About the Author

Elise Hittinger - Courage Coach

Elise is a Courage Coach, Certified Hypnotherapist, and NLP Practitioner dedicated to helping anxious equestrians get out of their heads and back in the saddle with calm and confidence. Through her "Turn Riding Fear Around Podcast" and bestselling book, 'Rise from Fear to Courage,' she empowers riders to quiet the noise, reset their nervous systems, and reconnect with the joy of riding. She leads a thriving community of over 1,600 riders in her 'Overcoming Anxiety & Fear Horseback Riding' Facebook group. Learn more about Elise's transformative coaching through a Calm-Ride Strategy call.

Equestrian Mindset Blog: Overcome Fear, Ride with Joy

How to Break the Anxiety Cycle

How to Break the Anxiety Cycle
Learn how to break the riding anxiety cycle by shifting from “What if?” to “What’s the plan,” supporting your body, and building confidence one small step at a time.

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Best Supplements for Rider Anxiety Management?

Best Supplements for Rider Anxiety Management?
Looking for the best supplements for rider anxiety management? Discover why confidence comes from practical, horse-centered tools that help your body, brain, and horse work together.
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How to Keep Riding as You Get Older (Without Fighting Your Body)

How to Keep Riding as You Get Older (Without Fighting Your Body)
Learn how to keep riding as you get older by working with your body, not against it. Discover simple ways to improve comfort, confidence, and enjoy riding for years to come. 🐴
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How to Tell the Difference Between Anxiety and Instinct

How to Tell the Difference Between Anxiety and Instinct
Learn how to tell the difference between anxiety and instinct while riding. Discover how to recognize each one and build confidence by helping your body and brain work together. 🐴💙
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How Do You Know When You're Ready to Ride Again?

How Do You Know When You're Ready to Ride Again?
Learn how to know when you're ready to ride again. Discover how preparation, confidence, and a healthy body can help you enjoy riding your horse again.
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Blog Categories

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Hey there! I’m Elise Hittinger—Fear Slayer, Confidence Creator, and your go-to Courage Coach.

 
Once upon a time, I was that fearless kid riding deep into Angeles National Forest without a second thought. Then bam—life threw me a plot twist. A horse flipped on me, pinning me beneath it, and fear crept in like an uninvited guest who wouldn’t leave.

That moment tested everything. But here’s the wild part—I walked away with only bruises and a divine reminder that I wasn’t done yet. Fear may have stolen my joy for a while, but it did not get the final say.

Fast forward to a move to Kentucky, where the trails were calling my name. I had two choices: let fear keep the reins or take them back. Spoiler alert—I took them back. Now, I help other riders (and, honestly, anyone sick of fear running their life) do the same.

I make fear pack its little bags and GTFO. Whether it’s through hypnotherapy, NLP, or a little well-placed humor, I help people trade anxiety for confidence, doubt for courage, and overthinking for action.

So, if you’re ready to kick fear to the curb and rediscover the joy you deserve—I’m here for it. Let’s do this.

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