RIDER FEAR & PERFORMANCE ANXIETY COACHING FOR NERVOUS RIDERS
If fear or nerves are keeping you from enjoying your horse, you're not alone. You don't have to figure it out by yourself. I offer nervous system regulation + fear extinction coaching for riders who love horses but struggle with riding anxiety.
MEET TARYN
I've been coaching horseback riding for more than fifteen years, and taught over 300+ students. I was never a bold rider, but I could confidently say I was a brave one. Then my health changed, and so did my outlook on life. When chronic illness took me out of horses for more than 6 years, I didn't think I could ever ride again. When I fought my way back to health, and eventually back to horses, my biggest obstacle was fear.
I've felt what you're feeling. I've saddled my horse while feeling sick. I've sat on the ground and cried for no reason other than fear. And I found a way out. With intentional steps, help from a lot of amazing coaches and riders, from books, courses, and developing what worked for me. Then I retraced those steps for my students. Now, I'm offering you the support you've been looking for right at your fingertips.
You love horses, stop letting fear suck away your joy...
You finally got back into riding. Maybe you bought your own horse. Maybe you started lessons again after years away.
But instead of feeling excited, you feel:
-
Anxious every time you think about riding
-
Frozen when your horse moves unexpectedly
-
Embarrassed that you're "overreacting" to normal situations
-
Stuck because your coach is too busy to answer questions between lessons
-
Guilty that your horse deserves a more confident rider
And you wonder if you'll ever feel like yourself around horses again.
Fear doesn't mean you're weak, and it's not a personal failure. It means you're nervous system is trying to protect you. That's not a bad thing. But it can put a damper on your enjoyment of your horse.
There are ways to calm that fear. Ways to gently override your fear in so it doesn't react to normal, everyday situations, but saves it only for the situations where it's truly needed. This 1-on-1 coaching will help you with that.
Why
"Just Push Through" Doesn't Work
Horseback riders come from a long proud line of many amazing riders and horse trainers. Part of this legacy includes the grit, tenacity, and fortitude it takes to handle a 1000lbs+ prey animal and build a partnership with them.
That's where "just grit your teeth and push through it" or "cowgirl up/cowboy up" comes from. And it makes a fantastic bumper sticker. Or something to remind yourself when you don't want to do your chores and run through that exercise routine. But it doesn't handle your emotional state when fear kicks in.
I bet, if you have a riding instructor, she's or he's amazing. They ride in a way you aspire to one day. And you've worked hard to learn their techniques, to improve... but your nerves keep getting in your way. Your instructor may try to help, may recommend a book or some exercises that will improve balance but most instructors just don't have the training to deal with your fear.
While they're doing the best they can, they don't know how to help you and progress your riding at the same time. But pushing through fear actually compounds the fear, building it, worsening it. You reinforce your fear every time you ride scared. Does that mean you have to stop? No.
A renowned horseman once said "Fear is common sense in disguise" and he isn't wrong. Fear is information from your subconscious, telling you how your nervous system is reacting to your situation.
When you understand what your nervous system needs and how to communicate with it by giving it practical, body-based tools, and follow a progression plan that creates fear extinction, then confidence has a place to grow naturally.
I've Been Where You Are.
I Found a Way Through...
I might be an EC licensed coach but I also live with two balance disorders. Two chronic illnesses that frequently affect my life, my riding ability, and my balance.
I was terrified of riding, and yet... I couldn't help it. I wanted back into horses. After 9 years of being away from horses, I wanted to rekindle the joy and that feeling of freedom again. But when I came back into it, that wasn't what happened. I was a broken mess and it only got worse. 10 months of lessons led to 10x the fear.
Finally, one coach threw a book at me and told me to read it. Since then, I've read dozens of books on fear, worked with a variety of coaches, and tested every technique I could find.
Fear doesn't have to be your enemy. It's not something you have to fight. The more you learn about it, the more you realize that understanding your nervous system's triggers, building trust with your body, creating micro-wins that compound over time, having a plan that respects your unique challenges is all that it takes to lower fear and heighten joy.
I teach the pathway to fear free riding because I've lived it.
Now I help riders like you rebuild their relationship with riding, one compassionate step at a time.
How This Coaching Works
This is nervous-system based fear extinction coaching. A custom roadmap built for your nervous system, your horse, and your goals.
So what does that mean? And is there science behind this?
Fear Extinction Through Positive Repetition:
We go back to where you're not afraid, and build positive experiences in short doses. Then we move to the next step and repeat. This is called fear extinction and it rewires your nervous system's response to riding. This is a scientifically backed process.
Nervous System Regulation:
Breathwork, grounding, EFT tapping, somatic practices. Tools that speak your body's language, and are frequently used in variety of coaching and therapeutic settings including sport and performance.
Custom Progression Plans:
Tailored to you, your horse, your specific fears. Not a one-size-fits-all program. Some clients need groundwork. Others need mental rehearsal. We build what works for you.
Ongoing Support:
Most riders need 3-6 months to rebuild lasting confidence. We work together until you feel solid again.
What will the first session look like?
Session 1: Assessment & Foundation
-
We'll talk about your horse, your goals, and what you'd like from this
-
Assess what is holding you back right now, fear triggers & patterns
-
Create your personalized pathway and practice some calming tools
-
Set measurable, achievable goals
Between sessions, you get:
✔ Email support for questions
✔ Custom worksheets and reflection prompts
✔ Action plans with specific steps to practice
-
You're a Western Rider (or you don't mind working with a Western Coach)
-
You feel anxious, frozen, or fearful around horses or while riding
-
You've experienced a fall, injury, or scary moment that shook your confidence
-
You have balance challenges, health issues, or physical limitations that make you nervous about riding
-
You're a returning rider who feels "behind" or "too old"
-
Your riding instructor doesn't have time for or isn't sure how to handle the emotional side of riding
-
You want practical tools to help on your schedule
-
You're ready to commit to 3 months minimum
-
You're ready to do the work between sessions
This coaching is a good fit for you if:
Investment & What's Included
Online Launch Price: $247 USD/month
-
Minimum 3-month commitment
-
4-sessions per month (first session 1-hour every session after is 45-minutes)
-
Email support
-
Auto-renews monthly until cancelled
-
Cancel anytime after 3 months with 30 days notice
Why the discount?
I'm opening this program to my first 8 clients at a reduced rate. In exchange, I ask for:
-
Honest feedback after each session
-
A written testimonial at the end of our work together
-
Patience as I refine the online program (though you'll still gain confidence in yourself and your horse again)
Why 3 months?
Real nervous system rewiring takes time. Most riders see significant shifts around Month 2-3. I want you to stick with it long enough to see results.
Risk-Free Guarantee:
After our first session, if you don't feel like this is the right fit, I'll refund your full payment. No questions asked.
I want you to feel confident this program is right for you.
What's Included
Weekly 1-on-1 coaching sessions (45-60 min via video)
We identify your fear triggers, assess what's blocking you, and create your personalized plan.
Personalized fear extinction progression plans
Step-by-step roadmaps built for your nervous system, your horse, and your goals.
Nervous system regulation tools
Breathwork, grounding, EFT tapping - practical techniques you can use before, during, and after rides.
Custom action plans
Ground exercises, progression plan, mental rehearsal - whatever you-specifically need.
Email support between sessions
Questions come up between calls. I respond within 2 business days.
Progress tracking & adjustments
We measure what's working, pivot what's not. This is custom made coaching, not a rigid program.
Ready to Ride With Confidence Again?
You deserve to enjoy your horse without fear stealing your joy.
What happens next:
-
Click the button joint the waitlist
-
Fill out a short waitlist questionnaire
-
Receive a confirmation email
-
When there's spots available, you'll receive an email from me to book a 15-minute discovery call
-
We'll chat on the phone to make sure we are a good match
-
Book your first appointment!
-
Start building real, lasting confidence
Questions? Email me at info@westernnomadeq.com
Disclaimer: This coaching program is educational guidance only. I am not a therapist and this is not therapy. For generalized anxiety, PTSD or other mental health concerns please contact a licensed medical professional. You are responsible for your own safety and your horse's wellbeing. Riding involves inherent risk. By booking, you acknowledge these risks and agree to follow standard safe practices.