The Rise and Ride Show

Katy Jacks

Welcome to Rise and Ride, the podcast for horse lovers ready to step into confidence, connection, and calm. Hosted by Katy Jacks, this show is all about helping you overcome fear, trust your intuition, and create a deeper bond with your horse. Each week, you’ll hear practical confidence tips, inspiring stories from the saddle, and soulful insights into Reiki and energy work for both you and your horse. It’s time to rise into your power, ride with trust, and rediscover the joy of partnership.

  1. 5d ago

    Who Is Looking After the Rider? Why Horse Owners Need to Look After Themselves Too

    As horse owners, we spend so much of our time looking after our horses. We think about what they’re eating, how they’re feeling, whether they’re okay, what treatment they need and what we can do to make their lives better. But sometimes, in all of that caring, we forget about ourselves. And when our horse is poorly, on box rest, recovering from an injury or going through a difficult period, the emotional load can be huge too. In this episode, I’m talking about why looking after yourself isn’t selfish — and why the energy and emotional state you bring to your horse can be an important part of your connection. I also share why I encourage owners to stay during their horse’s Reiki session. I love seeing owners witness their horse’s response, but I also love the idea that they get to pause, breathe and receive some calm themselves. Because you are part of the relationship too. We also talk about preparing yourself before you ride and why I created my free Pre-Ride Routine and Confidence Tracker — a simple way to pause, check in with yourself and start your ride from a calmer place. And if you’re listening and thinking, “Actually, I need some personalised help with my confidence,” you can find out more about my Rider Confidence Reset Session in the link below. A private 90-minute Zoom session to talk through what’s going on, understand what’s keeping you stuck and create a practical plan to help you move forward. You don’t have to just push through it. Why caring for a horse can be emotionally exhausting How easily riders can put themselves last Why your own nervous system deserves attention too The energy we bring into our interactions with our horses Why I encourage owners to stay during Reiki sessions How a few minutes of preparation can change the way you approach a ride Why I created my Pre-Ride Routine and Confidence Tracker A reminder that looking after yourself is part of looking after your horse Rider Confidence Reset Session Free Pre-Ride Routine & Confidence Tracker

  2. Sep 29

    Why Fixing My Horse Didn't Fix My Confidence

    When I first got Toby, my confidence took a massive knock. I initially thought that if we could improve Toby’s behaviour, my confidence would naturally come back. So the first thing I did was find a great instructor and trainer who could help me understand his behaviour and give us practical tools to use on the ground, while riding and during schooling. And it worked… Toby’s behaviour improved. But my nerves didn’t. That was the moment I realised that rebuilding riding confidence wasn’t just about working with my horse. I needed to work on myself too. In this episode of The Rise and Ride Show, I’m sharing the three-pronged approach that I developed through my own journey with Toby: 🐴 THE HORSE — training, understanding behaviour and practical tools. 🧠 THE RIDER — mindset, NLP and learning how to understand and regulate my own reactions and nerves. 🤍 THE CONNECTION — Reiki, regulation and developing a deeper sense of connection between horse and rider. My journey into NLP eventually led me to complete a full NLP course because I wanted to understand it deeply enough to use it to help others, as well as supporting my own daughters with their confidence. Then came Reiki. My Mum was already a Reiki practitioner, so I was familiar with it, but I decided to learn it for myself and began practicing on myself before going into the barn. I noticed how much it helped me slow down and regulate my own state. Eventually I wondered: if Reiki was helping me, could it benefit Toby too? That led me to learn Animal Reiki with the wonderful Sarah Beresford, spending time at her yard learning and practicing with her incredible horses. Looking back, I can see that I didn't need to choose between working on my horse and working on myself. I needed to consider the horse, the rider AND the connection between them. In this episode, I talk about: • Why improving Toby’s behaviour didn’t automatically restore my confidence• The importance of finding the right trainer and practical support• How NLP helped me understand my thoughts and reactions• Why confidence isn’t simply about being brave or pushing through fear• How I discovered Reiki and began using it for my own regulation• My experience learning Animal Reiki with Sarah Beresford• Why the horse, rider and connection all matter• The three questions I now use when I feel stuck with my riding• How this experience ultimately shaped the foundations of Align & Advance If you’ve lost your confidence after a fall, difficult experience, change of horse or period away from riding, I hope this episode reminds you that you don’t necessarily have to simply “get back on” and push through. Sometimes the answer is to slow down, understand what’s really going on and look at the whole picture. The horse. The rider. The connection. Welcome to The Rise and Ride Show — a podcast for horse riders who want to feel calmer, more confident and more connected with their horses. Download your free Pre-ride Routine and Tracker here Find out more about Align & Advance:https://alignandadvance.com #HorseRiderConfidence #RidingConfidence #NervousRider #HorseRiding #EquestrianConfidence #HorseAndRider #NLP #AnimalReiki #EquineReiki

  3. Sep 22

    Horse Riding Nerves: What Are You REALLY Afraid Of? | Building Rider Confidence

    Do you ever say, “I’m nervous about riding” without really knowing what you’re nervous about? After watching the highlights from Burghley and Blenheim Horse Trials, I found myself thinking about something really interesting: even the very best riders talk openly about feeling nervous. But their nerves aren't necessarily the same as the nerves experienced by someone who has lost their riding confidence. In this episode, we explore why understanding exactly what is making you nervous is such an important first step towards rebuilding confidence. We talk about: • Why even elite riders experience nerves • The difference between different types of riding anxiety and fear • Why simply saying “I’m nervous” doesn't tell us enough • How your thoughts can reveal what your brain is actually worried about • Why journaling can be such a useful tool for nervous riders • The difference between investigating a negative thought and dwelling on it • How one fear can lead to a much deeper fear underneath it • Why understanding your personal triggers matters when working on confidence • A simple exercise to help you uncover exactly what you're afraid might happen I'll also give you a practical exercise to try this week using one simple question: “And then what?” Because before you can start changing a fear, you need to understand what that fear actually is. If you've lost your confidence after a fall, difficult experience or change in your horse, this episode is a great place to start. Remember: confidence isn't about never feeling nervous. It's about understanding your nerves and learning how to work with them. 🐴 Free Rider Confidence Resource: Download my Pre-Ride Routine & Confidence Tracker to help you feel calmer and more prepared before you ride. Find out more about Rider Confidence Coaching and Equine Reiki with Align & Advance at alignandadvance.com Subscribe to The Rise and Ride Show for more conversations about horse riding confidence, mindset, nervous riders, equestrian life and the relationship between horse and rider.

  4. Aug 18

    The Hidden Strength of Sensitive Horse Riders

    Have you ever been told you're "too sensitive"? Maybe you've been called emotional, an overthinker, or someone who takes things to heart. If so, this episode is for you. In this episode of Rise & Ride, we're exploring the trait of high sensitivity and why it may actually be one of your greatest strengths as a horse rider. Many sensitive riders assume that their emotions are holding them back, but what if your ability to notice the smallest changes, build deep partnerships with your horse, and care so deeply about doing the right thing is actually your superpower? We'll also look at the challenges that can come with being highly sensitive—such as overthinking, fear of judgement, and feeling overwhelmed in busy environments—and, most importantly, how to work with your nervous system instead of against it. Whether you identify as a Highly Sensitive Person or simply recognise that you feel things deeply, you'll come away with practical strategies to help you feel calmer, more confident, and more in tune with both yourself and your horse. What it means to be a highly sensitive person (HSP) Why sensitivity is a personality trait, not a weakness The strengths that sensitive riders bring to their horses How overstimulation can affect confidence and performance Why sensitive riders often overthink lessons and competitions Practical ways to protect your energy and regulate your nervous system How to stop seeing sensitivity as something to "fix" and start embracing it as a strength Remember, confidence isn't about changing who you are. It's about understanding yourself, working with your natural strengths, and creating an environment where both you and your horse can thrive. If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love it if you could follow Rise & Ride, leave a review, and share it with a fellow rider who might need this reminder today. If you're ready to take the next step in rebuilding your riding confidence, I'd love to support you through my coaching programmes. You can also connect with me on social media for more confidence tips, encouragement, and behind-the-scenes content. Thank you for listening to Rise & Ride. Until next time, remember that your sensitivity isn't something to hide—it may just be the quality that helps you become the rider your horse needs most. In this episode, we discuss:

  5. Aug 11

    From Polocrosse to Dressage: Alison Kenward on Building Rider Confidence & Better Horse-Human Connection

    In this episode of the Rise and Ride Show, I'm joined by dressage rider, equestrian coach, and founder of Equestrian Heroes, Alison Kenward. Alison shares her fascinating riding journey, from representing her country in international polocrosse to training and competing in New Zealand and South Africa. Throughout our conversation, she explains how these experiences have shaped the way she now coaches riders and helps them develop confidence, stronger partnerships, and greater enjoyment with their horses. We explore why every rider's journey is unique, how confidence is built through understanding rather than perfection, and why developing a genuine connection with your horse is often the key to unlocking better riding. Whether you're struggling with confidence, looking to improve your partnership with your horse, or simply love hearing inspiring equestrian stories, this episode is packed with practical insights and plenty of encouragement. In this episode we discuss: • Alison's journey from polocrosse to dressage• Training and competing in New Zealand and South Africa• How different riding disciplines shape better horsemen and horsewomen• Building confidence through understanding rather than force• Creating a stronger connection with your horse• Alison's coaching philosophy and approach• Why enjoyment should remain at the heart of riding• Lessons learned from years of riding, coaching and competing If you've enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another rider who could benefit from hearing Alison's inspiring story. Connect with Alison Kenwardhttps://www.equestrianheroes.com/ 🎙 Rise and Ride Show is the podcast for horse riders who want to build confidence, overcome nerves, and enjoy riding again. Each week, Katy Jacks shares practical advice and inspiring conversations to help you create a calmer, happier partnership with your horse. www.alignandadvance.com

  6. Aug 4

    Are you riding the journey you truly want—or the one you feel you should be on?

    Have you ever left the yard wondering if you should be doing more with your horse? Maybe someone else has entered a competition, booked another clinic, started jumping bigger fences, or is posting exciting adventures all over social media. Before you know it, you're questioning your own progress and wondering if you're somehow falling behind. In this episode of Rise & Ride, we're talking about the importance of creating your own riding journey—one that's based on your goals, your horse, and what truly makes you happy, rather than what everyone else is doing. Comparison can quietly steal your confidence and leave you chasing goals that were never yours in the first place. Whether the pressure comes from the yard, friends, instructors, or social media, it's worth taking a step back and asking yourself one simple question: "What do I actually want?" We'll explore how to tune out the outside noise, reconnect with your own values, and create a path that feels fulfilling for both you and your horse. Why it's so easy to compare yourself with other ridersHow social media can distort our view of successThe influence of yard culture and well-meaning adviceWhy someone else's goals don't have to become your goalsHow comparison can chip away at confidenceThe importance of creating a journey that suits both you and your horsePractical questions to help you define your own version of successCelebrating progress without comparing your chapter to someone else'sYour horse doesn't know what everyone else at the yard is doing. They don't know how many rosettes someone else has won, how high another horse is jumping, or how many followers another rider has online. They only know the relationship they have with you. The most rewarding riding journey isn't the one that looks the most impressive to others—it's the one that feels right for you. If this episode encouraged you to pause, reflect, and reconnect with your own goals, I'd love it if you could follow Rise & Ride, leave a review, and share it with a fellow rider who might need this reminder. Thank you for listening, and remember: your riding journey doesn't have to look like anyone else's to be a success. In this episode, we discuss:

About

Welcome to Rise and Ride, the podcast for horse lovers ready to step into confidence, connection, and calm. Hosted by Katy Jacks, this show is all about helping you overcome fear, trust your intuition, and create a deeper bond with your horse. Each week, you’ll hear practical confidence tips, inspiring stories from the saddle, and soulful insights into Reiki and energy work for both you and your horse. It’s time to rise into your power, ride with trust, and rediscover the joy of partnership.