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.

Rider Confidence

Afraid to Ride Your Horse? Why “Just Get On” Isn't Always the Answer

Afraid to Ride Your Horse? Why “Just Get On” Isn't Always the Answer
Afraid to ride your horse but worried that NOT riding means you're letting fear win? “Just get on” isn't always the answer. There's a difference between pushing through riding fear and actually working through it. Here's how to take away the HAVE TO, make a plan, and choose your next step.
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Why Am I Still Scared to Ride My Horse?

Why Am I Still Scared to Ride My Horse?
Feeling anxious in the saddle even though the scary is over? Sometimes riding fear isn't about what's happening now — it's an old alarm that never got turned off.
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Why Am I Scared to Ride My Horse When I Used to Be Fearless?

Why Am I Scared to Ride My Horse When I Used to Be Fearless?
Wondering how to enjoy horse riding again? Learn why you may not need to become fearless again—and how to rebuild confidence and excitement in the saddle.
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Why Does Anxiety Make Horseback Riding So Tiring?

Why Does Anxiety Make Horseback Riding So Tiring?
Riding anxiety turns a simple trot into a full-body workout you never signed up for. Between the rider tension gripping your muscles and the mental drain of trying to stay brave, it's no wonder you're exhausted before the ride even ends.

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How to Rebuild Riding Confidence After Losing It

How to Rebuild Riding Confidence After Losing It
If you’ve been wondering whether your riding confidence will ever come back, this is for you. A warm, practical look at how confidence is rebuilt one small step at a time.
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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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