Advertise on podcast: Equestrian Performance Mindset

Have you ever felt like your riding goals are out of reach because of where you live, the trainers available to you, your finances, or the responsibilities you have outside the arena? It can be frustrating when you know what you want to achieve, but your circumstances seem to make progress harder. And when you look at other riders who have access to better facilities, more opportunities, or the right support network, it’s easy to feel like you’re already starting at a disadvantage. In this episode, I and Lorna explore how your environment can influence what you believe is possible in your riding, and what you can do when changing your circumstances isn't an option. Because sometimes, the answer isn't to push harder, move somewhere else, or try to change everything around you. It might be to ask yourself a different question. Together, we discuss how to recognize the difference between genuine limitations and the stories you tell yourself about what you can achieve. We also explore why focusing on what you lack can keep you feeling stuck, how identifying your existing strengths can open up new possibilities, and why accepting a difficult season doesn't mean giving up on your goals. You'll also discover four practical questions to help you work out what's really preventing your next step and identify one realistic action you can take within your current circumstances. In this episode, you'll discover: How your environment, finances, responsibilities, and access to training can shape your riding opportunities. Why constantly focusing on what you don't have can keep you stuck. How to recognize when a genuine obstacle is becoming a limiting belief. Why changing the question you ask yourself can reveal new possibilities. How to identify your strengths and use the opportunities already available to you. Why accepting your current circumstances can sometimes be more helpful than pushing yourself harder. Four practical questions to help you find your next step towards your riding goals. Resources Mentioned: Weekly Hacks: https://www.mindeq.eu/weeklyhacks Follow Jocelin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelinlillienau

What happens when you've finally reached the goal you've been working towards? You've had a string of great competitions. Your horse feels incredible. You're getting the results you've been hoping for. And then a thought creeps in: “What happens when this stops?” In this episode I and Lorna explore what happens mentally when you've reached a peak in your riding, and why the fear of the next dip can sometimes stop you from fully enjoying where you are right now. Because performance isn't a straight line. There will be peaks, plateaus, mistakes, setbacks and days when things simply don't work. But does a bad result actually mean you've become a worse rider? Not necessarily. In this episode, we discuss: Why riders can become afraid of losing a successful streak What happens when your identity becomes attached to your results Why consistency doesn't mean getting the same result every time The difference between PERFORMANCE and PROGRESS Why your performance curve naturally moves up and down How mistakes and difficult rides can provide valuable information Why pushing your comfort zone often creates temporary dips How to avoid turning one bad ride into a story about your ability Why you don't need to make a bad performance bigger than it actually is The importance of accepting that sometimes you simply didn't ride your best Why peaks and troughs are both necessary parts of growth How fear of a future setback can stop you from enjoying a current success Why you can hold both a great result and the possibility of a difficult day How your full range of emotions can actually support performance and growth  Resources Mentioned: Coaching & support: https://www.mindeq.eu/coaching Weekly Hacks: https://www.mindeq.eu/weeklyhacks Follow Jocelin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelinlillienau Midas's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midas_forestier_sellier/ Midas's Email: [email protected]

Have you ever made a mistake while riding and then spent hours, days, or even months thinking about it? Maybe other people saw it happen. Maybe you immediately started wondering what they thought. Or perhaps one mistake turned into a much bigger story in your head: “I can’t see a distance.” “I’m not good enough to ride at this level.” “Everyone thinks I’m terrible.” “Maybe I’m not ready for this.” In this episode, we explore why a mistake can feel so much bigger than the few seconds it actually took to happen, and how the meaning we attach to that mistake can keep affecting our riding long after the moment has passed. I and Lorna discuss: Why we often care so much about other people seeing our mistakes How our own judgement of a mistake can amplify our worries about other people's opinions The difference between a mistake and the story you create around it How a growth mindset can help you see mistakes as information rather than proof that you're not good enough Why stepping up a level often brings old fears and patterns back to the surface How your brain can turn one uncomfortable experience into a rule designed to keep you safe Why you don't need to eliminate nerves, fear or self-doubt before you can ride effectively How you can be nervous and still ride your canter Why trying to stop thinking about something can actually make the thought stronger How redirecting your attention can help you get back to what matters during a round The difference between avoidance and acceptance Why getting comfortable with being uncomfortable is part of personal growth How to start unravelling the deeper beliefs and identity stories sitting underneath a mistake  Resources Mentioned: Coaching & support: https://www.mindeq.eu/coaching Weekly Hacks: https://www.mindeq.eu/weeklyhacks Email: [email protected] Follow Jocelin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelinlillienau

Do you keep taking more lessons, trying harder and working on your riding… but still find yourself struggling with the same problems? What if the problem isn't your riding? In this episode, I and Lorna explore 7 signs that what you're experiencing in the saddle may be more of a mindset issue than a riding or skill issue. Because knowing how to ride something and being able to access that skill when it matters are two very different things. From worrying about what other people think to allowing one mistake to ruin an entire round, they break down some of the mental patterns that can quietly interfere with your performance.  We also explore why trying harder isn't always the answer, why you don't need to feel confident before pushing outside your comfort zone, and why your results shouldn't determine what you think about yourself as a rider. Resources Mentioned: Coaching & support: https://www.mindeq.eu/coaching Follow Jocelin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelinlillienau

What happens when you finally reach the level you’ve been working towards… and instead of feeling proud, you start wondering whether you actually belong there? In this episode of the Equestrian Performance Mindset Podcast, I and Lorna dive into the mindset challenges that can appear when you step up a level in your riding. After my recent four-star cross-country round, we reflect on everything that went into getting there, not just the result on paper, but the years of work, training, financial commitment, self-doubt, setbacks and sacrifices behind it. We explore why riders so often compare their journey to someone else’s and create rules about what a “real” top-level rider should look like. Do you need to be a full-time professional? Have multiple horses? Follow the traditional route? Or is that simply a story you’ve created about what it means to belong? In this episode, we talk about: Why reaching a new level can bring up feelings of “Do I really belong here?” The difference between your circumstances and your actual ability Why comparing your riding journey to other riders can undermine your confidence How to recognize the evidence that proves you are capable Why qualifications matter more than the story you tell yourself about whether you are “entitled” to be there Why stepping up a level can reveal gaps in your training, without meaning you don’t belong How a growth mindset changes the way you view mistakes and failure Why sometimes you have to “learn on the job” The danger of waiting until you feel like the rider at the next level How repeatedly performing at a new level helps your brain gather evidence that you belong Why the way you interpret your results and experiences matters just as much as the results themselves Making the most of the opportunities available to you rather than comparing your circumstances to someone else’s Why you shouldn’t measure your progress with somebody else’s ruler   Resources Mentioned: Coaching & support: https://www.mindeq.eu/coaching Weekly Hacks: https://www.mindeq.eu/weeklyhacks Follow Jocelin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelinlillienau

Have you ever walked out of a dressage test thinking, “That actually felt really good!”… only to see your score and wonder, “How on earth did I get that?” You’re not alone. In this episode of the Equestrian Performance Mindset Podcast, I and Lorna dive into one of the most frustrating experiences in equestrian sport: when your performance feels like it deserved more than the score you received. Because sometimes, the frustration isn’t about comparing yourself to another rider. It’s about knowing how much work you’ve put in, feeling genuine improvement in your horse and your riding, and then seeing a number on a piece of paper that doesn’t seem to reflect that progress. And yes,  it’s okay to be frustrated. You don’t have to pretend that the result doesn’t matter. You don’t have to convince yourself that you shouldn’t care. And you certainly don’t have to immediately “just focus on the positives.” Instead, the key is learning how to feel the frustration without allowing it to take over the rest of your competition. In this episode, we talk about: Why a disappointing score can feel so frustrating when you know you’ve improved The difference between progression and results Why judges only see a snapshot of your performance, not the journey behind it How to use honest feedback from the people around you Why your support team should be supportive and honest How comparing your score to another rider can pull you into an unhelpful mindset How to become curious about a disappointing mark rather than judging yourself What to do when something feels better than it looks to the judge Why progress can sometimes be felt before it can be visibly seen How to acknowledge frustration without letting it ruin the rest of your competition Practical ways to refocus before show jumping or cross country How journaling, talking it through, or simply “parking” the result can help you move forward Why you should still be proud of yourself, your horse and the partnership you’re building Resources Mentioned: Coaching & support: https://www.mindeq.eu/coaching Weekly Hacks: https://www.mindeq.eu/weeklyhacks Follow Jocelin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelinlillienau

What if you haven't actually forgotten how to ride? What if the skills are still there, but pressure, nerves and overthinking are getting in the way of accessing them? In this episode of the Equestrian Performance Mindset Podcast, I and Lorna continue our conversation around pressure and what we observed at Aachen. We explore what happens when riders become activated under pressure and why the goal isn't necessarily to get yourself completely back to a calm, “green” state. Because sometimes pressure is simply part of challenging yourself. The real skill is learning how to function and perform while you're activated. Lorna explains this through her colour system: green represents feeling safe, grounded and connected; yellow represents activation; orange is when your heart rate, breathing and muscle tone begin to change; and red is when you become overwhelmed. The goal isn't to panic because you're orange. It's to learn that you can still perform while you're there. In this episode, you'll discover: Why pressure doesn't disappear as you progress, it changes. Why feeling nervous doesn't mean something has gone wrong. The difference between being activated and being overwhelmed. Why you don't necessarily need to return to a completely “green” state before performing. How to train yourself to access your skills while you're nervous. Why pressure can make skills you already have feel harder to access. The importance of being able to think, see, feel and make choices under pressure. How jumping distances, rhythm and eyesight can be affected when riders become overly focused. Why riders can start interfering with abilities they already have. My “river” analogy and how the things you think, fear or worry about can become “rocks” blocking the flow of your existing skills. How to identify the “rocks” getting in the way of your own performance. Why worrying about what people on the sidelines think can interfere with your riding. How visualization can be used to practice making decisions while activated.  Resources Mentioned: Coaching & support: https://www.mindeq.eu/coaching Weekly Hacks: https://www.mindeq.eu/weeklyhacks Follow Jocelin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelinlillienau

What if becoming a better rider doesn't mean you'll feel less pressure? In fact, what if the opposite is true? As you progress, the pressure can actually change. The expectations become bigger, the stakes become higher, and suddenly you're not just riding for yourself, you may be representing a team, a country, sponsors, supporters and years of hard work. In this episode of the Equestrian Performance Mindset Podcast, I and Lorna share our observations from Aachen, exploring what happens mentally when riders compete in an environment filled with noise, expectations, spectators, media attention and enormous pressure. One of the biggest misconceptions they challenge is that elite riders somehow don't feel pressure. They do. The difference isn't necessarily that they don't feel it. It's how they learn to ride inside the pressure while staying connected to themselves, their horse and their process. From thousands of spectators and roaring crowds to the expectations that come with representing your country, this episode explores what riders can learn from some of the world's biggest stages. In this episode, you'll discover: Why even the world's most experienced riders still feel pressure. Why becoming a better rider doesn't mean pressure disappears. How expectations can increase after repeated success. What it's like to compete when you're representing a team or country. How media and public expectations can add another layer of pressure. Why trying to completely ignore pressure isn't the answer. How to reconnect with your horse and your process when the environment feels overwhelming. Why having something specific to focus on can redirect your attention. How Daniel Deusser used a tricky moment with his horse to bring his attention back into the present. Why uncomfortable experiences can actually help both horse and rider develop. What Michael Jung's reflections on the atmosphere at Aachen can teach us about performing under pressure. How to train your brain to return to your process even when thousands of people are watching. Resources Mentioned: Coaching & support: https://www.mindeq.eu/coaching Follow Jocelin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelinlillienau

Do you ever feel like you're trying to be everything to everyone; and somehow, despite doing so much, you still feel like you're falling behind? You're not alone. In this episode of the Equestrian Performance Mindset Podcast, I and Lorna dive into the pressure ambitious riders often put on themselves to keep every area of life moving forward at the same time. Your horses. Your career. Your fitness. Your family. Your relationships. Your finances. Your social life. Your goals. And somehow, you're expected to perform at your best in all of them. But here's the problem: your attention, energy and nervous system are finite resources. When you spread them across too many things, you don't necessarily become more productive, you become more fragmented. In this episode, you'll discover: Why trying to do everything at once can actually hurt your performance. Why “balance” doesn't necessarily mean giving everything equal attention. How to think about your life in different seasons. Why putting a dream on the back burner doesn't mean giving up on it. How your full-time job can actually be part of funding your riding dreams. Why social media can give us a distorted view of what successful riders' lives actually look like. How being busy can become part of your identity. The connection between people-pleasing and constantly overloading your schedule. Why ambitious people often keep adding more instead of taking things away. How to recognize the patterns that keep you stuck in overwhelm. The Top 3 exercise that can help you decide what deserves your attention right now. Why choosing one priority means giving yourself permission for something else to wait. How fragmented attention can affect your performance. Why “focused attention creates excellence.” How to become more present in whatever season you're currently in. Resources Mentioned: Weekly Hacks: https://www.mindeq.eu/weeklyhacks Email: [email protected] Follow Jocelin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelinlillienau

What if the very thing you're trying hardest to avoid is actually the fastest route to becoming the rider you want to be? In this episode, I and Lorna dive into one of the biggest mindset challenges riders face: the fear of failure. Many equestrians believe a bad round, a refusal, poles down, or an elimination says something about who they are. But what if those moments aren't proof that you're not good enough? What if they're simply information? Together, we explore why so many riders attach their identity to results, how social media fuels unrealistic expectations, and why curiosity, not self-judgment, is the key to lasting confidence and improvement. If you've ever walked away from the arena feeling defeated, questioned whether you're good enough, or compared yourself to everyone else's highlight reel, this conversation will completely change the way you view setbacks. In this episode you'll learn: Why failure isn't the opposite of success, it's part of the process. The difference between what actually happened and the story your mind creates afterward. How attaching your identity to results destroys confidence. Why curiosity always creates growth, while judgment keeps you stuck. How social media makes riders believe everyone else has it figured out. Why the riders who succeed the most have usually failed the most. A powerful Formula One analogy that will completely change your self-talk during a round. How to review your rides like a coach instead of your own worst critic. Why your mindset, not your ability, is usually what changes after a disappointing performance. One question that instantly shifts you from proving yourself to improving yourself. Resources Mentioned: Coaching & support: https://www.mindeq.eu/coaching Website: https://mindeq.eu Weekly Hacks: https://www.mindeq.eu/weeklyhacks Follow Jocelin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelinlillienau

Life has a way of reminding us what truly matters. In this heartfelt episode of the Equestrian Performance Mindset Podcast, I and Lorna return after taking time away following the heartbreaking loss of two riders in the eventing community. Together, we reflect on grief, gratitude, and the importance of being fully present in the life we're living today. Too often, we tell ourselves: "I'll be happy when..." When we qualify. When we achieve the next goal. When we feel more confident. When everything finally goes to plan. But what if we're already living the life our younger selves dreamed about? This conversation is a gentle reminder to stop rushing through the present in pursuit of the next milestone, and instead appreciate the experiences, the people, and the moments that make life meaningful. Whether you're working towards a big competition, chasing ambitious goals, or simply navigating life's challenges, this episode will encourage you to slow down, reflect, and embrace the journey. In this episode, you'll learn: Why "I'll be happy when..." keeps moving further away How to stop missing the life you're already living The importance of being present in every ride and every moment Why goals should give you direction, not postpone your happiness A simple question that can instantly shift your perspective How gratitude changes the way you experience competition Why every experience, good or bad, deserves to be fully lived How loss can remind us what truly matters most The mindset shift that helps you enjoy the journey instead of only chasing results Contact Details:  Send us an email: [email protected] Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelinlillienau

What if the moments that make you feel the most uncomfortable are actually the moments where you're growing the most? In this episode of the Equestrian Performance Mindset Podcast, I reflect honestly on my very first 4-star event, sharing the highs, the setbacks, the lessons, and the mindset that helped me walk away feeling successful, even after an elimination on cross country. From competing alongside some of the world's best riders to navigating disappointment, outside opinions, and the pressure of stepping up a level, this episode is packed with practical mindset lessons that every equestrian can apply. Rather than focusing on results, I and Lorna explore why success is better measured by learning, experience, and your ability to keep moving forward. If you've ever felt like a beginner, worried about what others think, or questioned whether you're ready, this episode is for you. In this episode, you'll learn: Why stepping outside your comfort zone is essential for growth How to redefine success beyond scores and results What to do when a competition doesn't go as planned How to separate facts from the stories your mind creates Why other people's opinions don't have to influence your decisions How to use setbacks as valuable information instead of evidence of failure The importance of trusting yourself during competition Why feeling uncomfortable often means you're exactly where you need to be How to keep building confidence after disappointment Resources Mentioned: Coaching & support: https://www.mindeq.eu/coaching Website: https://mindeq.eu Follow Jocelin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelinlillienau

What if the best mindset for competition isn't confidence at all? After experiencing a fall before stepping up a level, many riders believe they need to "feel confident again" before they're ready to compete. But what if that's the wrong goal? In this episode of the Equestrian Performance Mindset Podcast, I and Lorna explore what the best competition mindset really looks like after a setback. They explain why even elite riders still experience nerves, adrenaline, self-doubt and fear before competing, and why trying to eliminate those feelings often creates even more pressure. Instead of chasing confidence, you'll learn why building mental capacity, your ability to regulate emotions, reconnect with yourself and make clear decisions under pressure, is what truly helps you perform at your best. Whether you're returning after a fall, preparing for your next competition, or simply tired of waiting to "feel ready," this episode will help you rethink what confidence actually means. In this episode you'll learn: Why confidence shouldn't be your main goal What the "best mindset" actually looks like before competition Why fear and nerves never completely disappear, even for professionals The difference between courage and forcing yourself through fear When listening to your body is the strongest decision you can make How to stop fear from making your decisions for you Why awareness is the first step to better performance The difference between building confidence and building mental capacity How to trust yourself even when fear is still present Resources Mentioned: 🧠 Apply for coaching: https://www.mindeq.eu/coaching Follow Jocelin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelinlillienau

Falling off is part of riding.  But for many riders, it's not the fall itself that keeps them stuck, it's the story they tell themselves afterwards. In this episode, we answer a listener's question about returning to competition after a fall while preparing to move up a level. If you've ever questioned whether you're ready, wondered if you've lost your confidence, or found yourself replaying worst-case scenarios after an accident, this conversation is for you. You'll discover why your brain naturally creates stories after an unfinished experience, how to separate facts from fear, and why confidence isn't actually what you should be chasing. Instead of trying to prove you're ready, you'll learn how to focus on what truly helps you perform at your best. Because one fall doesn't erase years of training, and it certainly doesn't define the rider you are. In this episode you'll learn: Why your brain creates fear after a fall How to separate facts from the stories your mind invents Why confidence isn't something you need before competing How to stop trying to prove yourself in competition The mindset shift that helps you trust your training again Why every setback contains valuable information How to define success beyond ribbons and results Practical ways to prepare mentally for your next competition Whether you're returning after a fall or preparing for a new level, this episode will help you approach your next ride with more clarity, trust, and confidence. Resources Mentioned: Weekly Hacks: https://www.mindeq.eu/weeklyhacks Join the MINDEQ Community https://www.mindeq.eu/community Follow Jocelin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelinlillienau

Have you ever left a competition feeling disappointed because the scoreboard didn't reflect how hard you've been working? You're not alone. In this episode, we dive into one of the biggest mindset traps riders fall into: becoming obsessed with results instead of trusting the process. Whether you're chasing MERs, qualifications, clear rounds, better dressage scores, or simply trying to prove you're "good enough," this episode will help you shift your focus toward what actually creates long-term success. I and Lorna share personal stories from recent competitions, including breakthrough performances, difficult training sessions, unexpected run-outs, and the lessons that came from each experience. Because here's the truth: Your score is only the tip of the iceberg. Behind every successful rider are countless early mornings, setbacks, tears, lessons, adjustments, and moments where they chose to keep going. In this episode you'll learn: Why chasing results often makes riding harder How pressure changes your riding without you realizing it The difference between a process mindset and a results mindset Why every mistake is valuable information, not failure How curiosity can improve your confidence in competition Why training should feel like experimentation instead of testing yourself How to stop comparing yourself to other riders Why your competition results never define your ability as a rider Practical ways to stay focused under pressure   Resources Mentioned: Coaching & support: https://www.mindeq.eu/coaching Weekly Hacks: https://www.mindeq.eu/weeklyhacks Join the MINDEQ Community https://www.mindeq.eu/community 📧 Email: [email protected] Follow Jocelin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelinlillienau