“I’ve been in a poor physical shape many times in my career and I’ve had some of my best results. My best performances happened because my mind was in the right place. The mind is definitely stronger than the body.”
It is surprising how much people and horses have in common.
I have been coaching and riding for 35 years and am still a dressage competitor. My interest in confidence began after I suffered a couple of nasty falls and the simplest thing became difficult: I struggled to get back on the horse.
There were other challenges at the time – my partner and I had sold our house and financial pressures seemed to hem us in even more than our temporary rented accommodation. When we finally moved out, it was into a place that needed a lot of work and I became very tired. The simple pressure of getting where I should be – on the back of a horse – was just too much. So I reached out. I got a coach of my own and discovered not only how to get back in the saddle but how to bring more confidence and better performance into my whole life.
““To achieve, you need thought. You have to know what you are doing and that’s real power.” ”
Helping you live a good life
I became fascinated by what was going on in the minds of riders. I was already very experienced at teaching and I had a long-formed understanding of horses and riders. But I wanted to find out why confidence played such a crucial part in their performance. I took every opportunity I could, becoming a NLP Sports Master Practitioner, gaining a UKCC Level 3 coaching certificate and a Level 3 certificate in counselling studies.
I want you to have something simple: a good life. For life to feel complete, enjoyable, with a balance that’s just right for you. When we begin to enjoy ourselves again, we inevitably perform better and reach the finish line faster. You might want to work hard and achieve a lot and that’s ok - with the right balance and right mindset, you can.
Want to find out more about me and how I work? Contact me for a chat or to meet for coffee.
Speaking engagements
Riding for 35 years, coaching high-level competitors and competing in national dressage arenas has given me plenty of stories to tell. If you would like me to come and speak at your riding or pony club, your college or event, don’t hesitate to get in touch.