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

30 October 2025

#184 5 Spooky Scaries in the Saddle (Halloween Special)

I swear my saddle squeaked today like it was trying to warn me. 😳

Then my coffee went cold mid-ride, and my horse side-eyed the arena gate like he saw a ghost. That’s when I knew… it’s that week. Halloween. And yes, the barn is officially haunted — not by spirits, but by the monsters that live inside your own mind.

These are the sneaky ones — the thoughts that twist your confidence, hijack your focus, and drain your joy faster than a leaky water trough. They lurk right before your best rides, right when you care most.

So grab your coffee or your candy corn (no judgment here), because in this episode of The Resilient Reiner Podcast, we’re facing off with the five “Spooky Scaries in the Saddle.” You’ve met them before — you just didn’t know their names. This week, we’re calling them out, laughing in their ghostly little faces, and taking back the reins.

If this episode had you nodding, laughing, or side-eying your own mental monsters, tag me @nicoleburnettmentalcoach and @resilientreiner on Instagram — and share it with your barn bestie before her next ride gets haunted too. 👻✨

I love hearing which monster shows up for you the most (my personal nemesis is Perfectionism in a pink clipboard). Don’t forget to leave a quick review on iTunes — it helps more riders find their way through the fog.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

  • The five mental monsters haunting your rides — and what they really want from you
  • Why the Hex of Self-Doubt actually shows up when you’re leveling up
  • How to turn show-day anxiety into laser-sharp focus (spoiler: breathe through your seat bones)
  • The real reason Distraction keeps crashing your warm-up pen
  • How to spot the Poltergeist of Perfection before she steals your fun
  • What the quiet Tomb of Burnout feels like — and how to resurrect your joy
  • A few “spell-breaking” tricks to keep your mind clear, grounded, and ghost-free

Questions I Answer:

  • How do you tell the difference between fear and focus?
  • Why does anxiety always show up exactly when things start going well?
  • What do you do when distraction takes over mid-run?
  • How can you let go of perfection without letting go of progress?
  • What’s the difference between needing rest and losing your spark?

LINK/RESOURCES:

00:00

12:57

episode artwork

21 October 2025

#183 Ten tips to Have a Better Mindset than 99% of Riders

Here’s the thing most riders don’t realize: the riders who look the calmest under pressure aren’t born that way. They built that.

You’ve seen them in the warm-up pen—the ones who stay cool when their horse blows a lead, when the gate guy yells, or when the run just doesn’t go as planned. They don’t crumble, they course-correct. And while most people are still trying to control every little thing around them—the footing, the judge, the draw—these riders have learned to control what actually matters: their mindset.

In this episode, we’re diving into ten game-changing habits that’ll give you a stronger mindset than 99% of riders. We’re not talking about toxic positivity or forcing yourself to “just be confident.” We’re talking about mental performance—the kind that helps you stay steady, ride clear, and show up like a pro no matter what chaos hits the arena.

If you’ve ever wondered why some riders seem unshakable while others spiral after one mistake, this episode breaks down exactly what separates the two—and how you can start training your own mind like the riders who always find their way back to focus, no matter what. 🤠

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 you’re putting these mindset habits into practice. Don’t forget to leave a review on iTunes to help other riders discover the show—it truly makes a difference.

In This Episode You Will Learn:

  • The ten core habits that mentally strong riders practice every day (and why they work).
  • Why “radical ownership” is your secret weapon against frustration and blame.
  • How to train your thoughts with the same consistency and compassion you give your horse.
  • What emotional regulation really looks like for riders (and how it changes your performance).
  • Why visualization isn’t about perfection—but about recovery.
  • The mindset shift that separates amateurs from pros: focusing on state instead of outcome.
  • How to protect your mental space from comparison, negativity, and overwhelm.
  • The real reason your horse feels your mental clutter—and how to fix it fast.

Questions I Answer:

  • What does “radical ownership” actually look like for a rider?
  • How can I train my mind like I train my horse?
  • How do I keep my emotions steady when the pressure hits?
  • What’s the difference between visualizing success and visualizing recovery?
  • How do I stay confident even when I mess up in the show pen?
  • What daily mindset habits make the biggest difference long-term?

LINK/RESOURCES:

Here’s the truth most riders never want to admit: your mindset is your ride. You can have all the talent, training, and horsepower in the world, but if your thoughts are running wild, your results will too.

The good news? You can train your mind. You can build calm under chaos. You can turn those shaky moments into steady ones. It’s not magic—it’s mental fitness. And just like leg strength or balance, it’s something you work on every single day.

So start simple. Pick one of these ten habits this week. Maybe it’s catching your self-talk before it spirals, or focusing on how quickly you can regroup after a mistake. Whatever it is—practice it with the same dedication you bring to your riding.

Because the riders who rise to the top aren’t the ones who never lose their cool. They’re the ones who know exactly how to get it back.

You’ve got this, cowgirl. Let’s ride. 🧠✨

00:00

11:23

episode artwork

15 October 2025

#182 Why Motivation Isn’t Enough to Reach Your Riding Goals

Everybody talks about chasing buckles, titles, and those big shiny goals. But here’s the truth that doesn’t usually make it into the motivational quotes: the buckle isn’t what gets you out of bed on the hard days.

I’ve sat across from riders who told me straight up, “Nicole, I want it all—the big runs, the recognition, the proof that I belong.” And you know what? I get it. I’ve felt that fire too. But when the horse is cranky, your body’s sore, and you’ve strung together three rough rides in a row… that shiny end result won’t push you through the grind.

This episode is about what will. We’re digging into why “wanting it bad enough” isn’t the answer—and what actually fuels riders to keep showing up, even when the arena feels like the last place you want 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’d love to hear how this landed for you, and what keeps you going when motivation runs dry. Also, be sure to leave a review on iTunes to help other riders discover the show.

In This Episode You Will Learn:

  • Why motivation based on buckles, titles, and outside recognition always fizzles out when things get tough.
  • The mindset shift that takes you from chasing the end result to actually falling in love with the process.
  • How to reframe drills, circles, and long practice sessions so they fuel your growth instead of draining you.
  • The deeper reason riders who thrive under pressure aren’t relying on motivation at all.
  • A simple way to start finding joy in the ride—today, not “someday.”

Questions I Answer:

  • Why isn’t wanting it bad enough to get the results you want in the show pen?
  • What actually keeps you consistent when motivation fails?
  • How can you start to love the grind when it feels repetitive or frustrating?
  • What does it mean to connect with your horse through the process—not just the outcome?

LINK/RESOURCES:

At the end of the day, chasing buckles and big titles is exciting—but it’s not enough to carry you through the long, dusty hours in the saddle. What makes you the rider who actually earns those results is falling in love with the process: the circles, the drills, the small connections with your horse that build day after day.

So let me ask you—what’s fueling your ride right now? If it’s only the end result, it’s time to build something stronger. And that’s exactly what we’re doing here, together.

Nicole

00:00

08:00

episode artwork

07 October 2025

#181 Are You Making These 5 Common Mistakes in Your Mental Prep?

Most riders don’t lose because of their horse. They don’t lose because the pattern was too tricky. They don’t even lose because of a lack of talent. They lose because they went into the arena unprepared where it matters most—their mind.

Join The Mental Gym for Equestrians by Oct 12 to get access to the live Melt Your Riding Blocks Masterclass!

I’ve coached enough riders to see the same patterns repeat over and over. Smart, dedicated horsemen and horsewomen who put in the hours, polish their maneuvers, drill until the horse could do it in their sleep… and then crumble in the pen. Not because they’re weak, but because no one ever taught them how to train their mental game the same way they train their horse.

So today, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing the five most common mistakes riders make in their mental prep. And here’s the good news: once you see them, you can stop repeating them—and start showing up with the confidence, composure, and presence your horse has been waiting for.

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 curious to hear all about your experience with mental prep—what’s clicked for you, and what mistakes you’ve caught yourself making. And don’t forget, leaving a review on iTunes helps other riders find the show.

In This Episode You Will Learn:

  • Why saddle time doesn’t equal confidence—and what to do instead.
  • The surprising role your nervous system plays in every single ride.
  • How visualization can either wire you for failure or train you for success.
  • Why perfectionism is killing your confidence (even when it looks like “high standards”).
  • The single biggest difference between riders who dabble in mental prep and those who master it.

Questions I Answer:

  • What’s the difference between training your horse and training your mind?
  • Why do you feel confident at home but freeze the second you walk in the pen?
  • Is visualization really that powerful—or is it just “woo woo”?
  • How do you tell the difference between preparation and perfectionism?
  • What does it actually look like to make mental prep a discipline instead of a one-off?

LINK/RESOURCES:

Join The Mental Gym for Equestrians to get access to the live Melt Your Riding Blocks Masterclass!

These mistakes don’t mean you’re broken. They just mean you’ve been riding with blinders on in your mental game. The beauty of this work is that once you shine a light on them, you can melt the blocks and ride free. Your horse doesn’t need a perfect rider. They need you—calm, present, and confident. That’s the work. That’s what makes you unstoppable.

Nicole

00:00

18:00

episode artwork

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:

00:00

44:41

episode artwork

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

00:00

21:40

Copyright © Resilient Reiner. All rights reserved.

Powered by