Equestrian Performance Mindset
The Equestrian Performance Mindset podcast teaches equestrians how to improve their performance by training their mind alongside riding skills. It offers actionable tips on reframing failure, building courage and confidence, and achieving success and fulfillment in and out of the saddle. The host, Jocelin Lillienau, draws inspiration from other podcasts and connects with listeners on Instagram.
Episodes
The Mental Game of Riding Under Pressure - #250
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
How to Balance Horses, Work and Life - #249
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. You
Why You Need to Fail - #248
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
Are You Living with an Imaginary Clock? - #247
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
What My First 4* Event Taught Me - #246
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 comp
The Best Competition Mindset after a Setback - #245
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 setb
How to Rebuild Your Confidence After a Fall - #244
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 r
Why Focusing on Results Is Hurting Your Riding - #243
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 pro
How to Handle Anxiety Before Jumping a Course - #242
Many 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 befo
How to Start Before You Feel Ready - #241
Do 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 o
Fear of Not Being Good Enough & What Other People Think - #240
Have 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 rider
Why Riders Revert to Old Habits Under Pressure - #239
Have 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’r
Angry at Your Horse… Then Guilty After? 👇 - #238
In 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 t
Panicking at the Thought of a Show - #237
Why 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 throug
Why Your Fear isn't About The Fall - #235
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
How to Break Limiting Beliefs as a Rider - #234
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 neg
How to Get Out of a Riding Slump Fast - #233
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
Chiropractic Secrets for Better Riding with Mary Young - #232
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, a
Being Your Own Worst Critic - #231
Are 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-
How to Stop Caring What Other Riders Think - #230
Have 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, comparis
Why Riders Lose Focus in Competition - #229
Have you ever had a great warm-up… only to enter the arena and suddenly everything feels harder?
You can’t see your distances.
Your horse feels strong.
You start overthinking everything.
And before you know it… your round starts falling apart.
In this episode, I and Lorna dive into one of the most common (and misunderstood) performance blocks in riding:
👉 Where your focus goes under press
The Moment Every Rider Hates (But Needs) - #228
Ever had that moment where you feel like you’ve finally figured something out in your riding… Only for everything to suddenly fall apart again?
In this episode, I and Lorna spoke about one of the most frustrating moments every rider experiences: when progress seems to disappear overnight.
After months of consistent rounds and feeling like things were finally under control, I suddenly foun
Preparing For The First competition of The Season - #227
You’ve trained all winter.
You’ve put in the hours.
You feel ready at home.
So why does everything feel different at your first competition of the season?
In this episode, we unpack what really happens in the build-up to your first event, whether you’re an eventer, showjumper, or dressage rider stepping back into the outdoor arena.
Because here’s the truth:
Effort and results are not dire
Why Riders Still Doubt Themselves - #226
We coach riders on mindset every single day.
But here’s the truth: We’re still doing the work too.
In this episode, we invite you inside our own heads; unfiltered, unscripted, and completely honest. We talk about:
The limiting beliefs we’re still working through
Why “I’m not talented enough” can exist even when results improve
How self-doubt shows up at higher levels
Ego vs growth
Composure at 5* Level, What It Really Takes with Mohamed Ashraf Abdallah - #225
You can be experienced.
You can be ambitious.
You can be performing at a high level.
And still feel like you don’t belong there.
In this episode with Mohamed, we dive deep into something many driven riders quietly struggle with: The gap between external performance and internal belief.
We explore:
Why high achievers often feel like imposters
Why results don’t automatically create confide
Winning Doesn’t Guarantee Confidence - #224
You won the class.
You rode well.
You hit your goals.
So why does one piece of feedback still hit so hard?
In this episode of the Equestrian Performance Mindset Podcast, we unpack something almost every competitive rider experiences:
Winning doesn’t automatically create confidence.
Success doesn’t fix insecurity.
And feedback can feel threatening, even when it’s positive.
After winning
Regaining confidence after crashing into a fence - #223
What do you do when a distance doesn’t appear… and everything falls apart right before you go in the ring?
In this episode of the Equestrian Performance Mindset Podcast, I and Lorna dive into a real-life competition moment many riders fear: a jumping warm-up disaster, and how your mental recovery routine determines what happens next.
After a dramatic warm-up moment that ended in the middl
How to Set Goals Without Letting Them Control You - #222
At the start of a new season, goal setting can feel exciting… and overwhelming.
In this episode, I and Lorna unpack how to set ambitious goals that guide your season, without letting them become a source of pressure, self-doubt, or fear of judgment.
Drawing from our own recent competitions, we explore why zero expectations can sometimes unlock peak performance, why many riders either play
Breaking Free from Self-Doubt - #221
Self-doubt is one of the biggest mindset challenges riders face, at every level of the sport.
In this episode, I and Lorna dive deep into what self-doubt really is, how it differs from confidence, and why it has far more to do with the stories you tell yourself than your actual ability.
You’ll learn why even top riders experience imposter syndrome, how identity shapes performance, and why
How Riders Lose Focus Without Realizing - #220
Staying focused in competition sounds simple, until you’re actually in the warm-up, the arena, or the start box. Suddenly your attention is everywhere: Other riders. People watching. Results on the scoreboard. Thoughts about what might go wrong.
In this episode of the Equestrian Performance Mindset Podcast, we dive deep into what really steals riders’ focus in competition and, more import
6 Things You Need to Know Before Reviewing Your Goals - #219
It’s that time of year again, reviewing your goals. And for many riders, this process doesn’t bring clarity or motivation… It brings disappointment, self-judgment, and the feeling of “I didn’t do enough.”
In this episode, we unpack how to review your goals in a way that actually builds confidence instead of breaking it, especially if you’re the kind of rider who sets big, ambitious goals
The Pressure No One Talks About in Equestrian Sport with Sophie Joan Alexander - #218
What happens when your identity becomes tied to performance? When results decide your worth? When trying harder stops working, and your mind becomes the biggest obstacle in your riding?
In this deeply honest and emotional episode, we explore what it looks like to lose yourself in pressure, expectation, and fear, and how true confidence is rebuilt from the inside out.
This conversation is
If Money Wasn’t the Problem… What Would You Do? - #217
“It’s too expensive.”
“I don’t have the money.”
“I could do it if I had more resources.”
Sound familiar?
In this episode, we tackle one of the most common and most limiting beliefs in equestrian sport: that money is the reason your dreams feel out of reach. Yes, this is an expensive sport. And yes, money matters. But what if money isn’t the real thing holding you back?
In this conversatio
The Most Important Gift You Can Give Yourself as a Rider - #216
As the year winds down, this episode invites you to pause, not to plan more, do more, or push harder, but to reflect. Because what if the most powerful thing you could give yourself this season isn’t a new piece of kit… but a mental shift?
In this special, end-of-year conversation, I and Lorna explore the idea of non-material gifts; the internal qualities, permissions, and mindset changes
From Olympic Dream to Derby Miracle & The Mindset Behind It with Esteban Benitez Valle - #215
This episode isn’t just a story, it’s a masterclass in mindset, belief, resilience, and refusing to give up on a dream even when everything around you says don’t bother.
In this conversation, Esteban Benítez Valle takes us behind the scenes of qualifying for the Olympics, navigating heartbreak, dealing with insane pressure, and then - somehow - stepping into the legendary Hamburg De
The Real Reason You Never Feel “Caught Up” - #214
If you’re an ambitious rider trying to juggle horses, work, family, goals, money, fitness, and your sanity… this episode is going to feel like a deep exhale.
Today, I and Lorna dive into one of the biggest struggles riders face: How do you manage everything without feeling overwhelmed, guilty, or constantly behind? And the honest answer? You don’t “balance” it. Because balance is a myth,
Dressage Mindset Secrets with Sara Van Gool - #213
In this inspiring and deeply honest conversation, we sit down with Sara, a dressage coach who blends technical training with mindset work to help riders show up with confidence, clarity, and calm.
Sara shares how her own struggles with pressure, frustration, and self-doubt led her into mental performance work, and how she now teaches riders to overcome the exact challenges she once faced
Releasing Old Judgments So You Can Ride Freely - #212
In today’s episode, I and Lorna take a deep dive into one of the most emotionally charged struggles riders face: caring too much about what other people, especially trainers, think.
A listener asks how to move on from a negative trainer experience in the past that still affects her riding years later. And that’s where this episode gets powerful.
I and Lorna unpack:
Why your mind holds on
Conquering Fear, Expectations, and the 'What If' Chatter with Maeve Foley - #211
How do you find your way back when intense fear and self-doubt take over your riding?
In this deeply moving episode, Maeve Foley opens up about her journey, from being the fearless amateur who’d sneak off to jump bigger tracks, to facing crippling nerves after years away from the sport.
She shares how a single bad stride changed everything, how grief shaped her riding, and how she slowly
Riding Under Pressure, and Rising Above It - #210
"Pressure". Every rider feels it, whether it’s from expectations, money, owners, parents, or the quiet voice inside saying “you have to prove yourself.”
In this powerful and honest conversation, I and Lorna unpack where that pressure really comes from and how much of it is self-created. We explore how fears of failure, financial strain, self-worth, and identity all tie into the invisible
Your Mindset Toolkit for Injury & Chronic Setbacks - #209
What do you do when life or your body keeps throwing setbacks your way?
When pain, injury, or frustration make it feel like you’re right back at square one?
In this heartfelt and empowering conversation, I and Lorna tackle a listener’s question about dealing with chronic back pain and the feeling of discouragement that comes when progress keeps getting interrupted.
We explore what to do w
What to do when People Misjudge You - #208
Have you ever felt frustrated that people have the wrong image of you, that they don’t see how hard you actually work?
Maybe they assume you’re lucky, spoiled, or that things just come easy… when in reality, you’re grinding every day.
In this honest and eye-opening episode, I and Lorna unpack why we care so deeply about what others think, and how to let go of that need for approval so you
The Hidden Cost of Trying Too Hard - #207
In this episode, I and Lorna tackle a struggle that every ambitious rider knows too well - trying too hard.
We pour our hearts, time, and energy into riding, believing that working harder must lead to better results. But what happens when pushing more, training more, and wanting it more actually holds you back?
Together, we explore why over-effort often blocks progress, both for you and y
How to Best Prepare for Your Next Competition - #206
In this episode, I and Lorna dive deep into one of the most crucial, yet often misunderstood parts of equestrian sport: how to prepare yourself and your riders for competition.
Whether you’re stepping up to your first event or pushing for that next level, this episode helps you discover your ideal performance state and understand how to manage nerves, pressure, and preparation so you can
Helping Riders Find Confidence After a Fall - #205
Falling off isn’t just a physical setback, it can leave deep marks on a rider’s confidence and mindset. In this episode, we dive into practical strategies for both riding instructors and riders themselves on how to rebuild trust, overcome fear, and take small but powerful steps back into the saddle.
Together with Lorna, we unpack:
Why getting back on quickly matters (and when it doesn’t
Mindset Tools Every Riding Instructor Needs - #204
Are you a riding instructor; or working with one, and wondering how to get the very best out of your lessons? In this episode, we dive into the essential mental strategies that can transform the way you teach (and learn).
Together with Lorna, we explore why one size never fits all when it comes to coaching, and how awareness, curiosity, and asking the right questions can unlock true progr
Is This The Right Trainer For You? - #203
Finding the right trainer can feel overwhelming. Do you stick with the one you’ve got, or is it time to move on? Is there even such a thing as the perfect trainer?
In this week’s episode, I and Lorna dive into one of the most common, and often tricky - questions riders ask: How do you know if a trainer is right for you?
Together, we explore:
Why “perfect” doesn’t exist (and why aiming fo
From Fear to First Clear: Noora’s Mindset Transformation - #202
In this episode of the Equestrian Performance Mindset Podcast, I and Lorna welcome Noora from Dubai to share her powerful journey as a young rider. From her first pony rides to endurance racing, showjumping setbacks, and breaking her leg just as her confidence was growing,
Noora’s story is one of resilience, courage, and transformation. She opens up about the fears, doubts, and setbacks t
Feeling Proud, Yet Always Hungry for More - #201
In this episode of the Equestrian Performance Mindset Podcast, I and Lorna dive into one of the most thought-provoking questions we’ve received: How can you feel proud of where you are, yet never truly feel “pleased”?
Together, we explore the balance between confidence and growth, the seesaw of being proud of your progress while still striving for more. You’ll discover why “never pleased”
How to get out of a Funk - #200
Ever had one of those weeks where everything feels heavy? One thing goes wrong, then suddenly the whole week feels like a downward spiral.
In this milestone, the 200th episode of the Equestrian Performance Mindset Podcast, I and Lorna open up about being stuck in a “funk”, those tough stretches where self-doubt, disappointment, or fatigue creep in and knock you off balance.
This episode i
How to Keep a Growth Mindset When Facing Challenges - #199
In this episode of the Equestrian Performance Mindset Podcast, I and Lorna dive deep into one of our favourite topics: the growth mindset, and how to hold onto it when challenges threaten to knock you off track.
From cross-country training breakthroughs to frustrating moments in the saddle, we share real-life riding experiences that reveal how easily old habits creep back in and how
When Things Don't go According to Plan - #198
What do you do when your biggest goal slips through your fingers? When something that should be easy just falls apart?
In this raw and real episode, I share a personal story after a surprise elimination at a 2* event that derailed my path to the 7-year-old World Championships. Alongside Lorna, we unpack what it really means to reframe a “failure” and keep moving forward with clarity and c
Competitive without Getting Caught up in Results - #197
Are you stuck between riding for growth and riding for results? Not sure when it’s the right time to push your performance without sacrificing your mindset? This episode is for YOU.
This week, I and Lorna dive deep into one of the biggest mindset dilemmas riders face: 👉 When do you stop just focusing on the process and start showing up to be competitive, on purpose?
Whether you’ve been pl
What's on the other side of hard? - #196
Why is riding so freaking hard sometimes? Why do we keep showing up, even when it feels impossible, unfair, or downright soul-crushing?
In this raw and real episode, I and Lorna had a heartfelt conversation on the mental toughness it takes to be an equestrian, and why the sport can feel so emotionally loaded compared to things like running or gym work.
We explore why the dopamine hit feel
The Power of Your Words - #195
Welcome back to another episode of the Equestrian Performance Mindset Podcast, where we help ambitious riders make real strides in their mindset, so they can make real strides in the saddle.
This week, I and Lorna dive into a deceptively simple yet deeply transformative topic: the power of your words; especially the ones you say to yourself.
From self-talk during tough training sessions t
Feeling Sick Before Competing? Here's Why - #194
Do you ever feel physically ill before a competition, like you might actually throw up? You’re not alone.
In this powerful episode, I and Lorna tackle one of the toughest emotional challenges riders face: pre-competition anxiety so intense it makes you sick. But here’s the thing; it doesn’t have to be that way.
Together, we unpack what’s really happening in your mind and body when nerves
You Can Do Anything But Not Everything - #193
In this heartfelt and insightful episode, I share a personal journey of focus, intention, and what it really means to make progress.
With my wedding and the competitive season for my eventing horse Echo in full swing, I made a bold decision: to intentionally let go of doing it all, and instead focus on doing fewer things really well.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
Why trying to “do i
Make The Most out of Life & Riding - #192
In this deeply personal and reflective episode, I and Lorna share an intimate look at a truly special life event "Jocelin’s wedding", and the powerful mindset lessons it uncovered.
After an unexpected break from the podcast, we discuss what it really means to be present, how disconnection from distractions can unlock richer experiences, and why creating moments that set your heart on fire
How to Keep Going After a Bad Competition - #191
Welcome back to another powerful episode of the Equestrian Performance Mindset Podcast with I and Lorna. In this raw and relatable conversation, We dive deep into what happens when competition doesn’t go as planned, and how to mentally regroup when your best efforts still fall short.
Lorna shares her recent and emotionally intense experience at a dressage competition where things sp
From Self-Doubt to 3* Eventing - #190
This is not just another episode, this is a milestone moment. Join me as I take you behind the scenes of one of the most significant events in my riding career: my debut at 3* eventing with my 7-year-old horse, Echo vd Vrombautshoeve Z.
What started as a distant dream becomes a breathtaking reality, and in this special documentary-style episode, you'll experience the week with me, from ne
The Real Reason You're Not Moving Up - #189
In this empowering episode, we dive into one of the most common fears holding ambitious riders back: the fear of not seeing a distance, and what it really means when you're scared to step up a level. Whether you're hovering at 1.10m and terrified of even thinking about 1.15m, or constantly waiting to feel "ready" before pushing yourself forward, this conversation is for you.
We unpack:
W
How To Reframe Mistakes & Ride With Confidence - #188
Ever found yourself halfway around a course and suddenly thinking, “Only five fences to go, just keep the time”, only to realize you’re more busy with the resume that with riding your horse?
Yeah... same here. In this raw and real episode, I share exactly what happened at my last event when I got caught chasing the result instead of riding to the best of my ability.
Spoiler: It got chaoti
Show Day Surprises: Who Is This Horse? - #187
Does your calm, rideable partner suddenly transform into an adrenaline-fueled beast the moment you trot up the centerline at a show? You're not alone!
In this episode, Jocelin and Lorna unpack one of the most frustrating experiences riders face: when your horse becomes an entirely different animal at competitions; hotter, stronger, and seemingly tuned out from how they go at home.
In this
How to Stop Caring What Others Think - #186
In today’s episode, join Jocelin as she shines a light on the common fear of what people think and equips you with actionable steps to ride with more confidence and joy, regardless of who's watching.
She tackles the silent struggle that holds many riders back: the fear of judgment. Whether it's during training sessions, competitions, or after making a mistake, this fear can sap
Overcoming Fear of Failure with an Experienced Horse - #185
In this podcast episode, Jocelin and Lorna tackles the common fear of failure that arises when riders take on horses who have competed at a higher level and how the pressure of a horse's past achievements can lead to self-doubt and anxiety about not measuring up. In this episode, we explore:
Why the pressure of a horse's past achievements can trigger fear of failure.
The importance of un
How We got a First World Championships Qualification - #184
This episode is all about documenting a huge milestone in our journey — our first qualification for the World Championships for 7-year-old event horses! I’m taking you behind the scenes of the ride that made it happen, the mindset that carried us through, and the lessons you can apply to your own goals and dreams.
In this episode, I share:
The story of our second 2*L and how we pulled o
Why You Feel Frustrated & What To Do About It - #183
Frustration: Your Secret Weapon or Biggest Riding Roadblock? In this powerful episode, Jocelin and Lorna unpacks the hidden potential of frustration in equestrian performance, revealing how your mental approach can transform seemingly impossible challenges into breakthrough moments. We dive deep into: ✔ Why frustration is actually a growth opportunity, not a setback ✔ How controlling
Mental Self Sabotage: 4 Common Interferences - #182
Have you had that ride that started great and then suddenly spiraled into frustration?
In this episode, Jocelin brings you behind the scenes of a pretty intense XC lesson she had last week.
She's breaking down the four specific ways she sabotaged herself during that lesson, and how you can learn to spot (and stop) these mental interferences in your own riding. This on
Key Reminders for The First Event of The Season - #181
Your mindset at competitions can either elevate your riding or sabotage your success.
In this episode, we reflect on our first events of the season, sharing insights on how setting clear intentions, embracing mistakes, and staying present can drastically improve your performance and enjoyment.
We also discuss:
✔ Why setting rigid expectations often leads to disappointment ✔ The importance
The Messy Middle - #180
Do you feel like you’re stuck in the “in-between”? Like you’re doing the work but nothing seems to click, and you’re constantly second-guessing yourself? Welcome to the messy middle, that phase in your riding, season, or growth where clarity feels miles away, self-doubt creeps in, and progress seems invisible.
In this episode, Jocelin breaks down what the messy middle really is, why
10 Mind Rules to Get Out of Your Own Way - #179
Your mind can either hold you back or be your greatest asset. In this episode, we break down 10 Mind Rules that will help you take control of your thoughts, build unshakable confidence, and get your mind working for you instead of against you.
We also talk about: ✔ Why trying harder can actually make things worse ✔ The power of visualization (and how it works 80% as well as actually ridin
Stop Saying “Good Luck”, Here's Why... - #178
Do you really need luck—or do you need confidence in your preparation?
In this episode, Jocelin breaks down why the words you use matter more than you think. Saying “good luck” seems harmless, but it subtly shifts the focus away from your effort, skill, and preparation—reinforcing the idea that success is up to fate. But here’s the truth: you are in control
Want more mindset and
Breaking Barriers in Equestrian Sport with Ela Zembilci - #177
What does it take to break barriers and pave the way for future riders?
In this episode, Jocelin and Lorna sat down with the incredible Ela Zembilci, whose deep-rooted equestrian history and personal journey make for an inspiring conversation. Ela's family has played a pivotal role in shaping the horse industry in Turkey—from her grandfather founding the Turkish Jockey Club to her mother
How to Win Today - #176
Are you ending your day frustrated by everything you didn’t get done? What if success was as simple as one daily action? In this episode, Jocelin will talk about strategies on how to win the day and what to do if you miss a day (and how to bounce back fast) ACTION TIP: Define your winning action for the day, post it on social media, and tag me on Instagram (@jocelinlillienau) using the
Breaking Free from Spiraling Negative Thoughts - #175
Found yourself spiraling in negative thoughts?
In this episode, we break down why negative thoughts stick, how to stop them before they take over, and practical mindset shifts that help you ride with more confidence and clarity.You’ll learn:
The real reason we get stuck in worry and anxiety
A simple mindset shift to stop self-sabotaging
Powerful visuals (like the ‘floating cloud’ a
React Faster in the Ring: Ride with Feel, Not Thought - #174
Do you feel like your reactions in the ring are too slow? Like by the time you realize you need to adjust, it’s already too late? 🤯Here’s the truth: Top riders aren’t just physically skilled—they’ve trained their MINDS to make split-second decisions without overthinking. And guess what? You can too.
In this episode, we’re breaking down:✅ The 5 biggest mental blocks slowing you down✅
Riding for Redemption with Elizabeth Topolskaya - #173
Get ready to be inspired! In this very special episode, Jocelin and Lorna welcome Elizabeth—a passionate show jumper from Dubai who reveals how she turned her ballet-trained perfectionism into unstoppable determination in the ring. Hear how she broke free from limiting beliefs and overcame life’s toughest challenges to discover her true riding potential. If you’re ready to unlock the
My Word of the Year: Self-Trust - #172
What’s your word of the year?In this episode, I’m sharing the personal story behind mine—“Self-Trust.” Learn why I chose it, how I’m applying it to my riding and daily life, and how you can discover your own guiding word to elevate your mindset this year. We’ll explore setting bigger goals, trusting your decisions, and overcoming the urge to overthink.
Ready to make this year your stronge
Breaking Free from Past Coaching Trauma - #171
Caught yourself freezing in the saddle when flashbacks of harsh coaching or negative comments creep in?In this episode Jocelin & Lorna dive into powerful 90/10 rule to help you reclaim your mental space and regain control of your riding. Discover how you have more influence over your performance than you think. Ready for more? Download our 5 Favorite Mental Tools PDF—the same min
What Happens When You Think "It Must Work Out" - #170
Have you gone into a ride thinking, 'This HAS to work out'? Whether it’s a show or a challenging exercise, that pressure can feel overwhelming. I’ve been there and let me tell you, it didn’t go as planned. In this episode, Jocelin is sharing her personal experience and what a client recently revealed about the same struggle. We’ll explore why the mindset of 'it MUST work' can sabotage you
Recommended
Bible Tea
TED Talks Daily
Pod Save America
Dateline NBC
صداستان: ساعتی با موسیقی
Becoming: HER with Nikki Spoelstra
Exposing Workplace Bullying
Everyday AI Made Simple - AI For Everyday Tasks
FemTech Focus
Not Too Sensitive - Empowering Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) To Own Their Sensitivity
Mother Daughter Relationship Show
Skin Deep MDs with Dr. Mamina Turegano, Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky and Dr. Jenny Liu
