Not long ago, I posted about a moment of anxiety I’d experienced. It was honest, a little vulnerable, and very real. And someone replied with this:

“You posted about your own anxiety the other day. You market yourself as a coach, right? Why are you a nervous rider?”

It’s a fair question — and one I’m more than happy to answer.

First of all, I wouldn’t describe myself as a nervous rider. But I have absolutely experienced nerves, anxiety, confidence wobbles, and limiting beliefs – just like almost every rider I’ve ever met. I know what it feels like to question yourself, to second-guess, to feel not enough. But more importantly, I’ve learned how to work through it.

And I shared that post because I believe coaching isn’t about being perfect but about being honest, human, and equipped with the tools to navigate the tough stuff. In fact, I’d say my lived experience is one of my greatest strengths as a rider confidence coach.

I’ve been there. I am there sometimes. The only difference now is that I don’t stay there and I know how to help others move forward too.

Why I Don’t Offer Advice Unless I’m Asked

Here’s the other side of the coin: as a coach, I often see things in other riders – limiting beliefs, fear-based behaviour, self-doubt disguised as jokes. And honestly? I itch to help.

At shows, on the yard, in Facebook groups… I hear things all the time and think: “Oh! I could help with that!”

But I don’t jump in. Because I live by a simple rule: only offer advice when asked. I hold back because I know that help only works when someone is ready to receive it.

And that’s OK. Because one of my favourite sayings is:
“When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.”

That moment of readiness? That’s powerful. That’s when coaching clicks. That’s when transformation happens. Not when someone’s being told what to do but when they’re ready to listen and open to change.

Coaching With Compassion (and Credentials)

Alongside lived experience, I’ve studied mindset, coaching, performance psychology, and emotional resilience. I’ve worked with over 200 riders on their confidence, clarity, and calm – whether it’s competition nerves, fear after a fall, or a general feeling of “I’m not good enough.”

And if someone believes a coach has to be fearless and flawless at all times? Well, I’d gently suggest that might be a limiting belief of their own. 😉 And funnily enough that’s exactly the kind of belief I help people unravel.

It’s a bit like this: If you were lost on a mountain, would you trust someone who’s only ever studied the map from their sofa? Or someone who’s hiked it, stumbled a little, found their footing, and made it to the top with real stories and strategies to share?

That’s the kind of coach I am. Not perfect. But real, honest, and equipped to help.