In Stride Ride iQ

This is the first session of Equestrian Mastermind with top riders Lauren Sprieser, Olivia LaGoy-Weltz, and Lehua Custer guided by transformational life coach Natalie Hummel. This episode was recorded on December 4th, 2023.

Natalie prompts the group to talk about the visions they have for their career and what might stand in the way of their success. In the first episode, they discuss various topics related to inner and outer goals and the steps they must take to achieve those goals:

• What is their ultimate goal? Why is it important to them? Where are they in relation to that goal?
• A realistic view of the challenges professionals face in their personal and professional lives.
• A visualization exercise that gives clarity to what type of support each person needs.
• Figuring out the next steps to get past any roadblocks and closer to a goal.

Join Natalie, Lauren, Olivia, and Lehua in this exciting conversation on embracing pressure and tension.

In this episode of Riders Unscripted, Natalie works through visualization exercises with one of her clients, who puts too much pressure on herself in competitive environments and feels like she is likely to fail. They discuss creating safety in the nervous system so that she has the capability to accept imperfect moments and remain present. Natalie guides her through an exercise to help widen her nervous system’s window of capacity so that the pressure and fear doesn't feel debilitating, and she can focus on being committed to horsemanship and not horse show results.

In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by New Zealand 5* event rider Monica Spencer.

Monica started riding at a young age and worked her way up through the Pony Club system. After graduating from Paraparaumu College, Monica started a business selling off-the-track thoroughbreds but eventually left the sales behind to pursue a high-performance career. Monica has since been very successful with her thoroughbred Artist, or Max, having won at the 2019 Puhinui International CCI3*-S in Auckland, the 2020 Puhinui International CCI4*-L, and the 2021 Matamata CIC4*-S. The pair also competed at the 2022 Pratoni World Championships, finishing 21st individually and earning team bronze for New Zealand.

In this episode, Monica discusses topics related to her career and riding for Team New Zealand, including:

• How she started her sales business and what pushed her to pursue high performance.
• The culture surrounding Team New Zealand and how performance-based funding works.
• The similarities and differences with eventing in the US vs New Zealand.
• Dealing with the pressure of coming to the states to compete in 5* events.
• Her plan to compete in the Kentucky 5* and what the next few weeks leading up to it will look like.

Join Monica and Sinead in this exciting conversation about competing in high-performance.

In the fourth and final episode of The Waygood Way, Dickie Waygood shares his expertise on show jumping, covering topics such as course preparation, understanding the horse's perspective, and the intricacies of related distances. Dickie emphasizes the importance of planning, visualizing the course from the horse's point of view, and ensuring that equipment is correct and legal. He advises on warm-up routines tailored to the horse's temperament and the necessity of a structured approach with a coach or groom. Dickie also discusses technical riding aspects, underscoring balance, control, and effective communication with the horse for a successful performance.

In this episode of Riders Unscripted, Natalie works through visualization exercises with one of her clients, who feels anxious at shows and has a difficult time enjoying the preparation and act of competing. They discuss the process that her nervous system goes through to avoid feeling the fear of failure and the childhood experiences that taught her the misunderstanding that she can’t make mistakes. Natalie guides her through an exercise to help her be her own unconditional safety in moments of imperfection, allowing her to enjoy the process of competing.

In the third episode of The Waygood Way, Dickie talks about proper cross-country riding. Dickie emphasizes the need for thorough preparation, setting clear objectives, and planning around key events. He shares three fundamental rules for effective riding and offers practical exercises for balance and strength. Dickie also discusses the importance of rider-horse communication, maintaining rhythm, and the correct approach to obstacles. Using analogies and personal experiences, he highlights the necessity of adaptability and strategic thinking on the course. His advice is aimed at helping riders enhance their cross-country performance through better preparation and technique.