The what-if spiral — what if he spooks, what if I fall — is one of the most common things riders do. Here's a simple way to work with those thoughts instead of being ruled by them.

A rider I have worked with wrote something recently that I have not been able to stop thinking about. She described being forty, and quietly deciding she would sell her horse and get a Shetland instead. Not because she wanted a Shetland. Because, in her words, it was "a valid reason to never have to ride again but I would still get the horsey fix." I read that and thought: there it is. That is the bit nobody says out loud. Photo credit: Equiteam The bargain riders make with t

"No, You Won't Start Clucking Like a Chicken" - Understand hypnotherapy for equestrians. Let's bust myths: "You'll lose control" → You're fully aware (like daydreaming in the car) "It's mind control" → You can't be made to do anything against your will "Only for 'serious' issues" → Works for everything from show nerves to hacking fear Real Rider Story: Kate's Breakthrough Before: Course walks had become the part she dreaded Would constantly cancel or avoid competitors After o

The Challenge: "I Loved Riding... Until I Didn't". How to stop being nervous when riding. Let’s be honest—there’s nothing worse than loving horses but being terrified to ride your own. That’s where Client Z was when we first started working together. They’d owned their horse for a year, but what should have been exciting rides had turned into a battle with their own mind. After having a horse of a lifetime, then a break after losing her, she bought an ex racer and for a varie

Sarah worked with Fresh Focus Therapy at the beginning of this year to help tackle and confront her struggles with self-doubt, emerging with a newfound confidence and empowerment. Through introspection, guidance and using a range or CBT techniques, Sarah learned to navigate the complexities of her thoughts and emotions, leaving her equipped to manage challenges in the short but also long term. “I feel like I’ve gained a new found belief & confidence in myself that I never k

Introduction: Meet Client C, an experienced rider with a passion for horses and a deep connection to her beloved horses. Despite her years of experience and her affection for her horses, Client C found herself grappling with feelings of anxiety and frustration, particularly when riding her spirited gelding. She had always trusted her mare explicitly, so these new feelings with her gelding were hard to grapple with. However, through a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therap

"A revolutionary change in our riding" I have been following Marks inspirational journey online for a while. In 2023 he decided he wanted to become a showjumper, despite never having sat on a horse before! But he bought his amazing horse Boysie, has a great network around him and has been documenting his incredible journey on Tik Tok. So, when I had the chance to work with Mark I jumped at the chance. Mark's journey into the world of show jumping was filled with determina

Client A has been riding forever, her gorgeous horse is a huge part of her life and together they train, go out and compete and have fun. However, there were some elements of her mindset that were holding her back, especially when training at home. In some situations, she had feelings of nervousness, tension, and self-doubt, particularly when riding alone and anticipating potential spooks from her horse. Overthinking and worrying about falling off plagued her mindset, hinderi

Meet Client D, a passionate individual with a deep love for horses, whose dreams were clouded by the lingering shadows of recent bad accidents with horses resulting in overwhelming fears. As a cognitive-behavioural hypnotherapist, I had the privilege of accompanying Client D on a four-session journey towards rediscovering her confidence, reclaiming her passion for horses, and rebuilding a positive self-image. Client's Issues: Client D approached me with a myriad of challenges

Introduction: In this case study, we explore the transformative journey of Client C, who grappled with self-doubt and longstanding negative behaviours in certain relationships. Through the power of Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy (CBH), Client C embarked on a path of self-discovery, gaining confidence and inner peace. Background: Client C struggled with self-doubt and negative behaviours within certain family, friend and workplace dynamics. Her confidence wavered, leading

Meet Client R, an avid showjumper with a talented horse, a commitment to train and ambitious to push themselves. However she found herself grappling with major anxiety leading up to competitions. This case study delves into her journey towards overcoming showjumping anxiety through the transformative power of Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy (CBH). Background: Client R experienced heightened stress, irritability, and anxiety in the days leading up to showjumping competition

Unleashing Confidence and Embracing New Riding Experiences In the equestrian world, riding isn't just a hobby; it's a way of life for many. This blog post delves into the personal journey of an individual who, confronted with riding anxiety and a diminishing passion for their once-beloved activity, found solace and renewed confidence through two sessions of cognitive-behavioral hypnotherapy with the skilled therapist, Kerry. Presenting Issue: A Crisis of Confidence in the Sad

In the fast-paced world of today, workplace confidence can make all the difference between thriving and merely surviving. This blog post delves into the inspiring journey of Client R, who, guided by the expertise of cognitive-behavioral hypnotherapist Kerry, conquered workplace confidence issues and emerged as a more self-assured individual. Understanding the Challenge: Client R's initial struggles were all too familiar — negative self-talk, constant comparisons to others, an

Competitions can drive anxiety at any level. Whether it be a local event with your riding club through to large BE events. And that anxiety, fear and nervousness can come at different stages, as you enter the ring or the day before as you are loading up your equipment in preparation. Eitherway, those feelings can take the fun and joy away from the day. For some this may mean you are being snappy with your friends at your yard, or you simply shut down and don’t end up going. T