Mental Skills for Equestrians - Think Better, Ride Better So what exactly does a mental skills coach do?
I work with clients of all ages and riding abilities —using evidence-based mental skills and mindset strategies to help them perform better in whatever equestrian sport they do. Some of the big things I work with them on are calming down or gearing up before a big event, managing anxiety before and during performance, helping them to develop positive self-talk and imagery scenarios, and building m
03/09/2026
Happy 12th Birthday my beautiful Champagne Dream.
Our journey together has been full of surprises, and unexpected twists and turns, and I'm so so glad she is part of my story.
This year is a very special one. Cheri is carrying a little dream of her own, and I can't wait to meet the foal she’s growing.
Happy birthday, precious girl 💕🦄🦄
Day 1 of concussion rehab… and apparently, I have homework. 😅🧠
When Dr Mike Marshall told me there were two very good reasons to start my concussion rehabilitation straight away, I listened:
1️⃣ Get better, quicker.
2️⃣ Learn what good concussion recovery actually looks like — so I can better understand it for myself, and for my clients, riders and friends.
Because the science has moved on.
It’s not simply “go home, rest and wait until you feel better.”
Recovery is active. It’s structured. It’s individual. And apparently… it’s work! 😂
Today I met Jo, my concussion rehab physio. Tomorrow she assesses me properly — and then I get my first lot of homework. 💪
I’m actually looking forward to seeing what this process involves, and I’ll be sharing it as I go.
Because one thing I’m learning already:
A head injury deserves to be taken seriously.
And recovery deserves to be done properly.
One step at a time. 💕🦄🌸
I wasn’t planning to take a break from riding. Charlie decided otherwise. 🙈
A few days ago, I was kicked in the face by the horse I’m leasing.
A trip to hospital.
A CT scan.
Stitches in my cheek.
An overnight stay.
And a concussion diagnosis.
The good news? My CT was clear.
The less exciting news? I’m not allowed to exercise for 21 days, and riding is very definitely off the table for now.
And it’s made me think about something I talk about with riders all the time:
Coming back after something goes wrong.
We tend to think about returning from injury as a physical process.
When can I ride?
When can I train?
When can I jump again?
When can I get back to where I was?
But there’s another part of recovery that doesn’t always get enough attention.
Your brain.
Your confidence.
Your decision-making.
And your relationship with risk.
A rider can be physically capable of getting back on before they are mentally ready.
And sometimes the opposite happens too — we’re desperate to prove that we’re fine, and we push ourselves before we’re actually ready.
I’m going to use my own recovery over the next few weeks to talk a little more about concussion, returning to riding after injury, confidence, fear and knowing when you’re genuinely ready to move forward.
Because coming back AGAIN is actually really scary.
I want to be sure I’m making good decisions when I do.
More to come. 💗
RiderConfidence HorseRider ForgingAhead
17/08/2026
Something new is taking shape at Forging Ahead.
We’ve been working behind the scenes to revamp The Academy into something bigger, more structured and even more useful for riders who want to work on the mental side of their performance.
Because confidence isn’t something you suddenly find one day. It’s something you build through understanding, preparation, practice and experience.
The new Academy will bring those pieces together in one place, giving riders ongoing access to tools and resources designed to help them build stronger foundations — not just for competition, but for the moments that challenge them along the way.
The Academy is changing. And we can’t wait to show you what’s inside.
Keep an eye on Forging Ahead. The new Academy is coming.
One of my favourite parts of any show day? The course walk.
I love counting strides, testing my eye, and trying to understand exactly what questions the course builder is asking.
Because every track tells a story. Every line asks for a decision. Every distance rewards preparation.
It’s been almost a year since I’ve walked a course for myself, so it was fun to see whether my eye still had it. (Not too bad! 😉)
Today feels a little different though.
I’m here as the proud sponsor of today’s classes at Rectory Farm Arena through Forging Ahead. Watching riders tackle these questions, celebrating the wins, and handing out the Forging Ahead rosettes is a real privilege.
I love this sport. Whether I’m riding, coaching, or standing at the side of the arena, there’s nowhere else I’d rather be. 💗
MindsetMatters Cotswolds
Today is the day! I’m at Rectory Farm Arena, ready for a day of British Showjumping, sponsored by Forging Ahead. Pinch me. 🇬🇧.
30/07/2026
There are moments in business that make you stop and smile…
This is one of them. 💗
Today, for the very first time, Forging Ahead rosettes are being presented at a British Showjumping show.
At Rectory Farm Arena, in the beautiful Cotswolds.
If you’d told me a few years ago that my little business from South Africa would one day be sponsoring classes here in the UK, I don’t think I’d have believed you.
Pinch me.
Wishing every rider the very best of luck today. Ride well, enjoy every round, and if you happen to take home one of these rosettes, I hope it reminds you that the journey is always about more than the result.
Showjumping EquestrianLife
29/07/2026
Every rider trains their horse.
The next level comes from training the rider too.
Developing the mindset to perform under pressure isn't a replacement for good riding.
It's what allows your best riding to show up when
Looking forward to handing out rosettes at Farm Arena tomorrow.
28/07/2026
Looking forward to Rectory Farm Arena show jumping on Thursday! 🇬🇧 💃. Can’t wait to present the new Forging Ahead rosettes! 🎉🤩
🐴 British Showjumping at Rectory Farm Arena – Thursday 30th July 🐴
Join us for our next British Showjumping Show on Thursday 30th July, proudly sponsored by Linda Hennings Performance Coach.
Whether you're jumping the British Novice or aiming for the £150 for first place in the 1.30m & 1.40m Handicap Class, we've got a full day of competition with classes to suit a range of combinations. Not a British Showjumping member? No problem! You can still compete by entering on a ticket, making it the perfect opportunity to experience BS competition without membership.
A huge thank you to Linda Hennings Performance Coach for supporting this show. Linda helps riders develop confidence, focus and mental performance to achieve their goals both in and out of the arena. Find out more here: https://forgingahead.uk/about-us
📅 Thursday 30th July
📍 Rectory Farm Arena
🏆 Great prize money in each class
We look forward to welcoming competitors for another fantastic day of showjumping. Good luck to everyone competing! 🐎✨
Can I ask you a question?
When you have one pole...
What story do you tell yourself afterwards?
Because that story matters far more than the pole.
Thank you Tayla Benade for letting me use your beautiful round here.
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