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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25 June 2025

#170 That Feeling You’re Embarrassed To Admit… aka Why Her Success Stings (And What It Really Means)

When her success hits you harder than you expected…

Let’s be real for a second. You’re in the warm-up pen, or maybe just scrolling Instagram—and boom.

There she is. Confident. Collected. Owning it.

And you feel it.

That tight chest. That wave of “ugh.” That tiny voice whispering, “Why am I not there yet?”

Comparison sneaks in before you even realize it.

But what if I told you… that reaction isn’t something to hide or fight?

What if it’s actually a message—a clue to your next level?

In this episode, we’re breaking down the moment that stings the most—and flipping it into something powerful. I’m walking you through how to stop making comparison mean something’s wrong with you… and start letting it show you what you truly want.

Because here’s the truth: her success isn’t your shame—it’s your signal.

If this episode hits home for you (or makes you see things in a new light), be sure to tag me @nicoleburnettmentalcoach and @resilientreiner on Instagram and share this with your riding buddies. I’m so curious to hear what part stuck with you. And if you haven’t yet, leave a review on iTunes to help more riders like you find the show!

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

  • Why that gut-punch of comparison is actually a powerful indicator of desire
  • How to stop making someone else’s success mean you’re behind
  • What your nervous system has to do with showing up confident in the saddle
  • Why copying her strategy won’t get you her results—and what will
  • A new way to turn comparison into clarity

QUESTIONS I ANSWER:

  • Why do I feel triggered when I see other riders succeed?
  • What does it actually mean when someone else’s confidence makes me shrink?
  • Can I ever get to that level of confidence without pretending to be someone I’m not?
  • How do I shift from comparison to creation—and do it my way?

🔗 LINKS / RESOURCES:

  • If this conversation hit close to home—and you're ready to stop letting fear call the shots in the saddle? 👇

Ride Free Is Now Open!

If fear’s been creeping into your rides—or you’ve been holding back, second-guessing, or wondering if you're even cut out for this—you don’t have to stay stuck.

Ride Free is my brand-new coaching experience for western riders who want to rebuild confidence, regulate their nervous system, and finally enjoy their horse again.

💥 Beta Round Includes:

✅ 6 weeks of coaching

✅ My signature 4R Framework

✅ Live calls + live support

✅ Just $97 for this first group

🗓 Doors close Thursday, June 19 at 11:59pm MST

⚡ Limited to 10 riders

👉 Grab your spot here: https://buy.stripe.com/4gM00j07P7FLg0N5FafUQ08

Let’s ride.

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

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10:44

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17 June 2025

#169: From Fear to Fire: How Angela Got Her Confidence (and Her Groove) Back

Ever crush a run on paper yet feel shaky inside your own boots? That gap between what you can do and what you believe you can do is where today’s conversation lives. Angela Bitencourt has shown working cattle in high‑pressure Brazilian ranch‑sorting pens, holds a master’s in animal science and beef genetics, and still found herself riding like she didn’t trust her own talent after a brutal fall and two surgeries.

In this episode we peel back the curtain on that invisible pressure: why skill alone won’t plug the confidence leak and how Angela rewired her mindset so she could ride fast, ride free, and actually have fun again. Grab a coffee, throw a leg over the saddle, and let’s dig in.

If you or someone you know gets value from this chat, tag us on Instagram @nicoleburnettmentalcoach, @resilientreiner, and @angelbittencourt. Share the episode with your barn family—I’d love to hear which moment hit home for you! And if you’ve got two spare minutes, drop a review on iTunes so more riders can find the show.

🎯 In This Episode You Will Learn

  • Why “just ride more” never fixes post‑injury hesitation on your horse
  • The hidden mental load competitors carry (and why it spikes in practice, not just on show day)
  • Angela’s shift from “prove I belong” to “ride forward as who I am now”
  • How a second horse unexpectedly accelerated her emotional recovery
  • Simple pre‑ride rituals to ground your nervous system when time is tight
  • The mindset reframe that turns fear into a fuel source instead of a stop sign

❓ Questions I Answer

  • What really causes that confidence lag long after the body has healed after an injury involving your horse?
  • How do you rebuild trust with a horse you love but secretly fear?
  • Why does practice sometimes feel harder than competition?
  • Can limited saddle time still lead to big wins?
  • What first step should a rider take when pressure steals the joy?

🧠 GUEST INSTAGRAM

Follow Angela and her journey at @angelbittencourt

🔗 LINKS / RESOURCES:

  • If this conversation hit close to home—and you're ready to stop letting fear call the shots in the saddle? 👇

Ride Free Is Now Open!

If fear’s been creeping into your rides—or you’ve been holding back, second-guessing, or wondering if you're even cut out for this—you don’t have to stay stuck.

Ride Free is my brand-new coaching experience for western riders who want to rebuild confidence, regulate their nervous system, and finally enjoy their horse again.

💥 Beta Round Includes:

✅ 6 weeks of coaching

✅ My signature 4R Framework

✅ Live calls + live support

✅ Just $97 for this first group

🗓 Doors close Thursday, June 19 at 11:59pm MST

⚡ Limited to 10 riders

👉 Grab your spot here: https://buy.stripe.com/4gM00j07P7FLg0N5FafUQ08

Let’s ride.

Whether you’re recovering from an injury, juggling too many responsibilities, or just feeling stuck in your head, Angela’s story is your reminder:

You don’t need to ride perfect—you just need to ride present.

🎧 Go hit play. Your comeback might be one ride away.

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49:40

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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

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48:12

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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

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11:17

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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:

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19:21

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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.

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