#194 The 70% Rule: Why Riding More Can Make You Worse

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Here’s a little truth bomb that ruffles feathers every time I say it:

Some of the most dedicated riders I work with are working too hard to get better — and it’s quietly wrecking their consistency.

Not because they’re lazy. Not because they don’t want it enough.

But because they’ve bought into the idea that progress is earned through nonstop grinding: more rides, more drilling, tighter schedules, zero margin for rest or reflection.

In this episode, I’m breaking down the 70% Calendar Rule — a simple but powerful shift that helps riders ride better, think clearer, and build confidence that actually sticks. If your rides feel rushed, your horse feels a little fried, or your confidence swings wildly week to week… this one’s for you.

Grinding isn’t the flex. Consistency is.

If you or someone you know has benefited from this episode, be sure to tag me

@nicoleburnettmentalcoach and @resilientreiner on Instagram and share this episode with your community!

I’m genuinely curious to hear how this lands for you — especially if you try the 70% rule for a week. And if you haven’t already, leaving a review on iTunes helps other riders find this podcast and get the support they need.

In This Episode You Will Learn:

Why “more rides” doesn’t automatically equal more confidence
How overscheduling quietly creates tight rides, mental fatigue, and sour horses
The difference between discipline and overload (and why most riders confuse the two)
What the 70% Calendar Rule actually looks like in a real rider’s week
How mental reps, warm-ups, and debriefs are the glue that make progress stick
Why space — not pressure — is often the missing ingredient in consistency
How to tell if your schedule is helping your riding… or sabotaging it

Questions I Answer:

Why do I feel guilty when I take a lighter riding day?
Can riding less really help me ride better?
How do I stop feeling like I’m always behind?
Why does my horse feel flat or sour even though I’m “doing everything right”?
How much structure is helpful — and when does it become counterproductive?
What should I actually do on “off” or lighter days without losing momentum?

Links & 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.

👉 https://www.nicoleburnettcoaching.com/resilientreineracademy

🎯 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/

If your calendar is so packed that you’re skipping warm-ups, rushing rides, and never taking a second to reflect… that’s not discipline. That’s overload.

You already care enough.

You already want it badly enough.

This week, try leaving a little space on purpose — and watch what changes.

Stay consistent,

Nicole