Riding shouldn't feel this hard
If nerves, anxiety, or fear are stealing the joy from your time with your horse, you're in the right place. Here's how to get it back.
You're in the right place if...
You second-guess every decision before you even get in the saddle.
The ‘what ifs’ hijack your brain the moment you think about riding.
Your body tenses faster than you can breathe, scanning for threats that might not even exist.
You’ve tried every tip, every technique, every “just breathe” piece of advice… but nothing sticks.
Deep down, there’s a quiet fear you don’t say out loud: “Maybe I’m just not cut out for this anymore.”
Here’s what I know:
Your brain is doing exactly what it’s designed to do when it feels unsafe. And with the right tools, you can change the pattern.
You don’t need to push harder. You need to understand what’s happening in your mind and body, and learn to work WITH it, not against it.
Where Are You Right Now?
Choose the path that fits your situation. Each one gives you exactly what you need for where you are today.
I'm Struggling With Nerves & Anxiety
The anxiety isn’t from one incident – it’s the constant ‘what ifs’, the overthinking, the tension that shows up every single time you ride (or even think about riding).
Start here:
Join the FREE 5-Day Rider Confidence Breakthrough Challenge
Daily video trainings with simple, psychology-based tools to help you understand why the nerves keep showing up and how to shift them.
Real strategies, not just ‘think positive’ advice.
I've Lost My Confidence After A Fall
You’re shaken up, replaying what happened, and not sure how to move forward safely. The thought of getting back on feels overwhelming.
Start here:
Join Back in the Saddle, a simple, proven path to rebuild your confidence after a fall, using mindset tools, psychology-based strategies that actually work (even if your legs wobble and your stomach drops just thinking about riding out again)
£27 one time | Lifetime Access
I'm Ready to Make A Real Change
You’re done guessing. You want a proven system, expert guidance, and ongoing support to rebuild confidence that actually lasts.
Go here:
Explore the Crack the Confidence Code Membership
A complete psychology-based system with step-by-step training, 50+ resources, live support, and a community of riders who truly get it.
£29.99/month. Cancel anytime. 7-day money-back guarantee.
How I Help Riders Like You
I’m Alison Buttery, and I’ve spent over 20 years in the equestrian industry helping riders break free from anxiety, fear, and self-doubt.
I’m a BHS Accredited Professional Coach (Stage 4), certified NLP Practitioner, Equestrian Performance & Confidence Coach, Hypnotherapist, and a former Senior Lecturer in Equine Science. I’m also a lifelong rider and competitor in showjumping, dressage, and eventing.
But here’s what matters most: I’ve been where you are.
I know what it’s like to deal with falls, setbacks, and wavering confidence. I’ve felt the frustration of trying to “just get over it” and wondering if I’d ever feel safe in the saddle again.
That’s why I became fascinated by the psychology of rider confidence. I wanted to understand why our minds work the way they do when we’re anxious, and more importantly, how to change those patterns for good.
Over the years, I’ve helped hundreds of riders from around the world move from anxious and overthinking to calm, capable, and confident using practical, psychology-based methods that genuinely work in real life.
I’ve seen riders go from thinking about selling their horse to competing at affiliated level within months. I’ve watched people who hadn’t cantered in years gallop along the beach with pure joy. I’ve celebrated with riders who forgot to be scared (yes, that’s a real thing my community says – #forgottobescared).
This work gives me goosebumps every single time.
Because you deserve to enjoy your horse. You deserve to feel calm, capable, and in control. And you absolutely have what it takes to get there.
I’m here to show you how.
What Riders Say...
Since joining the membership has had a huge impact on my outlook and not just riding. I have changed how I talk and describe things and I’m more mindful of how I see a situation. I’m enjoying my rides so much more and I’m smiling so much now The other day my instructor said how me and my boy were looking amazing and that made me smile so much and we’ve bonded so much more. We are still a work in progress but so far I’m loving it
Since becoming a member and starting this course (and I am still very near the beginning of the work) I have noticed a definite increase in confidence and positivity – which is helping with life in general as well as with riding. I am far calmer and less inclined to catastrophise, enjoying my riding; learning to focus on the many things that go well rather than the few that don’t. I look forward to making even more progress as I work through. I also love reading about other people’s experiences and seeing how supportive everyone is of everyone else. I am so glad I joined.
It took me a while to get organised to sign up, but I’m so glad I did. It’s like you are inside my head and know exactly what’s holding me back. I don’t feel alone or silly any more I just need to prioritise my learning and make time for myself so that I can get to where I want to be. Thank you again so very much.
Explore the Psychology Behind Rider Confidence
Start with practical tips, tools, and real stories to help you understand what’s holding you back, and how you can change it.
