Overcome Riding Fear with A Simple Exercise

Learn how to overcome riding fear with a simple exercise, the "Chatterbox" technique, a simple, effective mindset shift led by Scott Purdum and hypnotist Nathan Gist.

The Problem

Do you find yourself in the saddle and suddenly you mind takes off with thoughts racing with fear, doubt, or all of the "what if" scenarios? That voice in your head starts saying things like "I can't do this." You are not along in answering "yes" to this! Most, if not all riders, answer "yes."

The truth is, sometimes it is not your horse holding you back, it is your own self-talk. That inner chatter can get loud, especially when fear creeps in. And when your mind starts spinning, your body tenses, your cues get muddy, and your horse can feel it all!

This self-doubt loop and can be hard to break, but it can be done!

The Solution

I teamed up with Nathan Gist, certified hypnotist, who specializes in fear and performance mindset. Together, we guide riders through a powerful exericse called the Chatterbox Technique, a tool designed to interrupt fear by turning negative thoughts into something so silly they lose their power, breaking the mental loop and helping you reset your confidence.

In the video, you can see Nathan using the Chatterbox Technique with Scott. Here is how it works:

Take the fearful phrase you always tell yourself in the saddle. Maybe it is “I’m going to fall,” or “This is going to go bad.” Now imagine that phrase being shouted by Daffy Duck from across the room. Yeah, seriously. Hear that high-pitched, goofy voice say it so ridiculously that you can’t help but laugh.

When Scott did this, his whole body shifted. He smiled. His posture changed. The fear lost its grip.

Then Nathan flipped the script. He had Scott choose a powerful phrase that he normally says to boost his confidence getting on a horse, something like “I’ve done this 100 times,” or “I’ve got this.” When Scott did this (eyes closed), he said the phrase, took a deep breath, and you could immediately see a physical shift in his body posture.

This was not just positive thinking, it was reprogramming. Training your brain and body to respond differently under pressure.

Why It Works

The Chatterbox Technique works becuase it interrupts the fear loop. When you make the negative voice sound silly, it loses its authority. When you anchor a strong, empowering phrase into your body and mind, it becomes a tool you can access when you need it. It is not just a motivational quote, but a real shift in how you respond.

Give this exercise a try! You will surprise yourself how just a simple mindset shift can change your ride, your confidence, and the connection you have with your horse.

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The Confident Equestrian Foundation Guide

For a limited time only, Scott is offering $500 off the Confident Equestrian Foundation Guide.

Use code: Chatterbox

If this mental reset speaks to you, you will love what Nathan and I dive into in the Confident Equestrian Foundation Guide. This online program will guide you through a journey to help shift your mindset and overcome fear with practical tools to build a stronger mindset and ride with purpose. We break down what is really holding you back and show you how to work through it with confidence.