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/
31episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Why Riders Revert to Old Habits Under Pressure - #239
4d 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
2w ago00:20:15Tap 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
3w ago00:25:25Tap 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
4w ago01:04:20Tap 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/
Transcribe →Being Your Own Worst Critic - #231
Apr 500:20:32Tap to summarizeAre you riding to learn, or riding to judge yourself? In this episode, we dive into one of the most common (and limiting) mental habits riders face: being your own worst critic. If you’ve ever walked away from a round replaying everything you did wrong, questioning your ability, or feeling like you’re not good enough, this conversation will shift your perspective. We break down how self-criticism keeps you stuck, why your brain naturally defaults to negativity, and how to turn unhelpful thoughts into constructive feedback that actually improves your riding. You’ll learn how to move from judgment to curiosity, from emotion to data, and from pressure to progress, so you can start riding with more confidence, clarity, and feel. What You’ll Learn: Why saying “I am…” shapes your identity as a rider The difference between criticism vs. constructive feedback How to stop replaying mistakes and start extracting useful data The 3 hidden mindsets behind every ride: Riding to learn - Riding to judge - Riding for results How to recognize when you’re stuck in a negative mental loop The concept of “red brain vs. blue brain” (threat vs. solution mode) Why narrowing your focus makes performance worse, and what to do instead How to shift from seeing distances → feeling your horse Practical steps to regain control after a frustrating round 💬 Memorable Quotes: “A belief is just a thought you’ve repeated enough times.” “You’re not improving, you’re just reinforcing the same story.” “Criticism keeps you stuck. Data moves you forward.” “Out of judgment and into curiosity, that’s where growth happens.” Resources Mentioned: ✉️ Register for our Weekly Mindset & Performance Hacks: https://www.mindeq.eu/weeklyhacks 📲Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@EquestrianPerformanceMindset Follow Jocelin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelinlillienau Follow Lorna on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lornahogarth_coaching/
Transcribe →How to Stop Caring What Other Riders Think - #230
Mar 2900:29:09Tap to summarizeHave you ever felt completely thrown off by what someone said about your riding? In this episode, we dive deep into one of the biggest mental challenges riders face: dealing with other people’s opinions, whether they’re spoken out loud or just imagined in your head. After coming back from a recent event surrounded by top-level riders, we share real, raw experiences of self-doubt, comparison, and criticism, and most importantly, how to handle it without letting it ruin your performance. Because here’s the truth: It’s not what people say that impacts you the most… It’s the meaning you give it. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why you often think people are judging you (even when they’re not) The difference between facts vs. the story you create in your mind How to stop spiraling after someone makes a comment A powerful 3-step framework to process criticism quickly How to decide whose opinion actually matters Why discomfort (riding with top riders, competing higher) is actually a GOOD sign How to turn criticism into confidence and focus before competition Real Story From This Episode After being told to drop from 3-star all the way back to 1-star, I share how I: Broke down the comment objectively Separated fact from emotion Reframed the situation Regained focus before cross-country Delivered a strong performance anyway This is a must-listen if you’ve ever doubted yourself before going into the ring. Resources Mentioned: 📲Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@EquestrianPerformanceMindset ✉️ 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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