More than a mental game
You don't need more advice. You need a nervous system that can follow it. Nervous system coaching for hunter, jumper, and equitation riders.
Horse show nerves?
Most riders don’t struggle with knowing what to do. They struggle with doing it under pressure. Do any of these sound familiar?
You come through the turn, don’t see a distance, and panic.
One mistake, and the rest of the round falls apart.
You’re thinking about who’s watching: your trainer, your parents, the owner, the people on the rail.
You’re afraid of getting hurt, so you ride defensively.
You feel sick to your stomach before your class.
You compare yourself to every rider who goes before you.
None of this means you’re not good enough. Many of the best riders in the sport have felt every one of these. I have too.
What's really going on
Horse show anxiety isn't a mindset problem. It's a nervous system response. Under pressure, your brain and body shift into protection mode. Your breath gets shallow, your body tightens, you go on high alert, and the part of you that knows the plan goes offline. Your horse feels all of it.
The good news: these patterns aren't fixed. With the right tools and practice, you can learn to stay grounded and trust yourself, at home and at the show.
Why work with me
I know this sport from every side.
I've been the unknown kid from Cleveland. I've been the one winning at Indoors and WEF.
I've stood in the winner's circle. I've struggled through devastating slumps.
I've been so nervous I wondered why I put myself through it. I've felt grounded and ready when it really counts.
As a junior, amateur, professional, and trainer, I've lived every stage of this sport. Whatever you're feeling in the barn, in the schooling ring, or at the in-gate, chances are I've felt it myself or helped a student through it.
What I didn't understand, back when I was a professional, was why the same rider could feel unstoppable one week and fall apart the next. Why some riders didn't trust themselves, while others stayed steady under pressure. Nervous system work helped me make sense of it, and gave me tools to help.
Now, as a certified nervous system regulation coach, I help riders find that steadiness for themselves.
Career highlights:
Maclay Finals champion, 1996
AHSA Medal Finals champion, 1997
Grand prix rider
Trainer of the 2006 North American Junior Young Riders' Championships individual and team show jumping gold medalist
Five years as trainer at Maypine Farm
Certified through Jessica Maguire's Nervous System Certification Course
How coaching works
I offer one-on-one sessions over video, so we can work together from anywhere.
Free consultation. We talk about what's happening for you and whether we're a good fit.
Learn your patterns. We map how pressure shows up in your thoughts, your body, and your riding.
Build tools for the ring. You learn simple techniques you can use on your own, from the barn aisle to the in-gate.
What riders work toward: meeting challenges with more ease, building confidence and self-trust, and enjoying the sport again.