#185 The Truth About Competition: Navigating Fair Play in a Controversial World

Politics, preferences, and questionable calls—here’s your edge without losing your soul.

This episode is for horse riders who leave the pen replaying scores, rail whispers, and “was it me or them?”—and want a repeatable way to compete clean under noise.

Get ready for a clean, practical system to keep your head straight when scores feel off—so you ride better now and build real momentum until your next horse show.

This one’s all about keeping your head clean, your focus sharp, and your integrity intact — even when the arena doesn’t feel level. Because champions don’t waste time fighting what they can’t control… they build what they can.

If this episode hits home, share it with your barn crew or tag me @nicoleburnettmentalcoach and @resilientreiner on Instagram — I want to hear your take on fair play, politics, and the moments that tested your

confidence most.

If you or someone you know needs this reminder, send it their way — and if you love what you’re hearing, leave a quick review on iTunes. It helps more riders find this podcast and ride a little braver too.

In This Episode You Will Learn:

• How to stay steady when judging feels subjective or unfair
• What to focus on when you can’t control the politics
• How integrity and confidence actually feed performance
• Why “fair play” isn’t weakness — it’s strategy
• The mindset that helps you rise above drama, distraction, and doubt

Questions I Answer:

• What do you do when you know a call wasn’t fair?
• How can you stay focused when you feel judged for the wrong reasons?
• Where’s the line between integrity and naïveté in competition?
• How can you build trust in yourself when the playing field doesn’t feel even?
• What’s the difference between reacting to politics and riding your plan?

LINK/RESOURCES:

• 🎯 5 Days to Confident Competitor. Stop ‘show nerves’ and saddle up with swagger! https://nicoleburnettcoaching.thrivecart.com/5-days-to-confident-competitor/
• 🎯 Resilient Reiner Academy → The confidence to win so you ride like you belong. Sign up here! https://www.nicoleburnettcoaching.com/resilientreineracademy
• 🎯 Mental Gym for Equestrians → Ride like a pro https://mentalgymforequestrians.com/
• 🎯 Get Free Weekly Mental Coaching Tips → Join my email list! Subscribe here

The truth is, the pen won’t always be fair. But your focus, your ethics, and your preparation?

Those are always within reach.

Keep riding brave. Keep riding clean.

Your horse knows. And that’s the score that really counts. 🤠