The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast

Riding Through Doubt - Tackling Imposter Syndrome in the Saddle

Feeling like a fraud in the saddle? You’re not alone, and you don’t have to stay stuck in that mindset. In this powerful episode of The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast, “Riding Through Doubt: Tackling Imposter Syndrome in the Saddle,” Neil dives deep into the silent struggle so many riders face but rarely talk about. With relatable stories, science-backed insights, and practical mindset tools, Neil helps riders recognise imposter syndrome for what it is, a mental roadblock, not a reflection of truth. Whether you're new to the sport or headed to championships, this episode will remind you that you belong in the saddle, just as you are. Tune in for a guided visualisation, rider-tested strategies, and a heartfelt message - you’re not an imposter! you’re a rider! 
Click here to join the Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast Facebook Group 

Badminton 2025 Cross-Country Calm - Elite Mental Strategies You Can Steal

This week’s episode of The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast takes you inside the mindset behind one of the most high-stakes events in the sport  - the 2025 Badminton Horse Trials cross-country day. From pre-ride mental routines to handling score changes under pressure, host Neil Foster breaks down the habits, thoughts, and emotional control that helped riders like Oliver Townend and Ros Canter deliver world-class performances. Whether you're an amateur or elite, this episode is packed with insight on presence under pressure, mental recovery, and building the micro-habits that lead to consistency. Plus, Neil shares a powerful mindset question to reflect on — and invites you to join the conversation inside the Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast Facebook Group. Tune in, take notes, and sharpen your competitive edge.
Join the Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/8970026529765474/
And watch out for this week's FREE guided visualisation

Ride the Moment - Short Guided Visualisation Practice to Help You to Step into the Arena with Calm, Clarity and Confidence

If you’re heading into a competition, feeling the nerves build, or just need a moment to refocus, this bonus episode of The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast is exactly what you need. “Ride the Moment” is a short, guided visualization and affirmation practice designed to help you reset mentally, reconnect with your horse, and step into the arena with calm, clarity, and confidence. Whether you're in the warm-up ring or on the way to the show, this is your tool to quiet the noise and ride from a place of presence and purpose. Take a few minutes to ground yourself—and ride the moment, not the outcome.
 

Bouncing Back from Basel: Kevin Staut, Stoicism and the Science of Self-Belief

If you’ve ever faced a tough day in the saddle and wondered how to mentally bounce back stronger, this episode of The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast is for you. In “Bouncing Back from Basel: Kevin Staut, Stoicism, and the Science of Self-Belief,” Neil unpacks a powerful mindset shift inspired by Olympic show jumper Kevin Staut—one that can help you ride with more clarity, confidence, and calm. You’ll learn practical tools like the Control Circle and science-backed affirmations to reframe pressure and reconnect with your horse, even after disappointment. Tune in for real talk, timeless wisdom, and actionable strategies to ride from intention—not fear.
Don't forget to listen to the Bonus Episode where I've created a short, 10 minute visualisation and affirmation practice called "Ride the Moment".
You can use it before a competition, in the warm-up, or anytime you need to reset your mind and reconnect with your horse.
You'll find it right after this episode
If today’s episode of The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast resonated with you, if it helped you see disappointment in a new way or reminded you that mindset is the foundation of every great ride. Don't stop here. Join the conversation and deepen your journey by becoming part of The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast Facebook Community. It’s a supportive space where riders like you connect, share insights, and build resilience together. Whether you want to reflect on Kevin Staut’s wisdom, explore Stoic principles in the saddle, or simply find others who are committed to riding with clarity over chaos—this group is where that growth continues. We’d love to have you with us.

The Mental Side of Horse Welfare - and What the New FEI Rules Mean for Rider Mindset

If you're a rider who truly wants to deepen your connection with your horse, this is the podcast episode you can’t afford to miss. In this powerful installment of The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast, Neil takes you beyond the arena to explore how the newest FEI horse welfare rules are not just reshaping the sport — they’re challenging us to evolve as riders. It’s a deeply thoughtful, honest look at how our mindset impacts the wellbeing of our horses, and why real horsemanship starts from within. You’ll come away inspired, reflective, and equipped with practical shifts you can make today — not just to follow new rules, but to become the kind of rider your horse would choose every time. Ready to ride with heart? Hit play and join the movement.
To join the discussion in The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast Community on Facebook just click the link
The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast Community

From Trauma to Triumph

Trauma Leads to Triumph
Have you ever felt like past riding experiences—falls, setbacks, grief, or even criticism—are still riding with you, holding you back from the joy and confidence you once felt in the saddle?
In this powerful episode of The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast, we’re digging deep into how trauma doesn’t have to be the end of your story—it can be the beginning of your comeback.
We explore how trauma impacts your brain and body—and how you can rewire both using neuroscience-backed mindset tools, breathing strategies, and powerful visualisation techniques that help you reclaim your confidence and ride with calm, control, and purpose again.
You’ll learn:
✅ What trauma really is (it’s not just the dramatic stuff!)✅ Why your brain feels unsafe even when you “know” you’re fine✅ How to start reprogramming fear and building confidence✅ 5 practical tools you can use before your next ride✅ Why small steps matter more than big leaps in recovery✅ And how you can turn fear into focus—one breath at a time
Learning Points Include:
How grounding and breathwork soothe your nervous system
Why visualisation rewires your brain for success
The role of micro wins in long-term resilience
How to shift your self-talk from doubt to determination
Why coaching is a smart investment for your mental game
Reflection Questions to Ask Yourself:
What riding experience may have left a lingering emotional imprint?
What’s one small “towards move” I can take this week?
Where am I expecting perfection instead of progress?
What kind of rider do I want to become on the other side of healing?
Don’t keep this to yourself! Come join the conversation inside the Neil Foster Rider Mindset Facebook Group—a safe, encouraging space where riders like you are learning to grow through what they’ve gone through. Share your reflections, ask questions, and connect with others rewriting their rider story.
Click here to join The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast Group
Listen now to “Trauma Leads to Triumph” and discover why your struggles might just be the foundation of your greatest strength.

Start Where You Are - The Mindful, Scientific & Philosophical Approach to Rider Progressstart Where You Are

Ready to transform your riding from the inside out?
In this powerful episode of The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast, equestrian mindset coach Neil Foster invites you to stop waiting for the "perfect moment" and embrace the radical, liberating truth: Start Where You Are. Blending Buddhist mindfulness, Stoic philosophy, and cutting-edge neuroscience, Neil guides riders through a mindset shift that fosters calm, confidence, and true connection — both with yourself and your horse. Whether you’re stuck in self-doubt or chasing perfection, this episode offers grounded wisdom and practical tools to help you ride with presence, train with purpose, and grow from exactly where you are. 🎧 Saddle up your mindset — this is one you won’t want to miss.
Don't forget to join the Neil Foster Rider Mindset Facebook Group and join in the weekly interactive riding challenges and join the supportive community of like minded equestrians
https://www.facebook.com/groups/8970026529765474/
 

Small Wins, Big Strides – The High-Five Habit for Equestrians

Small Wins, Big Strides – The High-Five Habit for Equestrians
In this empowering episode of The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast, I share with you how celebrating small wins can create big, lasting transformation in the saddle and beyond.
Drawing from neuroscience and inspired by Mel Robbins’ powerful book The High 5 Habit, you’ll learn why giving yourself credit—no matter how small the progress—can boost your confidence, fuel motivation, and build emotional resilience in your riding journey.
Whether you’re getting back in the saddle after a setback or working toward your next big goal, this episode will help you shift from self-criticism to self-celebration.
PLUS: Download your free Victory Log + High 5 Tracker—a printable tool designed to help you reflect on your daily wins and make self-support a habit.
🎁 Grab the free mindset tracker by following me on Instagram and Facebook - Neil Foster Equestrian Peak Performance Mindset Coach
 
 

Mindset and Mastery - The Power of Mental Resilience in Dressage

Welcome to The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast, where we explore the power of mental strength, resilience, and mindset in the equestrian world. In this episode, we dive into the crucial role of mindset in dressage, featuring the inspiring success of Anna Marek at CDI Ocala. Learn how elite riders master their mental game, from visualisation and hypnosis to mindfulness and resilience. Whether you're a competitive dressage rider or training for personal growth, these strategies will help you stay focused, confident, and perform at your best. Tune in and elevate your riding mindset today!

Trusting the Ups and Downs of Equestrian Growth

In this inspiring episode of The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast, I dive into one of the most important lessons every equestrian must learn—progress isn’t linear. Whether you’re an experienced rider or just starting out, setbacks are a natural part of the journey. Instead of viewing them as failures, this episode explores how to embrace challenges, trust the ups and downs, and develop the resilience needed to grow as both a rider and a partner to your horse. Through powerful insights, and practical mindset shifts, you’ll learn how to reframe frustration into opportunity, celebrate the small victories, and stay motivated even on tough days. So, take a deep breath, trust the process, and join me for an uplifting conversation about what it truly means to grow in the saddle.