#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:

• 🎯 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

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