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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01 October 2025

#180 From Spiraling at the World Show to Steady in the Saddle

Here’s the thing nobody likes to admit out loud:

You can have the horse. You can have the talent. You can put in the hours. You can even be confident in every other part of your life… and still feel like a complete rookie when your nerves take over in the saddle.

That’s exactly what happened to my client, Bonnie Habel, an APHA rider who shows trail and horsemanship with her mare, Morgan. She had the horse. She had the training. She had the drive. But at the Paint World Show, all of that went out the window when her nerves hijacked her ride.

In today’s episode, Bonnie shares what really happens when the spiral sets in, and how working inside the Mental Gym for Equestrians helped her flip the script. This isn’t a highlight reel—it’s the real, raw transformation of a rider who went from rattled and disconnected to grounded, collected, and genuinely excited about her rides again.

If you or someone you know has benefited from this episode, be sure to tag us @nicoleburnettmentalcoach, @resilientreiner, and Bonnie on Instagram and share this episode with your community! I’m curious to hear your takeaways and what part of Bonnie’s story resonated most with you.

And hey, if you loved it, please take a minute to leave a review on iTunes—it helps other riders discover the show and find the same breakthroughs.

In This Episode You Will Learn:

  • What it really felt like for Bonnie when her nerves hijacked her ride at the World Show
  • Why experience, talent, and the “right horse” aren’t enough when the mental side is missing
  • The exact wins Bonnie started noticing just weeks into Mental Gym for Equestrians
  • How her relationship with her trainer and her horse both shifted once she began to trust herself again
  • Why focusing on small changes (like feeling collected before she even rides) made a massive difference in her confidence

Questions I Answer (with Bonnie’s story woven in):

  • What does it look like when nerves completely take over a seasoned rider?
  • Why don’t traditional “just ride more” solutions work for show-pen anxiety?
  • How can a rider rebuild confidence when they already know their cues but still spiral?
  • What’s the real payoff when you start riding longer for fun instead of cutting rides short?
  • How does confidence in the saddle spill over into life outside the arena?

LINK/RESOURCES:

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16 September 2025

#179 Monkey See, Rider Do: Mirror Neurons & The Brain Science of Riding Bold

Let me tell you the truth that not everybody knows….

If you’re not training your brain, you’re still training it.

That tight breath before a run? Training.

That anxious thought before you even tack up? Training.

Just like your horse learns from every moment with you—so does your brain.

In this episode, I’m peeling back the curtain on the real reason why mental rehearsal for riders isn’t fluff—it’s science. We’re talking mirror neurons, visualization, and how your nervous system doesn’t know the difference between real and imagined. It’s not about “pretending” to be confident. It’s about literally rewiring your system to perform under pressure—and helping your horse feel that clarity, too.

Whether you’re gearing up for a big show, rebuilding confidence after a bad fall, or just trying to feel more like yourself in the saddle…this episode will change the way you think about mental prep.

If this episode had your brain buzzing or helped shift the way you ride—don’t keep it to yourself!

Tag me on Instagram @nicoleburnettmentalcoach and @resilientreiner and share it with someone who could use this edge. I’d love to hear what part hit home for you. And hey—if you’ve got 30 seconds to spare, leave a review on iTunes. It helps other riders find the tools they need, too!

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:

  • Why your brain treats visualization the same as real practice (yes, even without touching your horse)
  • How elite athletes get better just by watching others perform
  • The neuroscience behind “fake it till you make it” (spoiler: it’s real)
  • Why your nervous system teaches your horse how to feel
  • How to use intentional routines to regulate your state before you ride
  • Why rushing, overthinking, or second-guessing can literally train in anxiety
  • A quick pre-ride exercise to synchronize your energy with your horse’s
  • Why confidence and fear are both contagious—and how to choose which one you spread

QUESTIONS I ANSWER:

  • What are mirror neurons and why do they matter for horseback riders?
  • Can you really improve just by imagining the ride?
  • How does visualization actually change your brain?
  • Why does my horse seem tense when I feel anxious—even if I’m trying to hide it?
  • What’s one mental prep tool I can use before I even swing a leg over?
  • Is it possible to build confidence even if I’m not riding every day?

LINK/RESOURCES:

If you’ve ever stood at the in-gate wondering why your body won’t cooperate, this episode is your answer.

Your mind isn’t just reacting to the pressure—it’s remembering what it’s been trained to expect.

You don’t have to “fake” confidence anymore. You can train it.

And if you want to build the kind of mental game that supports your horse, performs under pressure, and shows up with calm clarity every time—you know where to find me.

-Nicole

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09 September 2025

#178 How To Not Care About Other People’s Opinions At A Horse Show

Get ready to not GAF about what anyone else thinks. Here’s the truth no one tells you: You could have perfect posture, flawless cues, and a dang good run—but if your brain is spinning about what the judge, your trainer, or that one rider on the rail thinks of you… it won’t matter.

This episode is your wake-up call and your permission slip: You don’t need to prove anything to anyone. You just need to ride for your horse. Because when you do, everything changes—from your mindset to your score sheet. I’m breaking down how I help my riders shut out the noise and stay locked in with confidence, no matter who’s watching.

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 seriously curious to hear about your “aha” moments or what clicked for you. Also, take a second to leave a review on iTunes—it helps more riders like you discover the show and build unstoppable confidence.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

  • Why other people’s opinions aren’t actually the root of your nerves (and what is)
  • How to recognize when you're riding for approval vs. riding for connection
  • The 3-step process I teach riders to flip the script on show-day pressure
  • The affirmation I use that calms nerves instantly and brings focus back to the horse
  • A new way to mentally prep that doesn’t involve pretending not to care

QUESTIONS I ANSWER:

  • Why do you ride worse when people are watching—even when you know I’m capable?
  • How do you stop overthinking what other riders, trainers, or judges might think of you?
  • What do you actually do to stay focused on your horse and not the crowd?
  • Is it possible to feel calm and confident when you’re in the spotlight?

Links/Resources:

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04 September 2025

#177 Why Is It Better To Focus On Small Wins Instead Of Winning The Whole Thing?

Have you ever walked out of the arena and thought, That wasn’t my best ride…?

Maybe you’ve felt that heavy weight of chasing the win—the score, the title, the validation—only to realize it’s pulling you away from what truly matters: being in the moment with your horse.

In this episode, I’m sharing a powerful mindset shift that can completely change how you approach competition and your riding as a whole. It’s all about focusing on small wins instead of obsessing over the importance of any given run. This isn’t just about feeling good—it’s about riding better. I’ll share the story of a rider who made this exact shift and saw her scores jump two full points. If you’re ready to leave the pressure to win at the gate and start riding your best, this episode is for you.

If this episode resonates with you, I’d love to hear about it! Tag me on Instagram at @nicoleburnettmentalcoach and @resilientreiner to share your story. What’s one small win you’re focusing on this week? And don’t forget to leave a review on iTunes—it helps other riders find the show and start their own mental performance journey. Together, we’re building a stronger, more confident riding community.

In This Episode You Will Learn:

  • Why fixating on the outcome can hurt your performance—and your confidence.
  • The benefits of shifting your focus to small, manageable wins.
  • A real client’s story: How one small mental adjustment boosted her score by two points.
  • How focusing on what you can control leads to calmer, more confident riding.
  • Practical strategies to bring this mindset into your next ride.

Questions I Answer:

  • Why does focusing on winning actually work against you?
  • What does “stacking small wins” look like in practice?
  • How do you stay present in high-pressure situations?
  • What steps can you take today to ride with more clarity and confidence?

🚀 How can I help you RIGHT NOW? 🚀

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19 August 2025

#176 How to Sit the Sliding Stop (Without Bracing or Freaking Out)

You don’t need to be stronger to sit the stop—you need to feel safer.

Sounds backwards, right? But that’s exactly what I see trip up even the most talented riders in the arena. They’re told to sit deep and stay soft—but no one talks about how to do that when your brain is screaming “Danger!” the moment your horse locks in for the slide.

In today’s episode, I’m answering a question straight from a rider in our community who asked, “Nicole, how the heck do I sit at the sliding stop without bracing or getting thrown forward?” And if you've ever felt like a sack of potatoes or a ragdoll flung around during your stops, trust me—you are not alone, and you are not broken. You're just dealing with a very normal, very human nervous system response.

This episode is all about showing you how to work with your body—not against it—so you can ride your stops with softness, clarity, and confidence. If you’ve been gripping with your thighs, holding your breath, or tensing up when the pressure’s on… this one’s for you.

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’m always curious to hear your stories, your takeaways, and your progress. And don’t forget to leave a review on iTunes—it helps more riders find the support they need. 🤠

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

  • Why your body braces during a sliding stop (even when you know what to do)
  • The surprising role your nervous system plays in seat softness
  • A clear, step-by-step breakdown of how to train your body to stay soft under pressure
  • What safety has to do with softness—and why “trying harder” doesn’t work
  • How to train your seat like you train your horse: with consistency, presence, and trust
  • The 3-part process I use with riders to help them stop spiraling and stay grounded

Questions I Answer:

  • “Why do I brace in the stop, even when I’ve practiced the right technique?”
  • “How do I keep from getting thrown forward or feeling like I freeze up?”
  • “What can I do before, during, and after a ride to stay more grounded in my body?”
  • “Is it really possible to retrain my nervous system to respond better in high-pressure moments?”

Links/Resources:

Whether you’re working on sitting your stops, rebuilding after a tough ride, or just trying to get out of your own head—remember this: your horse doesn’t need perfection. They need presence.

And presence starts with safety.

Safety allows softness.

And softness? That’s the secret to a powerful, beautiful stop.

You’ve got this.

Let’s ride. 🤠

Nicole

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05 August 2025

#175 Why Most Riders Never Reach Their Full Potential

You can have the best-trained horse in the warm-up pen… and still lose.

I know that sounds harsh, but I’ve seen it too many times to ignore. A rider pours months—heck, years—into perfecting every detail of their horse’s training. The circles are round, the stops are deep, the lead changes are smooth as butter. And yet, when the pressure’s on? They choke. Not because they’re not good enough—but because they never trained their mind to handle the moment.

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the real reason so many talented riders hit a ceiling they can’t break through. It’s not about talent. It’s not about horsepower. It’s about what’s happening between your ears. If you’ve ever walked out of the arena thinking, “My horse was ready, but I wasn’t,” this one’s for you.

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 always curious to hear about your experience. Also, don’t forget to leave a review on iTunes to help more riders discover the show.

In This Episode You Will Learn:

  • Why talent and training alone won’t guarantee success in the arena
  • The #1 mistake high-level riders make when preparing for competition
  • How to spot the difference between “wishful thinking” and real mental preparation
  • The mindset shift that separates average riders from elite competitors
  • A breakdown of what it actually means to train your mind like you train your horse

Questions I Answer:

  • Why do you still struggle to win even when their horse is fully trained?
  • What role does mindset play in competition results?
  • How can you prepare mentally for a high-pressure show?
  • What are the signs that you need a mental strategy (not just more saddle time)?
  • What should you focus on in the days leading up to a competition?

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

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