Anchor Your Confidence | Music, Touch & Smells That Rewire Your Brain Confidence in the saddle isn’t something you’re born with, it’s something your brain learns. In this extended episode of The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast, equestrian mindset coach and hypnotherapist Neil Foster explores how riders can anchor calm, repeatable confidence using powerful yet simple tools: music, touch, and smell. You’ll discover: Why confidence disappears at competitions (and why you’re not broken) How your brain creates emotional associations, for better or worse How music can instantly calm nerves and steady focus Body-based touch techniques to ground confidence before and during a ride Why smell is the strongest memory trigger for riders How to stack confidence anchors into a reliable pre-ride routine This episode is perfect for riders who: Feel confident at home but struggle away from the yard Overthink, tense up, or lose belief under pressure Want practical mindset tools that actually work Are ready to rebuild confidence calmly and kindly 🎧 Join The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast Facebook Group for ongoing support, mindset tools, and rider conversations.👍 If this episode helps, please like, subscribe, and share the podcast.🔔 Don’t miss the next episode: Designing Your Rider Mindset Routine for 2026. Ride with confidence. Train your mindset. 

Unlock the secret tool top riders use every day - visualisation.In this powerful 120-minute episode, Neil Foster takes you step-by-step through how to use mental rehearsal before every ride, not just at competitions, to transform your confidence, consistency, and connection with your horse. You’ll learn:🔥 The neuroscience behind why visualisation improves your riding🔥 How to rehearse calm, confident, effective rides in your mind🔥 Guided pre-ride visualisation exercises you can use daily🔥 How to mentally practise rhythm, balance, transitions and jumping🔥 Tools to reduce nerves, overcome blocks and ride with clarity🔥 Real-life rider examples and mindset tips used by top performers🔥 How visualisation rewires your brain and influences your horse’s behaviour Whether you’re an event rider, show jumper, dressage rider, or happy hacker, this episode will give you the mental tools to ride better, think clearer, and feel more confident every time you get in the saddle. 👉 Don’t forget to like, follow, share, and subscribe to support the podcast and help more riders transform their mindset.👉 Join the Neil Foster Rider Mindset community for bonus content, live sessions, and deeper coaching. Next week: “Anchor Your Confidence – Using Music, Touch & Smells to Rewire Your Brain.” This is the episode every rider needs — download now and start riding with purpose, focus, and confidence.

Discover how to build unshakeable riding confidence using the same powerful mindset strategy that transformed the England Netball team under coach Tracy Neville. In this episode of The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast, Neil explores why celebrating small successes isn’t just a feel-good idea, it’s a proven performance tool that boosts confidence, motivation, and resilience in every rider. Whether you struggle with nerves, perfectionism, self-doubt, or simply want to feel more positive in the saddle, this episode gives you practical, easy-to-use tools you can apply today. You’ll learn how to spot 1% improvements, stay mentally strong during tough rides, and build a partnership with your horse based on progress, not pressure. Neil also shares personal stories from his own yard, helping you feel seen, supported, and connected. Join the conversation by sharing your own small wins inside the Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast Facebook group. 👉 Want more free mindset tips, episode updates, and exclusive insights? Join Neil’s mailing list  Perfect for riders who want a calmer mind, a stronger partnership, and a more joyful riding journey.

In this episode of The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast, Neil explores the rise of a new generation of dressage riders who lead with empathy, softness, emotional intelligence, and true horse-first training. You’ll learn: What today’s most influential riders are doing differently Why this approach is transforming the future of dressage How emotional regulation and rider mindset directly impact your horse Practical tools you can use to ride with more clarity, confidence, and connection How everyday riders can help build a more ethical, positive equestrian culture Whether you compete, train at home, or simply want a deeper connection with your horse, this episode will inspire you to bring curiosity, calmness, and feel into every ride. Perfect for dressage riders, coaches, amateurs, and anyone passionate about horse-centred training. If you believe the future of dressage should be kinder, softer, more intelligent, and more connected, this is the episode for you.Tune in now and become part of the positive change.

In this empowering episode of The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast, equestrian mindset coach Neil Foster reveals how your breathing patterns can transform your confidence, calm, and connection with your horse, especially under pressure. Discover how the autonomic nervous system affects your riding performance, why nasal breathing helps you stay grounded, and learn science-based breathwork techniques you can start using today.Neil guides you through practical breathing exercises like the 4-6 pattern and Box Breathing to help you regulate nerves, improve focus, and ride with calm confidence. Whether you’re preparing for competition or simply want to enjoy your rides more, this episode will help you breathe better, think clearer, and ride with purpose. FREE GIFT: Download your Free Breathwork Guide for Riders with step-by-step breathing techniques and exercises mentioned in this episode at  FREE Download

Is dressage really in crisis, or is it simply calling for a mindset reset? In this thoughtful 10-minute episode, equestrian mindset coach Neil Foster explores the challenges facing modern dressage, from welfare concerns and falling spectator numbers to rising costs and shifting rider habits. But rather than focusing on the negatives, Neil dives deeper into what the sport truly needs to evolve and thrive: a change in mindset. You’ll discover how perfectionism, pressure, and performance culture have disconnected many riders from the joy and harmony that define classical dressage. Neil discusses how shifting focus from control to connection, and from perfection to progress, can reignite both passion and purpose in the arena and beyond it. Whether you’re a grassroots competitor or a professional rider, this episode will help you: Reconnect with why you fell in love with dressage in the first place Understand how your mindset shapes your confidence, your partnership, and your performance Learn simple mental strategies to overcome pressure and rediscover joy in your riding Explore how compassion and authenticity can rebuild the culture of the sport Dressage isn’t dying, it’s evolving. And that evolution starts with you. Tune in now to The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast and explore how mindset, mindfulness, and connection can reshape the future of dressage, one ride at a time. Click here to download your FREE 10 minute Rider Confidence Audio  To continue the conversation join The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast Facebook Group

Hypnosis for Riders - Busting the Myths & Finding the Truth Discover the truth about hypnosis and how it can transform your riding confidence, focus, and performance. In this powerful episode of The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast, equestrian mindset coach Neil Foster explores the science, psychology, and neuroscience behind hypnosis for riders, and busts the biggest myths that keep many equestrians from unlocking their full potential. Learn how hypnosis helps riders overcome fear, rebuild confidence after a fall, manage nerves, and ride with calm connection. Backed by real-world research and rider success stories, Neil explains how this natural mental state can rewire your mind for success, both in and out of the saddle. What you’ll discover: What hypnosis really is (and what it isn’t) How hypnosis affects the rider’s brain and body The neuroscience behind calmness, confidence, and focus How top athletes use hypnosis and mental rehearsal for peak performance Real stories from riders who have used hypnosis to regain trust, courage, and joy Resources mentioned in this episode: Free 10-Minute Rider Confidence Audio - Click to sign up for yours The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast Facebook Group Coming soon: Free Rider Confidence Workbook & Hypnosis Recording If you’re ready to understand the truth about hypnosis and harness your subconscious power to become a more confident, connected rider, this episode is for you. Don’t forget to like, follow, and share the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Podbean to help more riders discover these powerful mindset tools.

Every rider faces tough days, setbacks, refusals, fear, frustration, or simply feeling stuck. In this empowering episode of The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast, equestrian mindset coach Neil Foster dives deep into the power of resilience, the emotional strength that helps you stay calm, confident, and motivated through the ups and downs of your riding journey. You’ll learn how to train your mind just like you train your horse, with patience, kindness, and consistency. Neil shares real coaching insights, NLP techniques, and hypnosis strategies to help you bounce back from challenges, reframe negative thinking, and rediscover your love for riding. In this episode: What true resilience means for riders How to transform frustration into learning Simple NLP tools to manage nerves and self-doubt How hypnosis helps rebuild confidence and calm Why mindset matters more than perfection Perfect for dressage, eventing, and leisure riders who want to develop mental stamina, emotional balance, and unshakeable confidence in and out of the saddle. Join the conversation: 👉 Follow Neil on social media @NeilFosterEquestrianMindsetCoach👉 Join The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast Facebook Group for rider discussions, support, and extra mindset tips👉 Keep an eye out for Neil’s brand-new Free Ride Confidence Workbook and Hypnosis Recording coming soon! ⭐ If you enjoy the show, please like, share, follow, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Podbean, and help more riders build unstoppable confidence.

In this inspiring episode, equestrian mindset coach Neil Foster explores how our horses quietly teach us the art of patience, perspective, and emotional balance, both in the saddle and in everyday life. Through heartfelt stories, real-world riding examples, and powerful mindset tools, Neil shares how to stay calm under pressure, rebuild confidence after setbacks, and see challenges as opportunities for growth. Whether you’re an event rider, dressage enthusiast, or simply someone who loves learning from horses, this episode will help you deepen your partnership, strengthen your mental resilience, and find joy in the journey, not just the results. You’ll learn: Why patience is an active skill, not passive waiting How horses mirror your inner state and emotions Simple ways to shift your mindset from frustration to focus How perspective transforms “mistakes” into milestones Listen now to reconnect with what truly matters in your riding: trust, understanding, and presence. Don’t forget to like, follow, and share the podcast! Join the Neil Foster Rider Mindset Facebook Group for exclusive discussions and support. Watch out for Neil’s Free Rider Confidence Workbook and accompanying hypnosis recording, coming soon to help you ride with calm, clarity, and confidence.

More Than Your Riding – Identity Beyond the Saddle Do you ever feel like your confidence, mood, or self-worth depend on how your last ride went?  This episode of The NeilFoster Rider Mindset Podcast is here to help you rediscover who you truly are, beyond the saddle. In “More Than Your Riding: Identity Beyond the Saddle,” Neil explores how to separate your performance from your identity so you can ride, and live  with more balance, joy, and self-belief. Using powerful NLP techniques, practical Cognitive Behavioural Therapy tools, and a calming guided visualisation, you’ll learn how to: Reframe negative thoughts and build lasting confidence Break free from the “Equestrian Identity Trap” Anchor your sense of self, even when things don’t go to plan Reconnect with who you are beyond the arena Whether you’re an eventer, dressage rider, or happy hacker, this episode will help you find peace, purpose, and pride both on and off your horse. Join the conversation in the Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast Facebook Group, where riders just like you share wins, worries, and wisdom. You are more than your riding.

Have you ever thought about giving up riding? This happens to a lot of riders. In this episode of The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast, Neil explores the real reasons riders quit, from burnout, fear, and comparison to unrealistic expectations, and shares practical, proven strategies to help you reignite your passion and stay motivated for the long haul. You’ll discover: The psychology of motivation and why it rises and falls How NLP, hypnosis, and coaching tools can shift your mindset Simple strategies to build lasting confidence and joy in the saddle Why reconnecting with your deeper “why” keeps you riding through challenges Whether you’re a competitive equestrian or a rider who simply loves spending time with your horse, this episode will give you the tools, encouragement, and belief to keep showing up, even when it feels tough. Subscribe now and join our supportive rider community in the Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast Facebook Group

In this episode of the Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast, Neil dives deep into the power of mental stamina for equestrians, and how training your mind is just as important as training your horse. You’ll learn practical tools and mindset strategies to stay focused, resilient, and confident, whether you’re schooling at home, facing competition nerves, or bouncing back from setbacks. From goal-setting and consistency, to journaling, visualisation, and real-life examples, Neil shares the mental training techniques that help riders achieve their equestrian goals without burning out. If you’ve ever struggled with riding confidence, self-doubt, or the pressure of competition, this episode will give you the clarity and encouragement to keep going. Join the Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast Facebook Group for extra support Subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode Sign up to Neil’s email list for bonus content, journaling prompts, and exclusive mindset tips This is your reminder that mental stamina is a skill you can build and it might just be the missing piece between where you are now and the rider you want to become. Perfect for: competitive riders, everyday equestrians, horse owners, and anyone who wants to improve their confidence, focus, and mental strength in the saddle.

Are you ready to unlock a new level of confidence and progress in your riding? In this episode of The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast, we dive into the power of curiosity, a mindset tool that helps riders replace self-judgment with self-discovery. So often, equestrians focus on discipline, courage, and determination, but curiosity is the missing ingredient that transforms mistakes into growth. When you get curious instead of critical, your brain learns faster, your confidence grows, and your connection with your horse deepens. In this extended episode, Neil Foster, Equestrian Mindset Coach, shares:- What curiosity really means for riders- The neuroscience of curiosity and how it accelerates learning- Real stories of riders who used curiosity to overcome nerves, perfectionism, and fear- Practical tools and journaling prompts to build curiosity into your training and competitions - Why curiosity builds lasting rider confidence Whether you’re a dressage rider, showjumper, eventer, or simply love hacking, this episode will give you the mindset tools to ride with more calmness, clarity, and connection. Join the community:Facebook Group: Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast CommunityEmail list: Weekly mindset tips & resources direct to your inbox

Episode DescriptionIn this episode of The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast, Neil shares a powerful mental tool for equestrians: the Distraction Dump – a simple process to clear your mind before riding so you can focus fully on your horse. Discover why riders often feel mentally overloaded, how distractions affect your connection in the saddle, and step-by-step strategies to release the noise of daily life before you put your foot in the stirrup. With practical tips, real-life examples, and mindset exercises, you’ll learn how to ride with greater calm, presence, and confidence. Perfect for riders of all disciplines – eventing, showjumping, dressage, or hacking – this episode will help you build a stronger partnership with your horse by first clearing space in your own mind.

In this uplifting episode of The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast, Neil Foster, Peak Performance Mindset Coach, shares how a simple gratitude practice for riders can transform your evenings, improve sleep, and build lasting horse riding confidence. Discover the neuroscience of gratitude, timeless wisdom from Stoicism and Buddhism, and quick mindset exercises you can use every night to reset after time in the saddle. Neil also explains how hypnosis for horse riders can deepen your gratitude practice, calm your mind, and rewire your brain for success. Plus, get access to a free Rider’s Gratitude Reset Audio download to help you drift off peacefully and wake up motivated. Join the community inside The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast Facebook Group, and follow Neil on Instagram and Facebook for daily equestrian mindset coaching and peak performance strategies. Listen now and learn how gratitude can turn frustration into focus, calm, and joy in your riding.

Step into the arena with calm, confidence, and focus. In this episode of The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast, mindset coach Neil Foster walks you through building a proven Competition Mindset Routine for show day. Discover how to prepare your mind and body in four simple phases: The Night Before – reduce stress and prime your mindset The Morning Of – fuel, focus, and steady your nerves Warm Up – breathe, connect, and ride with clarity Post-Round – debrief, reframe, and build lasting confidence You’ll learn how to use mindfulness, NLP, and hypnosis to manage nerves, sharpen focus, and ride your best under pressure. Plus: grab your free Competition Mindset Routine Checklist & Builder to personalise your own pre-show ritual and start competing with confidence. The link is in The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast Facebook Group 👉 Join The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast Facebook Group, sign up for the mailing list, and don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe so more riders can ride with confidence.

Episode 8 – The Power of Language: How to Speak to Yourself Like a Champion | Inside the Rider’s Mind Series What you say to yourself in the saddle matters more than you think. In this episode of the Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast, Rider Peak Performance Mindset Coach Neil Foster explores how self-talk shapes your confidence, body language, and results in the arena. Discover the neuroscience behind how words affect your brain and performance, why casual negative phrases sabotage your riding, and how to flip them into empowering “champion language.” You’ll learn: The science of how language rewires your mindset Common rider self-talk mistakes that undermine confidence Practical examples of performance-driven phrasing The simple Language Audit tool to transform your mindset today Plus, Neil shares powerful rider language drills and a free Rider’s Language Audit Worksheet to help you change the way you speak to yourself, and your horse,  starting right now. 🎧 Perfect for competitive riders, nervous riders, and anyone who wants to ride with more focus, belief, and confidence. Click Here to download your FREE Language Audit tool Click here to join the Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast Facebook Group

Building Resilience: When Things Don’t Go to Plan – Inside the Rider’s Mind with Neil Foster In this empowering episode, equestrian mindset coach Neil Foster reveals how riders can develop mental toughness, overcome fear, and bounce back stronger after injury, loss of confidence, competition nerves, or show-day pressure. Discover the 3 C’s of Resilience - Control, Challenge, Commitment, and learn how to apply them in your riding life to boost performance and confidence in the saddle. Neil dives into the neuroscience of resilience, proven sports psychology techniques, and timeless Stoic philosophy to help you manage setbacks, reduce anxiety, and ride with focus. Packed with practical tips for dressage riders, show jumpers, eventers, and leisure riders, this episode is essential listening for anyone who wants to improve their mindset, build confidence, and achieve their riding goals. Join the Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast Facebook Group, subscribe for exclusive equestrian mindset tips, and start building the mental strength to ride at your best.

Visualisation: Seeing the Round Before You Ride It | Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast Struggle with nerves in the arena? Wish you could ride your course with more confidence and clarity? In this powerful episode, equestrian mindset coach Neil Foster breaks down the art and science of visualisation for riders, how to mentally rehearse your round before you ever enter the arena. Discover the neuroscience behind why visualisation works, the common mistakes riders make, and how to use all five senses to create a mental blueprint for success. You'll also experience a guided visualisation to help you ride with calm, focus, and flow, plus tips on using hypnosis to make your imagery even more effective. Download your free Visualisation Skills Guide in the Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast Facebook Group  Perfect for showjumpers, dressage riders, eventers and everyday equestrians who want to perform at their best, from the inside out. #EquestrianMindset #RiderConfidence #HorsePodcast #PerformanceCoaching #Visualisation #EquestrianTraining

🎧 Episode 5 – Focus Like a Pro: Train Your Mind Like You Train Your Horse What if your ability to focus, not just your horse’s talent, is the missing link to peak performance in the arena? In this powerful episode, equestrian mindset coach Neil Foster unpacks one of the most overlooked mental skills in equestrian sport: focus. Whether you're competing at regionals or riding for pleasure, how you think directly impacts how you ride. You'll learn:• Why focus is your competitive superpower• The neuroscience behind riding under pressure• The difference between passive and focused riding• Proven tools like NLP, hypnosis, and mindfulness to sharpen your mental edge• Neil’s 3-Minute Pre-Ride Focus Drill you can use today• Real coaching stories from riders who’ve unlocked next-level performance If you’ve ever overthought a test, frozen under pressure, or left the arena feeling mentally exhausted, this episode is for you. Master your mindset. Lead with clarity. Ride with purpose. Subscribe to Inside the Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast for weekly mindset strategies that build confidence, focus, and calm in the saddle.Click here to join the free The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast Facebook group, download guided audios, or connect with Neil directly. Click here to join the Mailing list to get free guided audios, mindset tools, and early access to rider coaching programs.  Subscribe to the mailing list