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

How to Improve Your Horseback Riding Without a Horse

How to Improve Your Horseback Riding Without a Horse
You do not need a horse underneath you to become a better rider. Here are practical ways to improve your balance, body awareness, flexibility, strength, and confidence between rides.
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How to Ride With Confidence in the Summer Heat

How to Ride With Confidence in the Summer Heat
Summer heat doesn't have to sideline your riding—or your confidence. Here's how to make short, sensible rides count and rebuild Courage Pennies even when it's hot outside.
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My Horse Was Diagnosed With Kissing Spine: From Devastation to Hope

My Horse Was Diagnosed With Kissing Spine: From Devastation to Hope
Best Sharing Description: When Taika was diagnosed with kissing spine, I was devastated. Everyone had an opinion. But here's what I learned about diagnosis day—and why you don't have to know the ending yet. ---
I remember the excitement of going to the track to see this three-year-old filly.

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What to Do When Fear Takes the Joy Out of Riding

What to Do When Fear Takes the Joy Out of Riding
Has fear taken the joy out of riding? Learn four practical steps to rebuild confidence, calm your mind and body, and enjoy riding your horse again.
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How to Move Forward Even When You Feel Afraid

How to Move Forward Even When You Feel Afraid
Learn how to move forward even when you feel afraid. Discover practical ways to understand fear, rebuild riding confidence, and enjoy riding your horse again.
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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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