Over The Oxer

Over the Oxer | Episode Title: Combatting Misinformation & Empowering Horse Owners with Cat Carter

In this episode, host Tracey Cole sits down with Cat Carter, a Scottish equine sports massage therapist and the driving force behind Equine Qualifications UK (EQ UK). Cat shares her fascinating journey from buying a "secret horse" as a teenager to taking over the legacy of Lingfield Equine Distance Learning.   Tracey and Cat discuss why education is the ultimate tool for improving equine welfare, the dangers of relying on AI and social media "gurus" for medical advice, and how a revolutionary new mobile app is set to bring trusted, verified equine knowledge right to your fingertips.   Key Takeaways from This Episode * The Power of Early Intervention: How recognizing subtle pain patterns can prevent long-term, irreversible damage in our horses. * Challenging the Status Quo: Why the phrase "that’s just how they go" is a red flag that demands critical thought and deeper investigation. * Navigating Information Overload: The inherent dangers of overconfident AI platforms and social media misinformation in the equestrian world. * The Future of Equine Learning: How EQ UK is transforming over 30 years of traditional distance-learning materials into a modern, gamified mobile experience. Timestamps & Chapters * [00:00] – Introduction Tracey welcomes Scottish equine sports massage therapist Cat Carter to discuss her commitment to equine and human welfare through education. * [01:15] – The "Secret Horse" and Teenage Drama Cat shares her non-horsey background, saving up in secret to buy her first horse at 17, and the dramatic hospital room confession to her parents. * [04:20] – Overcoming Career Roadblocks How traditional school career guidance failed to show the true scope of the equine industry, leading Cat to study psychology first. * [06:10] – A Heartbreaking Catalyst for Change The moving story of the loan mare who inspired Cat to pursue equine massage therapy as a tool for early intervention and pain recognition. * [09:45] – Pattern Recognition & Staying in Your Lane How paraprofessionals act as a bridge between owners and veterinarians, and why we must challenge normalized behaviors like "grumpiness." * [13:10] – The Birth of Equine Qualifications UK (EQ UK) How EQ UK started as a social enterprise to widen access to the industry for young people, evolving into a trusted hub for welfare-centered education. * [15:30] – Honoring a Legacy: Lingfield Distance Learning The history of Paula Clements’ pioneering correspondence courses and how her family donated 30 years of intellectual property to EQ UK to keep it non-profit. * [19:40] – The Danger of AI & Internet "Gurus" Cat shares her funny yet alarming experience arguing with Gemini and ChatGPT over a tendon rehab plan, highlighting why critical thinking is vital. * [23:15] – Sneak Peek: The "Duolingo for Horse Care" App Cat reveals details about the upcoming mobile app launching early next year, featuring bite-sized learning, quizzes, and a centralized hub for CPD events.   Find Cat Instagram: @equk__ Equine Qualifications UK: https://equk.org/ Lingfield Equine Distance Learning: https://www.horse-care.co.uk/     Contact Tracey  Info@traceycolenlp.com [Info@traceycolenlp.com] www.traceycolenlp.com [http://www.traceycolenlp.com/]   Let's be social! www.facebook.com/traceycolenlp.com [http://www.facebook.com/traceycolenlp.com] www.instagram.com/traceycolenlp.com [http://www.instagram.com/traceycolenlp.com]

Your Brain is Only Guessing it'll be Scary

Ever felt like you are riding the 'ghost' of a past bad experience rather than the horse underneath you today? In this episode of Over the Oxer we are diving into the neuroscience of performance. It turns out your brain does not actually wait for sensory data to tell it what is happening in the saddle. Instead, it spends every millisecond predicting what is about to happen based on your past experiences, creating your reality out of guesswork. Join Tracey as she breaks down why your brain creates the scary movie before you even reach the spooky corner, how this accidental loop causes your horse to feed off your tension and the exact three-step process you can use to interrupt the guesswork, rewrite the script and override your brain autopilot. It is time to stop reacting to the past and start riding the horse you actually have in the moment you're actually riding.   👉 Contact me  Info@traceycolenlp.com [Info@traceycolenlp.com] www.traceycolenlp.com [http://www.traceycolenlp.com/]   👉Let's be social! www.facebook.com/traceycolenlp.com [http://www.facebook.com/traceycolenlp.com] www.instagram.com/traceycolenlp.com [http://www.instagram.com/traceycolenlp.com]   🧠Next NLP Practitioner and NLP Coach Training: BRAND NEW FOR 2026 - HYBRID SELF-PACED AND ZOOM TRAINING. No prior learning needed. You'll learn by bite-size videos online and at your own pace. You'll see real-life video demos (no staged or primed clients!). Then, we'll have two practice days to really master the techniques and concepts via Zoom. It's going to be great fun, you'll have my full support throughout, I know you'll love it! KEEP CHECKING FOR DETAILS - TO BE RELEASED LATE SUMMER 2026   🎓 NLP Trainers Training: 1:1 Start any time. Pre-requisite: Master NLP Practitioner https://traceycolenlp.com/nlp-trainers-training-curious-to-know-more/ [https://traceycolenlp.com/nlp-trainers-training-curious-to-know-more/]   📕 Confident Rider Mindset Book/ Audiobook - https://tinyurl.com/ypjunref

Over the Oxer: Calm Confidence Visualisation

Step into a calmer kind of confidence before you ride. Over the Oxer is a guided visualisation/ mental rehearsal designed specifically for riders who want to build quiet self-belief, focus, and trust in their ability, without pressure, hype or overthinking. In this immersive experience, you’re gently led through a  journey of sensory imagery, where rhythm, breath and horse-and-rider connection become anchors for clarity and composure. You’ll be invited into a space where riding feels less like effort… and more like alignment. This is not for listening in the car, and not for while you ride. Whether you’re preparing for a competition, a lesson, or simply want to strengthen your mindset, this episode helps you arrive at the yard already steady, already centred, already enough. Because the best rides don’t begin in the arena… they begin in the mind.   Contact me  Info@traceycolenlp.com [Info@traceycolenlp.com] www.traceycolenlp.com [http://www.traceycolenlp.com/]     Let's be social! www.facebook.com/traceycolenlp.com [http://www.facebook.com/traceycolenlp.com] www.instagram.com/traceycolenlp.com [http://www.instagram.com/traceycolenlp.com]     Next NLP Practitioner and NLP Coach Training: Starts September. Every Monday 1:30-5pm UK time. No prior learning needed. Recordings made available. NLP only for Practitioner and 5 certifications for the NLP Coach (all internationally recognised, accredited and certified by professsional boards) https://traceycolenlp.com/product/empowered-equestrian-coach/ [https://traceycolenlp.com/product/empowered-equestrian-coach/]   Next NLP Master Practitioner Training: NLP Only. Starts 17th June. Every Wednesday 1:30-5pm. Recordings made available. NLP Practitioner or Coach as pre-requisite. https://traceycolenlp.com/product/nlp-master-practitioner-coach/ [https://traceycolenlp.com/product/nlp-master-practitioner-coach/]   NLP Trainers Training: 1:1 Start any time. Pre-requisite: Master NLP Practitioner https://traceycolenlp.com/nlp-trainers-training-curious-to-know-more/ [https://traceycolenlp.com/nlp-trainers-training-curious-to-know-more/]   Confident Rider Mindset Book/ Audiobook: https://tinyurl.com/ypjunref [https://tinyurl.com/ypjunref]

Let's go beyond motivation

Have you lost your riding mojo? Trying to get out to the yard or prepare for a competition feels like you're swimming through thick custard in heavy lead boots? In this episode of Over the Oxer, host Tracey Cole (Master NLP Trainer and Equestrian Mental Performance Coach) unpacks the hidden psychology behind why we lose our momentum, why standard "willpower" is a trap, and how to stop relying on fickle emotions to get in the saddle.  You aren't lazy; your unconscious mind is operating an energy-saving defence mechanism. What you’ll discover in this episode: * The 3 Culprits of Momentum Loss: How life overwhelm, subconscious fear blocks, and broken habits actively sabotage your consistency. * Motivation vs. Drive: Why "feeling-based" and "word-based" motivation inevitably fail you when you're exhausted or stressed. * The Power of Drive: How to cultivate a steady, internal, identity-level engine that gets you out the door effortlessly—no matter the weather or your mood. * NLP Tools for Performance: How to rewrite the neural patterns and fear blocks keeping you stuck. Stop waiting for motivation to strike. Tune in to find your deep, unstoppable drive and drop the rider guilt for good!   Contact me  Info@traceycolenlp.com [Info@traceycolenlp.com] www.traceycolenlp.com [http://www.traceycolenlp.com/]   Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@traceycolenlp2086 [https://www.youtube.com/@traceycolenlp2086]   Let's be social! www.facebook.com/traceycolenlp.com [http://www.facebook.com/traceycolenlp.com] www.instagram.com/traceycolenlp.com [http://www.instagram.com/traceycolenlp.com]     Next NLP Practitioner and NLP Coach Training:   Coming soon - a hybrid online self-paced course + live practice/Q&A  sessions   Next NLP Master Practitioner Training:   NLP Only. Starts 17th June. Every Wednesday 1:30-5pm. Recordings made available. NLP Practitioner or Coach as pre-requisite. https://traceycolenlp.com/product/nlp-master-practitioner-coach/ [https://traceycolenlp.com/product/nlp-master-practitioner-coach/]   NLP Trainers Training:   1:1 Start any time. Pre-requisite: Master NLP Practitioner https://traceycolenlp.com/nlp-trainers-training-curious-to-know-more/ [https://traceycolenlp.com/nlp-trainers-training-curious-to-know-more/]   Confident Rider Mindset Book/ Audiobook:   https://tinyurl.com/ypjunref [https://tinyurl.com/ypjunref]

Rider Confidence: 2 Unconscious Glitches (And How to Fix Them)

Ever wondered why telling yourself “don’t tense up” or “don’t look at that corner” actually makes your horse spook? In this episode of Over the Oxer, we strip away the cheesy, vague advice and dive into the practical neuroscience and NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) behind equestrian mindset and rider confidence. Discover the two specific ways your unconscious mind actively works against your riding goals without your permission—including the "Negation Trap" and how your brain's internal search engine filters out success.   Learn how your horse reads the micro-tonal muscle changes caused by these thoughts, and walk away with one highly actionable, zero-fluff strategy to instantly hijack your focus, drop your tension, and build a reliable feedback loop of calm, assertive horsemanship. Perfect for amateur and professional riders alike who want real, usable sports psychology for the saddle. Keywords: equestrian confidence, rider anxiety, horse riding mindset, sports psychology for equestrians, NLP for riders, over the oxer podcast, stopping horse spooking, equestrian performance coach, horse training psychology. Contact me  Info@traceycolenlp.com [Info@traceycolenlp.com] www.traceycolenlp.com [http://www.traceycolenlp.com/]   Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@traceycolenlp2086 [https://www.youtube.com/@traceycolenlp2086]   Let's be social! www.facebook.com/traceycolenlp.com [http://www.facebook.com/traceycolenlp.com] www.instagram.com/traceycolenlp.com [http://www.instagram.com/traceycolenlp.com]       Next NLP Master Practitioner Training:   NLP Only. Starts 17th June. Every Wednesday 1:30-5pm. Recordings made available. NLP Practitioner or Coach as pre-requisite. https://traceycolenlp.com/product/nlp-master-practitioner-coach/ [https://traceycolenlp.com/product/nlp-master-practitioner-coach/]   NLP Trainers Training:   1:1 Start any time. Pre-requisite: Master NLP Practitioner https://traceycolenlp.com/nlp-trainers-training-curious-to-know-more/ [https://traceycolenlp.com/nlp-trainers-training-curious-to-know-more/]   Confident Rider Mindset Book/ Audiobook:   https://tinyurl.com/ypjunref [https://tinyurl.com/ypjunref]