Monthly online mental skills coaching for equestrians
Forging Ahead Academy
WHERE RIDERS BECOME STAND OUT LEGENDS IN THEIR SPORT!
Overcome self doubt and lack of confidence, discover and embrace your full riding potential and thrive in equestrian sport!
You have always put your whole heart and soul into your riding.
You do what it takes: early morning show prep, late night checks, extra lessons.
Yet you often feel that you let your horse down...
Sometimes you worry about disappointing your coach...
You feel sure that if you could just conquer your mental game, you would be a better rider.
If only you could silence that critical inner voice.
You can.
The time to step into the light is NOW - Just Do It
It's time to become a Legend!
Here's what Academy Members are saying:
Janice
"It's been a journey of self-discovery, revealing aspects of myself I'd denied. As a private person, sharing in this safe space has been a growth experience, benefiting not just my riding but also managing work-related stress.
I really look forward to our fortnightly meetings with Linda and the rest of the gang - they are the little carrot which keep me going forward through what could have been a really rough patch."
Louise
"I have been going through your course material and it has helped me tremendously.
I am my own worst enemy as I am very critical of my riding and tend to get very tense when I am being watched.
I have to say though that after working through some of the academy material, my show last weekend was really great.
Also as I am now more positive and motivated, my horse is more motivated and he is focusing on what I ask of him.”
Fiona
"Linda and the Forging Ahead Academy has had a massive impact on my life. I joined the program in the hopes of becoming a braver and less anxious rider. What I have gotten out of the course so far is so much more.
My coach, staff, friends, as well as family have noticed and benefitted from my growth as an individual. I will be forever grateful for the tools and knowledge I have gained from working through the Forging Ahead program!"
The Forging Ahead Formula for Equestrians Everywhere
Whether you are new to riding or competing, an established competitor moving up the grades, coming back from a fall or injury, wanting to gear up or slow down, or just feeling despondent about your riding, the Forging Ahead Academy is perfect to help you get the very best out of yourself, your horses and your riding life.
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Unlock Your Potential Through Self-Discovery:
Delve into a transformative journey of self-discovery, understanding your thoughts, emotions, and habitual patterns. Gain invaluable insights into areas for personal growth and improvement, laying the foundation for a resilient mindset crucial in equestrian excellence.
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Tailored Mental Skills Toolkit:
Our program offers a comprehensive toolkit of mental skills, custom-tailored to the unique demands of equestrian sports. From powerful visualization techniques to effective goal setting, each tool is designed to enhance your mental acuity and fortify your mindset for success in the saddle.
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Tangible Results in the Arena:
Forge Ahead Academy doesn't just stop at mindset training – we deliver tangible results. By immersing yourself in our program, you'll witness a remarkable transformation in your show results. Your newfound confidence and mental clarity will translate into exceptional performances in the ring, setting you apart as a true equestrian champion.
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Embark on a Transformative Journey:
Join the Forging Ahead Academy today and embark on a journey from anxiety to exhilaration. Whether you're a seasoned competitor aiming to break through barriers or a passionate equestrian ready to elevate your skills, our membership provides the guidance, support, and resources essential to forge ahead and achieve the success you've always dreamed of.
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Community of Champions:
Don't face the journey alone. Join the Forging Ahead Academy now and become part of a dynamic community of like-minded riders dedicated to mastering the mental game. Together, we navigate the journey to success in equestrian sports, supporting each other every stride of the way.
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Unleash Your Full Equestrian Potential:
Don't let self-doubt rein you in any longer. Now is the time to unleash your full equestrian potential. Enrol in the Forging Ahead Academy and join a community committed to transforming doubt into triumph in the exhilarating world of equestrian sports.
Hi, I'm Linda Hennings, your Forging Ahead Academy Mentor
I’m a mental skills coach who specializes in working with equestrians to improve their performance mindset.
As a qualified coach with sports psychology certification and enneagram accreditation, I bring a unique blend of expertise to my coaching practice. What sets me apart is my personal journey as a competitive eventer, show jumper, and dressage rider, where I have faced and conquered my own performance anxiety, doubts and lack of belief in my ability.
I understand the challenges riders of all levels encounter, and I believe that my experience makes me uniquely qualified to support you on your own equestrian journey.
I would love to help you overcome competition challenges and performance anxieties, build a resilient mindset and
uncover and use your full riding potential!
INTRODUCING....
BACK TO BASICS WITH FORGING AHEAD ACADEMY!
Here's what we're doing in the Academy this year:
BODY, MIND AND SOUL:
The building blocks towards peak performance begin with authentic awareness of your own ability to manage your body, your mind and your soul.
Rider as Athlete
Often as riders, we treat our horses as the athletes, and we somehow "forget" about ourselves. We're going to change that this year, and I have some awesome guest speakers lined up to help us develop ourselves as true equestrian athletes.
Resilience
How you deal with and cope during stressful and traumatic times is considered to be an indicator of your overall resilience. We can learn and develop our resilience skills and we'll take a look at what this means for us as equestrians.
Self Care
No, this is not all about candles and bubble baths. Although the phrase "Take Care of Yourself" is often used, it is rarely understood well. We are going to use the HALT system to identify personal triggers that indicate the need for us to pay attention to our own individual needs for care.
Energy
Infuse your riding with energy - the right kind of energy. Everywhere we go, everything we do, contains the energy we bring to it. Lets learn more about how to use energy well.
Compassion
Research has shown that it is difficult, if not impossible, to show compassion to others if one is not able to show compassion to self. Many equestrians set impossibly high standards for themselves, and this can make them overly critical, negative and judgemental towards others.
Mindful
Much has been written about the importance of mindfulness in our over scheduled lives. Yet so many of us are not finding a moment to be still, to be present and to be mindful. We're going to explore the benefits, but especially the "How To" of this crucial component to a happy and productive life.
Perspective
Although we often think the way we think about our lives and people that we know are ‘facts’, they actually aren’t. We all learn a series of beliefs that we choose to be guided by - this is our perspective. Its useful to challenge your perspective regularly, and check that it aligns with the way you want to be living your life.
Motivation
As athletes, motivation forms a key part of our goal setting and ability to progress towards our desired outcomes. What happens when we don't "feel" motivated? What's the difference between being motivated to achieve a goal, and being motivated to learn more? Can we be unhealthily motivated? What's the link between motivation and discipline?
Attitude
"Attitude changes everything!" "Now do it again, with Attitude." "Don't bring your Attitude in here!" Some expressions that show this word in different lights.
An Attitude is somewhere between a belief, a stance, a mood, and a pose. What's yours? Lets explore!
What do I get from the Academy?
Monthly LIVE group coaching call with all members:
Every year, we have a specific theme that encompasses different elements of mental skills for equestrian sport. This year we are going Back to Basics, with a deep dive into the elements of Body, Mind and Soul, that connect us to our best rides. All members are invited to the live monthly zoom call, and it is also recorded for you to watch later.
Weekly LIVE "Toolbox Talk" for all members:
Every week we'll have a 15 min LIVE facebook post, where we'll focus on one particular exercise to help you overcome an element of your mental game that may be holding you back .
Access to all online courses in the Academy:
As an academy member, you get free access to all new courses added to the dashboard. So, in addition to the monthly sessions, you also get to join in the fun with interesting equestrian based courses added every year.
This year, we've included a fully supported, follow along option to help you even more.
Monthly 30min individual coaching call for all members:
Wherever you are on your equestrian and personal growth journey, every month you will have the opportunity to book your own 30 min coaching call with Linda, to discuss your mindset, challenges and triumphs, and explore individual ways to improve your mental game
Private Facebook group for sharing, support and community building:
We have created a wonderful group of equestrians from different disciplines, at different levels and ages, who support and encourage one another in the private group. Its our special place for asking questions, sharing moments and supporting one another's journeys.
50% Discount for all In Person Workshops
This is the year of the In Person Workshop!
We have planned to visit most of the riding centres in South Africa during 2024.
Workshops include Equestrian Enneagram Exploration, Mental Skills Starter Kit and also our brand new offering:
The Seven Deadly Sins of Competing, and what to do instead.
The Forging Ahead Academy is a highly supportive community of like minded, big hearted and ambitious equestrians, all on the same journey to explore and improve the way they think about their riding, whatever level and whichever discipline they ride in
Here's what is included in the Academy and the Massive Value for Members!
All courses and challenges currently available
New online courses added regularly, with fully supported, follow along option
Monthly Live coaching calls - 1 hr
One 30 min private coaching session per month
Weekly 15 min "Toolbox Talk" with mindset exercise
50% discount on all in-person workshops
Private Facebook Group
Recordings of all live calls
Worksheets and exercises
Riders Journal - download
all e-books
More than 40 hours of up to date mental skills coaching available in the academy already!
The total value of all these items is well over R6000 if purchased individually.
As an Academy Member you get all the tools, training, confidence, community, motivation, accountability and support to set you apart in the show arena.
There are 2 payment options to join the Academy, detailed below.
YES! I'm ready to join a community of highly motivated and ambitious equestrians, and take my riding to the next level...
Prefer one annual payment?
Pay for the year upfront and receive one month FREE!
Niki says:
I started mental skills coaching with Forging Ahead after experiencing anxiety and fear whenever I rode my horse.
It got to a point where I was just panicking and not wanting to even get on my horse. I had six sessions in total and it has made a complete difference in my riding but most importantly it helped me understand where my fear was coming from. When I could understand my fear it made it easier to deal with it by thinking about it logically.
I learned breathing techniques that not only help me when I feel anxious but it also helps my horse.
I learned valuable practical skills to apply to my riding when I get anxious or to recover from a bad ride.
Mental skills coaching is for everyone whether you are competing or a happy hacker.
Thank you Linda for helping me enjoy riding again!
Mom Terri Writes:
She had such a good show this weekend!
A lot of people commented to me that she is riding so well and looking confident again. So she definitely seems to be on the right track again. Thank you so much for your contribution to this!
Janice shares:
I joined the Academy with some rather lofty goals for the year. Having ridden for most of my life I have acquired some bad habits but am very aware that the biggest stumbling block to my progress is my "head".... nerves, anxiety, lack of self-belief are constantly getting in my way. Joining the Academy was part of my strategy towards rising above my doubts and achieving these goals. Sadly, my equine partner's soundness has not aligned with my dreams and so I found myself using the Academy for a different purpose ... there is a sense of camaraderie in the group which has helped me deal with the gut-wrenching disappointment I have experienced. It is helping me find perspective and has given me a platform from which to rebuild, to establish new goals and to continue feeling positive despite the curved balls which have come my way.
FAQ'S
I've never done Online Group Coaching before - how does it work?
Welcome to the online Forging Ahead Community!
Once you’ve chosen to become a member, we’ll email you a set of login information so you can enter our learning platform.
You’ll see the training overview, listing all the specific courses in the Academy.
There's also an introduction video, showing you where to find everything you need, and help you find what you're looking for.
You can watch the videos whenever you want and as often as you want – no limits, you just need to be connected to the internet.
If you need any extra help finding things or working with the platform, please email me for more guidance and support.
I'm here to help!
Can I join for any length of time?
Yes, you can join and stay for one month, three months, a full year – any amount of time that makes sense for you.
The monthly membership fee may increase in the future, but you will always be locked into the price you currently have, as long as you stay a member.
Will the Zoom calls be on the same day and time each month?
Not always. I'll conduct surveys from time to time, to see what day and time suit the majority of members, and try to accommodate as many as possible. Currently, our calls are set for Mondays at 18:30pm SAST (the forth Monday of the month). You can check in the Academy Hub for the next few months call times.
Will the calls and videos be available to watch after they air?
Yes, all live calls will be recorded and posted in the Academy for viewing at your convenience.
Who is the Academy for?
The Forging Ahead Academy is for any rider who really wants to make the most of their riding, by focusing on their mental game.
Whether you are an experienced rider at a higher level, or a novice starting out, the material covered will be suitable and relevant, since we deal with mindset, not technical ability.
The disciplines usually covered include dressage, show jumping, eventing and hacking (trail riding). If you participate in another equestrian discipline, pop me an email, and I'll incorporate it into our group calls.
Can Coaches and Parents also join the Academy?
Yes, both coaches and parents will gain value from the monthly themes in the Academy.
There are courses and webinars coming up specifically for parents and coaches.
Join the Forging Ahead Academy today and unlock the gateway to a world where anxiety fades, confidence soars, and joy becomes your steadfast companion on every ride. This is your opportunity to break free from the limitations that have held you back, embrace challenges, and truly thrive in your equestrian journey.
Still have Questions?
Feel free to email Linda directly on [email protected]
or
Schedule a 30 min FREE call to discuss your needs
or
ask in the Forging Ahead Facebook group
UNLOCK YOUR FULL POTENTIAL.
ACHIEVE YOUR RIDING GOALS.
Join the Forging Ahead Academy today and unleash your true equestrian potential
