#173 From “I wish I could do that…” to “I CAN ABSOLUTELY DO THIS!”

“I’m just free.” -Janessa

You know that dream? The one where you ride out into the arena with confidence, freedom, and ease — just you and your horse, no pressure, no second-guessing, no needing someone to hold your hand?

Well… what happens when you finally get the horse, the lessons, the gear — and you still don’t feel ready?

In this episode, I’m sitting down with one of my amazing clients, Janessa, to talk about the real stuff behind riding confidence. Not the fake-it-til-you-make-it kind — but the deep, grounded trust that changes how you ride, how you show up, and how you feel in your own skin. Janessa went from constant what-if spirals and fear of riding solo… to riding alone, lighthearted, laughing, and living out her cowgirl dreams in the saddle.

She’s been through our programs - Resilient Reiner Academy and Mental Gym for Equestrians, and the transformation she’s experienced will give you chills. If you’ve ever wondered whether confidence like that is possible for you — this episode is your proof.

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'm so curious to hear what parts hit home for you. And if you’re feeling inspired, leave a review on iTunes so others can discover the podcast and find the support they need to ride with confidence, too.

In This Episode You’ll Learn:

• What Janessa really struggled with — even after getting the “right” horse, trainer, and tack
• The surprising realization that changed everything for her (and how it had nothing to do with her riding skills)
• Why solo riding felt impossible before — and how she worked her way toward it, one breath at a time
• The specific mental tools that helped her shift from spiraling thoughts to grounded confidence
• How her work in RRA and MGE helped her ride with ease — and live with more freedom outside the barn, too
• What riding her horse now feels like (hint: it's totally in alignment with who she is off the horse, too)

Questions I Answer:

• Why do you still feel anxious around riding even when nothing’s “wrong”?
• How do you stop overthinking and start enjoying time with your horse again?
• What’s the difference between nervousness and not being ready?
• How do you build confidence when you feel like I’m starting late in the game?
• What does it actually look like to ride from a calm, focused place — not just hope the anxiety disappears?

🔗 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. 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

This episode is full of heart, honesty, and hope. Whether you’ve been riding for years or just getting started, Janessa’s journey is a reminder that the real transformation doesn’t start in the saddle — it starts in your mind.

Be sure to follow the podcast and stay tuned for more client stories, mindset tools, and rider breakthroughs. And if this story lit something up in you… don’t ignore it.

You’ve got more control than you think.

Nicole