My horse was ready.
The mounting block was set up perfectly.
She stood quietly, waiting for me to show up.
The mounting block was set up perfectly.
She stood quietly, waiting for me to show up.
But I couldn’t do it.
It was one of my first rides after my accident, and I felt like I was going to be sick. The fear was loud, sharp, and real. I knew this moment mattered. It was now or never.
I had to show fear who was boss.
But there I was—frozen—right on the mounting block.
Then a thought popped into my head.
And it turned out to be one of the best thoughts I’ve ever had:
And it turned out to be one of the best thoughts I’ve ever had:
"What would your trainer do if she were standing here with your horse?"
She would get on. No drama. No debate.
So why not pretend to be her?
No one said I had to be me in that moment.
Why not channel the confidence of someone I trust?
Why not channel the confidence of someone I trust?
And just like that, a deep calm settled over me.
I got on. Put my feet in the irons. Rode off—cool as a cucumber.
I got on. Put my feet in the irons. Rode off—cool as a cucumber.
And it felt amazing.
Since then, I’ve made this part of my routine. On days when I’m feeling unsure or rusty, I "become" one of my favorite trainers before I even leave the house. I switch it up from time to time to keep it fresh—and it’s actually fun.
Here’s why it works so well:
- It shifts your imagination: Instead of imagining everything that could go wrong, you’re rehearsing success—based on someone you respect.
- It focuses your mind: You start to think like a capable, confident rider—how they prepare, how they respond, how they carry themselves.
- It quiets the “what ifs”: There’s simply no room left for anxious brain static.
So here’s your challenge for the next month:
Become your favorite trainer.
What would they feel? What would they do? How would they prepare?
Fill up with their calm, their certainty—and let it squeeze out the fear.
And when you try it, I’d love to hear about it.
What trainer did you pick? How did it go?
What trainer did you pick? How did it go?
And if you want some help creating your own confidence persona, I’d love to support you.
Book a free Calm-Ride Strategy Call and we’ll create a plan that works for you.
Book a free Calm-Ride Strategy Call and we’ll create a plan that works for you.
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