Why is riding so freaking hard sometimes? Why do we keep showing up, even when it feels impossible, unfair, or downright soul-crushing?

In this raw and real episode, I and Lorna had a heartfelt conversation on the mental toughness it takes to be an equestrian, and why the sport can feel so emotionally loaded compared to things like running or gym work.

We explore why the dopamine hit feels delayed in riding, and how frustration often signals progress, if we can stick with it long enough.

This episode is for you if you've ever walked away from a lesson wondering if you’re even cut out for this sport.

If you've ever felt like a failure after not figuring something out, or wondered why it takes you so long to “get it” when everyone else seems to fly past with ease.

We peel back the layers on the messy middle of learning, the internal battles we fight, and the truth about what’s on the other side of hard.

What You'll Hear in This Episode:

• Why we get the dopamine rush from running, but not always from riding
• The difference between external results and internal understanding
• How expectations (yours or your trainer’s) can sabotage your confidence
• The hidden mental load of being an ambitious amateur rider
• What to do when your training feels stuck, pointless, or “off”
• Tools for reframing frustration so you don’t give up too soon
• The power of pressing pause, giving space, and trusting your learning process

Resources mentioned:

🧠 Receive our weekly mindset & performance hacks: www.mindeq.eu/weeklyhacks

Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/jocelinlillienau

Welcome back to another episode of the Equestrian Performance Mindset Podcast, where we help ambitious riders make real strides in their mindset, so they can make real strides in the saddle.

This week, I and Lorna dive into a deceptively simple yet deeply transformative topic: the power of your words; especially the ones you say to yourself.

From self-talk during tough training sessions to the limiting beliefs quietly shaping your confidence, this episode is all about helping you build awareness around your internal dialogue, challenge unhelpful thoughts, and create new habits that support your goals.

In this episode, You will learn:

• Why the words in your head matter more than you think
• A simple 4-part filter to challenge unhelpful thoughts: Is it true? Is it helpful? Is it your reality? Do you need to obey it?
• How internal self-talk can either fuel progress or feed fear
• The importance of accepting hard days without making them mean you're a bad rider
• The difference between helpful honesty and toxic self-criticism
• Why mental training deserves the same attention as physical conditioning
• Using awareness and intention to shift from self-sabotage to self-support
• How to create your own “rules of self-talk” just like you would in a professional environment or a family culture
• Powerful metaphors like the “stage show” and “squeezing the last bit of toothpaste” to help you visualize mental resilience
• The reason most riders revert to old habits under pressure, and how to break that cycle

Whether you're prepping for a competition, navigating a plateau, or simply trying to ride with more confidence and clarity, this episode will give you a mindset tune-up you didn't know you needed.

Resources mentioned:

🧠 Receive our weekly mindset & performance hacks: www.mindeq.eu/weeklyhacks

Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/jocelinlillienau

Do you ever feel physically ill before a competition, like you might actually throw up? You’re not alone.

In this powerful episode, I and Lorna tackle one of the toughest emotional challenges riders face: pre-competition anxiety so intense it makes you sick. But here’s the thing; it doesn’t have to be that way.

Together, we unpack what’s really happening in your mind and body when nerves take over, and most importantly, how you can take back control.

You’ll learn:

• Why the sick feeling is more than just nerves, and what it's really telling you.
• How to identify the thought patterns behind your anxiety
• The simple mindset shift that can help you stop spiraling before you even start
• How to fact-check your fears with reality (and math!)
• Why our brains love stories, and how to write a better ending for yours

This episode is both eye-opening and empowering, offering a fresh perspective that every ambitious equestrian needs to hear, especially if you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or questioning your ability to keep pushing for your goals.

You’ll walk away with:

• A deeper understanding of the mental loop behind show nerves
• Practical steps to challenge unhelpful thoughts
• A more resilient mindset that will serve you both in the saddle and in life

🎧 Whether you're headed to your next event or just trying to make sense of your own inner pressure, this episode is for you.

Resources mentioned:

🧠 Receive our weekly mindset & performance hacks: www.mindeq.eu/weeklyhacks

Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/jocelinlillienau