Over The Oxer

The Pre-Ride Mindset That Changes Everything - Part 1

Ready to transform your riding mindset? In this episode, Tracey Cole explores simple yet powerful strategies you can start using days — or even just 24 hours — before you ride to feel more confident, focused, and in control in the saddle. From quick visualisations and mindful language to creating pre-ride routines and letting go of perfection, these practical tips help build your mental fitness and set you up for success. Whether you’re preparing for a lesson, a competition, or a casual ride, discover how small daily mindset practices can make a big difference to how you ride and how much you enjoy it.
 
Contact me 
Info@traceycolenlp.com
www.traceycolenlp.com
 
Watch on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@traceycolenlp2086
 
Let's be social!
www.facebook.com/traceycolenlp.com
www.instagram.com/traceycolenlp.com
 
 
Next NLP Practitioner and NLP Coach Training:
Starts12th January. Every Monday 1:30-5pm UK time. No prior learning needed. Recordings made available. NLP only for Practitioner and 5 certifications for the NLP Coach (all internationally recognised, accredited and certified by professsional boards)
https://traceycolenlp.com/product/empowered-equestrian-coach/
 
 
NLP Trainers Training:
1:1 Start any time. Pre-requisite: Master NLP Practitioner https://traceycolenlp.com/nlp-trainers-training-curious-to-know-more/
 
Confident Rider Mindset Book/ Audiobook:
https://tinyurl.com/ypjunref

Chatting about Autism with Jackie McCormick

In this uplifting and insightful episode, Tracey is joined by Jackie McCormick, a remarkable woman whose 35-year journey supporting adults and families living with autism has been nothing short of transformative.
 
Jackie brings her deep compassion and experience as both a solution-focused therapist and hypnotherapist, alongside her work as a Centre 10 coach helping riders and horse owners achieve balance, confidence, and clarity.
 
Together, Tracey and Jackie explore autism, neurodiversity, thought processes and mindset  This is a refreshing and heartfelt conversation that blends wisdom, warmth and practical inspiration for anyone passionate about neurodiversity, and specifically autism, and personal growth.
 
Jackie's details
https://jmctherapyconsultancy.co.uk/
https://www.instagram.com/Jmcsolutionfocusedcoach 
jackie@jmctherapyconsultancy.co.uk 
 
Contact me 
Info@traceycolenlp.com
www.traceycolenlp.com
 
Watch on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@traceycolenlp2086
 
Let's be social!
www.facebook.com/traceycolenlp.com
www.instagram.com/traceycolenlp.com
 
 
Next NLP Practitioner and NLP Coach Training:
 
Starts 12th January. Every Monday 1:30-5pm UK time. No prior learning needed. Recordings made available. NLP only for Practitioner and 5 certifications for the NLP Coach (all internationally recognised, accredited and certified by professsional boards)
https://traceycolenlp.com/product/empowered-equestrian-coach/

When Calm Feels Strange: Retraining Your Mind to Stop Worrying

On this episode of Over the Oxer Podcast, I dive into the endless loop of worry, anxiety, and chaotic thinking that can follow riders both in the saddle and in everyday life.
I'll explain why your mind might unconsciously prefer familiar patterns of stress over calm — and how this learned “worry equals safety” mindset can affect your nervous system, your riding, and your horse.
You’ll learn:
Why your brain prioritises familiarity over logic and how that fuels anxiety
How chronic worry can subtly influence your body, focus, and even your horse’s behaviour
Simple yet powerful exercises to retrain your nervous system so calm truly feels safe
How to bring this mindset into the saddle for more relaxed, confident riding
Whether you’re battling persistent “what if” thoughts or just curious about the mind-body connection in equestrian performance, this episode will help you understand and begin to shift the patterns that hold you back.
🎧 Take a few minutes to breathe, reset, and explore how calm can truly become your new default.
 
Contact me 
Info@traceycolenlp.com
www.traceycolenlp.com
 
Watch on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@traceycolenlp2086
 
Let's be social!
www.facebook.com/traceycolenlp.com
www.instagram.com/traceycolenlp.com
 
 
Next NLP Practitioner and NLP Coach Training:
Starts12th January. Every Monday 1:30-5pm UK time. No prior learning needed. Recordings made available. NLP only for Practitioner and 5 certifications for the NLP Coach (all internationally recognised, accredited and certified by professsional boards)
https://traceycolenlp.com/product/empowered-equestrian-coach/
 
Next NLP Master Practitioner Training:
NLP Only. Starts 18th June. Every Wednesday 1:30-5pm. Recordings made available. NLP Practitioner or Coach as pre-requisite. https://traceycolenlp.com/product/nlp-master-practitioner-coach/
 
NLP Trainers Training:
1:1 Start any time. Pre-requisite: Master NLP Practitioner https://traceycolenlp.com/nlp-trainers-training-curious-to-know-more/
 
Confident Rider Mindset Book/ Audiobook:
https://tinyurl.com/ypjunref

Two online events you might like to join

A quick message to highlight 2 very special online events happening in November.
 
10th Nov 7:30pm
Equestrian R Infinity - 'Horses, Heart, and Stories Behind Racing Silks - A live webinar from Equestrian R Infinity'
 
Register for this free webinar here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/O36Effx0TGyn_3pyK7FJZw?fbclid=IwY2xjawN3AJpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFrQlNWSEpVZVhmQnFJTVJ4AR5TLiyGoZ8yqDd5x15aZQc5NZILwIIgl7f0W9KdONRA0gMsE_W8PuPDux5vSg_aem_JLVfUVhAop2-dMEfM-qrgQ#/registration
 
25th Nov 10am-4:30pm
Rider Mentality - 'People & Horses: A Better Way Forward - Online Conference'
Find out more and buy tickets here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/people-horses-a-better-way-forward-online-conference-tickets-1756998322279?aff=oddtdtcreator 

Chatting all things holistic with Stella James

Today I'm chatting with Stella James, creator of the Horses Holistic Hub.  Stella has been an equine professional for over 40 years, and for 25 years an NLP Master Practitioner and Advanced Huna Practitioner. She's passionate about horses and personal development - but that is only scratching the surface of her talents.
 
Stella is qualified in yoga, Equine Facilitated Mentoring, Time Line Therapy®, the ancient Hawaiian practice of Huna and natural astrology. We chat about her horsey journey and also how she can help the horse, rider and their partnership.
 
Contact / Follow Stella
https://theholictichorseshub.co.uk  https://www.linkedin.com/in/stellajamesholistichorses  https://www.facebook.com/groups/theholistichorseshub
 
Contact Tracey 
Info@traceycolenlp.com
www.traceycolenlp.com
 
Watch on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@traceycolenlp2086
 
Let's be social!
www.facebook.com/traceycolenlp.com
www.instagram.com/traceycolenlp.com
 
 
Next NLP Practitioner and NLP Coach Training:
Starts 12th January. Every Monday 1:30-5pm UK time. No prior learning needed. Recordings made available. NLP only for Practitioner and 5 certifications for the NLP Coach (all internationally recognised, accredited and certified by professsional boards)
https://traceycolenlp.com/product/empowered-equestrian-coach/
 
Confident Rider Mindset Book/ Audiobook:
https://tinyurl.com/ypjunref
 

Physical alignment means emotional balance

In this solo episode, Tracey Cole explores the fascinating link between physical alignment and emotional balance. Drawing from her knowledge as both an NLP Master Trainer and a newly certified Tucker Biokinetic Technique (TBT) Functional Alignment Specialist, she explains how subtle shifts in the body can reprogramme the brain, release stored emotions, and transform the way we ride and connect with our horses.
 
You’ll learn how misalignment doesn’t just affect posture — it affects confidence, mindset, and the communication between rider and horse.
 
“Alignment isn’t just posture — it’s mind potential."
 
💫 https://traceycolenlp.com/tucker-biokinetic-technique/
💫 https://www.facebook.com/traceycoletbt
💫 https://www.instagram.com/traceycoletbt 
 
📧 info@traceycolenlp.com

Chatting with BD Para Director and Dressage TestPro Co-founder

This week, I'm chatting with Tracy-Anne Ormrod. Tracy is a co-founder of Lion Dog Apps, the developers of Dressage TestPro, the dressage learning app. She has been riding and competing since the age of 10 representing Great Britain at 4 European Championships as a pony rider. Tracy was elected British Dressage Para Director 4 years ago and starts her second term this October; she is also Chief Selector for the Great Britain Paras.
We chat about her horsey and tech journeys and how useful the Dressage TestPro App is. 
 
If you would like to win a year's free subscription to Dressage TestPro, please email me at info@traceycolenlp.com, with a simple message of 'Yes please' and your name will go into the draw. 
 
This giveaway is in no way associated with Podbean or any other podcast platform. It will end on 1st November, with a winner randomly selected the next day. Please be scam aware, we will only contact you from this email account and will not ask for any bank details.
 
Contact Tracy / Dressage TestPro
Find the app in the Apple Store or Google Play Store
www.dressagetestpro.com
www.facebook.com/dressagetestpro
www.instagram.com/dressagetestpro
 
Contact me
Contact me 
Info@traceycolenlp.com
www.traceycolenlp.com
 
Let's be social!
www.traceycolenlp.com
www.facebook.com/traceycolenlp.com
www.instagram.com/traceycolenlp.com
info@traceycolenlp.com

Breaking the Rules Behind High-Functioning Anxiety

Breaking the Rules Behind High-Functioning Anxiety
In this episode of Over the Oxer, I get into how high-functioning anxiety shows up in riders and equestrians. Discover why the same drive that fuels your success can also trigger tension, perfectionism, and self-doubt.
Learn how hidden “rules” like I must ride every day or I’m only worthy if I’m busy quietly feed anxiety—and how to rewrite them for calm, confidence, and true high performance in and out of the saddle.
✨ Follow Over the Oxer for more mindset tools and calm confidence strategies for riders.
 
Contact me 
Info@traceycolenlp.com
www.traceycolenlp.com
 
Watch on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@traceycolenlp2086
 
Let's be social!
www.facebook.com/traceycolenlp.com
www.instagram.com/traceycolenlp.com
 
Next NLP Practitioner and NLP Coach Training:
Starts 28th July. Every Monday 1:30-5pm UK time. No prior learning needed. Recordings made available. NLP only for Practitioner and 5 certifications for the NLP Coach (all internationally recognised, accredited and certified by professsional boards)
https://traceycolenlp.com/product/empowered-equestrian-coach/
 
Confident Rider Mindset Book/ Audiobook:
https://tinyurl.com/ypjunref

High-functionign anxiety - the hidden truths

High-functioning anxiety is incredibly common, largely unheard of and seldom talked about. But if you or someone you know is a high achiever, appears outwardly successful and inwardly a mass of stress, nerves and worries, then that's what it is. A problem arises when we start to believe that this way of being is normal and necessary.
What are the red flags if it's mostly hidden? Let's find out!
 
Contact me 
Info@traceycolenlp.com
www.traceycolenlp.com
 
Watch on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@traceycolenlp2086
 
Let's be social!
www.facebook.com/traceycolenlp.com
www.instagram.com/traceycolenlp.com
 
Next NLP Practitioner and NLP Coach Training:
Starts 12th January 2026. Every Monday 1:30-5pm UK time. No prior knowledge needed. Recordings made available. NLP only for Practitioner and 5 certifications for the NLP Coach (all internationally recognised, accredited and certified by professsional boards)
https://traceycolenlp.com/product/empowered-equestrian-coach/
 
NLP Trainers Training:
1:1 Start any time. Pre-requisite: Master NLP Practitioner https://traceycolenlp.com/nlp-trainers-training-curious-to-know-more/
 
Confident Rider Mindset Book/ Audiobook:
https://tinyurl.com/ypjunref 
 
Buy me a cup of tea!
Some kind people have suggested that my podcast is helping them with their riding and asked how they can help to defray the costs of making the podcast, (mostly editing software etc.). Many, many thanks, you can buy me a cup of tea here: www.buymeacoffee.com/?via=Ny2j49lgXB  
 
 

Chatting Pony Books with Jane Badger

Did you enjoy reading pony books? Maybe you're a Pullein-Thompson sisters fan or a Jill/Jinny fan? Many of these books have been beautifully republished by Jane Badger Books and are available to read as paperbacks and e-books. 
 
Jane publishes classic horse and pony books, and writes about them too. She's written Heroines on Horseback - the Pony Book in Children's Fiction, as well as a follow on to the Jill stories. She tells us about how publishing these books came about, as well as the enormous effort of sourcing copyright on the test and illustrations, not to mention any quotes or lyrics the books may have!
 
Follow Jane
Website: https://janebadgerbooks.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064642031731
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janebadger.books/ 
 
New publication - Dream of the Dance (Jinny 13)
Availble from Jane's website (above) or Amazon: https://shorturl.at/pEVG3https://shorturl.at/pEVG3 

Catching up and slowing my mind

My first solo episode after my little summer break. A round up of what I've been up to and a way to slow your mind.
 
Interested in Equestrian R Infinity and their retraining or ethical racehorse training and ownership? https://eqrltd.com/
 
Evening Bootcamp for Australia, New Zealand and East Asia (morning time in the UK/Europe too)
Register your interest now by email info@traceycolenlp.com or message me on social media (below). 
 
Dr Renee Tucker's Biokinetic Techniques
https://www.tuckerbiokinetic.com/
 
Contact me 
Info@traceycolenlp.com
www.traceycolenlp.com
 
Let's be social!
www.traceycolenlp.com
www.facebook.com/traceycolenlp.com
www.instagram.com/traceycolenlp.com
info@traceycolenlp.com
 

Chatting with The Disruptive Equestrian, Alison Lincoln

Alison Lincoln has been passionate about horses since childhood, moving from a traditional Pony Club and competition background into a lifelong exploration of equine performance, coaching, and welfare. After completing a pioneering degree in Equine Sports Coaching, she went on to lecture at equestrian colleges across the UK and authored her first book, Equine Sports Coaching, bringing coaching theory from wider sport into the equestrian world. Her second book, Be Your Own Equine Sports Coach, combined over a decade of learning in biomechanics, physiology, sport psychology, and independent training. Alongside her academic and practical experience, Alison has trained in Equine Facilitated Learning and studied equine behaviour and welfare, including the 5 Domains model and the Ridden Horse Performance Checklist. Known on LinkedIn as The Disruptive Equestrian, she is an avid learner, continually exploring the intersection of performance, coaching, and wellbeing to improve outcomes for both horses and riders.
 
Alison's Books:
Equine Sports Coaching https://shorturl.at/vb0Hi
Be Your Own Equine Sports Coach https://shorturl.at/uU1qf
 
Alison's Website
https://www.alisonlincoln.co.uk/
 
Writing portfolio
https://www.clippings.me/users/alincoln
 
Follow Alison on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-lincoln-the-disruptive-equestrian-67b9061a6/
 
Contact me 
Info@traceycolenlp.com
www.traceycolenlp.com
 
Watch on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@traceycolenlp2086
 
Let's be social!
www.facebook.com/traceycolenlp.com
www.instagram.com/traceycolenlp.com
 
Next Equestrian Mindset Bootcamp
On Zoom 22nd-26th September 7-7:45 pm UK time each evening. WhatsApp support. Takeaway resources. Recordings available. All welcome. Book here https://traceycolenlp.com/group-mindset-bootcamp-for-riders/
 
 
 

Your mind's secret weapon against being triggered

A trigger is something that sets us off, usually in a negative way, bringing back an unpleasant memory or emotion that demands our attention. Our brains are naturally biased toward negativity. The great news is that there is a way to rebalance that bias. It's all about glimmers.
 
This episode is all about how to become a "glimmer hunter" and actively seek out these tiny positive moments using all five of your senses. You'll learn how to "collect" them like little gems and use them as a powerful reset button when a negative trigger tries to send you into a downward spiral. It’s not about pretending everything is perfect; it’s about realistically improving your mental state to become a more resilient and effective human being!
 
Contact me 
Info@traceycolenlp.com
www.traceycolenlp.com
 
Watch on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@traceycolenlp2086
 
Let's be social!
www.facebook.com/traceycolenlp.com
www.instagram.com/traceycolenlp.com
 
Next NLP Practitioner and NLP Coach Training:
Starts January 2026. Every Monday 1:30-5pm UK time. No prior learning needed. Recordings made available. NLP only for Practitioner and 5 certifications for the NLP Coach (all internationally recognised, accredited and certified by professsional boards)
https://traceycolenlp.com/product/empowered-equestrian-coach/
 
NLP Trainers Training:
1:1 Start any time. Pre-requisite: Master NLP Practitioner https://traceycolenlp.com/nlp-trainers-training-curious-to-know-more/
 
Confident Rider Mindset Book/ Audiobook:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Confident-Rider-Mindset-Riding-Success/dp/B0BMPLCB7Z/ref=sr_1_1?crid=6KCWM6D43BT2&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.4pkr-o3d2vf5lIXP8ZO4GQ.ZAOQQmJLBq1ZoSiq1ytb3423Zz3p0mqdZfHY4IIjauM&dib_tag=se&keywords=confident+rider+mindset+tracey+cole&qid=1746616441&sprefix=confident+rider+mindset+tracey+cole%2Caps%2C91&sr=8-1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Chatting with Show-Jumper Aileen Feeney - An MND Diagnosis and Horses

Aileen Feeney is a producer of young showjumping and eventing horses. She show-jumped herself to a high level and ran a successful yard in Cheshire, England for 20 years before moving back and setting up business in Northern Ireland. Aileen is currently under investigation for Motor Neuron Disease (MND); this disease is a degenerative illness of the nervous system, usually progressing quickly and for which there is no  cure. 
We chat about Aileen's love of horses and show-jumping, how she produced young horses for elite British and Irish show-jumpers whilst in England and her move back home to Northern Ireland. She now co-owns Yellowfield Stables in County Antrim with her sister. 
When diagnosed with MND, Aileen set up the #mndonearmchallenge on social media to raise awareness of the disease. She has also started a Just Giving site where all donations, no matter how small, can be sent. All proceeds go to the Motor Neurone Disease Association. https://www.justgiving.com/page/onearmchallenge
 
Follow Aileen
Yellowfield Stables - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100034428106538
MND One Arm Challenge https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577021617829
Just Giving https://www.justgiving.com/page/onearmchallenge
 
Contact me 
Info@traceycolenlp.com
www.traceycolenlp.com
 
Let's be social!
www.traceycolenlp.com
www.facebook.com/traceycolenlp.com
www.instagram.com/traceycolenlp.com
info@traceycolenlp.com
 

How to Stop Spiralling Thought Loops - Fast

If your mind feels like it’s stuck on repeat—goong round and round, replaying conversations and rides, worrying about things that haven’t happened or spiralling just when you need calm—this episode is for you. We’re talking about perseverative cognition (yes, it’s a mouthful and I can hardly say it!); why it happens, how it affects your body and what you can do to break the cycle. With practical NLP techniques like sensory shifts, future pacing, and the “worry window,” you’ll learn how to gently take back control from looping thoughts—whether you're riding, prepping, or just trying to sleep.
 
Contact me 
Info@traceycolenlp.com
www.traceycolenlp.com
 
Let's be social!
www.traceycolenlp.com
www.facebook.com/traceycolenlp.com
www.instagram.com/traceycolenlp.com
info@traceycolenlp.com
 
Free mental imagery / visualisations (no sign-up necessary)
https://traceycolenlp.com/free-mental-imagery-recordings/
 
Free Words Have Power course (no sign-up necessary)
https://traceycolenlp.com/free-course-your-words-have-power/
 
Buy me a cup of tea!
Some kind people have suggested that my podcast is helping them with their riding and asked how they can help to defray the costs of making the podcast, (mostly editing software etc.). Many, many thanks, you can buy me a cup of tea here: www.buymeacoffee.com/?via=Ny2j49lgXB