Elevate your mind. Transform your ride.

Learn about my online and on-site performance consultation services for equestrians of all levels

When your hand or leg position isn’t really the problem

You may feel frustrated by inconsistent performances—struggling with pre-show nerves, overthinking in the ring, losing confidence after a bad round, or feeling like your mental game can't keep up with your riding skills. Performance anxiety, perfectionism, fear after a fall, or constant self-criticism can make competition feel overwhelming and rob you of the joy that brought you to this sport in the first place. Or perhaps you're riding well but know there's another level you haven't quite reached—you want to sharpen your focus, develop more effective pre-ride routines, or build the mental consistency that separates good riders from great ones. That's where sport and performance psychology can help.

Imagine being so focused in the ring that it’s like no one else exists

I help riders unlock their full potential through evidence-based performance psychology and personalized mental skills training. Whether you're competing at the highest levels or working toward your next breakthrough, I identify the mental barriers holding you back and create tailored strategies that deliver real results when it matters most. My clients develop unshakeable confidence that carries them into the ring, achieve consistent performance under competition pressure, experience freedom from anxiety, overthinking, and self-doubt, and gain mental clarity that strengthens their partnership with their horse. From managing pre-show nerves to developing pre-ride routines to bouncing back from disappointing rounds, I bring specialized expertise in the psychology of equestrian sport—because your mindset is just as important as your riding skills.

Sessions from your couch or in the saddle

Whether you're based across the country or at a barn down the road, I offer flexible service options designed to meet you where you are. Online sessions provide consistent support no matter your competition schedule or location—perfect for regular mental skills training, pre-show preparation, or processing a tough weekend from the comfort of your own space. For riders who benefit from in-person connection, on-site consulting brings performance psychology directly to your training environment, where I can observe you and your horse in action, work through real-time challenges as they arise, and integrate mental skills training seamlessly into your existing routine. Many clients find value in combining both approaches—maintaining momentum through virtual sessions while scheduling periodic on-site visits for intensive work during critical training phases or competition seasons. The goal is the same regardless of format: giving you the tools and support you need to perform at your best when it matters most.

Methods and modalities

Motivation & Goal Setting

Motivation is the driving force behind why you ride and compete, but it's not always consistent—especially when progress stalls or pressure builds. Understanding what truly fuels your commitment, whether it's the thrill of competition, your bond with your horse, or personal growth, helps you tap into that energy even during difficult times. Working on motivation means identifying what matters most to you, recognizing when external pressures drain your drive, and reconnecting with the deeper reasons you keep showing up.

Goal setting transforms big ambitions into a clear, actionable roadmap. Effective goals aren't just about winning—they include performance goals you can control (like maintaining rhythm or staying present), process goals that build skills (like practicing routines or visualization), and outcome goals that give direction (like moving up a level). When goals are specific, measurable, and aligned with your motivation, they provide structure, help you track progress, and keep you moving forward even when results come slowly.

Competition Preparation & Performance

Competition preparation is about developing consistent routines and mental strategies that help you show up ready to perform your best when it counts. This includes everything from pre-show planning and visualization to managing logistics and nerves in the days leading up to competition. Effective preparation means knowing exactly what to do mentally and physically before you enter the ring—whether that's a warm-up routine that gets you focused, breathing techniques that calm your nerves, or mental cues that keep you present. When you have a reliable preparation process, competition day feels less chaotic and more like executing a plan you've practiced and trust.

Performance under pressure is where all your training comes together, and it's also where mental skills make the biggest difference. Learning to stay focused despite distractions, recover quickly from mistakes mid-round, manage adrenaline so it helps rather than hinders you, and trust your training when stakes are high are all skills you can develop systematically. Performance work focuses on helping you access your best riding consistently in competition so you can execute under pressure, adapt to unexpected challenges, and finish knowing you gave your genuine best effort regardless of the outcome.

Overcoming Anxiety & Setbacks

Managing anxiety means learning to work with your nerves rather than letting them control you. Some anxiety is normal and even helpful, but when it becomes overwhelming, causes physical tension, or leads to avoidance, it actively hurts your performance. Through techniques like controlled breathing, cognitive reframing, and grounding strategies, you can recognize early signs of anxiety, interrupt unhelpful thought patterns, and return to a state where you can think clearly and ride effectively.

Overcoming setbacks is critical, as disappointments and challenges are inevitable. How you respond to a bad round, a fall, an injury, or feeling stuck in your progress often determines whether you grow stronger or stay discouraged. Building resilience means processing disappointment without spiraling, extracting lessons without dwelling on failures, maintaining perspective, and returning to productive training with your confidence intact. Setbacks don't have to derail you—they can become opportunities to develop grit.

My philosophy

I believe that mental skills are just as trainable as physical ones—and just as essential to success in the saddle. Every rider's journey is different, shaped by their unique goals, experiences, and the specific demands of their discipline and partnership with their horse. I don't believe in one-size-fits-all approaches or generic advice. Instead, I take time to understand what's actually getting in your way and what you're working toward, then we collaboratively build strategies grounded in evidence-based sport psychology that fit your life, your training schedule, and your competitive reality. My role is to help you understand how your mind works under pressure, identify what's holding you back, and systematically develop the mental edge that allows your riding skills to shine through consistently. Ultimately, I'm here to help you become not just a better competitor, but a more confident, mentally strong rider who can handle whatever the sport throws your way.

My services

Improve your ride. Individual consultation provides personalized, one-on-one support tailored to your specific goals and challenges. We identify mental barriers holding you back and build practical, evidence-based strategies you can use immediately in training and competition. Sessions are flexible—whether you need ongoing support, targeted pre-competition preparation, or help overcoming specific challenges like anxiety or lost confidence. Sport and performance psychology is used by the best athletes in the world, and equestrians are no different.
Learn how to help your child maximize their potential. Support for parents helps you understand how to best encourage your rider's development without adding pressure or creating conflict. We work on navigating the unique challenges of being a competitive equestrian parent—managing your own emotions at shows, communicating effectively about goals and expectations, and knowing when to step in versus step back. Sessions provide practical strategies for supporting your rider's mental health and performance while maintaining a healthy parent-child relationship through the ups and downs of this demanding sport.
Gain additional knowledge to coach your best. Education for coaches helps you develop effective strategies for supporting your riders' mental performance and creating a training environment where they can thrive under pressure. We collaborate on recognizing signs of performance anxiety or mental blocks, communicating in ways that build confidence rather than increase pressure, and integrating mental skills training into your existing program. Sessions provide practical tools you can use immediately to help your riders develop resilience, focus, and consistency while strengthening the coach-rider relationship.