PodcastsEducationEquestrian Performance Mindset

Equestrian Performance Mindset

Jocelin Lillienau
Equestrian Performance Mindset
Latest episode

248 episodes

  • Equestrian Performance Mindset

    From Wanting to Quit to Debuting Novice with Kerry Donoghue - #236

    2026/05/10 | 1h 4 mins.
    What 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/
  • Equestrian Performance Mindset

    Why Your Fear isn't About The Fall - #235

    2026/05/03 | 16 mins.
    Have 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
  • Equestrian Performance Mindset

    How to Break Limiting Beliefs as a Rider - #234

    2026/04/26 | 18 mins.
    Do 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/
  • Equestrian Performance Mindset

    How to Get Out of a Riding Slump Fast - #233

    2026/04/19 | 26 mins.
    Ever 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/
  • Equestrian Performance Mindset

    Chiropractic Secrets for Better Riding with Mary Young - #232

    2026/04/12 | 1h 13 mins.
    What 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: [email protected]
    🌐 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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About Equestrian Performance Mindset
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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