The Mindful Equestrian

The Mindful Equestrian Performance coaching for equestrians wanting to achieve more positive results in all aspects of the Hunter/Jumper lessons and clinics.

Mindfulness is the practice of being present in every moment, not worrying about what was or what might be. A mindful rider is able to focus on what is happening right now with themselves and their horse, maintaining low stress and a higher ability for top performance. My clinics combine my 35+ years of experience in the hunter/jumper industry (AHSA/USEF, IHSA, Equine Science Professor Hunt Seat M

orrisville State College), mindfulness training and coach training and certification (International Coach Academy) to give riders strategies and tools for better mental focus and riding success. Each rider is considered individually and supported with the tools that will work best for them. The benefits from the performance coaching can also be carried into day to day life since we mirror the same issues in our riding that we do in other areas of our lives. Mindfulness then becomes a whole life practice and success tool. Performance coaching for riders of all disciplines who want more a positive experience whenever riding and competing. Group seminars available as well as private phone coaching sessions. Add a performance coaching seminar to your riding clinic. Over 35 years experience training hunters/jumpers and students.

What does it truly mean to be mindful? At its core, mindfulness invites us to be fully present, releasing the grip of pa...
08/29/2026

What does it truly mean to be mindful? At its core, mindfulness invites us to be fully present, releasing the grip of past regrets and future worries. It bestows upon us a profound awareness—an awakening to the richness of the moment. Yet, in our fast-paced lives, many of us traverse through days unaware, missing the intricate dance unfolding within ourselves and our surroundings. Habits, beliefs, and emotions become automatic, woven into our being, often triggered without conscious realization.
This lack of awareness extends to the saddle, where subtle equine cues may elude us. Our thoughts and worries can imprison us within our minds, rendering our bodies rigid and unresponsive. Our horses, too, mirror this disconnect—responding with tension and uncertainty. Understanding the purpose of a proper riding position becomes paramount. It isn't merely about aesthetics but achieving harmony and connection with our horses. By being present, we can truly listen and communicate through our entire being, guiding our equine partners with clarity and grace.

Mindfulness also opens us to curiosity and self-reflection. Without it, thoughtful responses to life's challenges elude us. Embracing mindfulness empowers us to be fully engaged, harnessing every opportunity life offers. Imagine infusing curiosity and awareness into your riding—a pathway to unparalleled success. You become more focused, attuned to the moment, and deeply connected with your horse. You gain the ability to discern the "why" behind your horse's movements, allowing you to maintain the desired course or make necessary adjustments.

In the relationship between you and your horse, observe with an open heart, free from judgment. Note the nuances of communication or any gaps that may exist. Are you truly listening, or are fears and doubts obstructing your connection? Awareness uncovers the root causes, leading you towards the transformation you seek. With newfound awareness, pay attention to your emotions, physical sensations, and reactions. Don't be too hard on yourself if you falter—mindfulness is a journey. Employ the tools that resonate with you, gently guiding yourself back to the present moment. As awareness deepens, you'll hear your horse's messages more clearly and respond harmoniously. Embark on a mindful journey through practices like meditation, focused breathing, journaling, or strolls in nature. Discover what brings you back to the present—remember, this is a practice that flourishes with time, not one of perfection. Embrace the art of mindfulness, unlock the equestrian Zen, and savor every moment on this enchanting path of growth

Progress isn't about having all the answers from the start—it's about beginning your journey with courage. Use your curr...
08/28/2026

Progress isn't about having all the answers from the start—it's about beginning your journey with courage. Use your current tools, knowledge, and determination to pave the path to your goals. Every small step is a leap towards greatness.

Dreams and wishes are great but if you don't take action , put in hard work and make them a reality they will stay just ...
08/27/2026

Dreams and wishes are great but if you don't take action , put in hard work and make them a reality they will stay just that.....dreams and wishes.

This profound statement captures the essence of growth and resilience. Just as mountains are formed through the powerful...
08/26/2026

This profound statement captures the essence of growth and resilience. Just as mountains are formed through the powerful forces of earthquakes, our own strength and wisdom often emerge from the struggles we face. Embracing adversity is a fundamental part of our journey, and it's through these challenges that we truly learn and grow.

Scientific research supports the idea that our brains need struggle to develop and form connections, enabling us to learn and adapt. By living mindfully, we can approach our struggles with a different perspective – leaning into them, seeking the lessons they hold, and discovering the opportunities for growth within.

As an equestrian coach, I encourage my clients to see struggle not as something to avoid, but as a catalyst for progress and transformation. By embracing the challenges that come our way, we can harness our inner strength, develop resilience, and achieve remarkable heights in our riding and in life.

So, don't shy away from the earthquakes in your path; welcome them as the stepping stones to the mountains you are destined to conquer.

It’s so easy to rush through things wishing to get to whatever is next at the end of the carrot stick. In the process we...
08/25/2026

It’s so easy to rush through things wishing to get to whatever is next at the end of the carrot stick. In the process we can miss so much. This happens in riding. Riders worry about being successful at the next event, the next lesson the next thing they anticipate will happen in a lesson and so on So that when they practice, they become stressed and miss the enjoyment of each daily ride. They can also get so caught up in worrying that they forget to be present with what is happening, right now with their horse, themselves, and their environment. Without this awareness it’s so easy for mistakes to happen and to get frustrated about mistakes instead of learning from them.

But the most important thing that is missed in the enjoyment of each moment. We can never get moments back, but we waste so many rushing through life longing for the next best thing. When I work with riders, I tell them to slow everything down and enjoy the process. Sometimes in a clinic when I see a rider getting stressed and anxious, I will say imagine you ar on a trail ride and just enjoying the scenery. I encourage them to think about how they feel in the saddle when they are on a relaxing trail ride. It’s amazing the changes I see when they do this. They relax and both the rider and horse are happier, and they accomplish their goals. Recently a one-on-one client who is relatively new at riding and even newer at competing came back from an event and said as she was jumping a course, she suddenly heard me saying something like slow down and make it last. She did just that and really noticed a big positive, difference. So, slow down and enjoy this journey of life both on and off your horse. Don’t throw those precious moments away.

Mindfulness work is a practice. It helps us work with our fears and struggles. Fears and struggles still happen, but wit...
08/24/2026

Mindfulness work is a practice. It helps us work with our fears and struggles. Fears and struggles still happen, but with practice you can get better and managing them and getting through to the other side.

Mistakes and failures aren't the end of the road. Instead, they provide valuable opportunities to learn, grow, and build...
08/23/2026

Mistakes and failures aren't the end of the road. Instead, they provide valuable opportunities to learn, grow, and build a stronger foundation for reaching your goals. So don't give up just because you've hit a bump in the road – keep going with a positive mindset!

I spent a fantastic day judging the new hunter derby show Hunter Hack Farms LLC & Fferm Gwenffrwd Welsh Ponies yesterday...
08/23/2026

I spent a fantastic day judging the new hunter derby show Hunter Hack Farms LLC & Fferm Gwenffrwd Welsh Ponies yesterday! Beautifully run show, gorgeous course, fantastic views and weather and so well run! Congrats to all including exhibitors and organizers! Thanks Chrissy Southwick for inviting me to judge! It was an honor! ☺️🌞🐴 Make sure to put the show on your schedule for next year!

When you feel yourself getting stressed or frustrated with your riding stop for a moment and focus on your breath. Do so...
08/22/2026

When you feel yourself getting stressed or frustrated with your riding stop for a moment and focus on your breath. Do some deep inhales and exhales to release the tension and then just allow your breath to be relaxed and steady. When your mind begins to wander just come back to your breath. This can be done for just a minute or for as long as you would like. It is a great tool to use in all parts of your life. Your body will begin to relax and your mind will slow down. Then you should be able to discover what is causing your stress and create strategies to get unstuck and out of the stress cycle. We get stressed and then we focus on being stressed. Then we get more stressed worrying about being stressed. And so the cycle begins! Stopping and consciously going to your breath breaks that cycle and allows you to have more awareness around what is happening and how you can make positive changes.

This is a beautiful quote and can easily be applied to riding and to your relationship to your horse and to yourself. Do...
08/21/2026

This is a beautiful quote and can easily be applied to riding and to your relationship to your horse and to yourself. Don't try to accomplish things by force. Be open to listening to what your horse has to say and also to what is happening deep within you. Open you mind with compassion to understanding the messages you receive and answering them with kindness, gentleness and peace.

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Sherrill, NY
13461

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+13154279498

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