You might be surprised to learn that when climbing Everest, the journey doesn’t go straight from base camp to the summit. In fact, climbers make trip after trip between camps—climbing up, then coming back down—just to acclimate. It’s not wasted time. It’s the only way to build the strength and endurance needed to reach the top.
The same principle applies to anything worth doing—especially when you’re working toward courage, confidence, and change in the saddle.
Take the first step. Then take that step again. Then take the second step. And the first and second and third—again and again. With each repetition, you build confidence, courage, and the muscle memory that brings you back to joy in riding.
What does it really mean to move forward—even when it feels like you’re backtracking or stuck on repeat? Growth isn’t linear. It’s layered. It’s sweaty, shaky, sometimes frustrating work that gets a little easier every time you show up. And let’s be real—it’s so much better than practicing sitting on the couch. Be proud of yourself for every step you take.
Whether you’re rebuilding confidence in the saddle, launching a business, or healing from a setback, your mountain might feel impossibly steep. But every step brings you closer to your own summit. And it’s okay if it doesn’t look perfect. Perfect isn’t the goal. Finding your joy is.
This is your reminder that your courage muscle strengthens every time you push past fear—even just a little. One courageous step, repeated again and again, is how you acclimate to your next level of courage.
So here’s to the climbs, the plateaus, and the moments you think about turning back—but don’t.
Because you’re not just taking steps.
You’re becoming the version of you who doesn’t stop.
Want to hear more about taking that very first step? Tune into the 100th episode of Turn Riding Fear Around: Episode 100 - READY - FIRE - AIM—and enjoy a special offer to celebrate 100 episodes!
Be the Rider Your Horse Wants You to Be
Yesterday is gone. It can’t be redone.
Tomorrow isn’t here yet—and worry is wasted energy.
Today, right now, is where the magic happens.
Tomorrow isn’t here yet—and worry is wasted energy.
Today, right now, is where the magic happens.
One of the hardest lessons on my journey to courage was learning how to simply be me, right now, in this moment. I could feel that my horse wasn’t asking for perfection—they just wanted me present. Once I embraced that, the world opened up for us to ride.
By being grounded in the now, I could sense if my horse was tense. I could catch when my own anxiety was starting to run away with me. What helped the most was leaning into the days when I felt confident and my horse felt quiet.
Those were the days I rode.
Here are a few simple ways to be the rider your horse wants today:
- Show up as you are—no pressure to be anything more or different, your horse will know.
- Feel your emotions, all of them, good and bad, instead of fighting them.
- Observe your horse without judgment.
Today might look different than yesterday—and that’s okay. There’s nothing wrong with things shifting.
You might be rebuilding trust, confidence, or connection. That journey can have ups and downs.
You might be rebuilding trust, confidence, or connection. That journey can have ups and downs.
You are not behind. You are not broken. You are capable.
You are a rider—right here, right now—doing your best.
And the beautiful part?
Riding the horse you have today, and being the rider you truly are in this moment, sets the foundation for the confident rider you’re becoming.
Riding the horse you have today, and being the rider you truly are in this moment, sets the foundation for the confident rider you’re becoming.
So take a breath.
Feel your seat in the saddle.
And meet yourself—and your horse—with compassion.
Feel your seat in the saddle.
And meet yourself—and your horse—with compassion.
This moment is enough.
And so are you.
And so are you.
If you want to really be prepared to be the rider you are today, The Ultimate Rider Contingency
Guide gives you
clear, actionable steps so you know exactly how to handle the unexpected. Don’t
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Fear Isn’t the Enemy—It’s Fuel
(You just gotta learn how to drive the fear!)
(You just gotta learn how to drive the fear!)
Alright, real talk: fear gets a bad rap. We act like it’s this emotional gremlin that’s out to ruin our lives—make us freeze, take flight, or freak the heck out. But guess what? Fear isn’t out to wreck you. It’s actually trying to help you. It’s just...not super subtle about it.
The trick isn’t to get rid of fear.
The trick is to reframe it.
Think of it like a scared horse—powerful, unpredictable, and unsure at first. But with the right focus and our steady support? That horse finds its courage and confidence, no matter the situation.
And guess what? We can do that for ourselves, too.
Think of it like a scared horse—powerful, unpredictable, and unsure at first. But with the right focus and our steady support? That horse finds its courage and confidence, no matter the situation.
And guess what? We can do that for ourselves, too.
So, first up: Reframe. That jittery feeling in your chest? Not weakness. Not failure. That’s your body saying, “Something big is happening—pay attention.” Turn fear from a stop sign into a spotlight. It’s not blocking you. It’s guiding you.
Next: Regulate. Take a breath. No seriously—breathe. Your brain can’t make brave decisions when it thinks you're being chased by a bear. Fear needs a leader, not a meltdown. You’re the rider here. Grab the reins and steer. It is great practice for being a leader for our horses too!
And finally: Redirect. Use that fear energy to move. Speak the truth. Ask the question. Take the leap. Saddle up and ride toward what truly matters—because when fear meets purpose? That’s when you stop panicking and start focusing on what brings you joy!
So here’s a tip from your slightly silly (ok, I admit it, majorly silly) courage coach:
Stop wasting energy fighting fear or letting it hold you back. Harness it. Use it. Let it guide you into courage. Because fear + focus = unstoppable you.
Stop wasting energy fighting fear or letting it hold you back. Harness it. Use it. Let it guide you into courage. Because fear + focus = unstoppable you.
If you want to hear a bit more, check out my latest podcast: Transform Fear into Focus
Don't Let Your Courage Pennies Rot in the Jar!!!
(aka spend them like you mean it)
(aka spend them like you mean it)
You ever saved up a bunch of something—money, chocolate, PTO days—only to realize you never actually used it when it mattered? Yeah. Courage pennies work the same way. You earn them when take action in spite of fear, you save to use when you need them, but if you never spend them when you could let them help you conquer fear, what’s the point?
I mean, are we just collecting them like emotional pacifiers?
No, friend. We’re not here to hoard bravery like it’s going out of style. You’ve earned courage the hard way—by doing the scary things, even the small ones. Putting your foot in the stirrup again. Speaking your truth. Saying “nope” to the voice in your head that tells you you're not ready.
You don’t need to wait for the stars to align or your confidence to hit 100%. That’s not how this works. You spend courage before you feel ready—and that’s when the real growth happens.
So here’s a friendly tip from your slightly silly (ok, I admit it, majorly silly) courage coach:
Start using your courage pennies before they get dusty. Cash ‘em in. Try the thing. Say yes to the adventure. Speak up. Saddle up. Mess up. Laugh about it later.
Because bravery isn’t some mountaintop you summit once and take a selfie. It’s a currency. And the more you spend it? The more it comes back to you with interest.
So go on. Saddle up and ride! 🐴
Your courage bank is open for business.
If you have not read all about the courage pennies and how to save them, check out the courage penny eBook!!! Grab your Courage Pennies Here!
One of the fastest ways to grow your confidence—especially around horses—is to start celebrating the small wins.
I’m not talking about the big, flashy breakthroughs. I’m talking about the quiet moments you might miss:
- You and your horse take some deep breaths.
- You stayed calm even when they spooked.
- You showed up, even though part of you didn’t want to, or you didn't feel like it.
Those wins? They matter.
But noticing them isn’t always natural—especially if you're used to brushing past progress and pushing for more. So here’s how to turn celebration into a habit:
1. Celebrate in the Moment
When something goes right, pause. Smile. Let it register in your body.
Even better? Say it out loud:
Even better? Say it out loud:
“That’s it. That’s my win right there.”
This tiny moment of acknowledgment helps rewire your brain to notice the good more easily. And that changes everything—your energy, your confidence, and how your horse feels around you.
2. Write It Down
At the end of your session (or your day), take 30 seconds to jot down one small win.
You don’t need a fancy journal. A note in your phone or a scrap of paper works just fine.
You don’t need a fancy journal. A note in your phone or a scrap of paper works just fine.
Example:
“April 5: My horse stood still while I adjusted the girth. I didn’t rush. We both stayed calm.”
“April 5: My horse stood still while I adjusted the girth. I didn’t rush. We both stayed calm.”
This simple act helps you track progress and reminds you that you’re doing better than you think.
3. Build the Habit with a Cue
Want this to stick? Anchor it to something you already do. For example (Pick just one thing to anchor to):
- Think about your wins while pulling off your boots
- While brushing your horse's mane after a ride
- As you close the gate
Every time you hit that moment, ask yourself:
“What went well today?”
The more you ask, the more your brain starts to look for answers automatically—and that’s where the magic starts.
If you would like to hear more, listen to my latest podcast: The Magic of Small Wins
