Emma Dyer - Performance Coach

05/06/2026

I haven't done this for ages - get your thinking caps on.

I am going to start my alphabet game again.....

Starting with the letter 'A'
lets discuss behaviours or characteristics that can impact your riding or performance. List your words beginning with 'A' below.

I will start first with - ANXIETY

Anxiety is a natural human emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes like increased heart rate or restlessness. It is the body's way of responding to stress or perceived danger.

One of the best ways to deal with anxiety is to firstly control your breathing.
Secondly - put your anxiety in perspective, is this thing that is concerning you - something new or you have done it before ?
Thirdly - we can only control the controllables, so consider what your thoughts are, the story you are telling yourself - as this could be making you feel worse.

03/06/2026

When people think about improving their horse riding, they often focus on fitness, technique, training plans, and their horse's performance. But one of the most powerful factors in competition success is often overlooked: your mindset.

Sports and performance psychology can have a huge impact on confidence, focus, and competition results. Whether you're dealing with nerves before entering the arena, struggling with self-doubt after a disappointing round, or finding it difficult to perform at shows the way you do at home - your mental approach matters.

Confidence isn't something you're born with – it's something you build. By learning techniques such as goal setting, visualisation, positive self-talk, emotional regulation, and competition preparation strategies, riders can develop greater self-belief and consistency under pressure.

When riders improve their mental skills, they often experience:
✔ Increased confidence in training and competition
✔ Better focus and concentration
✔ Reduced anxiety and performance nerves
✔ Improved decision-making during a round or test
✔ Greater resilience after mistakes or setbacks
✔ More consistent competition results

As an advanced coach in applied psychology for equestrians, I understand that successful riding is about much more than physical ability. Developing the right mindset can help you unlock your potential, enjoy your riding more, and perform at your best when it matters most.
I will help you develop a different perspective.

I regularly coach in the Boston / south Lincs area at your location or arena hire.
Please do get in touch to discuss your requirements.

Experienced & professional equestrian coach, with a vast array of ridden experience to draw from in various disciplines, including Show jumping, RoR, showing up to HOYs and RI, and Team Chasing.

28/05/2026

Winning is never a certainty, but with the right planning, preparation, mindset and perspective then you can work on the process.

We are in control of the process, we are not in control of the outcome.

If you would like to work on your ridden skills, confidence, mindset and overall performance improvement - then I can help.

I am an advanced coach through the Centre10 Applied Psychology for Equestrian Coaches programme.

I have availability to take on new Clients in Boston and the surrounding area.

Please find out more about me from my website (link in comments) and reviews from many happy customers now enjoying their horses and riding with confidence.

New client bookings now open.

21/05/2026

My plan for returning to coaching

I am currently awaiting the results from an MRI scan but in the meantime starting a phased return to coaching.
I’ve recently started driving again albeit short journeys to start.
I can only coach flatwork currently as unable to move - carry poles.
I do need to sit down rather than walk about.
However as I am unable to ride myself - I do have availability to take on new clients for flatwork or mindset coaching.

Please do get in touch to discuss your requirements

14/05/2026

I love talking about performance and particularly when there are small changes that can improve performance.

This does not just relate to the rider - my work encompasses everything - the bigger picture of both horse and rider.

For the rider this can be improved knowledge, skills and technique when riding, dealing with competition nerves, recovery, planning, fitness, sleep & recovery, nutrition, confidence, motivation and focus to name a few.

For the horse its training, fitness, suppleness, strength, stamina, nutrition, tack and equipment suitability, recovery, comfort and well being to name a few, all of which as owners we have direct influence over these.

This time of year particularly we need to keep an eye on our equine partners and ensure their waste-lines are not getting out of control - this is not only a welfare issue but should be managed for well being and performance.

Your Vet will be able to conduct a body fat score, and most feed companies are able to visit with a weighbridge so you can monitor your horse / ponies weight throughout the year.

It does not mean starving them, it just means adjusting your management of them, perhaps increased movement or exercise, perhaps adjust forage type or quantity, soaking hay, or even just using a small hole haynet to slow consumption. Having a horse live out can be more beneficial as they will naturally move around more while eating rather than standing still in a stable and eating.

One of mine is a good doer and there are certain things that implement at this time of year -
➡️She gets fully clipped in May - when her coat has come through, if she is kept slightly cooler it will help her weight management. I use minimal rugs & she is more comfortable and therefore performs better when ridden, can cool down quicker.
➡️Her forage and feed is monitored / reviewed depending on condition and work load.
➡️I always used a haynet with small holes
➡️I would soak her hay to reduce excess sugar

As you will see below the ideal weight to aim for is moderate

Good Luck

12/05/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness month.

Working as a performance coach, I’m very aware of the impact our mental health has on performance. Performance looks different to everyone, but the required elements are the same. This could be related to mindset, focus, attention to detail, confidence, even nutrition, sleep, planning & recovery.
At the moment I am first hand experiencing the impact of negative mental health as I navigate the uncertain path of rehabilitation & recovery following injury. So many things are out of my control - and the timeline is uncertain.

Therefore we must concentrate on the things we can control. In my case, pain management, sleep, nutrition & following my physio plan.

Some of the most important things I provide my clients with is structure, motivation & a process to work to - this will provide you with purpose, a sense of belonging. Vital components for positive mindset.
Other areas which support a positive mindset are clear & honest communication & your support network.

Take a moment to think about these fundamentals & which areas are strong for you & which areas you may need more support with. It could make a big difference.

10/05/2026

Mindset should be part of you everyday process, it will impact more than just your riding.

Want to find out more - get in touch for a free discovery call.

06/05/2026

Struggling with confidence in the saddle? Returning to riding after time away? Or feeling stuck with a particular block that’s holding you back?

While I am temporarily side lined…. I have availability for online dismounted performance sessions — designed to support riders away from the horse so you can come back feeling clearer, more confident, and in control.

These sessions focus on you as the rider: your mindset, your habits, and the patterns that might be limiting your progress. Whether it’s nerves, frustration, or simply not knowing how to move forward, we’ll work through it in a practical, supportive way.

Perfect for:
• Rebuilding confidence after a break or setback
• Managing nerves and performance anxiety
• Working through mental blocks or fear
• Creating a clearer, more positive approach to your riding

If you’re ready to feel more secure and capable in your riding, this is a great place to start.

Drop me a message or visit www.equine-coach.co.uk to find out more and book your session.

30/04/2026

Injury Update.

I am now on week 6 post injury

I have a fractured shoulder and detached tendons, aka an avulsion fracture.
I also have other injuries to my ribs, hip, and both knees.

Having had a CT Scan and X rays, I have since been back to the fracture clinic many times for follow up x rays and appointments.
I am currently waiting for an MRI scan to assess the tendons and decide on whether to operate.
For my knees I have been referred to a knee specialist.

My days consist of cold therapy, physio exercises, using the ARC equine and rest !
It feels like a full time job.

I want to thank all my clients for their patience.
Most of my work is always supporting and thinking of others and this must be the first time in my life that I am actually taking time out and looking after myself.
Its painful and I am still on morphine at night times.

At the moment I don't have full use of my arm and as such I am unable to drive and unable to stand or walk for any distance.

On paper 6 weeks should be approx half way through what should be an expected return to work, but it will depend if they operate and mobility / progress.
Full strength and mobility in my arm could take a very long time.

I promise I will keep everyone posted on progress and will be in touch as soon as I am able to drive.
A big thank you to everyone for your help so far, checking in, keeping my spirits up, taking me out etc. It is very much appreciated.
Photo of pesky chip from shoulder that is causing chaos.

Thank you all

25/04/2026

Last week I should have been attending the Centre10 spring meet up.
To ensure I keep up to date in all CPD & remain accredited.
Sadly as I’m unable to drive I couldn’t be there.
But what a super Saturday to receive my nominations for the awards.
It’s such a pick me up to receive these. Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote. It means so much & motivates me to get well soon & get back out there. 💪🏻