Resilient Reiner

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Nicole Burnett

04 February 2025

46m 1s

#147 From Anxiety to Achievement: Inside the Mental Gym for Equestrians with Shelby A.

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46:01

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Did you know your horse can feel your self-doubt before you even step into the arena? It’s true—and it’s probably holding you both back. Today, we’re diving into the untold truth about how your mindset affects your riding.

Joining me is Shelby Adcock, a veterinarian and fierce competitor from the rugged Wild West of Montana. With her talented mare, Scarlett, Shelby transformed from battling crippling nerves to qualifying twice for the prestigious NRCHA World Show; the World Championships of Cow Horse, the “Celebration of Champions”. Her story is living proof that the biggest breakthroughs start with the way you think.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, doubted your abilities, or wondered how to deepen your connection with your horse, this episode will open your eyes to what’s possible. Let’s ride!

If you or someone you know has benefited from this episode, be sure to tag us @nicoleburnettmentalcoach, @resilientreiner, and Shelby at @adcock_the_doc on Instagram and share this episode with your community! I’m curious to hear all about your experience. Also, be sure to leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the show. Your feedback means the world to us!

Tune in to Hear:

🎙 What it’s REALLY like to train your mind for competition—straight from a rider who’s done it.

💭 Shelby used to struggle with crippling nerves in the show pen. Now, she’s qualifying for world championships. What changed?

🔥 The ONE shift that finally helped Shelby stop second-guessing herself and start riding with total confidence.

🤯 Why the traditional “just show more” advice for overcoming nerves is completely WRONG—and what actually works.

🧠 The surprising mindset strategy that made the biggest difference in Shelby’s performance (and why she wishes she had known it sooner).

🐴 How Shelby’s relationship with her horse transformed when she stopped focusing on her mistakes and started focusing on THIS instead.

🚀 Shelby’s biggest “aha” moment inside Mental Gym for Equestrians—and how it changed her approach to competition forever.

👀 Thinking about joining the Mental Gym? Shelby shares her honest experience, her results, and what she’d tell any rider who’s on the fence.

🎧 Listen now and learn how to go from anxiety to achievement in the show pen!

Questions I Answer:

  • What’s it like to work with Nicole?
  • What role does mindset play in competitive riding?
  • How can riders stop focusing on mistakes and shift toward celebrating progress?
  • How visualization techniques can enhance your performance and deepen your bond with your horse.
  • Can you build trust with your horse by improving your mental game?
  • Why your horse’s confidence depends on yours.
  • What steps can riders take to calm their nerves before stepping into the arena?

Connect with Shelby Adcock:

Follow Shelby on Instagram @adcock_the_doc to see her journey with Scarlett, gain inspiration from her resilience, and learn what it takes to succeed in the competitive world of working cow horse events. Shelby’s story shows that with the right mindset, anything is possible.

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