Podcast
Equestrian Performance Mindset
Hosted by Jocelin Lillienau · EN
The Equestrian Performance Mindset podcast is teaching equestrians how to get the most out of themselves by training their mind alongside their riding skills. It provides actionable tips on how to: Improve performance, Reframe failure, Build courage & confidence and how to Achieve success, happiness & fulfillment in and out of the saddle. Tune in today to start making strides towards your dreams! Inspired by my own two favorite podcasts The Mindset Mentor and EquiRatings Eventing podcast! Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelinlillienau/
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Why You Need to Fail - #248
3d ago00:25:23Tap to summarizeWhat 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
Transcribe →Are You Living with an Imaginary Clock? - #247
2w ago00:20:01Tap to summarizeLife 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: info@mindeq.eu Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelinlillienau
Transcribe →What My First 4* Event Taught Me - #246
4w ago00:34:16Tap to summarizeWhat 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
Transcribe →The Best Competition Mindset after a Setback - #245
Jul 1200:16:58Tap to summarizeWhat 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
Transcribe →How to Rebuild Your Confidence After a Fall - #244
Jul 500:15:48Tap to summarizeFalling 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
Transcribe →Why Focusing on Results Is Hurting Your Riding - #243
Jun 2800:29:58Tap to summarizeHave 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: info@mindeq.eu Follow Jocelin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelinlillienau
Transcribe →How to Handle Anxiety Before Jumping a Course - #242
Jun 2100:28:24Tap to summarizeMany riders believe they need more confidence before they can jump bigger fences, move up a level, or perform well under pressure. But what if confidence isn't actually the problem? In this episode, we dive into why riders often become overwhelmed when something matters, whether that's stepping up a level, riding in a busy warm-up arena, or jumping a bigger track than they've tackled before. We explore how the brain responds to uncertainty, why your mind naturally looks for danger, and how fear can pull you away from the process you've practiced hundreds of times at home. You'll learn why anxiety isn't necessarily something that needs to be eliminated, how to focus on what you can control, and why learning to perform with nerves is often more valuable than trying to get rid of them completely. If you've ever found yourself overthinking distances, doubting your preparation, or questioning whether you're ready, this episode will help you approach those moments with greater awareness, clarity, and trust in your training. In this episode, you'll learn: Why riders often abandon their process when pressure increases. How uncertainty fuels anxiety before competitions. The difference between possibility and probability. Why your brain naturally searches for evidence of danger. How to focus on facts instead of fear-based stories. Why preparation creates confidence. How to build trust in yourself when moving up a level. The importance of finding your individual performance state. Why nerves aren't the enemy of good performance. How to make better decisions under pressure. Resources Mentioned: Coaching & support: https://www.mindeq.eu/coaching Weekly Hacks: https://www.mindeq.eu/weeklyhacks 📧 Email: info@mindeq.eu Follow Jocelin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelinlillienau
Transcribe →How to Start Before You Feel Ready - #241
Jun 1400:19:20Tap to summarizeDo you keep telling yourself you'll start when you feel more confident, more prepared, or more ready? Whether it's entering your first competition, moving up a level, coming back from a break, riding after an injury, or finally tackling a goal you've been putting off for months, many riders find themselves stuck in the same place: Waiting. In this episode, we explore why getting started often feels so difficult and why it has nothing to do with laziness, lack of motivation, or lack of confidence. Instead, your nervous system may be doing exactly what it's designed to do: protect you from uncertainty, failure, embarrassment, disappointment, or perceived danger. In This Episode, You'll learn: Why motivation is usually not the real problem How your nervous system keeps you stuck in your comfort zone The hidden fears behind procrastination and avoidance What analysis paralysis looks like in riding Why confidence is built through action, not before it How to use tiny actions to create momentum The importance of collecting evidence that you're capable Why perfection and perfect timing don't exist How professional riders handle nerves differently Practical ways to start before you feel ready Resources Mentioned: Coaching & support: https://www.mindeq.eu/coaching 🌐 Website: https://www.mindeq.eu 📧 Email: info@mindeq.eu Follow Jocelin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelinlillienau
Transcribe →Fear of Not Being Good Enough & What Other People Think - #240
Jun 700:19:27Tap to summarizeHave you ever found yourself wondering: Am I good enough? What will people think? Am I ready for this level? What if I mess up? You're not alone. In this episode, I and Lorna dive deep into one of the most common struggles riders face: the fear of not being good enough. But here's the surprising truth... This isn't actually a confidence problem. It's a nervous system problem. Many riders spend years chasing confidence, seeking reassurance, and trying to prove themselves to others. Yet no matter how many lessons, competitions, or compliments they receive, that feeling of "not enough" keeps showing up. In this episode, you'll discover why: Why the fear of not being good enough is really about safety How your nervous system interprets criticism, judgment, and mistakes Why people-pleasing is actually a survival strategy The connection between confidence, belonging, and performance Why external validation never creates lasting confidence How perfectionism keeps riders stuck in their comfort zone The difference between what people actually say and how your mind interprets it Practical tools to regulate your nervous system before riding or competing Simple breathing techniques and grounding exercises to use immediately Better questions to ask yourself when self-doubt shows up Resources Mentioned: Coaching & support: https://www.mindeq.eu/coaching 🌐 Website: https://www.mindeq.eu 📧 Email: info@mindeq.eu Follow Jocelin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelinlillienau
Transcribe →Why Riders Revert to Old Habits Under Pressure - #239
May 3100:23:01Tap to summarizeHave you ever walked out of the arena thinking: “Why did I do that? I KNOW better.” Maybe you tense up in a showjumping round, lean forward at fences, hold your breath cross-country, freeze hacking out, or fall straight back into old riding habits the second pressure appears. In this episode, we dive into why riders revert to automatic patterns under stress, and why it’s not because you’re a “bad rider.” Your nervous system is always trying to protect you. That “bad habit” you keep judging yourself for? It probably started as a strategy that once helped you feel safe. This episode is a powerful conversation about rider psychology, nervous system responses, fear, identity, pressure, self-judgment, and how awareness is the first step to changing patterns in the saddle. In This Episode, We Learn: Why riders fall back into old habits under pressure The difference between “bad habits” and protective patterns How fear and stress affect riding performance Why your nervous system prioritizes familiarity over effectiveness The hidden danger of labeling yourself as a “nervous rider” How rider identity impacts confidence Why awareness is key to changing riding patterns Nervous system regulation tips for riders How to stop spiraling after mistakes Practical mindset shifts for riding under pressure Resources Mentioned: Coaching & support: https://www.mindeq.eu/coaching Follow Jocelin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelinlillienau
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