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 Health

How to Improve Your Balance for Horseback Riding

How to Improve Your Balance for Horseback Riding
Want to feel more balanced and secure in the saddle? Improving your balance doesn't have to start on your horse. You can practice it in everyday life and even while doing chores at the barn.


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How to Improve Your Balance for Horseback Riding

How to Improve Your Balance for Horseback Riding
There's more to riding balance than just your seat. Discover the five kinds of balance that improve your riding—mental, emotional, physical, symmetrical, and time—and how to rebuild each one.


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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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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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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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