Ride with Confidence
Overcome nerves, anxiety and fear so you can reach your equestrian goals Sign Up HereRider Confidence Coaching for riders ready to stop overthinking, build real self-belief, and ride feeling calm, confident, and in control.
Nope, it's not just you...
If your heart starts to race just thinking about getting on…
If you find yourself overthinking every ride and worrying what others might say…
If you feel frustrated or fed up that something you love has started to feel so hard…
You’re in good company – so many riders struggle with these same challenges, and there is hope (and help) for you!
Many riders I work with feel the same – nervous, self-critical, or unsure how to break the cycle. You might be avoiding riding, making excuses, or feeling like you’ve lost your spark.
It doesn’t have to stay that way.
You can feel calm, clear and in control again. You can look forward to riding, feel proud of yourself, and enjoy that sense of self-confidence you’ve been missing.
And you don’t have to do it alone.
Who Am I?
Hi, I’m Alison Buttery
I’m a BHS Accredited Professional Coach, Multi-Certified Mindset Coach, and a horse owner & rider who has competed in affiliated showjumping, dressage and dabbled in eventing.
I’ve worked with hundreds of riders to help them move past nerves, self-doubt, overthinking and anxiety, so they can feel relaxed, confident and in control.
I don’t believe in telling you to “just be braver” or pushing you to power through. That approach rarely works, and in fact, often makes things worse. (Nor to I do fluffy nonsense that gets us nowhere!)
Instead, I’ll share proven strategies, mindset tools and techniques, along with a good dose of fun, action and accountability to help you actually make the changes you want in real riding situations.
I’m here to walk alongside you, step by step, so you feel clear, supported, and ready to ride in a way that feels good for you.
Is 1-1 Coaching Right For You?
My 1-1 confidence and performance coaching is for leisure and competition riders who:
Feel stuck in cycles of fear, anxiety or overthinking when you ride
Worry about what might go wrong or what others might think
Find themselves avoiding riding or making excuses because it feels easier than facing the nerves
Want simple, proven tools, not just advice to “be brave” or “think positive”
Are ready to build real confidence that lasts beyond one good ride
What's Possible For You?
Imagine This…
You get ready to ride and feel a steady sense of calm… and even a spark of excitement.
You put your foot in the stirrup and trust that today will be another step forward.
You ride with focus and ease, so caught up in what you’re doing that you realise later…you forgot to be scared.
You feel the thrill of cantering without overthinking, or the quiet pride after trying something new.
And you finish your ride feeling lighter, more positive, and proud of the progress you’re making, whether it’s a small step or a big breakthrough.
This isn’t about forcing yourself to be brave or hoping nerves will disappear on their own. It’s about learning simple, proven ways to build real confidence you can rely on every time you ride. Most riders notice a difference sooner than they expect.
I highly recommend Alison’s private sessions. I had a very serious accident, which of course resulted in very significant fear post-recovery. I was very frustrated about how paralyzed I felt and I did not want to quit the sport I love or give up on my horse. I somehow found Alison’s program. Alison’s unique qualifications make her the ideal person to work with. She is absolutely devoted to helping you overcome your concerns, hesitations, and fears. She is a great listener and very skilled to help you change your mindset. The added benefit is her profession as an equine coach – she really gets you, where other sports psychologists may not. I took her advice to heart and continue to use the skills she taught me. The other thing I love is that I can check back in with her if I need a boost. Don’t hesitate. Book a session. Three sessions worked really well for me and I was able to book them a week apart so I could practice and then regroup with her.
Your Coaching Package
Here’s how we’ll work together to help you feel calm, capable, and ready to ride again:
3 x Private Coaching Sessions (60 minutes each)
We’ll meet on Zoom at times that suit you. Each session is fully personalised, so you get exactly what you need at each stage of your journey.
Together, we’ll:
Session 1 – Clarity and First Steps
We’ll look at what’s been holding you back, define your goals, and start using simple tools right away to help you feel calmer and more in control.
Session 2 - Understanding Patterns and Building Confidence
We’ll explore any beliefs, habits or stories that have kept you feeling stuck, and start to replace them with more helpful ways of thinking and riding.
Session 3 – Strengthening Your New Approach
We’ll focus on reinforcing your progress, building confidence you can trust, and creating practical steps to keep moving forward.
Personalised Tools, Strategies and Guided Practice
During each session, you’ll use simple tools, techniques and reflection exercises to help you keep level-up your riding confidence, and often homework to do in between our sessions!
Everything we cover is shaped around your individual goals and riding experiences, so you can focus on what matters most to you.
You’ll also have email support to ask questions or share progress between sessions. I’ll always reply within working hours, so you feel guided and clear about your next steps, without feeling like you have to figure it all out on your own.
You’ve probably already tried telling yourself to be braver.
Maybe you’ve read every article or hoped that time alone would fix it.
But real change happens when you take a different kind of step, one with guidance, support, and practical tools designed for riders just like you.
Many of the riders I work with have felt exactly the same.
Like one of my clients, Sam, who said:
“We did it! Proof (as if you needed it) that all this works… 7 months ago Milo bronked me off, I was too scared to even trot afterwards. With help from this group, Alison’s courses and a fabulous 1-1 with Alison (highly recommended!), we got back out to a dressage competition on Saturday and came 2nd… so very happy 🙂”
You deserve to feel that sense of progress and freedom too.
It’s okay to invest in your confidence. You, and your horse, will feel the difference.
If you’re ready to finally move forward, I’d love to help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I’ve never done coaching like this before?
That’s absolutely fine! Most riders I work with are completely new to coaching. I’ll walk you through each step so you always feel clear, comfortable, and confident about what to expect.
What if it doesn’t work for me?
Every rider is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. That’s why this process is 100% tailored to you, with proven techniques that have helped many others. If you come with an open mind and a willingness to try, we’ll find the approach that fits you best.
I feel embarrassed to ask for help!
You are definitely not alone. So many riders feel the same way, especially if they’re used to coping on their own. There’s no judgement here, just a safe space to explore what’s holding you back and practical ways to move forward.
I’m not used to spending money on myself... how do I know it’s the right choice?
That’s completely understandable. Investing in your mindset and confidence can feel like a big step, right?
Many riders find that the progress they make, like feeling calmer, more capable, and able to enjoy riding again, is worth far more than the cost of coaching.
You’re always welcome to take your time to decide if this feels right for you.
How do I know if this is the right time for me?
There’s rarely a “perfect” moment to start. If you feel stuck, frustrated, or tired of second-guessing yourself, it’s usually a sign you’re ready for something different. Taking action, step by step will lead to way more progress than waiting and hoping things will change on their own.
What if I get nervous during the sessions?
That’s completely normal. Many riders feel unsure or emotional when we start, especially if confidence has been a struggle for a while.
We’ll create a calm, private space where you can share as much or as little as you’re comfortable with, without any judgement. You can go at your own pace, and everything stays confidential.
How soon will I notice a difference?
Everyone is different. Some riders start to feel a shift in how they think and ride after the first session, while for others it builds gradually over the series.
You’ll leave each session with practical tools you can start using straight away, so you feel supported and clear about your next steps.
What if I need to reschedule?
Life happens, and I understand things can change. You’re welcome to reschedule any session with at least 48 hours’ notice (subject to availability).
Your booking confirmation email will give you a link to reschedule sessions if you need to.
All sessions need to be booked and used within two calendar months of your purchase date.
How To Book
Booking your coaching package is quick and straightforward. Just follow the steps below to secure your place and schedule all three of your sessions at times that suit you best.
Click Add to Cart below to purchase your package.
On the checkout page, enter your details and payment information. Once your payment has been processed, you’ll get a confirmation email titled Order Receipt.
In your confirmation email, you’ll see a Certificate Code and a link labelled Schedule. Keep this email safe – you’ll need the code to book your sessions.
Click the Schedule link in your email.
Choose the dates and times that work best for you for all three sessions.
Make sure you select your time zone.
To book each session, choose the Single Session option, then click Select and add another time to pick your next date.
You can also reschedule any of your sessions at any time using the links in your booking confirmation email.
Important Information
My coaching services are designed to support personal development, mindset, and confidence for horse riders.
I am not a psychologist, psychotherapist, counsellor, or medical professional. I do not diagnose, treat, or prevent any mental health condition or illness.
The information and guidance I provide is not a substitute for professional mental health care, therapy, or medical advice.
If you are experiencing significant psychological distress or crisis, please seek help from your GP or a qualified healthcare provider without delay.