Forging Ahead Coaching

Forging Ahead Coaching Mental Skills for Equestrians - Think Better, Ride Better So what exactly does a mental skills coach do?

I work with clients of all ages and riding abilities —using evidence-based mental skills and mindset strategies to help them perform better in whatever equestrian sport they do. Some of the big things I work with them on are calming down or gearing up before a big event, managing anxiety before and during performance, helping them to develop positive self-talk and imagery scenarios, and building mental toughness. I also deal with coming back from injuries, performance goal setting and day to day motivation strategies.

💕 Constantia, my original home ground! 💕I’m so excited to be back at CVRC this Saturday with the Forging Ahead Pink Couc...
28/09/2026

💕 Constantia, my original home ground! 💕
I’m so excited to be back at CVRC this Saturday with the Forging Ahead Pink Couch! 🌸
I’m absolutely thrilled to be sponsoring this show and can’t wait to catch up with familiar faces, meet new ones, and bring a little mental skills magic to the day.
There’s also a brand-new Kiss & Cry area for supporters to get involved in all the excitement! 🐴💗
✨ Pop in and say hi — whether you’re competing, supporting a friend, or simply love being part of the equestrian community.
🎁 There’ll be lots of giveaways and some awesome prizes up for grabs, so there are plenty of reasons to come and find me!
You know me… I love talking all things horses, mindset, and the mental side of our sport. And what better place to do it than where so much of my own riding journey began?
See you Saturday, Constantia! 🩷
Train your mind. Improve your ride.
MindsetMatters

19/09/2026

Meet Charlie. 🐴❤️

Or, to give him his full name… Charlotte’s Prince.

This is the horse I’m currently leasing — and after everything that’s happened recently, I thought it was probably time I introduced him properly!

Charlie is a talented, athletic horse who has already taught me a LOT. He’s jumped with Tayla, he’s been out competing, and now we’re adding a little dressage to the mix too.

And yes… I know there are probably people wondering why on earth I’m getting back on the horse who kicked me in the face! 😂

The simple answer is: It’s complicated 🤣

I also know that getting back in the saddle isn’t just about getting physically stronger. It’s about rebuilding confidence, trust and that feeling of “I’m okay up here, even when I don’t feel so ok.”

So here we are. One ride at a time. It’s all about staying in the present moment.

Welcome to our journey, Charlie. Let’s see where this takes us. 🧡🐴✨.

12/09/2026

So… I’m riding again. 🐎❤️

And this is probably the bit of concussion recovery I’ve been looking forward to — and worrying about — the most.

I’ve introduced Charlie in the video, and just for the record: I will hear NOTHING against this horse. 😂 He’s my boy and I’m very fond of him.

But getting back in the saddle has come with a surprising amount of anxiety. I’m more cautious than usual, more aware of everything… and, if I’m honest, a little more scared of creating any more drama! 😅

Which is why Nash, Charlie’s groom, has been accompanying me on my walks up and down the road.

Yes. I have a chaperone. 😂

But actually, I’m learning that recovery isn’t about pretending you’re not scared. It’s about finding ways to feel safe enough to keep moving forward.

Slowly. Carefully. One step at a time.

And I’m back on a horse. ❤️

Charlie deserves his own introduction properly… because there’s quite a story there. 😉.

11/09/2026

A little concussion recovery update from Waterwoods. I’m watching the Grand Prix at the Kuda and 334 World Cup qualifier. 🐎

I’m recovering. Slowly.
It’s taking the time it takes. ❤️

I’ve learnt SO much through this process, and I’m still figuring out how best to share it. I’m incredibly grateful to have had the privilege of seeing some of the absolute gurus in the field. 🙏

For now… patience, perspective and one step at a time.

And then there’s Fresco . 👏

Healthy food choices at a horse show?! YES PLEASE. 🙌
But seriously. THE POPCORN! 🍿😂

Why have we never had proper popcorn at shows before? Or have I been living under a rock?!

Honestly… recovery is looking better already. 😂

Happy 12th Birthday my beautiful Ch*****ne Dream.Our journey together has been full of surprises, and unexpected twists ...
03/09/2026

Happy 12th Birthday my beautiful Ch*****ne Dream.

Our journey together has been full of surprises, and unexpected twists and turns, and I'm so so glad she is part of my story.

This year is a very special one. Cheri is carrying a little dream of her own, and I can't wait to meet the foal she’s growing.

Happy birthday, precious girl 💕🦄🦄

03/09/2026

Day 1 of concussion rehab… and apparently, I have homework. 😅🧠

When Dr Mike Marshall told me there were two very good reasons to start my concussion rehabilitation straight away, I listened:

1️⃣ Get better, quicker.
2️⃣ Learn what good concussion recovery actually looks like — so I can better understand it for myself, and for my clients, riders and friends.

Because the science has moved on.

It’s not simply “go home, rest and wait until you feel better.”

Recovery is active. It’s structured. It’s individual. And apparently… it’s work! 😂

Today I met Jo, my concussion rehab physio. Tomorrow she assesses me properly — and then I get my first lot of homework. 💪

I’m actually looking forward to seeing what this process involves, and I’ll be sharing it as I go.

Because one thing I’m learning already:

A head injury deserves to be taken seriously.
And recovery deserves to be done properly.

One step at a time. 💕🦄🌸



31/08/2026

I wasn’t planning to take a break from riding. Charlie decided otherwise. 🙈

A few days ago, I was kicked in the face by the horse I’m leasing.

A trip to hospital.
A CT scan.
Stitches in my cheek.
An overnight stay.
And a concussion diagnosis.

The good news? My CT was clear.

The less exciting news? I’m not allowed to exercise for 21 days, and riding is very definitely off the table for now.

And it’s made me think about something I talk about with riders all the time:

Coming back after something goes wrong.

We tend to think about returning from injury as a physical process.

When can I ride?
When can I train?
When can I jump again?
When can I get back to where I was?

But there’s another part of recovery that doesn’t always get enough attention.

Your brain.
Your confidence.
Your decision-making.
And your relationship with risk.

A rider can be physically capable of getting back on before they are mentally ready.

And sometimes the opposite happens too — we’re desperate to prove that we’re fine, and we push ourselves before we’re actually ready.

I’m going to use my own recovery over the next few weeks to talk a little more about concussion, returning to riding after injury, confidence, fear and knowing when you’re genuinely ready to move forward.

Because coming back AGAIN is actually really scary.

I want to be sure I’m making good decisions when I do.

More to come. 💗

RiderConfidence HorseRider ForgingAhead

Something new is taking shape at Forging Ahead.We’ve been working behind the scenes to revamp The Academy into something...
17/08/2026

Something new is taking shape at Forging Ahead.

We’ve been working behind the scenes to revamp The Academy into something bigger, more structured and even more useful for riders who want to work on the mental side of their performance.

Because confidence isn’t something you suddenly find one day. It’s something you build through understanding, preparation, practice and experience.

The new Academy will bring those pieces together in one place, giving riders ongoing access to tools and resources designed to help them build stronger foundations — not just for competition, but for the moments that challenge them along the way.

The Academy is changing. And we can’t wait to show you what’s inside.

Keep an eye on Forging Ahead. The new Academy is coming.

30/07/2026

One of my favourite parts of any show day? The course walk.

I love counting strides, testing my eye, and trying to understand exactly what questions the course builder is asking.

Because every track tells a story. Every line asks for a decision. Every distance rewards preparation.

It’s been almost a year since I’ve walked a course for myself, so it was fun to see whether my eye still had it. (Not too bad! 😉)

Today feels a little different though.

I’m here as the proud sponsor of today’s classes at Rectory Farm Arena through Forging Ahead. Watching riders tackle these questions, celebrating the wins, and handing out the Forging Ahead rosettes is a real privilege.

I love this sport. Whether I’m riding, coaching, or standing at the side of the arena, there’s nowhere else I’d rather be. 💗

MindsetMatters Cotswolds

30/07/2026

Today is the day! I’m at Rectory Farm Arena, ready for a day of British Showjumping, sponsored by Forging Ahead. Pinch me. 🇬🇧.

Address

Noordhoek
Cape Town

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 18:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 18:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00
Thursday 09:00 - 18:00
Friday 09:00 - 17:00

Telephone

+27837437203

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Forging Ahead Coaching posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The School

Send a message to Forging Ahead Coaching:

Shortcuts

Featured

Share

Category