Confidence in the Saddle Starts in the Mind
- CoachShannon
- Mar 3
- 2 min read
One of the most rewarding parts of my work as a coach is helping riders break through mental barriers that hold them back. So when Western Horseman featured me in their recent article, Building Cowgirls with Confidence, it was a special moment—not just for me, but for the message I’m so passionate about sharing.
Confidence in the saddle isn’t just about riding more or practicing harder. It’s about learning how to trust yourself, how to shift self-doubt into belief, and how to train your mind just as intentionally as you train your horse. Riders who don’t believe in their abilities often ride in a defensive position, second-guessing every move. That hesitation doesn’t just affect the rider—it affects the horse, too.
In my coaching, I focus on a structured approach to building confidence:
✔️ Identify the real issue. What’s holding you back—your skills, your horse’s training, or your own self-image?
✔️ Have a plan for every ride. Confidence grows when you know what success looks like.
✔️ Celebrate progress. Acknowledge every small victory to reinforce trust in yourself.
✔️ Shift to solution-focused thinking. Instead of dwelling on what went wrong, train your brain to look for solutions.
This is why I created RideLife Digital. I wanted a space where riders and trainers could continue learning beyond lessons and clinics—where they could connect, share experiences, and support one another through the ups and downs of this sport. Whether it's through coaching, master courses, or our private digital community, my goal is always the same: helping riders build confidence, knowledge, and a better partnership with their horses.
Special thanks to Kate Bradley Byars for capturing my philosophy and desire to cheer people on. Being featured in this article was a great reminder of why I love what I do. If you're ready to take the next step in your riding journey, I invite you to learn more about my coaching and explore RideLife as a tool to support your progress.