SPORT • PERFORMANCE • WELLBEING
Equestrian
Psychology for riders
My own sporting background lies in equestrian sport, so I understand the unique challenges of training and competing with a horse as your team-mate. I’ve worked with riders of all levels, from recreational, to competitive and professional riders. I often get feedback that it helps that I “talk horse” and know the difference between a snaffle, half-pass, arrowhead, or oxer!
For competitive riders
Competition nerves
Understanding and working with competition nerves and over-thinking.
Focus
Staying present and managing distractions during training, warm-up and competition.
Confidence
Building robust self-belief when stepping up a level, riding at a big event, or taking on new challenges.
Managing pressure
Staying effective when ‘it matters’ or expectations are high, whether from yourself, support crew, owners, or being on a team.
Consistency
Recognising ‘what works’ for you, and developing mental routines that help consistency in your approach on the yard and at competitions.
Resilience
Managing the emotional highs and lows of results, mistakes, falls, injury or other difficult experiences.
Balance
Managing competing demands such as running a yard, communicating with staff and owners, and making space for your own rest, recovery and self-care.
For riders rebuilding confidence
I offer psychological support to help riders build confidence in and really enjoy their riding, including:
Fear and anxiety
Understanding and working with fears around daunting situations, whether that's cantering, jumping, or riding in open spaces.
Rebuilding confidence
Working through the impact of a fall, difficult experience or period away from riding.
Trusting your ability
Understanding what helps you trust yourself and your riding, to feel more secure in your ability and decisions.
Managing worries
Managing difficult thoughts, such as worrying about what people think, or feeling that you're letting your horse down.
Motivation
Developing meaningful goals and routines that help you stay engaged with your riding when the weather, conditions, or life demands get tough.
Trying new things
Building self-belief to step outside your comfort zone and take on new experiences, from hacking alone to attending a clinic.
Enjoyment
Reconnecting with what you love about riding and finding ways to make it feel fun, rewarding and fulfilling.
What are equestrian psychology sessions like?
01
Start with your story
One-to-one sessions are a brilliant way to engage with support and advice that is tailored to you and your riding. We’ll start by understanding your experiences with horses, what you want to achieve, and what currently is getting in the way. We’ll then create a plan around working together.
02
Work together
We might work on a specific challenge such as competition nerves or confidence after a fall; or explore broader patterns in how you approach training and competition, or balancing horses with life demands. I’ll be your sounding board in hearing your experiences, concerns, ideas and reflections; and I’ll also offer evidence-based guidance and practical strategies.
03
Put skills into practice
After each session, I will send you a short summary and resources if appropriate that will help you to digest, reflect, and practise mindset skills.
Are equestrian psychology sessions for me?
I’m enthusiastic about working with riders of all levels. For competitive riders, psychology can help with the mental side of preparing and performing, whereas for recreational riders our work might be about confidence and enjoyment. I’ve supported riders across dressage, show jumping, eventing, polo, showing, working equitation and racing; and worked alongside British Eventing, British Dressage, British Showjumping, riding clubs and Pony Clubs. So, it’s likely I’ll have a good understanding of your discipline, but I’m always curious about new ones!
You don’t need to have a particular problem or know exactly what you need, as we’ll figure this out together. I offer a 20 minute introductory call, to help you decide if it feels like a good fit to work together.
Practicalities
Where
We can work together online, or meet in person in Reigate, Surrey.
When
I’m available from Monday to Thursday; daytime and evening slots.
How often
Flexible. We’ll often start with weekly or fortnightly sessions, then schedule them around what we’re working on, and your training or competitions.
How long
Flexible. Most sessions are 60 minute sessions, with shorter/longer sessions available where appropriate.
Session fees
Pay as you go
30 minutes £70
45 minutes £105
60 minutes £140
Flexible, discounted packages
3 hours £375 / 6 hours £715
For ongoing support, divide your package into 30, 45, or 60 minute sessions to suit your schedule, goals, and our session focus.
Let’s talk about your riding.
I offer a 20 minute introductory call, to help you decide if it feels like a good fit to work together.