The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast

Why Riders Quit and How to Build Long-Lasting Motivation

Have you ever thought about giving up riding? This happens to a lot of riders. In this episode of The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast, Neil explores the real reasons riders quit, from burnout, fear, and comparison to unrealistic expectations, and shares practical, proven strategies to help you reignite your passion and stay motivated for the long haul.
You’ll discover:
The psychology of motivation and why it rises and falls
How NLP, hypnosis, and coaching tools can shift your mindset
Simple strategies to build lasting confidence and joy in the saddle
Why reconnecting with your deeper “why” keeps you riding through challenges
Whether you’re a competitive equestrian or a rider who simply loves spending time with your horse, this episode will give you the tools, encouragement, and belief to keep showing up, even when it feels tough.
Subscribe now and join our supportive rider community in the Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast Facebook Group

Mental Stamina For Equestrians - Training Your Mind for Achieving Your Goals

In this episode of the Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast, Neil dives deep into the power of mental stamina for equestrians, and how training your mind is just as important as training your horse.
You’ll learn practical tools and mindset strategies to stay focused, resilient, and confident, whether you’re schooling at home, facing competition nerves, or bouncing back from setbacks. From goal-setting and consistency, to journaling, visualisation, and real-life examples, Neil shares the mental training techniques that help riders achieve their equestrian goals without burning out.
If you’ve ever struggled with riding confidence, self-doubt, or the pressure of competition, this episode will give you the clarity and encouragement to keep going.
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This is your reminder that mental stamina is a skill you can build and it might just be the missing piece between where you are now and the rider you want to become.
Perfect for: competitive riders, everyday equestrians, horse owners, and anyone who wants to improve their confidence, focus, and mental strength in the saddle.

The Power of Curiosity in Rider Progress

Are you ready to unlock a new level of confidence and progress in your riding? In this episode of The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast, we dive into the power of curiosity, a mindset tool that helps riders replace self-judgment with self-discovery.
So often, equestrians focus on discipline, courage, and determination, but curiosity is the missing ingredient that transforms mistakes into growth. When you get curious instead of critical, your brain learns faster, your confidence grows, and your connection with your horse deepens.
In this extended episode, Neil Foster, Equestrian Mindset Coach, shares:- What curiosity really means for riders- The neuroscience of curiosity and how it accelerates learning- Real stories of riders who used curiosity to overcome nerves, perfectionism, and fear- Practical tools and journaling prompts to build curiosity into your training and competitions
- Why curiosity builds lasting rider confidence
Whether you’re a dressage rider, showjumper, eventer, or simply love hacking, this episode will give you the mindset tools to ride with more calmness, clarity, and connection.
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The Distraction Dump - Emptying Your Mind Before Riding

Episode DescriptionIn this episode of The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast, Neil shares a powerful mental tool for equestrians: the Distraction Dump – a simple process to clear your mind before riding so you can focus fully on your horse. Discover why riders often feel mentally overloaded, how distractions affect your connection in the saddle, and step-by-step strategies to release the noise of daily life before you put your foot in the stirrup. With practical tips, real-life examples, and mindset exercises, you’ll learn how to ride with greater calm, presence, and confidence. Perfect for riders of all disciplines – eventing, showjumping, dressage, or hacking – this episode will help you build a stronger partnership with your horse by first clearing space in your own mind.

The Rider’s Gratitude Reset: Horse Riding Confidence, Equestrian Mindset & Hypnosis

In this uplifting episode of The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast, Neil Foster, Peak Performance Mindset Coach, shares how a simple gratitude practice for riders can transform your evenings, improve sleep, and build lasting horse riding confidence. Discover the neuroscience of gratitude, timeless wisdom from Stoicism and Buddhism, and quick mindset exercises you can use every night to reset after time in the saddle.
Neil also explains how hypnosis for horse riders can deepen your gratitude practice, calm your mind, and rewire your brain for success. Plus, get access to a free Rider’s Gratitude Reset Audio download to help you drift off peacefully and wake up motivated.
Join the community inside The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast Facebook Group, and follow Neil on Instagram and Facebook for daily equestrian mindset coaching and peak performance strategies. Listen now and learn how gratitude can turn frustration into focus, calm, and joy in your riding.

Create Your Competition Mindset Routine for Equestrians

Step into the arena with calm, confidence, and focus. In this episode of The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast, mindset coach Neil Foster walks you through building a proven Competition Mindset Routine for show day.
Discover how to prepare your mind and body in four simple phases:
The Night Before – reduce stress and prime your mindset
The Morning Of – fuel, focus, and steady your nerves
Warm Up – breathe, connect, and ride with clarity
Post-Round – debrief, reframe, and build lasting confidence
You’ll learn how to use mindfulness, NLP, and hypnosis to manage nerves, sharpen focus, and ride your best under pressure.
Plus: grab your free Competition Mindset Routine Checklist & Builder to personalise your own pre-show ritual and start competing with confidence. The link is in The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast Facebook Group
👉 Join The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast Facebook Group, sign up for the mailing list, and don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe so more riders can ride with confidence.

The Power of Language: How to Speak to Yourself Like a Champion | Inside the Rider’s Mind Series

Episode 8 – The Power of Language: How to Speak to Yourself Like a Champion | Inside the Rider’s Mind Series
What you say to yourself in the saddle matters more than you think. In this episode of the Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast, Rider Peak Performance Mindset Coach Neil Foster explores how self-talk shapes your confidence, body language, and results in the arena.
Discover the neuroscience behind how words affect your brain and performance, why casual negative phrases sabotage your riding, and how to flip them into empowering “champion language.” You’ll learn:
The science of how language rewires your mindset
Common rider self-talk mistakes that undermine confidence
Practical examples of performance-driven phrasing
The simple Language Audit tool to transform your mindset today
Plus, Neil shares powerful rider language drills and a free Rider’s Language Audit Worksheet to help you change the way you speak to yourself, and your horse,  starting right now.
🎧 Perfect for competitive riders, nervous riders, and anyone who wants to ride with more focus, belief, and confidence.
Click Here to download your FREE Language Audit tool
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Building Resilience: When Things Don’t Go to Plan

Building Resilience: When Things Don’t Go to Plan – Inside the Rider’s Mind with Neil Foster
In this empowering episode, equestrian mindset coach Neil Foster reveals how riders can develop mental toughness, overcome fear, and bounce back stronger after injury, loss of confidence, competition nerves, or show-day pressure. Discover the 3 C’s of Resilience - Control, Challenge, Commitment, and learn how to apply them in your riding life to boost performance and confidence in the saddle. Neil dives into the neuroscience of resilience, proven sports psychology techniques, and timeless Stoic philosophy to help you manage setbacks, reduce anxiety, and ride with focus. Packed with practical tips for dressage riders, show jumpers, eventers, and leisure riders, this episode is essential listening for anyone who wants to improve their mindset, build confidence, and achieve their riding goals. Join the Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast Facebook Group, subscribe for exclusive equestrian mindset tips, and start building the mental strength to ride at your best.

Visualisation: Seeing the Round Before You Ride It | Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast

Visualisation: Seeing the Round Before You Ride It | Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast
Struggle with nerves in the arena? Wish you could ride your course with more confidence and clarity?
In this powerful episode, equestrian mindset coach Neil Foster breaks down the art and science of visualisation for riders, how to mentally rehearse your round before you ever enter the arena. Discover the neuroscience behind why visualisation works, the common mistakes riders make, and how to use all five senses to create a mental blueprint for success.
You'll also experience a guided visualisation to help you ride with calm, focus, and flow, plus tips on using hypnosis to make your imagery even more effective.
Download your free Visualisation Skills Guide in the Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast Facebook Group 
Perfect for showjumpers, dressage riders, eventers and everyday equestrians who want to perform at their best, from the inside out.
#EquestrianMindset #RiderConfidence #HorsePodcast #PerformanceCoaching #Visualisation #EquestrianTraining

Episode 5 – Focus Like a Pro: Train Your Mind Like You Train Your Horse

🎧 Episode 5 – Focus Like a Pro: Train Your Mind Like You Train Your Horse
What if your ability to focus, not just your horse’s talent, is the missing link to peak performance in the arena?
In this powerful episode, equestrian mindset coach Neil Foster unpacks one of the most overlooked mental skills in equestrian sport: focus. Whether you're competing at regionals or riding for pleasure, how you think directly impacts how you ride.
You'll learn:• Why focus is your competitive superpower• The neuroscience behind riding under pressure• The difference between passive and focused riding• Proven tools like NLP, hypnosis, and mindfulness to sharpen your mental edge• Neil’s 3-Minute Pre-Ride Focus Drill you can use today• Real coaching stories from riders who’ve unlocked next-level performance
If you’ve ever overthought a test, frozen under pressure, or left the arena feeling mentally exhausted, this episode is for you.
Master your mindset. Lead with clarity. Ride with purpose.
Subscribe to Inside the Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast for weekly mindset strategies that build confidence, focus, and calm in the saddle.Click here to join the free The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast Facebook group, download guided audios, or connect with Neil directly.
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