Calming the Racing Mind: Overcoming “Future Tripping” as a New Equine-Assisted Coach

Starting your own equine-assisted coaching business is an exciting journey, but it can also be overwhelming. One of the biggest challenges new coaches face isn’t just securing clients or refining their approach—it’s managing the racing mind.

The constant cycle of What if? questions can be exhausting:

• What happens if I don't attract enough clients?

• What if I’m not good enough?

• What if I fail?

  
  

This kind of overthinking, known as future tripping, keeps you stuck in anxiety and fear instead of focusing on the present moment—where real action and growth happen.

Why Does the Mind Race?

When stepping into the unknown, especially as a business owner, your nervous system goes into high alert. The brain, wired for survival, wants certainty and control. But in entrepreneurship—just like in horsemanship—control is an illusion. The only thing we can manage is how we respond in the moment.

For equine-assisted coaches, this means learning to lead yourself the same way you teach clients to work with horses—with presence, confidence, and trust in the process.

What is Future Tripping?

Future tripping is when your mind jumps ahead to all the possible outcomes, usually worst-case scenarios. As a new coach, this might look like:

• Worrying about whether your business will be successful.

• Stressing over how potential clients will perceive you.

• Obsessing over whether you have enough credentials, experience, or the perfect facility.

  
  

The problem? Future tripping takes you out of the present moment, where your intuition, creativity, and confidence thrive.

How to Quiet the Racing Mind and Stay Focused on Building Your Business

1. Take a Step, Just Like in the Round Pen

Think about how horses respond to movement. If you stand frozen, waiting for the perfect moment, nothing happens. But if you take one step—just one—the horse responds. Your business is the same. Instead of thinking ten steps ahead, focus on the next step you can take today.

Ask yourself: What is one action I can take right now that moves me forward?

2. Ground Yourself—The Way You Teach Your Clients

Before a session, you encourage clients to breathe deeply, stay present, and tune into their body. Why not apply the same practice to yourself?

Try this:

• Stand in your barn, pasture, or wherever you feel most connected.

• Take a deep breath in, hold for four seconds, then exhale slowly.

• Feel your feet firmly on the ground, like the roots of a strong tree.

• Remind yourself: I am capable. I am enough. I am exactly where I need to be.

  
  

3. Replace Fear-Based Thoughts with a Mantra

When your mind starts racing with doubts, redirect it with a phrase that brings you back to center. Some powerful affirmations for equine-assisted coaches:

• I don’t need to have all the answers today.

• My work will attract the people who need it most.

• I trust the process.

  
  

Just like a nervous horse needs reassurance from a calm leader, your mind needs steady, positive direction.

4. Focus on Small, Daily Wins

Instead of worrying about long-term success, track your daily progress. Small wins lead to big breakthroughs. Ask yourself:

• Did I take one step toward marketing my business today?

• Did I reach out to a potential client or partner?

• Did I reflect on what’s working and adjust as needed?

  
  

Celebrating small wins keeps you motivated and helps quiet the inner critic.

5. Be Present with Your Horses—They Are Your Best Teachers

Horses don’t future trip. They don’t worry about next month’s bookings or whether they “look the part.” They exist fully in the now. Every time you work with your herd, let them remind you to stay in the moment. Watch how they respond to your energy—because that’s what matters most, not the fears swirling in your head.

6. Give Yourself Permission to Learn as You Go

No successful equine-assisted coach started with a perfect business plan and an endless stream of clients. They started where you are—navigating doubts, taking imperfect action, and learning from each experience.

Every skilled professional understands that errors are an inherent part of the journey. Just as you wouldn't anticipate a client to excel in foundational skills or performance on their initial attempt, it's equally unrealistic to impose such an unattainable benchmark on yourself in your business endeavors.

Embrace the Journey—One Step at a Time

Your equine-assisted coaching business isn’t built in one day, and it doesn’t have to be perfect. Trust that every step forward, no matter how small, is part of the bigger picture.

The next time you catch yourself future tripping, take a deep breath, go spend time with your horses, and remind yourself: The path will unfold as I walk it.

You’ve got this. And if you ever doubt it—just ask your horse. They already know.

Are you looking for more support as you step into your role as an equine-assisted coach? Connect with like-minded professionals, join a certification program-like “The Freedom Way®”, or find a mentor who understands the journey. The world needs your work—one present moment at a time.