#209 Why Do Affirmations Work on Instagram but Not in the Warm-Up Pen?

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I’m going to say something that might ruffle a few feathers…

If affirmations were enough, more riders would be winning in the show pen.

Not because you’re not saying the right things.

But because when your horse feels the pressure, your body is already telling a different story.

Picture this for a second—you're sitting on your horse, everything felt fine at home, you know your cues, you’ve practiced, you’ve even told yourself, “I’ve got this.”

And then you hit the warm-up pen.

Energy shifts. Eyes are on you. Someone next to you looks sharper, faster, more polished.

And suddenly… your brain gets loud, your body tightens, your timing feels off, and that confident version of you? Gone.

This episode is where we unpack why that happens—and more importantly, what actually helps you stay steady, clear, and connected to your horse when it matters most.

Because this isn’t about thinking better thoughts.

It’s about becoming a rider your horse can trust under pressure.

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

In This Episode You Will Learn:

Why affirmations can feel powerful at home—but fall apart in the warm-up pen
What’s actually happening in your nervous system when pressure hits
The difference between a thought problem and a state problem in riding
Why your horse responds to your internal state more than your intentions
How pressure changes your timing, cues, and decision-making in the saddle
The real reason one small mistake can spiral into a full breakdown
What effective self-talk actually needs to be under pressure (and why most riders get this wrong)
The three qualities your self-talk must have to actually work when it counts
Why trying to “be positive” can sometimes make things worse
What it looks like to come back to yourself mid-ride, even when your brain gets loud

Questions I Answer:

Why do affirmations work at home but not at horse shows?
What should you do when your brain starts spiraling in the warm-up pen?
Why do you feel confident one minute and completely off the next?
How do you stop overthinking when you’re about to go in the gate?
What’s actually happening when your horse starts to feel tense or disconnected?
How do you stay present and ride the horse youI have under pressure?
Why does one mistake turn into multiple mistakes during a run?
What kind of self-talk actually helps in high-pressure moments?

Links & Resources:

🎯 5 Days to Confident Competitor
Stop “show nerves” and saddle up with swagger.
👉 https://nicoleburnettcoaching.thrivecart.com/5-days-to-confident-competitor/
🎯 Mental Gym for Equestrians
Train your mind like a pro so you ride like one.
👉 https://mentalgymforequestrians.com/
🎯 Free Weekly Mental Coaching Tips
Get rider-specific mindset tools in your inbox. Join my email list here.
👉https://www.resilientreiner.com/