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/
33episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
How to Start Before You Feel Ready - #241
2w ago00:19:20Tap 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
3w ago00:19:27Tap 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
4w ago00:23:01Tap 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
Transcribe →Angry at Your Horse… Then Guilty After? 👇 - #238
May 2400:20:15Tap to summarizeIn this honest and powerful episode of the Equestrian Performance Mindset Podcast, I and Lorna dive deep into something so many riders experience… but rarely talk openly about: 👉 anger, frustration, and the self-judgment that follows. This episode was inspired by a listener question about losing patience with her horse after a difficult moment crossing a bridge, and the emotional spiral that followed afterward. Together, we unpack: Why anger often has nothing to do with the obstacle itself The hidden emotions underneath frustration in riding Why riders take their horse’s behaviour personally How powerlessness and fear can trigger emotional reactions The connection between perfectionism, self-worth, and riding struggles How to stop spiraling into guilt and shame after difficult moments Why your horse isn’t “doing it to you” How to approach emotional triggers with more awareness and compassion This episode is an important reminder that emotional reactions don’t make you a bad rider, they make you human. Resources Mentioned: Coaching & support: https://www.mindeq.eu/coaching Follow Jocelin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelinlillienau
Transcribe →Panicking at the Thought of a Show - #237
May 1700:25:25Tap to summarizeWhy do so many riders stay trapped in the same cycle of fear, self-doubt, and frustration… even when they’re working hard? In this episode, we dive deep into the hidden mental patterns that keep riders stuck, from overthinking and perfectionism to fear of failure and losing trust in yourself. We talk about why confidence isn’t something you magically “find,” but something you build through awareness, emotional regulation, and learning how to stop making mistakes mean something about who you are as a rider. If you’ve ever: replayed mistakes for days, doubted whether you’re good enough, struggled to trust yourself under pressure, or felt mentally exhausted from riding… this episode will completely change how you look at confidence and growth. What You’ll Learn: Why perfectionism actually blocks progress The reason riders stay stuck in cycles of fear and self-doubt Why mistakes are necessary for confidence and growth How your mindset affects every part of your riding The difference between performing and learning How to stop letting fear control your decisions in the saddle Resources Mentioned: Coaching & support: https://www.mindeq.eu/coaching Follow Jocelin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelinlillienau Win een gratis coaching sessie met Sara: https://www.mindeq.eu/sara
Transcribe →From Wanting to Quit to Debuting Novice with Kerry Donoghue - #236
May 1001:04:20Tap to summarizeWhat if the reason you're struggling in your riding… has nothing to do with your riding? In this powerful and honest episode, we sit down with Kerry, who went from nearly quitting horses altogether to stepping up levels, competing again, and completely transforming how she thinks, rides, and lives. This is not a story about “just pushing through fear.” This is about doing the deep, uncomfortable work that actually creates lasting confidence. We dive into: Losing confidence and wanting to give up The hidden fears riders don’t talk about Why perfectionism keeps you stuck How past experiences (even ones that didn’t happen to you) shape your riding The real process of shifting from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset If you’ve ever felt stuck, frustrated, or like you're holding yourself back… this episode will hit home. What You’ll Learn Why your riding struggles are often a reflection of what’s happening internally How fear is often about consequences, not the fall itself The difference between a perfectionist mindset vs a growth mindset How to stop beating yourself up after mistakes and actually move forward Why “just be positive” doesn’t work, and what does instead How to become a present rider and learner, not a self-critic Resources Mentioned: Coaching & support: https://www.mindeq.eu/coaching Follow Jocelin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelinlillienau Connect with Kerry on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kerry_don4801/
Transcribe →Why Your Fear isn't About The Fall - #235
May 300:16:59Tap to summarizeHave you ever had a serious fall that completely changed how you feel in the saddle? In this episode, we dive deep into the fear that lingers after a traumatic riding accident, especially the kind that leaves you shaken, injured, or even questioning your confidence entirely. Because here’s the truth: It’s not always the fall itself that creates fear… it’s everything that comes after. From hospital experiences and loss of control to the stories your mind builds and the identity you attach to the event, this episode unpacks why that fear sticks and, more importantly, how you can start changing it. We explore: Why fear after a fall is not actually about the fall itself How your brain creates emotional reactions through memory “building blocks” The hidden role of identity (“I’m a rider who had a bad accident”) Why saying “I have nerves” matters more than you think A powerful introduction to NLP techniques to reduce fear How to reprogram your mental response and rebuild confidence If you’ve ever felt stuck, tense, or like your confidence hasn’t come back after a fall, his episode will help you understand what’s really going on and show you that change is possible. Resources Mentioned: Coaching & support: https://www.mindeq.eu/coaching Follow Jocelin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelinlillienau
Transcribe →How to Break Limiting Beliefs as a Rider - #234
Apr 2600:18:16Tap to summarizeDo you keep telling yourself: “I don’t have enough money” “I’m behind” “I’m not ready” In this episode, we break down how these “reasons” are actually reinforcing a limiting identity, and keeping you stuck. Because here’s the truth: It’s not your circumstances holding you back. It’s the belief system you’ve built around them. We dive into how to shift your thinking, break the cycle of negative self-talk, and start creating beliefs that actually move you forward. What You’ll Learn: Why “I statements” reinforce limiting beliefs How excuses are often fear in disguise The real reason you feel stuck in your riding How to shift from “why it won’t work” to “how it can” The power of reframing your thoughts How to build belief through repetition Why visualization is a game changer How to take action before you feel ready Resources Mentioned: MINDEQ Community: https://mindeq.eu/community Coaching & support: https://www.mindeq.eu/coaching Follow Jocelin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelinlillienau Follow Lorna on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lornahogarth_coaching/
Transcribe →How to Get Out of a Riding Slump Fast - #233
Apr 1900:26:39Tap to summarizeEver felt like everything was working… and then suddenly it’s not? In this episode, I and Lorna dive into something every rider experiences (often more than once): A slump. When confidence drops, things that felt easy suddenly feel impossible, and you start questioning everything - your riding, your ability, even your horse. We break down what’s actually happening during a slump, why it’s not a step backwards, and how to work your way through it without spiraling. Because this isn’t the end of your progress, it’s part of it. What You’ll Learn: What a “slump” really is (in simple terms) Why slumps feel sudden and unexplained The real reason your confidence drops How your brain shifts into “threat mode” Why you’re not actually going backwards How to stop the negative spiral Practical ways to rebuild confidence quickly Why small wins are the key to getting back on track Resources Mentioned: ✉️ Register for our Weekly Mindset & Performance Hacks: https://www.mindeq.eu/weeklyhacks Coaching & support: https://www.mindeq.eu/coaching Follow Jocelin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelinlillienau Follow Lorna on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lornahogarth_coaching/
Transcribe →Chiropractic Secrets for Better Riding with Mary Young - #232
Apr 1201:13:35Tap to summarizeWhat if the reason your horse feels stiff, disconnected, or “not quite right”… has nothing to do with your riding? In this episode, we’re joined by chiropractor and performance specialist Mary Young, who works with both riders and horses to uncover what’s really going on beneath the surface. We dive into the powerful connection between your body, your horse’s body, and your performance, and why so many riders are trying to fix the wrong problem. From hidden compensations in your body, to the impact of stress, sleep, and tension… to learning how to read your horse before you even get on, this episode will completely change how you approach your training. Because better performance isn’t just about riding better. It’s about functioning better. What You’ll Learn: Why your body - not your riding - might be limiting your performance How compensations develop (and why you don’t feel them) The real reason your horse feels different from day to day Why most riders reflect on emotion instead of data (and how to fix it) The importance of pre-ride checks and assessing your horse before getting on How stress (“red brain”) blocks performance, learning, and recovery Why riders often over-manage their horse and under-manage themselves The role of fascia in movement, tension, and performance How improving your body improves your horse’s way of going Resources Mentioned: Mary Young (Chiropractor & performance work):📧 Email: find.me@mygreenlight.co.uk 🌐 Website: https://mygreenlight.co.uk ✉️ Register for our Weekly Mindset & Performance Hacks: https://www.mindeq.eu/weeklyhacks Follow Jocelin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelinlillienau Follow Lorna on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lornahogarth_coaching/
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