My Story
Hi, I am Neil. I am 54, but I demand a recount! I don’t feel 54, and I certainly don’t act it, as many people who know me or have ever been riding with me will vouch. I am usually the one at the front, charging at full speed across a field on the back of a horse with a big grin on my face.
I was born the youngest of triplets (two boys and a girl) in sunny Liverpool. In those days, triplets were quite rare, so much so that there are pictures of me celebrating my third birthday dressed as a cowboy! Maybe this is when the horse obsession started!
Many moons ago, I started work as a YTS trainee in the advertising industry. I worked my way up from the humble position of making tea and filing to Head of Production, working on huge projects for large household-name clients. I have never been one to shy away from a challenge. If you tell me it can’t be done, I will be even more determined to prove you wrong.
I have a strong dislike of tomatoes, but not tomato soup or sauce! I know, weird! I won’t even eat them if they are on a burger or a sandwich! They have to be removed along with all traces of them, seeds and all!
Coming from Liverpool, I have always had an interest in sports, not just equestrian sports but all sports (except Everton!). Only kidding—I have worked with Evertonians!
I’ve been a high performance coach and sports hypnotherapist for over 19 years, and I’ve done loads of training and earned many qualifications to help me be the best therapist/coach I can be (see below, there’s a lot!). I am passionate about coaching and working with equestrians throughout the UK to help them be the best they can be. There is nothing more satisfying for me than helping my clients achieve things they never thought possible, and I love a challenge!
When I am not working with clients, I spend my time cycling, running, riding horses, and going out on adventures. I know what it’s like to fall off a horse (ouch, it hurts, and it doesn’t matter how many times you fall off, it still hurts!) and get over setbacks. I often achieve things in life that people said I couldn’t do. To be honest, the more they say it, the more I want to do it, and the more determined I am to prove them wrong. I was told by many people that one of my favourite horses was unrideable. Not only is he rideable now, but I’ve also got him out showjumping. I am not going to tell you I didn’t come off him a few times, but it’s been a while now! I’ve run marathons and half marathons. I’ve felt what it’s like to hit the ‘wall,’ and it isn’t pleasant, but this year I am hoping to achieve a few more goals, and you can follow my journey.
I love achieving, and I am my own worst critic. This drives me to be the best coach I can be. I am often stubborn and single-minded. I believe these are strengths that help me help my clients. I bring this attitude with me when I am coaching and working with my equestrian clients daily. I get a real buzz from seeing my clients grow, overcome obstacles, and achieve things they never thought possible. I feel extremely lucky to work with established professional equestrians, semi-professionals, and enthusiastic amateurs, and be part of their sporting journey. I can’t wait to work with you and help you achieve those sporting dreams, no matter what level you are at or what those dreams are.
my Coaching Philosophy
Embrace Positivity
At the core of my equestrian mindset coaching philosophy is the power of positivity. I believe that a positive mindset is the foundation for success in the saddle and in life. By fostering an optimistic outlook, riders can overcome challenges, build resilience, and maintain motivation. I encourage riders to celebrate small victories, learn from setbacks, and always focus on the potential for growth. Positivity is not just about feeling good; it’s about creating a mental environment where riders can thrive and perform at their best.
Strive for High Performance
High performance in equestrian sports is achieved through a combination of physical skill, mental toughness, and strategic thinking. My coaching emphasizes the importance of setting clear, achievable goals and working diligently towards them. I guide riders to develop strong work ethics, attention to detail, and a commitment to continuous improvement. High performance is not just about winning; it’s about consistently performing at your best and pushing the boundaries of what you thought was possible.
Discover Your Potential
One of the most exciting aspects of equestrian sports is the journey of discovering what you are truly capable of. My philosophy is grounded in the belief that riders often underestimate their potential. I inspire riders to step out of their comfort zones, take risks, and embrace challenges with confidence. By trying new techniques, setting ambitious goals, and persevering through difficulties, riders can uncover abilities and strengths they never knew they had. I am here to support riders in exploring their full potential and achieving greatness both on and off the horse.
Key Principles
1. Positive Reinforcement: Encouragement and constructive feedback are essential. I focus on what riders are doing right and how they can build on their successes.
2. Goal Setting: I help riders set short-term and long-term goals, breaking them down into manageable steps to keep progress steady and measurable.
3. Mental Toughness: Techniques such as visualisation, hypnosis, NLP, mindfulness, and stress management are integral to building a strong mental game.
4. Resilience Building: Learning to handle setbacks gracefully and using them as opportunities for growth is a crucial part of my coaching.
5. Continuous Learning: I advocate for a lifelong commitment to learning and self-improvement. Every ride, lesson, and competition is a chance to grow.
My Commitment
I am committed to helping riders unlock their potential, achieve high performance, and maintain a positive, resilient mindset. My coaching is tailored to the individual needs of each rider, ensuring that they receive the support and guidance necessary to excel. Together, we will embark on a journey of self-discovery, pushing the limits of what you can achieve and celebrating the incredible accomplishments along the way.
Are you ready to take your riding to the next level?
Qualifications
I’ve spent the last 19 years working with and coaching clients to improve their mindset.
- Diploma in Clinical and Advanced Hypnotherapy
- Hypnotherapy Practitioner Diploma
- Certified Professional Mindset Coach
- Certified Neuro Linguistic Programming Practitioner
- Certified Neuro Linguistic Programming Master Practitioner
- Certified Sports Hypnosis
- Certified Sports NLP
- Certified Critical Incident Debriefer
- Registered Trauma Specialist
- Diploma in Conversational Hypnosis
- Diploma in Breathwork
- Certified Hypnotherapy Trainer
I have held a board position for the National Council for Hypnotherapy and have held an examiners position for one of the UK’s leading national hypnotherapy and psychotherapy colleges.
I am constantly updating my qualifications to bring new skills to my coaching practice
My goal is to be the best version of myself for my clients, helping them achieve their equestrian goals.