Louise is a BHS Accredited Professional Coach, Master NLP Practitioner and holds a Masters in Equine Science. She runs Rider Mentality, an organisation which delivers mindset training to support equestrians better understand their horses behavior, and their own.
Rider Mentality: Empowering Equestrians Through Mindset and Understanding
- What is Rider Mentality?
- The Importance of Mindset in Equestrian Success
- Bridging the Knowledge Gap
- Key Skills for Equestrian Development
- A Brighter Future for Equestrians and their Horses
What is Rider Mentality?
At Rider Mentality, I specialize in equestrian coaching with a focus on both horse and equestrian mindset. Combining my Master NLP training with certifications like the Centre 10 APEC (Applied Psychology for Equestrian Coaches Advanced Coach) and BHS APC, as well as ongoing professional development, I work with equestrians to gain a deeper understanding of their current mindset. By doing so it enables them to take more control of their mental approach, leading to more consistent achievement of their desired outcomes.
In addition to my qualifications in NLP, Psychology and Equestrian coaching, I also hold a Master’s degree in Equine Science. This, combined with practical experience, helps me guide equestrians in understanding horse behavior. My goal is for equestrians to develop a clearer picture of their horses’ needs and behaviors, treating them as horses, not extensions of human thought and behavior. I aim to bridge the gap between scientific principles and everyday equestrian practices, so equestrians can apply evidence based knowledge to their care and handling of horses.
The Importance of Mindset in Equestrian Success
Mindset is a critical yet often overlooked factor in achieving success, especially at the professional level. Along with mindset, horse welfare is paramount across all equestrian disciplines, particularly in light of recent scandals. Anything that can improve the understanding and empathy with which we produce and care for our horses is crucial. This approach not only enhances horse welfare but also helps equestrians improve their skills.
At this moment, many equine disciplines face increasing scrutiny, and there’s a real fear that certain practices could come under threat. This makes understanding and empathy more important than ever—not just for the welfare of horses, but to help produce better, more compassionate equestrians.
Bridging the Knowledge Gap
I believe that a lack of knowledge is a major issue in the equestrian industry today.
The first step towards positive change is education. While the majority of equestrians are not purposefully cruel, many inadvertently cause harm due to a lack of understanding.
Unfortunately, the industry often benefits from people not fully grasping the complexities of horse care and behavior. This ignorance can lead to exploitation and perpetuate a toxic culture that we often accept without questioning.
Many equestrians, particularly those who are newer to the sport or less confident in their abilities, can be vulnerable to exploitation due to a lack of understanding of their own rights and the proper care their horses deserve. Without confidence in their knowledge, they may feel pressured to accept practices or training methods that aren’t in the best interest of their horses—or themselves. At Rider Mentality, we are committed to counteracting this by focusing on key areas that empower equestrians to develop a deeper understanding of both themselves and their horses.
Key Skills for Equestrian Development
- Self-Awareness:
Understanding what’s going on in your mind is crucial to achieving your equestrian goals. By increasing self-awareness, equestrians can better influence their thoughts and actions, helping them reach desired outcomes more effectively. - Self-Compassion:
Equestrian life is full of ups and downs. Developing self-compassion allows equestrians to build resilience, helping them bounce back from setbacks and maintain a positive mindset. - Understanding Horse Behavior:
Gaining a deeper understanding of your horse’s behavior leads to stronger communication and more effective training. By learning to recognize what your horse is telling you, equestrians can form a stronger, more empathetic bond. - Optimizing Thinking:
Equestrians can harness the therapeutic benefits that horses provide by optimizing their thinking. With the right mindset, equestrians can not only improve their own well-being but also enhance their relationship with their horses.
A Brighter Future for Equestrians and their Horses
At Rider Mentality, we believe that by developing these skills, equestrians can
experience a profound transformation. This growth benefits not only the equestrians
themselves but also their horses, leading to more harmonious, productive, and
fulfilling relationships in the arena and beyond.
Want to work with Louise? You can connect with her on social media, and explore her courses here: