Clients often come to me struggling with:

• Fear of failure or letting others down
• Performance anxiety at shows
• Perfectionism and harsh self-criticism
• Identity loss after aging out or stepping back from the sport
• Burnout and emotional fatigue
• Pressure from coaches, parents, or the competitive environment

Because I have lived through the unique highs and lows of the equestrian world, I can offer targeted support that feels relevant and real. Riders don’t have to explain the details of horse show culture, barn dynamics, or what it means to keep a 1,200-pound animal calm under pressure. I get it—because I’ve been there.

• Pre-show preparation strategies
• Grounding and self-regulation techniques to manage nerves
• Visualization and focus exercises
• Reflecting on mindset habits and inner dialogue
• Processing high-pressure mistakes and setbacks
• Developing a balanced identity outside the sport

The goal is to cultivate the kind of mental agility and self-awareness that allows athletes to perform at their best, recover from mistakes quickly, and keep perspective in a competitive environment.

For many junior riders, horses have been a defining part of their identity. Letting go of that role, even temporarily, can bring up grief, anxiety, and uncertainty. In therapy, we work to process those emotions while helping clients clarify what they want and need moving forward. I support them in developing a sense of self that’s strong and adaptable, whether or not they continue in the show ring.

I help clients navigate:

• Managing pressure from coaches while staying self-directed
• Setting boundaries with parents around performance
• Handling comparison and competition with teammates
• Recovering from judgment or criticism after a poor round

Therapy becomes a space to examine these dynamics and re-center the athlete’s internal voice. This helps riders build a healthier relationship with competition and redefine success in their own terms.

Through therapy, I teach riders how to become more attuned to their nervous systems and learn to self-regulate both on and off the horse. This doesn’t just lead to better rides; it creates a more compassionate relationship with the animal and with oneself.

I help clients untangle this sense of pressure by reinforcing intrinsic motivation and self-compassion. Together, we work on creating a mindset where their value is not defined by the scoreboard.