Alex's Story
Despite boasting over two decades of experience riding and coaching in the equine industry both in the UK and abroad, there came a day where I lost all my confidence. Although now I understand what led to this. At the time it felt like slowly but surely the very place where I felt myself, the place which was my identity and my escape, became the source of my greatest anxiety. I recall dismounting a client's horse amidst a panic attack, even though nothing was 'practically' going wrong. The very activity that was my lifeline suddenly became overwhelming, frustrating and honestly, upsetting.
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However, I'm here to assure you, I found my way back.
The Accident & My Wake-up Call
The pivotal event that shook my world was a riding accident. Although I won't dive into the nitty-gritty here, the aftermath made me question my choices and capabilities. I was desperate to once again enjoy my riding. The mindset coaches I sought out struggled to understand the nuances of a rider's journey. The horses I had at the time were not straightforward, and so although I understood my mind better, I still needed help navigating which steps to take practically whilst feeling so ridden with anxiety.
Unfortunate the equestrian trainers I sought just saw that 'practically' I could do it and seemed to miss the emotional depth of my struggles.
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It was here I decided to become the very coach that I needed.
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In my quest for answers, I learned that the accident was just a trigger; it wasn't the root cause. My reality had been shaped by experiences, beliefs, and emotions accumulated since childhood. The realization hit me hard: just as unhealthy eating habits impact our physical health, unchecked mental habits shape our mental well-being. And sometimes, we're unaware until it manifests glaringly, as it did with me.
Unlocking the Power of the Mind
Through extensive training in NLP, Timeline Therapy, Hypnosis, coupled with a BSc in Psychology, I unearthed the profound importance of a strong and resilient mindset. I understood that the key to success in the saddle wasn't just about perfecting our riding technique; it was largely about mastering our mind.
I integrated this revelation into my coaching, blending equestrian training with mindset transformation. The results were phenomenal. Riders, once bound by their fears and limitations, began to thrive, unlocking potentials they didn't know existed.
Coaching for Confidence
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This personal journey and professional breakthrough led to the birth of "Coaching for Confidence". I've since had the honour of guiding thousands of riders, helping them conquer their fears and rediscover the pure joy of riding. From beach rides to high-stakes competitions, my clients have achieved goals they once thought were out of reach.
With over 20 years of experience, training in hypnosis, NLP, Time Line Therapy, and a first-class BSC in psychology, plus my role as a UKCC coach, I'm uniquely positioned to understand and address the specific challenges horse riders face.
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Would you like a chat?
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I'm genuinely excited to share this transformative approach with as many riders as possible. Across the UK and beyond, I've seen time and again: a confident rider leads to a happy horse. Witnessing this transformation never fails to bring me immense joy. If you've felt the struggles I've described, know that you're not alone, and a brighter journey awaits.