#169: From Fear to Fire: How Angela Got Her Confidence (and Her Groove) Back

Ever crush a run on paper yet feel shaky inside your own boots? That gap between what you can do and what you believe you can do is where today’s conversation lives. Angela Bitencourt has shown working cattle in high‑pressure Brazilian ranch‑sorting pens, holds a master’s in animal science and beef genetics, and still found herself riding like she didn’t trust her own talent after a brutal fall and two surgeries.

In this episode we peel back the curtain on that invisible pressure: why skill alone won’t plug the confidence leak and how Angela rewired her mindset so she could ride fast, ride free, and actually have fun again. Grab a coffee, throw a leg over the saddle, and let’s dig in.

If you or someone you know gets value from this chat, tag us on Instagram @nicoleburnettmentalcoach, @resilientreiner, and @angelbittencourt. Share the episode with your barn family—I’d love to hear which moment hit home for you! And if you’ve got two spare minutes, drop a review on iTunes so more riders can find the show.

🎯 In This Episode You Will Learn

• Why “just ride more” never fixes post‑injury hesitation on your horse
• The hidden mental load competitors carry (and why it spikes in practice, not just on show day)
• Angela’s shift from “prove I belong” to “ride forward as who I am now”
• How a second horse unexpectedly accelerated her emotional recovery
• Simple pre‑ride rituals to ground your nervous system when time is tight
• The mindset reframe that turns fear into a fuel source instead of a stop sign

❓ Questions I Answer

• What really causes that confidence lag long after the body has healed after an injury involving your horse?
• How do you rebuild trust with a horse you love but secretly fear?
• Why does practice sometimes feel harder than competition?
• Can limited saddle time still lead to big wins?
• What first step should a rider take when pressure steals the joy?

🧠 GUEST INSTAGRAM

Follow Angela and her journey at @angelbittencourt

🔗 LINKS / RESOURCES:

• If this conversation hit close to home—and you're ready to stop letting fear call the shots in the saddle? 👇

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• 🎯 5 Days to Confident Competitor. Stop ‘show nerves’ and saddle up with swagger! https://nicoleburnettcoaching.thrivecart.com/5-days-to-confident-competitor/
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• 🎯 Get Free Weekly Mental Coaching Tips → Join my email list! Subscribe here

Whether you’re recovering from an injury, juggling too many responsibilities, or just feeling stuck in your head, Angela’s story is your reminder:

You don’t need to ride perfect—you just need to ride present.

🎧 Go hit play. Your comeback might be one ride away.