Mane Brain: The Science of Smarter Riding
Welcome to Mane Brain, the podcast where neuroscience meets the saddle! Hosted by Audrey Paslow, a board-certified neurologic physical therapist and expert in rider biomechanics, this show dives deep into the brain-body connection that makes great riders.
Each episode explores the science behind balance, coordination, flexibility, strength, breathing, and timing—essential elements for equestrians looking to improve their performance. Through expert interviews, rider fitness strategies, and neuroscience-backed insights, you’ll learn how to train smarter, ride better, and unlock your full potential in the saddle.
Mane Brain: The Science of Smarter Riding
Your Brain in the Show Ring: Why Pressure Changes Your Ride
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
Every rider has experienced it: the moment you enter the warm-up ring or hear the judge ring the bell, and suddenly the ride you've practiced for weeks feels completely different.
What changed?
Not your fitness.
Not your horse.
It's your brain.
Over the past several episodes of Mane Brain, we've explored how cardiovascular fitness, strength, and physical preparation create the foundation for rider performance. But fitness is only one piece of the puzzle.
Today we explore another factor that profoundly influences how riders move, think, and communicate with their horses: our brain's ability to perform under pressure.
I'm joined by Dr. Amy Wilson, a licensed clinical psychologist, Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Rochester, and fellow dressage rider. Together, we discuss what happens inside the brain when stress levels rise and how riders can learn to perform—not in the absence of anxiety—but alongside it.
In this episode, we discuss:
- How stress influences rider performance and why some stress can actually be beneficial
- The connection between thoughts, emotions, physiology, and performance in the saddle
- Goal setting strategies that help riders stay focused
- Practical ways to prepare for competition
- Mindfulness techniques that improve attention and awareness
- Simple strategies riders can use to regulate their nervous system before and during competition
This conversation fits directly into the Neuro Rider Stack, where we continue exploring the many factors that influence rider performance beyond physical fitness alone. Performance isn't determined only by strength or endurance—it's also shaped by attention, emotional regulation, preparation, and the way our nervous system responds under pressure.
Whether you're preparing for your first schooling show or riding down centerline at a recognized competition, this episode offers practical, evidence-based strategies to help you ride with greater confidence and consistency.
Ready to learn more about Dr. Amy Wilson? Visit her website!
🌐 The Unbridled Mind
https://theunbridledmind.com
Ready to assess your goals? Do they follow the S.M.A.R.T. mnemonic?
S - Specific
M - Measurable
A - Achievable
R - Relevant
T - Time Based
Example: I will be able to maintain a mindfulness practice while grooming my horse for five minutes by the end of this month.
Mane Brain Podcast is part of Anchored Seat's mission to bring neuroscience to the saddle! Learn more about training programs and clinic opportunities at www.anchoredseat.com.