Explore every episode of the podcast The Rise and Ride Show

In this heartfelt episode of The Rise and Ride Show, I chat with Maddie, the devoted owner of a stunning horse named Lorcan. When she first brought him home, Lorcan was quietly suffering from ulcers that took months to diagnose. Maddie shares her emotional journey of caring for him through recovery, the lessons she’s learned about equine ulcer treatment, and how she’s using Instagram to educate and inspire other horse owners. We also reminisce about our wild childhood rides on cheeky ponies and reflect on how horse care and riding have evolved over the years.

This episode is perfect for horse lovers, riders, and anyone passionate about equine health and wellbeing.

If your horse has suffered from ulcers or another illness, a nervous system reset could really help their recovery. Download my free guide here.

Growing up, I was always told one thing: "Never get off."

The message was clear—if your horse was napping, spinning, or feeling worried, you had to stay in the saddle no matter what. Getting off was seen as giving in or letting your horse "win."

Years later, after gaining more experience with horses and learning about confidence, behaviour, and the nervous system, my perspective has completely changed.

In this episode of Rise & Ride, I'm sharing why I now believe that choosing to dismount can sometimes be the safest, wisest, and bravest decision you can make.

We'll explore how getting off isn't a sign of failure. In the right situation, it can help both you and your horse regulate your emotions, reduce tension, and prevent a stressful moment from becoming a dangerous one.

I'll also share practical tips on how to dismount safely, why it's important to keep moving afterwards, and how you can use those moments to rebuild confidence rather than lose it.

• The advice I was given as a young rider and why my views have changed
• Why "staying on at all costs" isn't always the safest option
• Recognising when a situation is escalating
• How dismounting can help calm both your nervous system and your horse's
• Practical tips for dismounting safely and confidently
• Why continuing to walk with your horse can help regulate both of you
• Letting go of guilt and making decisions based on safety rather than pride
• Building confidence through good judgement instead of feeling pressured to prove yourself

Sometimes, courage isn't about staying on no matter what.

Sometimes, courage is recognising when everyone will benefit from taking a different approach.

As always, every horse and every situation is different. This episode is about making thoughtful, safety-focused decisions that support both horse and rider.

If this episode resonated with you, I'd love it if you could follow Rise & Ride, leave a review, and share it with another rider who may have grown up hearing the same advice.

Thank you for listening, and remember—confidence isn't about proving anything to anyone. It's about making the best decision for you and your horse in that moment.

In this episode, we discuss:

Join me as I chat with Angie from Bank Farm Equestrian about the incredible journey of transforming a traditional riding school into a thriving equestrian destination offering riding holidays, horsey hen parties, riding experiences, and so much more.In this episode, Angie shares how Bank Farm has evolved over the years, the lessons she's learned along the way, and why being honest with yourself about your riding ability is one of the most important steps towards becoming a better and more confident rider. We discuss how stepping outside the arena and exploring new environments can dramatically improve confidence, and why riding a variety of horses benefits both riders and horses alike.Whether you're a nervous rider looking to build confidence, an experienced equestrian seeking a fresh perspective, or someone interested in the realities of running a successful equestrian business, this conversation is packed with practical insights, inspiration, and a shared passion for helping horses and humans thrive together.https://bankfarmequestrian.co.uk/

In this episode, we explore how small, consistent steps can completely transform your riding confidence. If you’ve ever felt stuck, frustrated, or like you “should” be braver by now, this conversation will help you see progress in a whole new way.

Katy shares the science behind small wins, how they rewire your brain for confidence, and a personal story about rebuilding trust and calm with her horse, Toby. You’ll learn how slowing down, celebrating small victories, and tracking your progress can help you feel safer, stronger, and more connected in the saddle.

Plus, don’t forget to grab your free Ride Tracker and Daily Routine Plan to help you celebrate your small wins and see your progress build over time.

Key Takeaways:

• Confidence grows through small, consistent wins, not big leaps.
• Your brain needs to feel safe before it can feel confident.
• Tracking your progress helps you see how far you’ve come.
• Slowing down and celebrating calm, connected rides builds lasting trust.
• Progress doesn’t have to be fast to be meaningful.

In this episode, I share the story of a recent Equine Reiki session with a lovely pony who is currently under veterinary care. His vet has created a treatment plan involving medication, box rest and, importantly, keeping him as relaxed as possible so he can get the sleep and recovery his body needs.

I talk about how Reiki can work alongside conventional veterinary medicine, never replacing it, but supporting the horse emotionally and physically by encouraging deep relaxation. At the end of this episode, you'll hear a beautiful real-life recording from the session, where the pony gradually melts into a state of complete calm, softly licking my cap before drifting into a deeply relaxed state.

If you've ever wondered whether Reiki could help an anxious, recovering or stressed horse, I hope this story gives you an insight into what these sessions can look and feel like.

Have you ever felt nervous about taking your horse out in a trailer or horsebox? Whether you're worried about loading, travelling, arriving at a new venue, or how your horse will behave away from home, you're certainly not alone.

In this episode, I share the story of taking Toby out in our new trailer for the very first time. Although Toby has travelled before, this was the first outing with me driving him in the new trailer, so I wanted to make sure I set both him and myself up for success.

I'll walk you through the exact steps I took to create a calm, positive experience, from choosing the right venue and mentally rehearsing the journey, to managing my own nerves, helping Toby settle on arrival, and recognising potential trigger points before they became problems.

You'll learn:
✔ How to reduce anxiety before travelling your horse
✔ Why visualisation can help build confidence
✔ The importance of planning and preparation
✔ How to help your horse settle in a new environment
✔ Common mistakes riders make on arrival
✔ Practical tips for calm loading and travelling
✔ How your own nervous system affects your horse

Whether you're planning your first trip out, returning to travelling after a difficult experience, or simply want your horse to feel more relaxed away from home, this episode is packed with practical, real-world advice that you can start using immediately.

Remember: confidence isn't about never feeling nervous. It's about having a plan and trusting yourself to handle whatever happens.

Have you ever had a bad ride that left you questioning your confidence, your abilities, or even whether you should ride at all?

In this episode, I'm talking about what happens mentally after a frightening experience with your horse and why so many riders tend to fall into one of two camps:

🐴 The "just get back on and ride through it" camp
🐴 The "avoid riding altogether" camp

The truth is that neither response is right or wrong. They are simply different ways our brains and bodies try to protect us after a scary situation.

We'll explore the science behind fear, why your nervous system reacts the way it does, and how understanding your body's natural safety mechanisms can help you recover your confidence without forcing yourself or avoiding riding completely.

Whether you've had a fall, a spook, a bolting incident, or simply a ride that shook your confidence, this episode will help you understand what's happening in your mind and give you practical steps to move forward with compassion and confidence.

If you're a nervous horse rider or you're struggling to regain confidence after a setback, this episode is for you.

🌿 Learn more about Rider Confidence Coaching with Align & Advance

https://alignandadvance.com

Do you ever feel judged when horse riding? Do you compare yourself to other riders at the yard, in lessons, at competitions, or even on social media? In this episode, we’re talking honestly about comparisonitis in the horse world and how it affects rider confidence, anxiety, self-esteem, and enjoyment in the saddle.

Whether you’re a nervous rider, returning to riding after a break, lacking confidence jumping, or simply feeling like you’re “not good enough,” this episode will help you feel less alone and give you practical mindset tips to overcome fear of judgement while horse riding.

We discuss:

• Why horse riders compare themselves to others
• Social media pressure in the equestrian world
• Fear of being judged at the stables or in lessons
• Rider confidence and overcoming self-doubt

• Mindset shifts to help anxious and nervous riders

This episode is perfect for adult riders, returning riders, anxious equestrians, and anyone struggling with horse riding confidence.

If you enjoy honest conversations about rider mindset, equestrian confidence, horse riding anxiety, and personal growth in the horse world, don’t forget to subscribe, follow, and share this episode.

Struggling with nerves, anxiety, or a lack of confidence in the saddle? In this episode, I’m sharing how creating a simple weekly routine can completely transform your horse riding confidence and help you feel calmer, more focused, and more in control around your horse.

I’ll also explain how to use powerful confidence anchors and mindset techniques to make riding feel easier and more enjoyable — even if you’ve lost confidence after a fall, time away from riding, or anxiety that seems impossible to shake.

Whether you’re a nervous rider, returning to riding after a break, or simply want to feel more positive and consistent in the saddle, this episode will give you practical tools you can start using straight away.

In this episode, we cover:
• How routines reduce riding anxiety
• Weekly habits to improve rider confidence
• Easy confidence anchors you can use before riding
• Mindset tips for nervous horse riders
• How to stop overthinking in the saddle
• Creating calm, positive riding experiences

Perfect for horse riders looking to build confidence naturally and enjoy riding again.

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with another rider who needs a confidence boost.

A must-listen for horse riders struggling with confidence, comparison and competition nerves. Cerys shares her experience of riding a cob at affiliated dressage and learning that she deserved her place in the arena too.

Are you struggling with horse riding confidence, feeling nervous before you get on, or stuck in your progress even though you know you can do more?

In this episode, I reintroduce myself, Katy from Align & Advance, and share how I help riders rebuild confidence in a calm, supportive, and practical way.

We talk about:

• Why rider confidence isn’t just about skill
• A simple, effective tip to calm nerves before mounting
• How your horse responds to your energy (and what that means for your riding)
• The connection between Reiki, energy work, and confidence
• How NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) can help rewire fear and overthinking

I also explain how I work with riders of all levels — from those who feel too nervous to mount, to those wanting to push to the next level — through both 1:1 sessions and supportive group programmes.

✨ If you want to start supporting both your confidence and your horse’s wellbeing, you can download my free guide here:
Simple Ways To Support Your Horse's Nervous System

If this episode resonates, make sure to follow/subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes on rider confidence, mindset, and creating a calmer partnership with your horse.

If you’re a nervous horse rider who overthinks every ride, loses confidence, or focuses on what went wrong—this could be the missing piece for you.

In this video, I explain how journaling can help horse riders manage anxiety, build confidence, and create a more positive mindset around riding. When you feel stuck or frustrated, it’s often because your thoughts are looping—but getting them out of your head and onto paper can completely change how you process your rides.

I’ll walk you through why journaling works (including what’s happening in your brain), how it helps reduce riding anxiety, and simple ways you can start using it after every ride.

This is especially helpful for:

• Nervous or anxious horse riders
• Riders lacking confidence or second-guessing themselves

• Adult riders returning after a break

• Anyone who feels stuck or frustrated in their riding

Journaling helps you see progress, shift your mindset, and build confidence in a way that feels calm and manageable.

Why not download my free Pre-ride Routine and Tracker Here

If you’d like more support, my Align & Advance coaching helps riders rebuild confidence with simple, practical tools like this.

www.alignandadvance.com

If you feel nervous before getting on your horse, you’re not alone—and what you do before you ride matters more than you think.

In this week's episode, I explain why having a consistent pre-ride routine is essential for nervous horse riders and how it can help reduce anxiety, improve focus, and build confidence in the saddle. Your mind and body need the right signals before you ride, and without a routine, it’s easy to go straight into stress mode.

I’ll talk you through what happens in your nervous system when you feel anxious around horses, and how a simple, repeatable pre-ride routine can help you feel calmer, safer, and more in control.

This is perfect for:

• Nervous or anxious horse riders

• Riders returning after a fall or break

• Adult riders lacking confidence
• Anyone who feels tense before getting on

A strong pre-ride routine can completely change how you show up with your horse—and how your horse responds to you.

Download my free Pre-ride Routine and Confidence Tracker here

If you’d like more support, my Align & Advance coaching helps riders rebuild confidence with practical tools and a calm, supportive approach. Visit https://alignandadvance.com

If you feel nervous, anxious or tense when riding, this episode will help you understand why—and more importantly, how to change it.

In this video, I explain the science behind breathwork and how it directly affects your nervous system, confidence, and connection with your horse. When you feel anxious in the saddle, your body goes into a stress response—but with the right breathing techniques, you can calm your mind, relax your body, and ride with more control and confidence.

I’ll guide you through 3 simple, effective breathwork techniques that are specifically helpful for nervous horse riders. These are easy to use before you get on, at the mounting block, or even while you’re riding.

Whether you struggle with horse riding anxiety, lack confidence after a fall, or just want to feel calmer and more in control, these tools can make a real difference.

This is especially helpful for:

• Nervous or anxious horse riders
• Riders returning after a break or fall
• Adult riders building confidence
• Anyone wanting a calmer, more relaxed ride

If you’d like more support, my Align & Advance coaching combines practical tools like this with deeper confidence work to help you feel safe, calm and back in control around horses.

What does confidence really look like in horse riding? And why does it feel like every other rider is more confident than you?

In this episode, we’re diving into the truth about horse riding confidence — and why it looks completely different for every rider, every horse, and every stage of your journey.

Confidence in the saddle isn’t always about jumping higher, riding faster, or looking fearless. Sometimes, it’s simply getting on. Sometimes, it’s trusting your horse again. And sometimes, it’s choosing not to compare yourself to others at all.

If you’ve ever:

• Compared your riding to others at the yard
• Felt like you’ve “lost your confidence” after a fall or break
• Wondered why confidence seems so easy for other riders
• Struggled with nerves, self-doubt, or pressure

This episode is for you.

We’ll talk about:

• Why confidence in horse riding looks different for everyone
• The impact of comparison at the yard and on social media
• What real riding confidence actually looks like
• How to rebuild confidence after a setback
• Simple mindset shifts to help you feel calmer and more in control

This is your reminder that confidence isn’t about being the boldest rider — it’s about feeling safe, secure, and in tune with your horse.

🎧 Perfect for: horse riders, equestrians, nervous riders, and anyone looking to rebuild confidence in the saddle.

If you’ve lost confidence horse riding and keep hearing “just get back on” or “ride more”… this episode is for you.

Because the truth is — pushing through fear doesn’t build real confidence. It often makes things worse.

In this episode, I’m sharing the one mindset shift that completely changed everything for me and the riders I work with. Instead of forcing yourself to ride through fear, this approach helps you understand what’s really going on, rebuild trust, and create lasting confidence with your horse.

We’ll talk about:

• Why “just get back on the horse” doesn’t work
• What to do instead when riding feels difficult or overwhelming
• How to analyse what’s happening (without overthinking)
• Simple, practical changes like groundwork, routines, and slowing things down
• How to rebuild confidence in a way that actually lasts

If you’re feeling stuck, anxious, or disconnected when riding — you are not alone, and you don’t have to keep pushing through.

✨ There is a different way.

www.alignandadvance.com

Have you ever got on your horse already worrying about what might go wrong?

In this episode, I talk about the power of visualisation for horse riders and why knowing how you want your ride to look and feel before you even get on can make a huge difference to your confidence.

So many riders focus on what they don’t want to happen — spooking, losing control, getting nervous — but when you learn how to intentionally picture the ride you want, you can start to retrain your brain and body to ride with more calm, focus and confidence.

In this podcast/video I share:

• Why visualisation is such a powerful tool for riders

• How to decide what you actually want your rides to look and feel like

• Simple ways to use visualisation before you ride

• How this can help reduce riding nerves and build confidence over time

If you struggle with riding nerves, anxiety, or a loss of confidence, this is a simple mindset shift that can really help.

If you'd like help putting this into practice, you can download my free Pre-Ride Routine & Confidence Tracker which will help you prepare mentally before riding and start noticing your progress.

Download it here:
https://alignandadvance.com/pre-ride-routine-and-tracker-opt-in

If you'd like more support rebuilding your confidence in the saddle, you’re welcome to book a free discovery call with me where we can chat about what you’re experiencing and what kind of support might help you move forward.

Book your free call here:
https://link.alignandadvance.com/widget/booking/yosmhpNrNVEnAAEiqNg9

Losing your riding confidence can feel incredibly lonely and frustrating — especially if you used to feel completely comfortable in the saddle.

In this episode, I’m sharing 5 things I really wish I had known when I lost my riding confidence. These are the lessons that would have helped me feel less alone, less frustrated, and much clearer about how to move forward.

If you're currently feeling nervous riding your horse, questioning your ability, or wondering if you'll ever feel confident again, this episode is for you.

I talk openly about:

• Why losing confidence happens to so many riders

• The mindset shifts that helped me start rebuilding my confidence

• What I wish someone had told me at the time

• How small changes can make a big difference to how you feel in the saddle

If you’re struggling with riding nerves, fear, or a loss of confidence, please know you’re not the only one — and there are ways to move forward.

If you’d like some practical support, you can download my free Pre-Ride Routine & Confidence Tracker. It’s designed to help you prepare mentally before you ride and start noticing your confidence improving over time.

Download it here:
https://alignandadvance.com/pre-ride-routine-and-tracker-opt-in

If you'd like to talk through what you're experiencing and explore how I might be able to support you, you're very welcome to book a free discovery call with me.

We’ll have a relaxed chat about where you are right now and what would help you move forward with your riding confidence.

Book your free call here:
https://link.alignandadvance.com/widget/booking/yosmhpNrNVEnAAEiqNg9

If your riding confidence has taken a knock, you're not alone. Many horse riders experience nerves, fear, or self-doubt at some point in their riding journey. In this episode, I’m sharing 5 small but powerful steps to help you rebuild your riding confidence so you can start enjoying your horse again.

Whether you’ve had a fall, lost confidence over time, or just feel anxious when riding, these practical tips will help you regain trust in yourself, feel calmer in the saddle, and start moving forward with confidence.

As a Rider Confidence Coach, I work with riders who want to overcome fear, rebuild their confidence, and enjoy their horses again — and these simple steps are a great place to start.

In this episode/video you’ll learn:

• Why riding confidence can disappear (even for experienced riders)

• 5 small steps that can help rebuild confidence safely

• How to reduce riding anxiety

• Simple mindset shifts that help riders feel more in control

If you're ready to feel more confident riding your horse, these small steps can make a big difference.

Why not download my free Pre-Ride Routine and Confidence Tracker Herehttps://alignandadvance.com/pre-ride-routine-and-tracker-opt-in

If you would like to chat about any aspects of your riding confidence then book a free discovery call herehttps://link.alignandadvance.com/widget/booking/yosmhpNrNVEnAAEiqNg9

If you've ever struggled with fear or anxiety after a fall, this episode is for you. We're diving into the totally normal (and totally fixable) reasons why fear can creep in, especially after a fall.

But don't worry - I've got your back! I'll share some simple tips and tricks for moving past those limiting beliefs and reclaiming the joy of being in the saddle.

We'll cover practical strategies to master your mindset and start feeling like the confident rider you know you can be.

And the best part? I have a super helpful freebie to share - a Pre-Ride Routine and Confidence Tracker to prep you mentally and physically, and help you monitor your progress.

https://alignandadvance.com/ride-tracker-and-daily-routine

You can also schedule a Personalised Discovery Call with me if you want tailored guidance on your confidence journey.

https://link.alignandadvance.com/widget/booking/yosmhpNrNVEnAAEiqNg9

So saddle up, hit play, and let's chat about conquering those riding fears together!

Do you ever feel stuck, frustrated, or disconnected in your riding journey? In today’s video, I’m sharing one powerful gratitude exercise that can transform the way you think, ride, and connect with your horse.

Gratitude isn’t just a “nice idea” — it’s a mindset tool that can reshape how you view your progress, your partnership, and the moments you share in the saddle. This simple practice can help you:
✨ Build a calmer, more positive mindset
✨ Strengthen your bond with your horse
✨ Reduce anxiety and self-criticism
✨ Ride with more confidence and clarity

Whether you’re overcoming a confidence wobble or just want a deeper, more harmonious partnership, this exercise will help you reconnect with why you love riding in the first place.

💛 Subscribe for more mindset tools, rider confidence tips, and equine wellness support.
Let’s ride forward—aligned, grounded, and grateful.

Rider confidence starts with the breath. Join me as we dive into how breathwork affects your body’s stress response, balance, and focus — and why mastering your breathing might just be the most powerful riding tool you have.

Did you know your horse can sense your energy before you even touch the reins? In this video, I talk about how horses pick up on both our positive and negative emotions — and how that affects their own behaviour and connection with us. 🐴💫

I’ll also guide you through a simple breathing exercise you can use to calm your energy, find balance, and create a more relaxed partnership with your horse.

Whether you’re feeling nervous, frustrated, or just want to deepen your bond, this video will help you and your horse feel more in sync — mind, body, and energy.

🌿 Take a deep breath, join me, and let’s create calm together.

When we took Toby on loan, I had no idea he would completely change the way I looked at riding, energy, and confidence. 🐴✨

In this video, I’m sharing the story of how Toby helped me reconnect with my own confidence — and inspired me to start Align & Advance, where I now help other riders rebuild their self-belief, overcome nerves, and rediscover joy in the saddle.

If you’ve ever lost your confidence after a fall, or found yourself second-guessing your riding, this one’s for you 💫

🌿 What you’ll hear in this video:

• How Toby helped me see the power of energy and connection

• Why mindset is the missing piece for so many riders

• The worry I felt about being nervous to ride for the first time in my life

So many riders are told to “just be brave” — to push through fear and get on with it. But that’s not what riding should feel like. In this episode, I talk about why bravery and confidence aren’t the same thing, and how learning to trust yourself (and your horse) changes everything. No pressure, no fear — just calm, joyful connection in the saddle. 🌿🐴✨

Have you ever wondered how energy healing could help your horse feel calmer, happier, and more in tune with you? In this episode, we’re diving into the world of Equine Reiki — a gentle, non-invasive practice that supports your horse’s physical, emotional, and energetic balance.

You’ll discover what Equine Reiki is, how it works, and the many ways it can benefit horses of all ages and temperaments. We’ll explore how this beautiful approach can ease tension, promote relaxation, and strengthen the bond between you and your horse.

Whether your horse is recovering from stress, adjusting to a new environment, or simply deserves a little extra care, this episode will help you understand how Reiki can bring harmony and healing to your partnership.

✨ Learn more about Equine Reiki and explore upcoming courses and resources at www.alignandadvance.com.