The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast

Anchor Your Confidence | Music, Touch & Smells That Rewire Your Brain Confidence in the saddle isn’t something you’re born with, it’s something your brain learns. In this extended episode of The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast, equestrian mindset coach and hypnotherapist Neil Foster explores how riders can anchor calm, repeatable confidence using powerful yet simple tools: music, touch, and smell. You’ll discover: Why confidence disappears at competitions (and why you’re not broken) How your brain creates emotional associations, for better or worse How music can instantly calm nerves and steady focus Body-based touch techniques to ground confidence before and during a ride Why smell is the strongest memory trigger for riders How to stack confidence anchors into a reliable pre-ride routine This episode is perfect for riders who: Feel confident at home but struggle away from the yard Overthink, tense up, or lose belief under pressure Want practical mindset tools that actually work Are ready to rebuild confidence calmly and kindly 🎧 Join The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast Facebook Group for ongoing support, mindset tools, and rider conversations. 👍 If this episode helps, please like, subscribe, and share the podcast. 🔔 Don’t miss the next episode: Designing Your Rider Mindset Routine for 2026. Ride with confidence. Train your mindset. 

Unlock the secret tool top riders use every day - visualisation. In this powerful 120-minute episode, Neil Foster takes you step-by-step through how to use mental rehearsal before every ride, not just at competitions, to transform your confidence, consistency, and connection with your horse. You’ll learn: 🔥 The neuroscience behind why visualisation improves your riding 🔥 How to rehearse calm, confident, effective rides in your mind 🔥 Guided pre-ride visualisation exercises you can use daily 🔥 How to mentally practise rhythm, balance, transitions and jumping 🔥 Tools to reduce nerves, overcome blocks and ride with clarity 🔥 Real-life rider examples and mindset tips used by top performers 🔥 How visualisation rewires your brain and influences your horse’s behaviour Whether you’re an event rider, show jumper, dressage rider, or happy hacker, this episode will give you the mental tools to ride better, think clearer, and feel more confident every time you get in the saddle. 👉 Don’t forget to like, follow, share, and subscribe to support the podcast and help more riders transform their mindset. 👉 Join the Neil Foster Rider Mindset community for bonus content, live sessions, and deeper coaching. Next week: “Anchor Your Confidence – Using Music, Touch & Smells to Rewire Your Brain.” This is the episode every rider needs — download now and start riding with purpose, focus, and confidence.

Discover how to build unshakeable riding confidence using the same powerful mindset strategy that transformed the England Netball team under coach Tracy Neville. In this episode of The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast, Neil explores why celebrating small successes isn’t just a feel-good idea, it’s a proven performance tool that boosts confidence, motivation, and resilience in every rider. Whether you struggle with nerves, perfectionism, self-doubt, or simply want to feel more positive in the saddle, this episode gives you practical, easy-to-use tools you can apply today. You’ll learn how to spot 1% improvements, stay mentally strong during tough rides, and build a partnership with your horse based on progress, not pressure. Neil also shares personal stories from his own yard, helping you feel seen, supported, and connected. Join the conversation by sharing your own small wins inside the Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast Facebook group. 👉 Want more free mindset tips, episode updates, and exclusive insights? Join Neil’s mailing list  Perfect for riders who want a calmer mind, a stronger partnership, and a more joyful riding journey.

In this episode of The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast, Neil explores the rise of a new generation of dressage riders who lead with empathy, softness, emotional intelligence, and true horse-first training. You’ll learn: What today’s most influential riders are doing differently Why this approach is transforming the future of dressage How emotional regulation and rider mindset directly impact your horse Practical tools you can use to ride with more clarity, confidence, and connection How everyday riders can help build a more ethical, positive equestrian culture Whether you compete, train at home, or simply want a deeper connection with your horse, this episode will inspire you to bring curiosity, calmness, and feel into every ride. Perfect for dressage riders, coaches, amateurs, and anyone passionate about horse-centred training. If you believe the future of dressage should be kinder, softer, more intelligent, and more connected, this is the episode for you. Tune in now and become part of the positive change.

In this empowering episode of The Neil Foster Rider Mindset Podcast, equestrian mindset coach Neil Foster reveals how your breathing patterns can transform your confidence, calm, and connection with your horse, especially under pressure. Discover how the autonomic nervous system affects your riding performance, why nasal breathing helps you stay grounded, and learn science-based breathwork techniques you can start using today. Neil guides you through practical breathing exercises like the 4-6 pattern and Box Breathing to help you regulate nerves, improve focus, and ride with calm confidence. Whether you’re preparing for competition or simply want to enjoy your rides more, this episode will help you breathe better, think clearer, and ride with purpose. FREE GIFT: Download your Free Breathwork Guide for Riders with step-by-step breathing techniques and exercises mentioned in this episode at  FREE Download