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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19 November 2024

#138 Stop Talking Yourself Out of Success

Have you ever noticed how the way you talk to yourself can make or break your ride? 

That inner voice can be your biggest cheerleader or your toughest critic. Too often, it’s the latter. 

But here’s the truth: the story you tell yourself before you ride directly shapes how you perform.

In this episode, we’re uncovering how to turn self-doubt into self-belief. Whether you’ve been stuck replaying mistakes or battling nerves before stepping into the arena, you’ll learn practical strategies to rewire your mindset and show up as the confident rider you’re meant to be.

 

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 am 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 your self-talk directly impacts your performance and confidence in the saddle.  
  • How negative thoughts create a cycle of doubt and hold you back from real progress.  
  • If your brain believes everything you tell it.  
  • 3 techniques to shift your inner dialogue  
  • How to create a mindset that lifts you up and helps you ride like a pro.

Questions I Answer:

  • What is self-talk, and why does it matter so much for riders?  
  • How do negative thoughts affect your performance and your horse?  
  • How can you start changing the way you talk to yourself?  
  • What are practical ways to replace negative loops with positive reinforcement?

Links/Resources:

00:00

12:57

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12 November 2024

#137 5 Things Every Reiner Needs To Hear

This is a real talk, from one rider to another, about leaving behind what doesn’t serve you!

Imagine this: you’re riding into the arena, it’s just you and your horse, and nothing else matters. 

Not the fancy bit, not the pedigree, not even the trainer’s advice ringing in your ear. What really counts is your confidence and trust in yourself and your horse to get the job done. 

In today’s episode, we’re talking about five hard-hitting truths every rider needs to know to bring their best to every ride. 

These aren’t just the usual tips—they’re the real deal about what separates good riders from great ones. Let’s get into it, and prepare to shift your mindset, build real confidence, and leave behind what’s holding you back.

If you or someone you know finds this episode helpful, tag me at @nicoleburnettmentalcoach and @resilientreiner on Instagram, and share it with your community! I’m excited to hear your thoughts and stories about how these tips impact your rides. And don’t forget to leave a review on iTunes—your support helps other riders find these insights, too.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

  • How to focus on what truly impacts your ride, like mental resilience and trust in your abilities, instead of getting distracted by tools or pedigree.
  • The importance of self-confidence over outside guidance—especially when it’s time to perform.
  • Why letting go of the “perfect conditions” mentality can change the way you show up and ride.
  • Practical ways to ground yourself and lead your horse with confidence, especially in high-stress moments.
  • How to develop a true partnership with your horse that thrives on mutual trust and confidence.

Questions I Answer:

  • What role do tools, such as bits, and horse pedigree actually play in your riding success?
  • How can riders shift focus away from external factors like equipment or advice and tune into their own abilities?
  • Why is tuning out your trainer’s voice (literally and figuratively) key to finding your own riding rhythm?
  • How can you strengthen your confidence to make your horse feel secure and focused?
  • What simple steps can you take to build trust with your horse before your next ride?

Links/Resources:

 

Happy Trails,

Nicole

00:00

12:17

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05 November 2024

#136 Are You Afraid To Go Over A Waterfall?!

Would you be unfazed and unbothered??

Ever feel like the universe tosses a twist into your ride just to see if you’re paying attention? 

Imagine this: your focus is locked in, your horse is reading your mind, you’re having the ride of your life, and suddenly—plot twist! Your horse spooks, a lead change gets missed, or the sky opens up for funsies. 

This episode is all about developing that rock-solid resilience, inspired by Kuzco’s “bring it on” energy from The Emperor’s New Groove. Because if you’re going to level up, you’ve got to embrace those unexpected twists, stay calm, and lean into your confidence instead of backing down.

What would it feel like to take whatever comes your way in stride? To ride through every unexpected moment with grace, confidence, and yes, a little style? That’s what today’s episode is all about: moving from “Oh no, what now?” to “Alright, let’s do this.” Let’s talk about how to build that rock-solid resilience so no matter what shows up, you’re ready to take it on.

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’d love to hear how this mindset shift has impacted your riding. And hey, leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the show!

In This Episode You Will Learn:

  • Techniques to stay calm and focused, even when the unexpected happens mid-pattern
  • How to channel “Kuzco energy” to handle challenges in the arena with confidence
  • The importance of resilience and mental prep as part of your riding routine
  • Real-life stories of riders who kept their cool under pressure and what we can learn from them
  • Steps to build a mindset that helps you recover quickly from hiccups and stay in control

Questions I Answer:

  • What is “Kuzco energy,” and how can it change your approach to riding?
  • How do you handle unexpected twists in the show pen without losing your focus?
  • Why is resilience important for riders, and how can you build it?
  • What are simple ways to prepare mentally before entering the arena?
  • How can you maintain confidence and composure even when your horse throws you a curveball?

Links/Resources:

Happy Trails,

Nicole

00:00

13:05

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29 October 2024

#135 The Ugly Truth No Trainer Will Tell You

Ever feel like you’re doing all the right things—spending more time in the saddle, working with the best trainers, maybe even riding an exceptional horse—but somehow, you’re still not seeing the progress you want? 

Here’s the truth that no one tells you: it’s not about the horse or the trainer. 

It’s about YOU!

In this episode, we dive into the unseen side of progression as a rider, the side where your confidence and belief in yourself matter far more than any training program. 

I’m breaking down why waiting for someone else to build your confidence is a losing game and how taking ownership of your mental game is the only way to achieve that next level.

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’m curious to hear all about your experience. Also, don’t forget to leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the show.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

  • Why more lessons, trainers, or top-tier horses won’t solve your confidence issues
  • How relying on others to build your confidence keeps you stuck
  • What it means to build “mental muscles” as a rider and why it’s essential to progress
  • Real strategies for developing unshakable self-belief and mental strength
  • Steps to stop waiting for permission to believe in yourself and own your rides

Questions I Answer:

  • What are the key mindset traps that hold riders back?
  • Why doesn’t more training guarantee more confidence?
  • How can mental rehearsal and visualization transform my riding? (this can work for you too!)
  • What’s the one thing you can’t “outsource” in your riding journey?

Links/Resources:

Happy Trails,

Nicole

00:00

07:29

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22 October 2024

#134 3 Ways I Use Visualization As A Rider

Ever had one of those days where riding just isn't in the cards? 

Whether it's bad weather or a busy schedule, sometimes life gets in the way of your saddle time. 

But here's a secret—those moments can actually be some of your best opportunities to train your mind. 

In this episode, I’m diving into the power of visualization and sharing three key ways you can use mental rehearsal to sharpen your riding skills, even when you’re not physically on your horse. It’s all about working smarter, not harder, and setting yourself up for success mentally.

If this episode has inspired you or someone you know, be sure to tag me on Instagram! I’d love to hear how you’re applying visualization in your riding journey. You can find me at @nicoleburnettmentalcoach and @resilientreiner. Don’t forget to leave a review on iTunes to help more riders discover these game-changing tips!

In This Episode You Will Learn:

  • The top three ways to use visualization to improve your riding
  • Why mental rehearsal is just as important as physical practice for western riders (whether you’re a reiner, roper, barrel racer, cut cows, or simply enjoy trail riding)
  • How visualization can help you prepare for challenges in the saddle
  • The science behind why visualization works—and how it rewires your brain for success
  • Practical steps to make visualization part of your daily riding routine

Questions I Answer:

  • How can you use visualization to practice specific riding skills?
  • Can visualization really help with performance anxiety or nerves before a horse show, rodeo, or jackpot?
  • What’s the best way to start a visualization practice if you’ve never done it before?
  • How can you use mental rehearsal to break bad habits and create better habits in your riding?

Links/Resources:

Happy Trails,

Nicole

00:00

21:24

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15 October 2024

#133 How You’re Sneakily Sabotaging Your Efforts

Sometimes progress can feel like it’s just out of reach, no matter how much work you’re putting in. You’re doing all the right things—showing up consistently, setting goals, and staying disciplined—yet things aren’t clicking the way you hoped. 

So, what gives? 

Here’s something to consider: it’s not always about what you’re doing - but about what’s going on in your mind.

In this episode, it’s time to take a closer look at how subtle mental habits could be quietly sabotaging your progress. You’ll learn how 5 common thought patterns creep in unnoticed and what can be done to break free from them. 

The path to success is much closer than it seems, and the shift starts in your mind.

If you’ve found this episode helpful, I’d love to hear about it! Be sure to tag me @nicoleburnettmentalcoach and @resilientreiner on Instagram and share your experience. Your feedback and stories help me connect with this community, and I’m always curious to see how these episodes impact you. Don’t forget to leave a review on iTunes to help other riders discover the show.

In This Episode You Will Learn:

  • How subtle self-doubt can quietly sabotage your progress (and how to address it)
  • Why perfectionism slows down your growth, even when it feels helpful
  • The impact of negative self-talk on your riding (and how to shift it)
  • How comparison steals confidence and keeps you stuck
  • Why the fear of failure is holding you back—and how to break free from it

Questions Answered:

  • Why does second-guessing happen even after all the hard work?
  • What’s the best way to stop chasing perfection and enjoy riding again?
  • How can negative self-talk be rewired to improve confidence?
  • How do you stop focusing on other riders and start tracking personal growth?
  • What’s really keeping you from taking the next step in your riding journey?

Links/Resources: 

   

Happy Trails,

Nicole

00:00

22:37