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

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

episode artwork

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:

00:00

07:25

episode artwork

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? 🚀

00:00

12:07

Copyright © Resilient Reiner. All rights reserved.

Powered by