Resilient Reiner

podcast artwork

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.
Listen onApple Podcasts
Listen onSpotify

Latest episodes

episode artwork

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

00:00

48:12

episode artwork

03 June 2025

#167 My Horse Only Went In Reverse

Ever felt like you’re stuck in reverse? Like no matter how hard you try, you’re not moving forward—not in your riding, your mindset, or even your life? I’ve been there. And let me tell you, I’ve had a horse who quite literally refused to go forward, no matter how patiently or clearly I asked.

This episode is about what I learned from that experience—and trust me, the lessons go far beyond groundwork. Because whether you’re working with a tricky horse or tackling your own mental blocks, the truth is the same: there are no shortcuts to lasting success. The “long way,” as frustrating as it feels, is what builds confidence, trust, and results that stick.

So, grab your coffee, saddle up, and let’s chat about why the hard stuff isn’t forever, how to stay the course, and why the long way truly is the shortcut.

If this episode resonates with you—or if you know someone who’s in the thick of it—tag me @nicoleburnettmentalcoach and @resilientreiner on Instagram. I’d love to hear how this episode hits home for you, what you’re working through, and how you’re staying committed to your journey. Don’t forget to leave a review on iTunes—it’s one of the best ways to help more riders find this podcast!

In This Episode You Will Learn:

  • Why the “long way” is the only way to real progress (and why shortcuts often backfire).
  • How breaking challenges into tiny, manageable steps makes the impossible feel possible.
  • Why nothing stays hard forever and how to shift your mindset in tough moments.
  • The importance of building trust—whether with your horse or yourself—and how it transforms everything.
  • Practical strategies for staying patient and resilient when you’re tempted to quit.

Questions I Answer:

  • What do you do when things feel like they’ll never get easier?
  • How do you keep going when progress feels painfully slow?
  • What’s the connection between training a horse and training your mindset?
  • How can small wins build momentum for big results?

🔗 LINKS / RESOURCES:

When things feel impossibly hard, I want you to remember this: hard doesn’t last forever. Whether you’re struggling with a training challenge, battling show-day nerves, or rebuilding confidence, remind yourself that this is for NOW, not forever. The long way—the patient, intentional, step-by-step way—will get you where you want to go. Stay committed to your journey, and trust in the process.

Ride on,

Nicole

00:00

11:17

episode artwork

27 May 2025

#166 My horse kicks out during lead changes—what am I doing wrong?

Hot take: It’s not them. It’s you.

If you’ve ever asked your horse for a lead change and got a tail swish, ear pin, or full-on kick in response… this episode is for you.

I’ve heard from so many riders who say things like:

“She knows how to do the change… but lately, she kicks out like she’s mad at me.”

Yep. From ranch riders to reiners. From cowhorse to barrel racers. And beyond! The dreaded lead change. And I get it—because I’ve been in that saddle too. But here’s the truth no one’s telling you: Most of the time, it’s not about training mechanics. It’s about what you’re carrying into that moment with your horse.

In today’s episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the real reason lead changes go sideways—and how to fix it without drilling, over-cueing, or blaming your horse. This one might ruffle a few feathers, but it’ll also set a lot of riders free.

If you or someone you know has benefited from this episode, be sure to tag me @nicoleburnettmentalcoach, @resilientreiner, and share this episode with your riding crew! I love hearing your stories and what landed for you most. 💬

And if you’ve got a second, leaving a review on iTunes helps more riders find this work—and show up with confidence when it counts most.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

  • The surprising reason your horse might kick out during a lead change (and nope, it’s not because she’s being moody)
  • What “rider energy” really means—and why your horse feels it before you say a word
  • How to take the stress out of flying lead changes.
  • Why desperation ruins good cues
  • The body tension mistake 90% of riders don’t even realize they’re making
  • Three simple mindset shifts that lead to smoother, drama-free changes
  • Lead changes made easy

QUESTIONS I ANSWER:

  • Why is your horse suddenly resistant to lead changes when she knows how to do them?
  • Why won’t my horse do a flying lead change? Is it me?
  • Could your mindset actually be affecting your horse’s behavior?
  • How do you reset the pressure you carry into show-pen moments?
  • What should you do differently if you feel nervous or over-focused before a maneuver?
  • What’s the difference between leading and begging in the saddle?

LINKS / RESOURCES:

00:00

19:21

episode artwork

20 May 2025

#165 From Sick Days to Success: Rebuilding Momentum in Your Mindset & Riding

After being down sick for a week—coughing, couch-bound, and completely out of rhythm—I realized it’s not just your body that needs a comeback plan. Your brain does too.

And I’m not talking about “motivation” or “trying harder.” I’m talking about that subtle shift that happens when your energy feels off, your confidence feels thin, and you’re just not all the way with it anymore.

Whether you’ve been sick, sidelined, burnt out, or just plain tired… this episode is your permission slip to regroup, reset, and come back stronger—without the pressure to “hustle.”

This is real-life mental coaching, straight from the couch to the barn.

If this one hits home, be sure to tag me @nicoleburnettmentalcoach and @resilientreiner on Instagram and share the episode with a friend who might be crawling out of their own slump right now. We’re all in this together, and I seriously love seeing how y’all bounce back in your own way.

If this helped you reset, would you leave a review on iTunes? That helps more riders find the show and get the support they didn’t know they needed.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

  • Why just “resting” isn’t enough to reset your nervous system
  • Two powerful tools that helped me shake the brain fog and get grounded again
  • What breathwork really does to your body and why it’s not just trendy nonsense
  • How gratitude can rewire your brain (yes, literally)
  • Why it’s easier to maintain your mindset than rebuild from zero
  • How to check in with your mental state before you swing a leg over
  • The not-so-fancy truth about showing up—even when you’re not 100%

QUESTIONS I ANSWER:

  • What’s the first thing you should focus on when you’re trying to feel like “yourself” again?
  • How does breathwork work—and how do you use it when you feel off?
  • Why is gratitude such a game changer for performance and clarity?
  • What does ongoing mindset maintenance actually look like in real life?
  • How can you spot when you’re slipping—and how do you get ahead of it?

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

If you’re in a season where you feel like you’re running on fumes… I want you to know this:

You’re not lazy. You’re not behind. And you’re definitely not broken.

Your mindset just needs a little dusting off—like a saddle that’s been sitting in the tack room too long. It’s still good. You’re still good.

So take this episode like a deep breath. A mental reset.

Get back in the groove, one step at a time. You’ve got this.

00:00

20:32

episode artwork

08 May 2025

#164 For the Love of Horses and the Hate of Paperwork—With James Dexter of Stable Pro

Ever feel like your brain is overloaded with everything but actually riding your horse? If you’re a trainer—or even just a client who’s lived through the chaos—you know exactly what I’m talking about. Managing the business side of training horses is a full-time job in itself.

Today, I’m bringing on James Dexter, a lifelong horseman who grew up ranching in Nevada and has seen it all firsthand. After watching too many great trainers burn out from the business stress, James decided enough was enough—and STABLE Pro was born.

STABLE Pro is the business tool every trainer wishes they had years ago—and today, James is sharing the behind-the-scenes journey of creating it, why it matters so much for mental clarity, and how it’s changing the game for trainers and clients alike.

If you’re ready to ride with a little less chaos (and a lot more focus), this episode’s for you.

If you or someone you know would love this episode, be sure to tag us @nicoleburnettmentalcoach, @resilientreiner, and James at @farmerdexter on Instagram and share it with your crew! I love hearing what hits home for you. And if you’ve got a second, please leave a review on iTunes—it seriously helps more riders find the show!

Tune in to Hear: James’ story of growing up ranching, showing, and what finally pushed him to build STABLE Pro.

🎙️ How trainers (and their families!) were drowning in paperwork, stress, and late-night invoices—and how it didn’t have to be that way.

🎙️ How STABLE Pro helps trainers automate invoices, track trips, manage horses, and free up brain space.

🎙️The “mental load” no one talks about in the horse world—and why tackling it matters just as much as training your horse.

🎙️ Why being organized isn’t just about admin—it’s about showing up with more focus, energy, and confidence.

🎙️ Real stories of how STABLE Pro is making life easier for trainers and clients (and yes… even saving a few marriages along the way!).

🎙️ What’s coming next for STABLE Pro—and how the horse world is finally catching up to modern business tools.

Questions We Cover:

🎯What made James realize the horse industry desperately needed a tool like STABLE Pro?

🎯 How does mental overload hurt trainers (and their horses)?

🎯 What’s the one feature James is most proud of?

🎯 How can better organization improve show day confidence?

🎯 Why does James believe even small trainers and barns can benefit from better systems?

🎯 What’s next for the future of equine business management?

Meet James Dexter: James Dexter is a lifelong horseman, carrying on his family’s multi-generational ranching legacy at Fifty Horse Ranch. After seeing how business stress was stealing the joy from horse training, he founded STABLE Pro to help trainers stay organized, lighten their mental load, and get back to doing what they love most—riding and training with confidence.

Connect with James: Follow James on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stable_pro/ and check out everything STABLE Pro can do at https://stablepro.us/ !

Extra Resources:

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

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

00:00

34:01

episode artwork

06 May 2025

#163 When Riding Plans Go Off the Rails: Here’s What I’m Learning

Truth bomb: Sometimes the biggest growth as a rider comes when you don’t get to ride.

This one’s personal. I’m bringing you behind the scenes of what’s been going on with my horses lately—yep, two three-year-olds, big dreams, and a whole lot of unexpected detours. Between surprise injuries, weather chaos, and a few humbling reality checks, I had to let go of the perfect plan… and remind myself what I actually care about: healthy horses, long-haul progress, and being the kind of rider who doesn’t crumble when things go sideways.

If your horse training plan has gone off track and your brain is spiraling with “I’m behind,” this episode is the deep breath and mindset reset you didn’t know you needed.

🤠 If this episode hit home, I’d love to hear about it. Tag me @nicoleburnettmentalcoach and @resilientreiner on Instagram and share what landed for you. And if you’ve got a barn friend who needs this reminder too—send it their way. It helps so much when you leave a quick review on iTunes so more riders can find this kind of support.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

  • How I’m navigating two horses at totally different stages—and neither of them according to plan 🙃
  • The mental reframe that’s helping me feel proud even when I’m not in the saddle
  • Why real progress is rarely linear (but always worth it)
  • The surprising connection between ego and rest
  • What “riding the season you’re in” actually looks like
  • Why consistency doesn’t mean perfection—and how to feel strong without doing it all “right”

QUESTIONS I ANSWER:

  • What do you do when everything gets thrown off?
  • Is it okay to give my horse time off—even when you feel behind?
  • How do you handle guilt when you’re not riding as much as you planned?
  • Can you still call myself a serious competitor if you’re not showing right now?
  • How do you get out of a mental spiral when everything’s off track?

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

FROM ME TO YOU, FRIEND:

If you’re in a season where your goals feel further away than ever… you’re not broken. You’re building. Even if it doesn’t look like much from the outside, every rehab wrap, every quiet moment at the gate, every time you choose presence over panic—that’s growth.

You’re not behind. You’re becoming.

And I’m right here in it with you.

Talk soon,

Nicole 🤎

00:00

24:44

Copyright © Resilient Reiner. All rights reserved.

Powered by