Why is riding so freaking hard sometimes? Why do we keep showing up, even when it feels impossible, unfair, or downright soul-crushing?

In this raw and real episode, I and Lorna had a heartfelt conversation on the mental toughness it takes to be an equestrian, and why the sport can feel so emotionally loaded compared to things like running or gym work.

We explore why the dopamine hit feels delayed in riding, and how frustration often signals progress, if we can stick with it long enough.

This episode is for you if you've ever walked away from a lesson wondering if you’re even cut out for this sport.

If you've ever felt like a failure after not figuring something out, or wondered why it takes you so long to “get it” when everyone else seems to fly past with ease.

We peel back the layers on the messy middle of learning, the internal battles we fight, and the truth about what’s on the other side of hard.

What You'll Hear in This Episode:

Why we get the dopamine rush from running, but not always from riding
The difference between external results and internal understanding
How expectations (yours or your trainer’s) can sabotage your confidence
The hidden mental load of being an ambitious amateur rider
What to do when your training feels stuck, pointless, or “off”
Tools for reframing frustration so you don’t give up too soon
The power of pressing pause, giving space, and trusting your learning process

Resources mentioned:

🧠 Receive our weekly mindset & performance hacks: www.mindeq.eu/weeklyhacks

What's on the other side of hard? - #196