#151 Have You Personally Been Victimized By A Spicy Chestnut Mare (™) AKA Dragon Horse?

Some horses are steady, quiet, and predictable. And then… there are the ones that make you question every life decision that got you here. You know the type—the kind that steps into the warm-up pen already buzzing, flicking an ear, shifting a hoof, coiling up like she’s ready to launch into orbit. And no matter how much you try to settle her, she’s not having it.

So, you do what feels natural—you try to make her still. But the more you pull, breathe, adjust, the more she resists. And before you’ve even hit your first maneuver, you’re already in a fight.

Sound familiar?

I had a client who lived this exact struggle with her mare—losing points, getting frustrated, and bracing for a battle before she even got the chance to prove herself. But here’s the thing: the problem wasn’t her horse’s fire. It was how she handled it.

This episode is all about changing the way you think about tension, focus, and control. Because the answer isn’t forcing stillness—it’s leading with clarity. Let’s get into it.

🎯 If this episode hits home for you…

Tag me @nicoleburnettmentalcoach and @resilientreiner on Instagram and share your biggest takeaway! I want to hear your story—what clicked for you? What’s your experience with handling a high-energy horse? And if you found this helpful, leaving a review on iTunes helps more riders find the tools they need to step into the pen with confidence.

🔥 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

✔️ Why trying to force your horse into stillness can backfire

✔️ The real reason your horse won’t settle (and what to do about it)

✔️ How your own focus directly affects your horse’s energy

✔️ The mindset shift that helped my client turn frustration into control

✔️ What to do instead of bracing, muscling, or hoping for the best

✔️ How to step into the arena with a plan that actually works

🔥 Questions I Answer in This Episode:

💡 “Why does my horse feel tense before we even start the pattern?”

💡 “How do I stop my horse from fidgeting and shifting in the show pen?”

💡 “Why do I feel like we’re in a fight before we’ve even done anything?”

💡 “Is it possible to get my horse to focus without forcing it?”

💡 “How do top riders stay so calm and collected, no matter what?”

Links & Resources:

• DON’T MISS THE UPCOMING FREE RIDE LIKE A PRO MASTERCLASS! Sign up here!! https://www.nicoleburnettcoaching.com/rlap 
• Free Training On How To Build The Mental Edge in riding, training, and competition!! 💪 https://www.resilientreiner.com/RRA_free_masterclass_signup
• Join the Herd: free weekly mental coaching straight to your inbox! 🔥 https://www.resilientreiner.com/  
• Say Hellooooo to Less Stress + More Wins! 🏆 https://www.resilientreiner.com/academy 
• For riders ready for a pro-level, million dollar rider mindset that makes success inevitable. Join us now! https://www.mentalgymforequestrians.com/

Look, I get it. When you’re in that pen, and your horse is shifting and fidgeting and not doing what the quiet bay gelding across the way is doing, it’s frustrating. But here’s what I want you to take away from this:

The goal isn’t to take the fire out of your horse. It’s to direct it.

You don’t have to muscle your way through. You don’t have to force a battle. You just need to show up with focus, clarity, and a plan.

And when you do that? Your horse will finally have someone to trust.

If this episode spoke to you, shoot me a DM—I’d love to hear about your experience with a spicy one. Let’s chat. 🤠🔥

Nicole