Over The Oxer

Chatting with Equestrian and Owner of Epona's Horses, Maha Khallaf

On this episode, I’m joined by Maha Khallaf from Saudi Arabia, as she shares her inspiring journey back to horses as an adult rider and starting her own equestrian online shop.
Maha opens up about stepping away from riding for many years, returning to the saddle during a challenging period in her life, and navigating the mindset struggles adult riders know so well — fear of falling, overthinking, trauma and responsibility. She offers thoughtful insights and why healing the inner child can be key to riding with more confidence and calm.
We also explore what it’s really like to ride in Saudi Arabia, including cultural shifts for female riders, air-conditioned stables, riding after sunset in the summer heat, and how the equestrian world there is evolving rapidly.
Maha is the founder of Epona’s Horses, an international equestrian brand specialising in custom saddle pads, ear nets, rider and horse wear and therapeutic horse products.
 
🐎 Find out more about Epona's Horses
https://eponashorses.net/ar/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eponashorses?igsh=MWJjcHUzYXF5YjBmcA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
 
🎁 Listener Offer
Maha is kindly offering Over the Oxer listeners:
A chance to win a free saddle pad and ear net (selected colours) - simply email me at info@traceycolenlp.com and I'll add your name to the draw on 31st January 2026
20% off anything else in her online shop - use the code EPNTRCY
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 ADHD Business Coach, Louise Tayler

In this episode of Over the Oxer, Tracey Cole is joined by Louise Tayler, an ADHD business coach who helps business owners, especially women, move from knowing what to do to actually doing it. Louise shares her personal journey of discovering her ADHD later in life and how understanding her neurodivergence transformed her mindset, motivation, and approach to work. They explore the different types of ADHD, the challenges of focus, emotional regulation, and motivation, and practical strategies for managing daily life. Louise also explains how horses can provide a calming, grounding influence for neurodivergent brains, and the importance of self-compassion and simple, actionable strategies for building sustainable, successful businesses. Plus, she introduces her free five-day Follow-Through Formulacourse designed to help you move from procrastination into action.
 
👉Contact Louise
On Instagram: @louise_understanding_adhd
Website: https://understanding-adhd.co.uk/
 
5️⃣ Day 'Follow Through Formula (free 5-day course) 
 
👉 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 in May 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/
 
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
 
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  
 

The Science of Energy Fields, Mindset and Riding

In this episode, Tracey explores 1930s research by neuroscientist Harold Saxton Burr that suggests we are surrounded by a measurable energy field that guides the body. Learn how your thoughts, emotions and tension could affect your riding and your horse and why understanding this invisible blueprint could change the way you ride (and think) forever.
 
👉 Contact me 
Info@traceycolenlp.com
www.traceycolenlp.com
 
👉Let's be social!
www.facebook.com/traceycolenlp.com
www.instagram.com/traceycolenlp.com
 
🧠Next NLP Practitioner and NLP Coach Training: Starts in May. 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 with 3 incredible coaches - Sam, Sarah and Jo

In this episode, I’m joined by three outstanding equestrian coaches — each a highly qualified mindset coach and Master NLP Practitioner — for a fascinating conversation at the intersection of horsemanship, psychology and performance.
Dressage specialist Samantha Osborn, a Centre 10 Coach from Somerset, shares her insights into developing mental clarity, confidence and consistency in the arena. Sarah Gowling, BHS-APC and Centre 10 Coach from Northampton, brings a wealth of experience in supporting riders to perform under pressure while staying connected and balanced with their horses. Joanne Hopkins, BHS-qualified and based in Surrey, offers a unique perspective through her specialist work with ex-racehorses and thoroughbreds, exploring mindset approaches that build trust, adaptability and long-term partnership.
Together, we discuss how mindset and NLP techniques can transform both rider performance and the horse–human relationship, with practical takeaways you can apply whether you compete, train, or ride for pleasure. This episode is packed with insight, experience and actionable tools for any rider wanting to think better, ride better, and enjoy the journey more.
 
We mention the 'Hakalau' technique, here's the episode:
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-xi6vq-146519b(August 2023)
 
Connect with the guests:
Sam Osborn - www.osborndressage.com 
Facebook: https://facebook.com/osborndressage
Instagram: https://instagram.com/osborndressage
 
Sarah Gowling - 
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/share/17Q5UkkApb/
 
Jo Hopkins - https://www.surreyhillsnlp.co.uk/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/coxlandstud
 
Contact Tracey
Info@traceycolenlp.com
www.traceycolenlp.com
 
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/
 

Feeling Time-Poor? Here's how to stretch time!

As we come to the very last episode of 2025 (and honestly, where did that year go?), I wanted to slow things down a little and end the year with something genuinely useful. In this episode, I explore why time can feel as though it’s racing away from us and, drawing on psychology and NLP, I share three simple, practical techniques you can use to change your experience of time—without adding another thing to your already full day. These are quick, realistic tools you can slip into everyday life, whether you’re at the yard, at work or juggling everything in between. It’s a reflective end-of-year episode designed to help you feel calmer, less rushed and more in control of your time as we head into the new year.

Chatting with British flat racingJockey, Georgia Dobie

In this week’s episode, I’m thrilled to be joined by rising British flat jockey Georgia Dobie. At just 26, Georgia has carved out an inspiring career in one of the toughest and most competitive corners of horse racing — and she’s still only getting started. From leaving home at 16 to train at the British Racing School, chasing her dreams across the UK and even to Australia, Georgia shares what it’s really like to make it as a professional jockey — the early mornings, fitness routines, the drive to succeed and the pressure of riding for multiple trainers across the country.
We dive deep into her journey from pony racing to riding winners on the flat, how she handles the mental and physical demands of racing and the camaraderie within the jockey community. Georgia also gives us a rare insight into juggling the jockey lifestyle with life off the track, staying focused under pressure, and what’s next for her in the 2026 season and beyond. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to ride at the heart of British racing with grit, heart and unwavering passion — you won’t want to miss this conversation. 🇬🇧🏇
 
Follow Georgia
https://www.instagram.com/georgiadobie/
 
Follow Equestrian R Infinity (Georgia is their jockey)
https://www.instagram.com/eqr.infinityltd/
https://www.facebook.com/EquestrianRInfinity
 
Contact me 
Info@traceycolenlp.com
www.traceycolenlp.com
 
Let's be social!
www.facebook.com/traceycolenlp.com
www.instagram.com/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/
 
Next NLP Practitioner and NLP Coach Training:
Starts 12th 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/
 
Next NLP Master Practitioner Training:
NLP Only. Starts 18th June 2026. Every Wednesday 1:30-5pm. Recordings made available. NLP Practitioner or Coach as pre-requisite. https://traceycolenlp.com/product/nlp-master-practitioner-coach/
 
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  
 
 
 

The First Minutes in the Saddle: Mindset Mastery

You’ve prepared your mindset in the days leading up to a ride, and you’ve set yourself up for calm before mounting… but what happens once you’re actually in the saddle? In this final episode of the series, Tracey Cole reveals simple, practical strategies for those first crucial moments of your ride. From choosing a powerful anchor word to a quick body and mind check-in, and even reframing mistakes with curiosity and a smile, these techniques help you stay present, confident, and connected with your horse. Discover how staying in the moment — not chasing perfection — can completely transform the way you ride and feel in the saddle.
 
👉 Contact me 
Info@traceycolenlp.com
www.traceycolenlp.com
 
👉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

Set Your Ride Up for Success: Pre-Ride Mindset Hacks Part 2

What if the way you prepare your mind in the minutes before you ride could transform the entire experience in the saddle? In this episode, Tracey Cole shares simple but powerful mindset techniques you can use on the day of your ride — even while you’re tacking up. Discover how strategic breathing, grounding methods, and mental rehearsal can shift you from anxious or overthinking into calm, connected, and confident. If you’ve ever wished those first few moments of a ride felt easier, clearer, or more enjoyable, this episode gives you the tools to make it happen. Tune in and find out how a few subtle mindset shifts can set the emotional tone for your whole ride.
 
👉 Contact me 
Info@traceycolenlp.com
www.traceycolenlp.com
 
👉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

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