#186 Too Busy for Mental Training? The 5-Minute Mental Routine I Give My Busiest Riders

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If you feel too busy for mental training, this episode is for you. We’re talking about mental training for busy riders who are juggling jobs, families, and horses—and still want to compete well. You’ll learn how to use tiny “in-between” moments to train your brain without adding hours to your schedule.

Mental Training Doubt: Do I have enough time? It’s a question I hear again and again.

Let me tell you something a little spicy…

Some of the most confident, consistent riders I’ve ever coached? They don’t have more time. They’re just using the right minutes.

Yep. The riders you swear have it all together — polished runs, calm warm-ups, those annoyingly steady show-day nerves — most of them don’t have a spare hour to meditate, journal, or narrate affirmations into the sunrise like a cowboy Oprah.

They’re doing their mental training in the cracks.

In the truck.

In the barn aisle.

In the 60 seconds before they swing a leg over.

And that’s exactly what we’re diving into today — the truth about busy riders, mental training, and the tiny reps that create giant breakthroughs. If you’ve ever looked at your calendar and thought, “If I add one more thing, this whole life is gonna tip over,” this episode is going to feel like a deep breath and a warm hand on your shoulder.

Let’s talk about building a better ride… without needing a different life.

I’m talking how 5-minute habits could change your next show. And how to keep your brain from frying even with holiday chaos + horse shows:

If this episode hits home for you (or for a friend who’s juggling kids, work, horses, and a whole life on top of it), tag me @nicoleburnettmentalcoach and @resilientreiner on Instagram and share it with your people! I absolutely love hearing your takeaways and seeing where you’re listening from.

If you want to help other riders find this work, be sure to leave a review on iTunes — it means more than you know.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:

What pros know about mindset that busy riders miss.
The lie hiding inside “I don’t have time”. (And why busy riders actually have an advantage in mental training).
The truth about the “perfect morning routine” myth (and why pros DON’T do it)
Five tiny mental reps that fit into your real life — each less than two minutes. Yes, finally mental training for riders who hate long routines
How to use truck rides, tacking up, cooling out, and barn chores to rewire your mindset
The secret reason your brain resists mental training — and how to get it working with you
What changes when your mind trains the same way your horse does: small, consistent, intentional reps
The very first habit I give overwhelmed riders — and why it works immediately
How to start shifting your identity as a rider in a way that feels natural, not forced

QUESTIONS I ANSWER IN THIS EPISODE:

What to do if you don’t have time for mental training?
What if your life already feels like a sprint?
Isn’t mindset work supposed to take hours?
How do you keep your brain from spiraling on show day?
How do you know which micro-habit to start with?
Can you really make progress if you only ride a few times a week?
What do pros do differently when it comes to their mental game?

LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Ready for 5 days of simple, done-for-you mental training you can listen to in the truck or barn aisle?

Check out 5 Days to Confident Competitor

🎯 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/
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