years or just getting started, Janessa’s journey is a reminder that the real transformation doesn’t start in the saddle — it starts in your mind.

Be sure to follow the podcast and stay tuned for more client stories, mindset tools, and rider breakthroughs. And if this story lit something up in you… don’t ignore it.

You’ve got more control than you think.

Nicole

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08 July 2025

#172 Aging, Leadership, And (NOT) Being The Hotshot

They won’t tell you this part.

That getting better, wiser, and more experienced… can sometimes feel like fading into the background.

You’re not the rookie anymore. Not the one everyone’s watching. And even if you’re still chasing big dreams, there are moments where it feels like most of your energy goes toward helping someone else win.

This week’s episode was born in a dark movie theater with buttered popcorn, where I thought I was watching an action flick—and instead got hit in the gut by something much deeper. Brad Pitt. Fast cars. And an unexpected masterclass in quiet leadership.

It cracked something open in me.

And if you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Am I still going after my dream… or just helping everyone else chase theirs?”—this episode is for you.

We’re talking aging, ego, and that strange, tender season of evolving from the one in the spotlight… to the one holding the line. And what it really means to lead with strength no one claps for.

🎧 If this episode hit home—or reminded you of a rider who needs to hear this—tag me on Instagram @nicoleburnettmentalcoach and @resilientreiner so I can cheer you on and hear your story. And don’t forget to leave a review on iTunes so more riders can find this podcast when they need it most.

In This Episode You’ll Learn:

  • The surprising emotional gut punch from a Brad Pitt racing movie (yep, really)
  • How aging in the saddle can bring up grief—and wisdom
  • Why quiet strength is often invisible, but never wasted
  • What it means to lead behind the scenes (and why it’s just as powerful as standing in the spotlight)
  • How to honor the version of you that still wants the win—even if your role looks different now

Questions I Answer:

  • Can you still chase your dream and make space for others?
  • What happens when no one sees the work you’re doing behind the scenes?
  • How do you keep riding with fire and vision when you're no longer the "rising star"?
  • Is it okay to still want more, even if you're mostly mentoring, parenting, or supporting someone else's journey?

🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES:

This one’s close to my heart.

Sometimes, growth isn’t about riding harder—it’s about not giving up while carrying more quietly.

And still showing up. Still dreaming. Still going.

You’re not done. You’re just evolving.

Let’s ride.

— Nicole

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02 July 2025

#171 Sleep, Snacks, and Saddle Time: Surprising Foundations of Success

Treat yourself like a toddler for better rides?!

What if your biggest confidence issue isn’t mindset… but blood sugar? 🫣

Here’s something most riders don’t talk about: you’re not losing your edge because you lack grit—you’re running on fumes.

The horse world loves to glorify mental toughness. “Push through it.” “Cowgirl up.”

But what if the real reason you feel anxious, snappy, or disconnected in the saddle… is because you hasn’t had breakfast?

In today’s episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on a conversation most riders desperately need to have.

We’re not just talking about mindset—we’re talking biology.

Because if you’ve been second-guessing yourself, losing patience, or just not feeling the joy in riding lately…

It might not be a mental block.

It might be your body asking for literal gas in the tank.

Let’s talk about how sleep, food, and hydration are secret weapons for calm, confident rides—especially when you're working hard to rebuild trust, momentum, and fun again.

Whether you’re showing or trail riding, green horse or seasoned partner—this one’s for you.

🎧 If this episode hits home, don’t keep it to yourself.

Tag me @nicoleburnettmentalcoach and @resilientreiner on Instagram and share it with your barn crew or riding bestie. I want to know how this lands for you!

And if it sparked a breakthrough? Leave a review on iTunes—it helps other riders like you discover the show. 🤠

🧠 IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:

  • Why fatigue and blood sugar crashes are secretly wrecking your confidence
  • The real reason you feel reactive or emotional in the saddle (and no, it’s not just “a bad ride”)
  • How elite athletes treat recovery, nutrition, and rest as performance tools—and why you should too
  • Tiny, doable shifts that help you ride clearer, calmer, and more connected—without changing your whole life

❓QUESTIONS I ANSWER:

  • Why does everything feel harder when you’re tired—even when you want to ride well?
  • How does food actually affect your mental performance as a rider?
  • What should you eat before a ride if you want to feel grounded and focused?
  • Is it really that big of a deal if you’re running on caffeine?
  • How do you know the difference between burnout and just needing rest?

🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES:

Let this be your reminder:

You don’t need more pressure. You need more presence!

And that starts with sleep, snacks, and support—just like you’d give a toddler before a rodeo day. 😉

So if you’ve been frustrated with your mindset or stuck in your head… Zoom out.

Your confidence might not be gone, it just might be tired, hungry, or dehydrated. Let’s fix that!

Catch you in the episode,

Nicole 💛

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25 June 2025

#170 That Feeling You’re Embarrassed To Admit… aka Why Her Success Stings (And What It Really Means)

When her success hits you harder than you expected…

Let’s be real for a second. You’re in the warm-up pen, or maybe just scrolling Instagram—and boom.

There she is. Confident. Collected. Owning it.

And you feel it.

That tight chest. That wave of “ugh.” That tiny voice whispering, “Why am I not there yet?”

Comparison sneaks in before you even realize it.

But what if I told you… that reaction isn’t something to hide or fight?

What if it’s actually a message—a clue to your next level?

In this episode, we’re breaking down the moment that stings the most—and flipping it into something powerful. I’m walking you through how to stop making comparison mean something’s wrong with you… and start letting it show you what you truly want.

Because here’s the truth: her success isn’t your shame—it’s your signal.

If this episode hits home for you (or makes you see things in a new light), be sure to tag me @nicoleburnettmentalcoach and @resilientreiner on Instagram and share this with your riding buddies. I’m so curious to hear what part stuck with you. And if you haven’t yet, leave a review on iTunes to help more riders like you find the show!

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

  • Why that gut-punch of comparison is actually a powerful indicator of desire
  • How to stop making someone else’s success mean you’re behind
  • What your nervous system has to do with showing up confident in the saddle
  • Why copying her strategy won’t get you her results—and what will
  • A new way to turn comparison into clarity

QUESTIONS I ANSWER:

  • Why do I feel triggered when I see other riders succeed?
  • What does it actually mean when someone else’s confidence makes me shrink?
  • Can I ever get to that level of confidence without pretending to be someone I’m not?
  • How do I shift from comparison to creation—and do it my way?

🔗 LINKS / RESOURCES:

  • If this conversation hit close to home—and you're ready to stop letting fear call the shots in the saddle? 👇

Ride Free Is Now Open!

If fear’s been creeping into your rides—or you’ve been holding back, second-guessing, or wondering if you're even cut out for this—you don’t have to stay stuck.

Ride Free is my brand-new coaching experience for western riders who want to rebuild confidence, regulate their nervous system, and finally enjoy their horse again.

💥 Beta Round Includes:

✅ 6 weeks of coaching

✅ My signature 4R Framework

✅ Live calls + live support

✅ Just $97 for this first group

🗓 Doors close Thursday, June 19 at 11:59pm MST

⚡ Limited to 10 riders

👉 Grab your spot here: https://buy.stripe.com/4gM00j07P7FLg0N5FafUQ08

Let’s ride.

  • 🎯 Get Free Weekly Mental Coaching Tips → Join my email list! Subscribe here

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17 June 2025

#169: From Fear to Fire: How Angela Got Her Confidence (and Her Groove) Back

Ever crush a run on paper yet feel shaky inside your own boots? That gap between what you can do and what you believe you can do is where today’s conversation lives. Angela Bitencourt has shown working cattle in high‑pressure Brazilian ranch‑sorting pens, holds a master’s in animal science and beef genetics, and still found herself riding like she didn’t trust her own talent after a brutal fall and two surgeries.

In this episode we peel back the curtain on that invisible pressure: why skill alone won’t plug the confidence leak and how Angela rewired her mindset so she could ride fast, ride free, and actually have fun again. Grab a coffee, throw a leg over the saddle, and let’s dig in.

If you or someone you know gets value from this chat, tag us on Instagram @nicoleburnettmentalcoach, @resilientreiner, and @angelbittencourt. Share the episode with your barn family—I’d love to hear which moment hit home for you! And if you’ve got two spare minutes, drop a review on iTunes so more riders can find the show.

🎯 In This Episode You Will Learn

  • Why “just ride more” never fixes post‑injury hesitation on your horse
  • The hidden mental load competitors carry (and why it spikes in practice, not just on show day)
  • Angela’s shift from “prove I belong” to “ride forward as who I am now”
  • How a second horse unexpectedly accelerated her emotional recovery
  • Simple pre‑ride rituals to ground your nervous system when time is tight
  • The mindset reframe that turns fear into a fuel source instead of a stop sign

❓ Questions I Answer

  • What really causes that confidence lag long after the body has healed after an injury involving your horse?
  • How do you rebuild trust with a horse you love but secretly fear?
  • Why does practice sometimes feel harder than competition?
  • Can limited saddle time still lead to big wins?
  • What first step should a rider take when pressure steals the joy?

🧠 GUEST INSTAGRAM

Follow Angela and her journey at @angelbittencourt

🔗 LINKS / RESOURCES:

  • If this conversation hit close to home—and you're ready to stop letting fear call the shots in the saddle? 👇

Ride Free Is Now Open!

If fear’s been creeping into your rides—or you’ve been holding back, second-guessing, or wondering if you're even cut out for this—you don’t have to stay stuck.

Ride Free is my brand-new coaching experience for western riders who want to rebuild confidence, regulate their nervous system, and finally enjoy their horse again.

💥 Beta Round Includes:

✅ 6 weeks of coaching

✅ My signature 4R Framework

✅ Live calls + live support

✅ Just $97 for this first group

🗓 Doors close Thursday, June 19 at 11:59pm MST

⚡ Limited to 10 riders

👉 Grab your spot here: https://buy.stripe.com/4gM00j07P7FLg0N5FafUQ08

Let’s ride.

Whether you’re recovering from an injury, juggling too many responsibilities, or just feeling stuck in your head, Angela’s story is your reminder:

You don’t need to ride perfect—you just need to ride present.

🎧 Go hit play. Your comeback might be one ride away.

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10 June 2025

#168 Anxious, Accomplished, and Secretly Falling Apart w/ Buck The Stigma (Guest Devin Bang)

✨ Let’s be honest: most riders aren’t breaking down because they’re weak—they’re breaking down because they’ve been told to stay strong for too long.

In this episode, I’m joined by Devin Bang, the founder of @buck.thestigma, and we’re cracking wide open the pressure, identity weight, and unspoken mental load riders carry. From the outside, Devin looked like she had it together. But underneath? Anxiety, overwhelm, and a constant battle to prove she was enough. Constantly inspired by her experiences and interactions with other competitors, trainers, owners and friends in rodeo, the idea of Buck The Stigma was sparked not only from her own deep struggle with anxiety and depression, but from others’ struggle as well.

Devin shares what it looked like to ride through the noise—without the tools, without support, and with a whole lot of internal pressure. Together, we talk about what happens when you finally realize: you’re not broken… you’re just burned out from carrying the mental weight no one sees.

This isn’t just a feel-good chat. It’s a real, grounded conversation about how high-achieving riders can look fine while struggling hard—and what it actually takes to shift the way you show up in and out of the saddle.

📣 If you or someone you know has benefited from this episode, be sure to tag us

@nicoleburnettmentalcoach @resilientreiner and @buck.thestigma on Instagram and share this episode with your community! I’m curious to hear what landed for you most. Also, please leave a quick review on iTunes—it helps more riders find these important conversations.

🎧 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

  • Why burnout in the western world is more common than we admit
  • What anxiety can actually look like in the saddle (and why it’s not always obvious)
  • How hustle culture keeps riders stuck in survival mode
  • The identity trap of feeling like you have to “earn” rest or confidence
  • Why showing up with empathy and self-discipline matters more than either one alone
  • Devin’s personal story of transformation—from panic to presence
  • A mindset shift that will change the way you approach pressure forever

❓Questions We Explore in the Episode:

  • What does anxiety look like in riders who don’t “seem anxious”?
  • How can you tell if what you’re feeling is burnout—not lack of motivation?
  • Why do so many riders feel like they have to prove their worth before they deserve to rest?
  • How did Devin go from carrying shame about her mental health to building a community around it?
  • How do you build the courage to learn in public, mess up, and keep going anyway?”
  • How do you learn to ride through the fear of judgment, failure, or just plain not being good yet?
  • What’s the difference between avoiding pressure and riding with emotional awareness?

🔗 Want to Connect with Devin?:

🔗 LINKS / RESOURCES:

  • If this conversation hit close to home—and you're realizing it’s not your horse, your saddle, or your lesson schedule that needs to change—it might be time for something deeper.

  • Ride Free is my newest, application-only coaching experience for riders who want to reconnect with joy, confidence, and the version of themselves that used to love this. We start soon. Applications are open now through Monday, June 16. 👉 Click here to apply.

  • 🎯 Get Free Weekly Mental Coaching Tips → Join my email list! Subscribe here

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