Real People,

Real Results.

The Results of Mental Performance Coaching

These are just some of the benefits you can expect to achieve

Z

Freedom from anxiety

Z

Genuine self-confidence

Z

Freedom from panic attacks

Z

Freedom from fears and phobias

Z

Mood improvement

Z

Weight loss

Z

Positive inner dialogue

Z

Better sleep

Z

Increased enjoyment of life

5 star reviews 2

CLIENT FEEDBACK

Success Stories

Here’s just some of the wonderful feedback I’ve received from my previous clients, in their own words.

Samantha has helped me in so many aspects of my life, giving me confidence, relieving anxiety and self doubt.

I had a few cracking falls from my horse resulting in wanting to completely give up, suffering from PTSD from the last one as I was badly injured!

Samantha has given me the confidence to get back on and to control my fear, I would recommend Samantha 100% to help you, I cannot thank her enough for what she has done for me. 

Karen Morey

Rider Confidence

I’m a training level AA eventer that came to Sam after struggling with confidence to move up levels.
Working with Sam over the past 6 months or so has allowed me to take a different perspective toward higher pressure environments.
Rather than adding more pressure to myself, I actively seek ways to let the pressure out through the exercises I’ve learned and approaches we’ve discussed.
I recently went back to a venue I haven’t been to for 2 years because of how busy the environment was. Last time I was there I had a nasty fall due to my horse being very distracted.
My decision to go back was because I was able to appreciate the progress I’d made with my horse and felt confident I’d be able to handle anything that came our way.
My trainer couldn’t come, I switched classes minutes before I got on, I couldn’t find my horses bonnet, there was a trainer there watching that I really respect and I was doing everything by myself. All things that would’ve really stressed me out in the past.
None of these things distracted us and we came out of the show as reserve champion.
I was very proud of my horse and really felt like I could attribute the progress to my enhanced mental state.
This particular example is from a jumper show, but all the things I mention are transferable to all of my rides.
Highly recommend Sam for show nerves, anxiety and practical tools to handle what comes your way at shows and in life.
Rachel Clyde

Rider Confidence

I decided to give working with Sam a go last year after struggling to manage my nerves at shows and always doubting my abilities.

I was very skeptical about these kind of things but went with an open mind and if I didn’t get anything from it I had tried.

After just one session with Sam I couldn’t believe how much of an impact the session had on me just the next day when riding at home.

After completing 3 sessions I took lots away and started to use all the advice and help I’d been given everyday but especially when at shows, I found I was entering the arena with a clear thinking and calm attitude meaning I was able to enjoy my rounds and not come out just relived I had got round.

Through the last year I have found I don’t always need to go over things in my head to keep the nerves at bay as it is now how I naturally feel, calm and relaxed.

When I have felt extra nerves (going in the ring on a young horse and jumping my first 1.25m last month) I have reminded myself of the phrase we made in session 3 (I think) that is positive and calming and reminds me not to not overthink what I shouldn’t do but to go in enjoy my horses, relax and let my natural ability work.

I couldn’t recommend Sam enough for anything you feel you may need help with.

Professional Showjumper

Rider Confidence

Working with Sam has completely changed the way I think, feel and approach my sporting goals as well as overcoming hurdles in daily life.

Her attention to detail and ability to know exactly how I’m thinking has benefited my mindset no end.

I feel that Sam has really helped me build an inner calm and focus which I am really looking forward to developing during my upcoming sessions in course number 2!

I have and will continue to highly recommend Sam, she really is wonderful and I am hugely grateful for all of her guidance and support both in and around our sessions.

Equestrian

Rider Confidence

I approached Sam as I had lost my nerve as an older horse rider who had previously broken a vertebrae.
Firstly, Sam is one of the most approachable, friendly and positive people I have ever met.
Secondly, she knows her stuff and thirdly, she’s adaptable and flexible with her content.
It’s a big commitment and I found it difficult to make the time but it was worth the effort and time.
The sessions go quickly and are thought provoking at times.
I am not ‘fixed’ but I do now have the tools to help me and I am hoping to keep improving.
Equestrian

Rider Confidence

I had never even considered this kind of program before I had the opportunity to work with Sam, being new to the world of mindset training I was slightly on the fence whether if would be for me.

However, I honestly believe that everyone has something to gain from working with Sam, she makes you see a different way of thinking and living that I never even considered to be an option.

Having started to improve myself through Sam’s training, I have started to see this now transferring into my riding and my horses altitude as well as my day to day life.

How Sam works is fantastic, she makes everything simplified and helps you understand everything by explaining both the science behind it and why it works.

Her level of support is unlike anything I have experienced before and would recommend her highly. 

Equestrian

Rider Confidence

I began riding again a few years ago after a 35 year break.

Over the past few years, I’ve suffered from extreme anxiety before going into the show ring to ride over fences, to the point that I would ride into the ring and think, “wow, I just want to get this over with.”

But even after the first session with Sam, I could tell a difference. Now I can’t wait to jump!

And because her tools can help in other situations in your life, I feel so much better about other challenges in my daily activities.

This is not a quick course that leaves you with a feeling of “well, that wasn’t worth the money.”

Instead, Sam lets you work at your own pace, and there are resources on the website that you can refer to, both during the course and afterwards.

I can’t say enough good things about Sam, and I’m grateful that I got the chance to work with her!

Laurie - Equestrian

Rider Confidence

“I was a happy hacker who wasn’t happy to hack anymore and I saw Sam’s adverts on Facebook.
She’s really helped me with confidence on the ground and when riding – since I started with her, I’ve clipped my horse (by myself!), we’ve done a fun ride and boxed to new places with a friend to hack out.
Would recommend Sam to anyone who needs that friendly voice to get your confidence back and get going again.
Cat - Equestrian

Rider confidence

I got in touch with Sam because I saw somebody that I know quite well, that competes at a very high standard, and for Team GB 🇬🇧, and she recommended Sam.
I thought to myself, if she’s putting her very limited time and energy into working with Prepare to Win then this person must be really, really good.
So then I went on the website and I was thinking about it, but my doubts were that it’s never gonna work. It’s not gonna work because I don’t believe, and I didn’t believe for one moment that I would be able to do and achieve things with my horse just by talking to somebody.
I just didn’t think it was possible. I thought, “It’s just not going to work.”
But because I’d seen it on Facebook and it had been recommended, I was very, very curious. And so for about four weeks, I looked into it and I kept going back to the website and I kept thinking about it, and half of me was saying, “Well, it ought to work. if this person had put so much time and effort into it, really, you know, or they wouldn’t do it.”
But then I’d go back to what I wanted to do with my horse and thinking, “Yeah, but I’d never be able to do that. So it’s not going to work.”
It took me about four weeks before I contacted Sam, but I did because I believed the testimonial of this person basically.
Well, thank goodness that I did listen to that testimony and got in touch with Sam because it has worked wonders. Absolute wonders.
You can’t believe the things that you can achieve. Not only did I achieve everything that I wanted to with my horse, you begin to realise that there’s so much more you can do in so many different aspects of your life.
Working with Sam has been absolutely life changing for me, and I mean that from the bottom of my heart. It’s done so much for me in terms of so many different things.
When I first got in touch with Sam, because the website is called prepare to win, I thought that that’s it. It was only going to help me with horses.
I had absolutely no idea that it was going to help me personally.
From the first half an hour that I spoke to Sam, I realised that I believed in her. I believed that she wouldn’t say the things that she said if she couldn’t do it.
And I thought, Well, if it doesn’t work, then I won’t continue. I’ll just stop. But I went through the whole course.
As I got onto session two, I remember driving down the road on a lovely, sunny day thinking “My life is just so much better now.”
She will 100% definitely make positive changes in your life that will last and you’ll just use all the time.
I don’t normally give testimonials. But if I could just help one person to go on Sam’s course to change their life like she changed mine then this will be worth it.
Working with Sam is definitely one of the best things I’ve ever done.
Julie - Equestrian

Rider confidence

“I started working with Sam in the spring to address anxiety around riding and training my horses in the wake of some bad falls and experiences.
I was also aware that I was always carrying a heightened level of tension that would not be good for me or my horses.
I can say that it’s been the best thing I’ve done for my riding, and more than that has fundamentally changed my overall functioning.
Addressing my own mindset and nervous system has freed my brain up to think more clearly, more confidently, and analytically in my training.
I wasn’t really sure what to expect but Sam has a warm, empathetic approach with a real commitment to helping you make a change.”
Janie - Equestrian

Rider confidence

“Sam has been a life saver for me as I was ready to give up horses which is my life long passion.

I spoke to Sam and enrolled on a course with Prepare to Win and I haven’t looked back!”

Di - Equestrian

Rider confidence

Sam has really helped me to gain a lot of confidence over the past couple of months, not only in showjumping but also in myself. The exercises that we do both relax and challenge me in the best way and she has showed me how to calm myself before my showjumping rounds with many different techniques.

I highly recommend Sam if you are struggling with anything to do with lack of confidence, and pretty much anything else. Sam has really helped me with both my confidence and with the way I feel in day to day life and I have really enjoyed my sessions over the past couple of months. Thank you Sam!

Young Showjumper

INCREASING CONFIDENCE

When I started the process I was very aware that I was often living in a fairly heightened state of arousal, but I don’t think I appreciated quite how pervasive this was.

I had long been aware that my anxiety with the horses, never having been the bravest, and compounded over recent years by some bad experiences and injuries, was affecting both my enjoyment and my progress as a rider, but I had struggled to address this.

I was encountering increasing difficulties with a horse who would refuse to make it all the way down the drive, and would be told I needed to tackle this, and I tried, but my concern was why would my horse believe she would and could go if I didn’t believe it myself?

Completing the sessions has made the most phenomenal difference to me and my horses, from the point of the initial work.

While I didn’t expect to be told I didn’t know how to breathe, the work on improving dysfunctional breathing and my baseline emotional state have improved my whole operating system in a way that somehow feels imperceptable but fundamental.

I became aware that even basic things, such as leading my horses into or out of the barn, had become woven through with tension and the need to have absolute control, and I was quite quickly able to address those issues.

I believe I’m riding better because I can better focus on the horses way of going, how I’m influencing it, and how I can make a difference without valuable mental bandwidth being hijacked by anxiety and negativity and what might go wrong.

The work on control – and my tendency to feel the need for it in all things! – has improved everything.

I’ve learned to recognise and reflect on things that are mine to influence and those that aren’t.

I didn’t particularly embark on the process with a view to affecting my professional life, beyond the knowledge that a constant elevated state would have broader health implications, but it really has made a profound difference.

My quirky 7 year old, who I was considering selling in the spring, is currently making great progress, and I am looking at competition schedules for him.

A few weeks ago I took the plunge and boxed him over to the Cleveland hills for the first time. I’d put it off, and we were on our own, but I decided we’d go and just see what happened. He was a star.

Really significantly I’ve started doing some preliminary groundwork with my lovely 3 year old mare. Whereas previously I was terrified that I wasn’t in the best place to build the right foundation for her I’m now really looking forward to seeing what we can do.

Thank you Sam.

Equestrian

Rider Confidence

I first contacted Sam to help me with my partnership with my horse. We were having problems moving forward with our relationship as my negative mindset was holding us both back.

With Sams mentoring I found I was able to change my way of thinking and create a more positive out look to life.  The sessions were enlightening and fun and the weekly catch up calls very helpful.

I found not only did these sessions help me with the relationship with my horse but also other aspects of my life. I found I was able to sleep better and also have more confidence in my ability to drive.

Equestrian

Better Sleep, Confidence Riding and Driving

Sam is truly amazing at what she does!  She gave me the gift of bringing back the joy to riding rather than always thinking the worst.  I highly recommend her program to any rider or any athlete who is having any trouble remembering they actually can “DO THIS” and do it well!

Anxious Equestrian

Bringing The Joy Back to Riding

With the mind coaching techniques I’ve learnt with Sam, my health and well-being have continued to improve. I have greater understanding of my thoughts and how they influence me, I am kinder to myself and this has enabled me to be more consistent in moving toward my goals. Thank you Sam.

Anonymous

Weight Loss and Pain Management

As an older adult rider coming back to the sport after a 30+ year break, my internal dialogue was not pretty.

Basically every time something happened it just confirmed to me that “I am terrible”. As for mental skills coaching, I believed that I am smarter than this stuff and while I can say the words, they don’t really mean anything. But Sam showed me how to change that dialogue and now I am a believer that how you think, what you tell yourself can be changed and when it’s changed — so are you!

I would recommend that EVERYONE try it! Thanks again Sam!

Nervous Equestrian

increased confidence

My goal from working with Sam was to overcome anxiety I have experienced for many years when horse riding in a competitive environment, but the techniques she has taught me have helped with so much more than that!

I have become more confident in my own ability and now have the tools to overcome any issues that I face, not only when I’m riding but in all aspects of my life. Sam is knowledgeable and encouraging and I felt like she was really invested in helping me.

I’m very excited to see what I can achieve with these new skills and look forward to competitive riding being an enjoyable experience.

Anxious Equestrian

increased confidence

Sam has helped me to control my nerves when riding in a competitive environment. She has taught me numerous techniques that I can use to prepare at home and when I’m at a competition. They have helped enormously to ease tension and increase my focus and it has made competing at much more enjoyable experience for both me and my horse

Nervous Equestrian

Overcoming Competition Nerves

In three sessions, I cannot believe the difference Sam has made to me and how I feel in myself.

Before having the sessions with Sam I was finding everyday tasks which I would normally fly through very challenging and difficult. Due to going through the Menopause, I couldn’t sleep, I would be awake from about 1 am, I couldn’t go back off to sleep as my mind would feel like it was being fried with so many thoughts constantly being played in my head, that would then cause me to become anxious the following day, which would make me feel very tearful and difficult to cope.

With the three sessions I had, the transformation is incredible, I am sleeping, I am less anxious and more relaxed so I can focus clearly on my daily tasks. It has been truly life-changing. Also, Sam makes you feel so at ease during her sessions, she is a true professional and also very caring and listens to everything you say.

Anonymous

Addressing Menopause Anxiety and Sleep Disturbance

Sam was welcoming, friendly, warm and professional and listened to my concerns and expectations.

If I had to summarise it in one line it would be “working with Sam is an uplifting experience”

Anonymous

Overcoming Anxiety

Deciding to have a session with Samantha was one of the smartest decisions I have ever made!

Whilst there are always going to be challenges in life, she has given me the tools to meet them head on and focus my efforts where they will have the greatest impact.

Anonymous

Overcoming Anxiety

I did my first session with Sam a week ago, I was unsure about what to expect, I have suffered with confidence and anxiety for a long time and figured I had nothing to lose.
After the first session, I already felt a change I felt lighter and found it easier and clearer to think.
Over the last week, I have been using the tools that were given to me when riding my horses, and straight away noticed an unbelievable difference in their behaviour, how relaxed they were and how willing they became.
I can honestly say that the change in a week has been so incredible and so unexpected I am looking forward to my next sessions to see how much further I can push myself to change into a more positive happy mindset.
Professional Showjumper

Confidence

Samantha Shanks-Husbands is amazing, if anyone feels like they’re struggling, or not enjoying their world right now, I wholeheartedly recommend getting in touch with Sam.
Not only will your life around your horse benefit, you will also experience the joys of feeling more confident in yourself in all other situations and areas.
Everyone deserves to be happy, so treat yourself and your horse, friends and family will thank you!
Equestrian

Confidence

Sam has really helped me to gain a lot of confidence over the past couple of months, not only in showjumping but also in myself. The exercises that we do both relax and challenge me in the best way and she has showed me how to calm myself before my showjumping rounds with many different techniques.

I highly recommend Sam if you are struggling with anything to do with lack of confidence, and pretty much anything else. Sam has really helped me with both my confidence and with the way I feel in day to day life and I have really enjoyed my sessions over the past couple of months. Thank you Sam!

Young Showjumper

INCREASING CONFIDENCE

When I started the process I was very aware that I was often living in a fairly heightened state of arousal, but I don’t think I appreciated quite how pervasive this was.

I had long been aware that my anxiety with the horses, never having been the bravest, and compounded over recent years by some bad experiences and injuries, was affecting both my enjoyment and my progress as a rider, but I had struggled to address this.

I was encountering increasing difficulties with a horse who would refuse to make it all the way down the drive, and would be told I needed to tackle this, and I tried, but my concern was why would my horse believe she would and could go if I didn’t believe it myself?

Completing the sessions has made the most phenomenal difference to me and my horses, from the point of the initial work.

While I didn’t expect to be told I didn’t know how to breathe, the work on improving dysfunctional breathing and my baseline emotional state have improved my whole operating system in a way that somehow feels imperceptable but fundamental.

I became aware that even basic things, such as leading my horses into or out of the barn, had become woven through with tension and the need to have absolute control, and I was quite quickly able to address those issues.

I believe I’m riding better because I can better focus on the horses way of going, how I’m influencing it, and how I can make a difference without valuable mental bandwidth being hijacked by anxiety and negativity and what might go wrong.

The work on control – and my tendency to feel the need for it in all things! – has improved everything.

I’ve learned to recognise and reflect on things that are mine to influence and those that aren’t.

I didn’t particularly embark on the process with a view to affecting my professional life, beyond the knowledge that a constant elevated state would have broader health implications, but it really has made a profound difference.

My quirky 7 year old, who I was considering selling in the spring, is currently making great progress, and I am looking at competition schedules for him.

A few weeks ago I took the plunge and boxed him over to the Cleveland hills for the first time. I’d put it off, and we were on our own, but I decided we’d go and just see what happened. He was a star.

Really significantly I’ve started doing some preliminary groundwork with my lovely 3 year old mare. Whereas previously I was terrified that I wasn’t in the best place to build the right foundation for her I’m now really looking forward to seeing what we can do.

Thank you Sam.

Equestrian

Rider Confidence

I first contacted Sam to help me with my partnership with my horse. We were having problems moving forward with our relationship as my negative mindset was holding us both back.

With Sams mentoring I found I was able to change my way of thinking and create a more positive out look to life.  The sessions were enlightening and fun and the weekly catch up calls very helpful.

I found not only did these sessions help me with the relationship with my horse but also other aspects of my life. I found I was able to sleep better and also have more confidence in my ability to drive.

Equestrian

Better Sleep, Confidence Riding and Driving

Sam is truly amazing at what she does!  She gave me the gift of bringing back the joy to riding rather than always thinking the worst.  I highly recommend her program to any rider or any athlete who is having any trouble remembering they actually can “DO THIS” and do it well!

Anxious Equestrian

Bringing The Joy Back to Riding

With the mind coaching techniques I’ve learnt with Sam, my health and well-being have continued to improve. I have greater understanding of my thoughts and how they influence me, I am kinder to myself and this has enabled me to be more consistent in moving toward my goals. Thank you Sam.

Anonymous

Weight Loss and Pain Management

As an older adult rider coming back to the sport after a 30+ year break, my internal dialogue was not pretty.

Basically every time something happened it just confirmed to me that “I am terrible”. As for mental skills coaching, I believed that I am smarter than this stuff and while I can say the words, they don’t really mean anything. But Sam showed me how to change that dialogue and now I am a believer that how you think, what you tell yourself can be changed and when it’s changed — so are you!

I would recommend that EVERYONE try it! Thanks again Sam!

Nervous Equestrian

increased confidence

My goal from working with Sam was to overcome anxiety I have experienced for many years when horse riding in a competitive environment, but the techniques she has taught me have helped with so much more than that!

I have become more confident in my own ability and now have the tools to overcome any issues that I face, not only when I’m riding but in all aspects of my life. Sam is knowledgeable and encouraging and I felt like she was really invested in helping me.

I’m very excited to see what I can achieve with these new skills and look forward to competitive riding being an enjoyable experience.

Anxious Equestrian

increased confidence

Sam has helped me to control my nerves when riding in a competitive environment. She has taught me numerous techniques that I can use to prepare at home and when I’m at a competition. They have helped enormously to ease tension and increase my focus and it has made competing at much more enjoyable experience for both me and my horse

Nervous Equestrian

Overcoming Competition Nerves

In three sessions, I cannot believe the difference Sam has made to me and how I feel in myself.

Before having the sessions with Sam I was finding everyday tasks which I would normally fly through very challenging and difficult. Due to going through the Menopause, I couldn’t sleep, I would be awake from about 1 am, I couldn’t go back off to sleep as my mind would feel like it was being fried with so many thoughts constantly being played in my head, that would then cause me to become anxious the following day, which would make me feel very tearful and difficult to cope.

With the three sessions I had, the transformation is incredible, I am sleeping, I am less anxious and more relaxed so I can focus clearly on my daily tasks. It has been truly life-changing. Also, Sam makes you feel so at ease during her sessions, she is a true professional and also very caring and listens to everything you say.

Anonymous

Addressing Menopause Anxiety and Sleep Disturbance

Sam ran a series of presentations for our women’s fitness group and was outstanding. Her presentation skills are exceptional.

Sam immediately put us at ease and enabled us to relax and become more self aware. From here we were able to look at strategies for managing stress and then identify ways that best suited each of us to achieve optimal performance.

On top of that, Sam’s voice is a dream to listen to! Thank you so much Sam!

Anonymous

Group Workshop on Stress Management

Sam was welcoming, friendly, warm and professional and listened to my concerns and expectations.

If I had to summarise it in one line it would be “working with Sam is an uplifting experience”

Anonymous

Overcoming Anxiety

Samantha Shanks-Husbands is amazing, if anyone feels like they’re struggling, or not enjoying their world right now, I wholeheartedly recommend getting in touch with Sam.
Not only will your life around your horse benefit, you will also experience the joys of feeling more confident in yourself in all other situations and areas.
Everyone deserves to be happy, so treat yourself and your horse, friends and family will thank you!
Equestrian

Confidence

“Hi Sam… I have been meaning to call you…
Firstly, my daughter is amazing!! She is a totally different rider and rides her boy fantastically now… out hacking, show jumping anywhere… she took him x-country at camp, unknown if he’d ever seen a xc fence, and after a 5 minute ‘discussion’ together they ended up jumping all the 100 fences with absolutely no issues!! She has competed 3 times now and gone from doing 80/90 in the 1st one to jumping 1.10/1.15 by her 3rd… I have absolutely no idea how you have done it but the girl has a whole new level of confidence allowing her to thrive with her boy!! So thank you, thank you, thank you!!!”
Mother of client

Rider Confidence

I first got in contact with Sam after having a crisis of confidence. With Sam’s help, I have learned how my thoughts affect my actions, I’ve learned techniques to address unhelpful thinking, and this has enabled me to continue riding and develop a better relationship with my horse.

Sid

Rider Confidence

Firstly I want to say a huge thank you to Samantha for my Rider Confidence sessions, the results that I have achieved have been beyond my expectations.

A little bit of background, I found riding in my 30’s and loved it from my first lesson,  wishing that I had started it years ago. The reason for this is that whilst I enjoyed riding and really, really wanted to progress, fear was holding me back. What if I fall off? What if I can’t control my horse? What if I really injure myself? Played over and over in my mind and started to take some (a lot really) of the enjoyment away. 

I am so glad that I came across Prepare to Win on Facebook. I thought that if Samantha can train Team GB members and Royal Navy personnel, I should be a doddle, but it does not actually work like that.  The performance coaching programme that Samantha has designed is uniquely tailored to each individual and it does not matter if you’re top of your game or wanting to work on confidence in canter transitions – which was one of my goals. 

After the first session I could not believe the difference. I was not expecting so see any results so soon and believe that it’s the blend of science, understanding the physical and mental response to situations and the coaching, understanding how to change this was the key to my success. 

At the end of my performance coaching I not only achieved my goals of having increased confidence and less fear. I wanted to go further and push myself out of my comfort zone which was a completely new feeling for a overthinking worrier like myself.

An unexpected benefit was that I was able to apply Samantha’s methodology to other areas of my life  (not just horse riding) and achieved weight loss and got back into an exercise routine after months of putting it off and making excuses, overall I feel much better in myself.

I can not recommend Samantha enough. Samantha is genuinely caring, compassionate and very generous with her time to ensure that you achieve your goals.  It’s a comfort really to know if I have any more bumps along the road in my horse riding journey I now have these tools in my toolbox and can call on Samantha for advise and support as needed. 

Grace

Equestrian

I’m a Showjumper based in Wiltshire. I intially spoke to Sam after talking to a friend who’d been working with Sam and had some fantastic results.

Myself personally, I have got a full time job, a yard of 20 horses, a 2 year old little girl, I also compete and teach a lot so life gets super busy, crazy and it’s so easy to lose your way.

So I made contact with Sam and she has been awesome to work with. She has given me the determination and the confidence just to refocus and be amazing at what I’m good at.

So anybody looking to work with Sam I would highly recommend and say go for it!

She’s awesome and I will definitely be continuing my journey with her.

Good luck everyone!

Claire Chambers

Showjumper

Sam really helped me with my confidence at a time I was struggling after a really bad fall and contemplating giving up completely.

The tips and tricks have enabled me to enjoy riding again after thinking I wouldn’t be able to continue- definitely recommended.

Kirsten Brenner

Rider Confidence

I contacted Sam initially after my former BD UKCC Coach had worked with her for competition
/anxiety issues.

Although I wasn’t competing at the same level I was also experiencing confidence /anxiety issues
when going to competitions, and actually in many other ways in general.

Not feeling entirely convinced that Sam would be able to help me I still decided to go ahead with
the course. I felt I had nothing to lose and possibly everything to gain.

I can honestly say the last few weeks since committing to this course has been enlightening,
beneficial and life changing.

Sam has shown me how to train my mind.

This new found mental freedom means I am a more focused, calmer and confident individual with
my horse and generally in daily life.

I now know how to live for the moment instead of worrying about what’s happened and what might
be.

It’s so hard to explain the change I feel inside.

If anyone reading this is suffering from any similar rider confidence/anxiety issues. Don’t put off
giving Sam a call. I can definitely recommend her.

L.D.

Equestrian

This wonderful lady has been an absolute rock for me in my stroke recovery journey! Never did I think I would be a rider who lacked confidence and doubted my ability. But my stroke unfortunately left me with many problems which I have had to work hard at to overcome and my confidence being one of the biggest.

I would struggle to remember courses and distances, have irrational thoughts about the outcome of competitions before I had even got out of the lorry and believed I was never going to get back up to the level I was at before my stroke.

But by pure coincidence Sam made contact with me to see if she could help any of the riders I train and it was actually me who so desperately needed her help.

Sam has worked closely with me with online weekly zoom calls and follow up phone calls with regular emails and homework to help me “re-train my brain”.

Sam not only rides herself and totally understands those negative feelings but she is also becoming a good friend to me and I very much look forward to our sessions. Please please please if you struggle with any of the above check her out and give her a chance to help you, you won’t regret it!

Professional Showjumper

Anna Beck

Sam has been amazing, she has helped me so much with my confidence both with the horses and in college. I never thought I would be able to do some of the things I have done without Sam.

For example, I never thought I would be able to complete my first 140 and with Sam’s help I was able to believe in myself to the point where I did my first 140 a few weeks ago.

Thank you so much Sam for all your help!🤍

Showjumper

Rider Confidence

First class performance coaching for any and every level.  The investment is worthwhile as you are made accountable for applying the principles during the course and, after it has finished, you have a toolkit that is not only applicable to riding but to any stressful life situation.  Thoroughly recommend!

Performance Coaching

rider CONFIDENCE

I just wanted to say a massive thank you 😊 

I’m feeling so different, positive, so many things are changing for me and it’s all because of you.

You do a great job, I just wanted you to know xx

Equestrian

rider CONFIDENCE

Everyone should be thrilled to have this opportunity — Sam is amazing and I am here to tell you that an advanced riding age thanks to Sam I actually WON a class at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala and there were only 62 in my class (less than my age!! Yikes)

Mature Equestrian

rider CONFIDENCE

I contacted Sam for help when my riding confidence was at an all time low. I honestly was wondering if I’d ever be able to truly enjoy riding again as I was a bag of nerves every time I got on.

Sam took the time to get to know me and understand what I wanted to achieve – in the first instance this was to be able to ride around the school for half an hour on my own, and to enjoy it! I was marginally sceptical but also excited. From the first session I got results. I was more focused and I was breathing properly!

This only got better, and it wasn’t long before I was hacking out on the roads and loving riding again. I highly recommend Sam for any riders who have lost confidence or simply have a goal they want to work on.

Equestrian

Loving Riding Again!

Before I met Sam, I was struggling with rider confidence issues. 

A while ago, I purchased a very green, lovable youngster. He was your typical young horse – very willing to work with you but quite unpredictable.

Things started to go downhill, and I rapidly lost my confidence in my riding ability (even though I have owned and ridden horses most of my life).

Things got to a point where I was afraid to ride him out on my own and this was really having an impact on my relationship with my lovely horse. 

Sam’s advert popped up on my Face book feed and I quickly reached out to her. 

Having worked with Sam over the past few months, my confidence has slowly come back. Through using her techniques and methods, she has taught me how to tackle my fears head on – I am now at the point where I am enjoying my horse again:  we are regularly attending Clinics offsite – something I wouldn’t even have considered without Sam’s help. 

Thank you Sam for helping me find my riding mojo again.

Equestrian

Rider Confidence

I would thoroughly recommend Sam she has really helped me in many ways.

I see things more clearly and my sleep has improved remarkably.  And I feel so much more relaxed and clear.

Sam makes you feel so at ease in her sessions.

Anxiety Relief and Sleep

Improved Sleep

Sam totally transformed my relationship with my horse thanks to her deep understanding of human psychology and horsemanship.

I got in touch with Sam after an accident on my youngster which, while not the horse’s fault, knocked our confidence. I saw significant improvements after the first session. Within weeks, I went from being afraid to get on to hacking out and riding alone in the arena and outside.

Before Sam, I had read about 5 books on the topic of rider confidence, but the one-on-one sessions with Sam and individual advice was life-changing.

Sam is also a really lovely person and great to talk to, so I looked forward to our sessions on a personal level too. She strikes a great balance between being a friend and holding you accountable. Highly recommended for anyone who would like to be more confident and give their horse more confidence.

Equestrian

Confidence After a riding Accident

Working wth Sam has changed my life.

I’m a 56 year old mother of four adult children. With health issues and a diagnosis of breast cancer in my early 30s I have lived with chronic underlying anxiety for years. I thought this was how it would be for the rest of my life. Then I tried mental training and my quality of life changed overnight.

This is all thanks to Samantha. She is amazing. From the beginning Samantha made me feel relaxed and reassured me that the journey we were about to undertake together would in the end erase the anxiety i’ve lived with for many years. All I can say is Samantha was true to her word. Her knowledge, the way she automatically makes you feel relaxed, her meditation recording which I listen to daily and being able to have online sessions in the comfort of my own home.

I can’t recommend Samantha highly enough. She changed my life and she could change yours.

Anonymous

Dealing with Anxiety

I cannot recommend Sam enough!

I have recently started riding again after being away from it for 20 years! I soon realised I wasn’t the care free teenager anymore and that I also didn’t bounce quite the same either!

I was thinking more and more of the worse case scenarios and the what if’s, over thinking everything and it was effecting everything in my life!

Luckily I came across Sam at Prepare to Win on facebook, I messaged Sam booked onto a course and haven’t looked back since.

I did the 4 week Confident rider training course, I looked forward to Monday evenings and looked forward to trying out and taking part in all the resources Sam gave me. Even though it was about me and my horse it was also so beneficial in my everyday life, from my thought process, my breathing to dealing with the ways in which my environment and the people around me affected my mindset.

After just the first session there was a huge change In my mindset and my confidence whilst out riding I honestly couldn’t believe it!

Sam made me feel so at ease, she could relate to us, knew why we may be thinking the way we were, and was so supportive throughout and after!

I have decided to book some 1-1 sessions with Sam to follow on from the group session as I feel I still have a little way to go with my personal goals and 100% know I can reach them with a little more time and help from Sam!

Thanks Sam!!!!

Anonymous

Overcoming imagining Worst Case Scenarios

“Hi Sam… I have been meaning to call you…
Firstly, my daughter is amazing!! She is a totally different rider and rides her boy fantastically now… out hacking, show jumping anywhere… she took him x-country at camp, unknown if he’d ever seen a xc fence, and after a 5 minute ‘discussion’ together they ended up jumping all the 100 fences with absolutely no issues!! She has competed 3 times now and gone from doing 80/90 in the 1st one to jumping 1.10/1.15 by her 3rd… I have absolutely no idea how you have done it but the girl has a whole new level of confidence allowing her to thrive with her boy!! So thank you, thank you, thank you!!!”
Mother of client

Rider Confidence

Sam has helped me so much. For all my adult life I have struggled with my weight, the typical yo yo dieter.

The problem was not losing weight, it was maintaining my weight once I lost it, so I asked Sam for some help with this.

I dropped a dress size and I am happy to say that six months on I am still that same dress size. This is miraculous for the yo yo dieter!

Yo yo dieter

Weight Loss

I first reached out to Sam and cited myself as a “lost cause.” My anxiety, weight and relationship with myself were wreaking havoc in all areas of my life and I felt beyond help. In the past i have spent a lot of time and resources on things that did not help so I was sceptical going into this.
After the first session my relationship with my horse and enjoyment at the stables was completely different. My anxiety at work had improved by the second and by the third session I felt like a completely different person, able to sit with myself and my thoughts, back in the gym working towards health goals and managing my anxiety well.
Sam is a wonderful support and cheerleader both during and in between sessions. My journey is still ongoing but has been life changing and most importantly enjoyable!
Equestrian

Generalised Anxiety

I first got in contact with Sam after having a crisis of confidence. With Sam’s help, I have learned how my thoughts affect my actions, I’ve learned techniques to address unhelpful thinking, and this has enabled me to continue riding and develop a better relationship with my horse.

Sid

Rider Confidence

It’s really difficult to put into words how Sam’s helped me, because I first went to Sam to help me with Rider confidence. And actually, she’s helped me in so many areas of my life. Particularly with riding, but also very much with work.

I’m a much calmer, more confident person, and I have so many tools in my kit now that can help me with anything, any kind of situation that arises, anything that I find I would normally find quite stressful. I’m able to tackle those issues and those situations with calm and confidence. 

I’m literally like a new woman!

I’m so happy and so at peace and so relaxed and confident. And yes, of course, it’s helped my riding hugely in ways that I can’t even begin to to list really, because it’s everything that I do with the horse, particularly in jumping, which is why I came to work with her in the first place.

I find myself realising, after a situation that I would normally find quite stressful and nerve wracking, I’ll reflect and think I wasn’t even fazed by that. Previously I’d dismount and my legs would still be shaking. And that’s not happening at all.

It’s almost like when something goes wrong now I can see it as a learning. It’s quite amusing because I’ll look back and think, Oh, that went wrong, but I did this. This went wrong, but I did that. I can see things much more objectively rather than freezing with fear. And that, for me, has been the most amazing thing ever!

So I’m so grateful to her for that.

Equestrian

Rider Confidence

Behind every rider there is a great team..” 🙌🏼🦄🇬🇧👌🏼
I’d like to say a huge thank you to Samantha Shanks-Husbands at @preparetowin_mind_coach 🙌🏼😁🦄🇬🇧 Sam has really helped me prepare in such a short space of time for the CDI this week.. 🇬🇧 🙌🏼🦄
I’m a very positive person & I’m very used to bouncing back from bad days, but my brain has the ability to question everything, resulting in me going “What If..?” a lot.. 🙈 Sam has been amazing I’ve had two sessions working on different techniques to mentally prepare me for this week, & the skills I’ve learnt I will be able to use for future shows! 🙌🏼 The skills I learnt even after the first session were hugely beneficial & I was able to implicate them straight away! ☺️👌🏼 I was already feeling more relaxed and prepared just making some small changes which easily fit into the busy lifestyle that is horses! 😅🙌🏼🦄
We live nowadays in a world where we see perfect profiles of what people portray their lives to be like but we all have days where we think.. we can’t do it, we’re not good enough & it truly is a tough sport! 😅 It’s very easy to assume that everyone else has got it all together because of the perfect world of boxes we scroll through, but the truth is everyone needs support in believe in themselves! ☺️👌🏼
I can’t recommend Sam enough if anyone is feeling negative towards any part of their life horsey/non horsey or need help focusing more at a show/training, be less nervous, manage your thoughts better get in touch! 👌🏼 Sam has 100% helped me find a better way to focus and I look forward to continuing working on the skills I’ve learnt and can’t wait for my next sessions! 🙌🏼🦄👌🏼🇬🇧

 

GB 🇬🇧 International Dressage Rider

Victoria Maw

I have really enjoyed the four week foundation course online. It was easy to access and with Sam guiding  me through visualisations and doing them at home it has really helped calm me and allow me to regain my confidence. She has useful suggestions that can be applied to all areas of my life and help be rational and calm when dealing with them. Really good for anxiety and stress.

Anxiety and Stress Relief

rider CONFIDENCE course

I contacted Sam initially after my former BD UKCC Coach had worked with her for competition
/anxiety issues.

Although I wasn’t competing at the same level I was also experiencing confidence /anxiety issues
when going to competitions, and actually in many other ways in general.

Not feeling entirely convinced that Sam would be able to help me I still decided to go ahead with
the course. I felt I had nothing to lose and possibly everything to gain.

I can honestly say the last few weeks since committing to this course has been enlightening,
beneficial and life changing.

Sam has shown me how to train my mind.

This new found mental freedom means I am a more focused, calmer and confident individual with
my horse and generally in daily life.

I now know how to live for the moment instead of worrying about what’s happened and what might
be.

It’s so hard to explain the change I feel inside.

If anyone reading this is suffering from any similar rider confidence/anxiety issues. Don’t put off
giving Sam a call. I can definitely recommend her.

L.D.

Equestrian

This wonderful lady has been an absolute rock for me in my stroke recovery journey! Never did I think I would be a rider who lacked confidence and doubted my ability. But my stroke unfortunately left me with many problems which I have had to work hard at to overcome and my confidence being one of the biggest.

I would struggle to remember courses and distances, have irrational thoughts about the outcome of competitions before I had even got out of the lorry and believed I was never going to get back up to the level I was at before my stroke.

But by pure coincidence Sam made contact with me to see if she could help any of the riders I train and it was actually me who so desperately needed her help.

Sam has worked closely with me with online weekly zoom calls and follow up phone calls with regular emails and homework to help me “re-train my brain”.

Sam not only rides herself and totally understands those negative feelings but she is also becoming a good friend to me and I very much look forward to our sessions. Please please please if you struggle with any of the above check her out and give her a chance to help you, you won’t regret it!

Professional Showjumper

Anna Beck

Sam has been amazing, she has helped me so much with my confidence both with the horses and in college. I never thought I would be able to do some of the things I have done without Sam.

For example, I never thought I would be able to complete my first 140 and with Sam’s help I was able to believe in myself to the point where I did my first 140 a few weeks ago.

Thank you so much Sam for all your help!🤍

Showjumper

Rider Confidence

First class performance coaching for any and every level.  The investment is worthwhile as you are made accountable for applying the principles during the course and, after it has finished, you have a toolkit that is not only applicable to riding but to any stressful life situation.  Thoroughly recommend!

Performance Coaching

rider CONFIDENCE

I just wanted to say a massive thank you 😊 

I’m feeling so different, positive, so many things are changing for me and it’s all because of you.

You do a great job, I just wanted you to know xx

Equestrian

rider CONFIDENCE

Everyone should be thrilled to have this opportunity — Sam is amazing and I am here to tell you that an advanced riding age thanks to Sam I actually WON a class at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala and there were only 62 in my class (less than my age!! Yikes)

Mature Equestrian

rider CONFIDENCE

I contacted Sam for help when my riding confidence was at an all time low. I honestly was wondering if I’d ever be able to truly enjoy riding again as I was a bag of nerves every time I got on.

Sam took the time to get to know me and understand what I wanted to achieve – in the first instance this was to be able to ride around the school for half an hour on my own, and to enjoy it! I was marginally sceptical but also excited. From the first session I got results. I was more focused and I was breathing properly!

This only got better, and it wasn’t long before I was hacking out on the roads and loving riding again. I highly recommend Sam for any riders who have lost confidence or simply have a goal they want to work on.

Equestrian

Loving Riding Again!

Before I met Sam, I was struggling with rider confidence issues. 

A while ago, I purchased a very green, lovable youngster. He was your typical young horse – very willing to work with you but quite unpredictable.

Things started to go downhill, and I rapidly lost my confidence in my riding ability (even though I have owned and ridden horses most of my life).

Things got to a point where I was afraid to ride him out on my own and this was really having an impact on my relationship with my lovely horse. 

Sam’s advert popped up on my Face book feed and I quickly reached out to her. 

Having worked with Sam over the past few months, my confidence has slowly come back. Through using her techniques and methods, she has taught me how to tackle my fears head on – I am now at the point where I am enjoying my horse again:  we are regularly attending Clinics offsite – something I wouldn’t even have considered without Sam’s help. 

Thank you Sam for helping me find my riding mojo again.

Equestrian

Rider Confidence

I would thoroughly recommend Sam she has really helped me in many ways.

I see things more clearly and my sleep has improved remarkably.  And I feel so much more relaxed and clear.

Sam makes you feel so at ease in her sessions.

Anxiety Relief and Sleep

Improved Sleep

Sam totally transformed my relationship with my horse thanks to her deep understanding of human psychology and horsemanship.

I got in touch with Sam after an accident on my youngster which, while not the horse’s fault, knocked our confidence. I saw significant improvements after the first session. Within weeks, I went from being afraid to get on to hacking out and riding alone in the arena and outside.

Before Sam, I had read about 5 books on the topic of rider confidence, but the one-on-one sessions with Sam and individual advice was life-changing.

Sam is also a really lovely person and great to talk to, so I looked forward to our sessions on a personal level too. She strikes a great balance between being a friend and holding you accountable. Highly recommended for anyone who would like to be more confident and give their horse more confidence.

Equestrian

Confidence After a riding Accident

Deciding to have a session with Samantha was one of the smartest decisions I have ever made!

Whilst there are always going to be challenges in life, she has given me the tools to meet them head on and focus my efforts where they will have the greatest impact.

Anonymous

Overcoming Anxiety

Working wth Sam has changed my life.

I’m a 56 year old mother of four adult children. With health issues and a diagnosis of breast cancer in my early 30s I have lived with chronic underlying anxiety for years. I thought this was how it would be for the rest of my life. Then I tried mental training and my quality of life changed overnight.

This is all thanks to Samantha. She is amazing. From the beginning Samantha made me feel relaxed and reassured me that the journey we were about to undertake together would in the end erase the anxiety i’ve lived with for many years. All I can say is Samantha was true to her word. Her knowledge, the way she automatically makes you feel relaxed, her meditation recording which I listen to daily and being able to have online sessions in the comfort of my own home.

I can’t recommend Samantha highly enough. She changed my life and she could change yours.

Anonymous

Dealing with Anxiety

Sam has helped me so much. For all my adult life I have struggled with my weight, the typical yo yo dieter.

The problem was not losing weight, it was maintaining my weight once I lost it, so I asked Sam for some help with this.

I dropped a dress size and I am happy to say that six months on I am still that same dress size. This is miraculous for the yo yo dieter!

Yo yo dieter

Weight Loss

It’s really difficult to put into words how Sam’s helped me, because I first went to Sam to help me with Rider confidence. And actually, she’s helped me in so many areas of my life. Particularly with riding, but also very much with work.

I’m a much calmer, more confident person, and I have so many tools in my kit now that can help me with anything, any kind of situation that arises, anything that I find I would normally find quite stressful. I’m able to tackle those issues and those situations with calm and confidence. 

I’m literally like a new woman!

I’m so happy and so at peace and so relaxed and confident. And yes, of course, it’s helped my riding hugely in ways that I can’t even begin to to list really, because it’s everything that I do with the horse, particularly in jumping, which is why I came to work with her in the first place.

I find myself realising, after a situation that I would normally find quite stressful and nerve wracking, I’ll reflect and think I wasn’t even fazed by that. Previously I’d dismount and my legs would still be shaking. And that’s not happening at all.

It’s almost like when something goes wrong now I can see it as a learning. It’s quite amusing because I’ll look back and think, Oh, that went wrong, but I did this. This went wrong, but I did that. I can see things much more objectively rather than freezing with fear. And that, for me, has been the most amazing thing ever!

So I’m so grateful to her for that.

Equestrian

Rider Confidence

Sam has helped me above and beyond what I originally approached her for help with and I am all round a much better and happier person for it with healither habits thanks to the tools she has taught me.

PSG Dressage Rider

Rider Confidence

I worked with Sam throughout last summer. Having recently had a hysterectomy and mental hang ups caused by the menopause I’d lost my confidence and self belief. 

Sam worked with me to rationalise these fears and rework my mindset to become the person and rider that I wanted to be.

I didn’t ever believe I could be one to meditate but with Sam’s guidance I’m hooked.

I have a mantra that I tell myself when I’m in need of a boost which is really helpful in stressful situations.

I would thoroughly recommend anyone that is struggling with their inner strength to contact Sam.

Sam is easy to talk to, proactive in her approach and always available with guidance.

I feel I’ve made a friend in the process of getting back in the saddle.

Thanks Sam xx

Equestrian

Rider Confidence

After a recent team session with Samantha, I decided to go ahead with the individual programme and am absolutely buzzing with the results so far.

Samantha is amazing to work with and I really enjoy the sessions which Samantha is able to fit around my irregular work hours.

After just two sessions I have noticed a huge difference in my ability to focus and keep calm in the competition setting, most noticeably at the recent Royal Windsor Horse Show which is one of the biggest atmospheres I have ever ridden in.

The most amazing thing is that the benefits I’ve experienced with working with Samantha regarding my rider mental fitness have also filtered through to daily situations in which I am now able to concentrate much more calmly in.

Thank you so much Samantha, I really look forward to our next session and highly recommend anyone to work with you!

Equestrian

Rider Confidence

I’d been in a riding accident in which I’d broken my leg. I came to see Samantha to help me boost my confidence whilst I was still in recovery so that I could have a more successful return to the saddle.

I had never dealt with fear in regards to riding before, so this was a whole new territory for me. Samantha gave me a lot of tools to help me calm my body down and really refocus how I thought about riding so that when I was physically ready to return to riding I also felt mentally prepared as well.

I would say if you’re thinking about it, give the discovery call a try. I wasn’t sure if I was the best candidate because I was laid up in bed with my leg propped up, not actually riding, but in fact that was a great time for me to get started on my mental skills.

I’ve already recommended Samantha to a number of my friends and I just think whether you’re recovering from an injury or your trying to get your head more in the game for competition, Samantha has some great resources.

 

Showjumper

Returning to riding after an accident

When I first met Sam at Prepare to Win, I was struggling with anxiety and had no idea how to manage negative thoughts. But from day one, Sam has been a very calming and reassuring presence. She’s taught me how to re-evaluate and then reshape negative thoughts. She’s given me a whole host of tools I can use daily to improve my mood and keep me calm. And I always come out of each session with Sam feeling more positive – and also thoroughly entertained as she has a story or funny anecdote about everything!

Even when we’re between sessions, Sam checks in on me to make sure I’m ok and continuing with the tools she’s given me.

Sam said to me on day one that nothing happens overnight. To make the changes I wanted to see in my life would take commitment and determination. And she was right. But if you do commit to her suggestions and advice, it can transform your life.

Anxiety Recovery and Improved Sleep

OVERCOMING ANXIETY

I contacted Sam earlier this year after having seen her website and reading through all the great
reviews.

My self esteem and confidence were at an all time low and coping with my anxiety was a daily battle.

Life in general was overwhelming and was having an impact on my riding and handling of my pony.

It took a lot of courage to actually contact Sam, but I am so glad that I did, and I would say to anyone who isn’t sure about doing the course, to take a deep breath and go for it.

There will be times when it will possibly be emotionally difficult, but with Sam’s caring and sensitive constant support there is
light at the end of the tunnel.

On my first session we had to set up a meet app, at that stage I didn’t have my own email address, so Sam had to very patiently talk me through setting that up, I am a completer technophobe so was a total nervous wreck, but we got there, and the sense of achievement was empowering.

Sam also changed some of the content of our sessions from what she had planned, to enable me to work on situations that had arisen and to restructure my thought pattern on how I was thinking about them. This was really helpful, and I felt that I was being listened to and understood which in
itself is vital if you are feeling vulnerable.

My priority was the equestrian side of my life. The course with Sam has not only improved this but has had a knock-on effect to all aspects of my life.

I am in a much better place emotionally than I was before meeting Sam. Yes , I still have to work at it, but I now have the tools to keep moving forward and maintain a balanced lifestyle.

I would 100% recommend Sam to anyone struggling with any of the issues she details on her website.

Anxiety and Stress Relief

Rider confidence

I have really enjoyed the four week foundation course online. It was easy to access and with Sam guiding  me through visualisations and doing them at home it has really helped calm me and allow me to regain my confidence. She has useful suggestions that can be applied to all areas of my life and help be rational and calm when dealing with them. Really good for anxiety and stress.

Anxiety and Stress Relief

rider CONFIDENCE course

I really enjoyed my course with Samantha, she made me feel really comfortable and there were practical tools I could use from the start and I am still using them!

Equestrian

rider CONFIDENCE course

Sam is a true professional and very good at what she does. She has helped me to become a more calm and confident rider. I now have the mental space to learn and feel what is required to be a better horseman. My mare appreciates the difference.

Not only has the training helped with my riding but life in general, as I am a much calmer and positive person. I would highly recommend Sam to anyone that no longer wants negative thoughts, emotions and anxiety to hold them back from achieving their ambitions. I couldn’t believe the difference it made to me in such a short time.

Equestrian

developing confidence

You can trust Samantha to give you the strategies and strength to manage both personal and business challenges.  She encouraged me to build on the skills I already had and led me towards success.  I can definitely recommend Samantha if you are prepared to win!

Business Professional

Personal and Business Challenges

Sam has helped me to see the world through a different lens. My self-esteem and confidence has reach a new level and the results have enabled me to enjoy my life to the full.

Anxiety Relief and Assertiveness Skills

Coping with Divorce

As an older adult and a “re-rider”, I found myself with a complicated horse to ride. Unplanned dismounts were becoming all too frequent, and anxiety was taking the reins.

There were some books, some sports psychologists that had great things to read, but somehow Sam totally got it.  She taught me how to reframe my dialogue from a negative to a positive.

Suddenly I could smile again — and it is supposed to fun!  But the best part is, I think of what she taught me all the time and it has helped in so many ways beyond just my riding.

I highly recommend Sam!

Mature Equestrian

Confidence and Performance

I met Sam at an event and got chatting! Sam has a warm kind persona and she gave me some tips to settle my anxiety and my daughter’s. Her advice was incredible and so I booked my first session which took place online.

Since my first session I can honestly say that I have made some serious changes to my way of living and taking the advice and exercises on board I have seen a huge difference in my day to day coping mechanisms. My sleep pattern has improved and so have my habits.

Sam has made me believe in me again and has given me the tools to deal with the stresses of motherhood, personal friendships/ relationships and self confidence.

I’m looking forward to more work with Sam in the future. Thanks Sam!

Anonymous

Self-Belief and Confidence

I wanted to work with Sam for 2 main reasons – weight loss and to reduce knee pain from 2 arthritic knees. Sam was welcoming, friendly, warm and professional and listened to my concerns and expectations. I thought it would be sessions to help me with these issues, but I got so much more than that.

Sam planned every session we had, she guided me through exercises to show how my automatic thoughts, often including fear and perfectionism, were influencing me without my conscious knowledge and making life much more difficult as they were in conflict with what I wanted. This required honesty from me, some aspects were uncomfortable for me to admit. Sam was assured and professional and I never felt I was being judged or what I said invalid or wrong.

Sam had different techniques to offer for these unhelpful thoughts so if we went off plan because I wanted to explore thoughts or feelings that had arisen, that wasn’t an issue and Sam worked with me on that. There was always a guided visualisation part to the session and it was delivered by Sam with clarity, a warm and well modulated voice and included what we had discussed with visualisations that Sam thought would work for me and was pleasant and easy to listen. Sam recorded these for me.

I have no hesitation in working with or recommending Sam to help become the best version of yourself. It encompasses coaching, new ways of viewing your thoughts and actions with what I’d call a quiet passion. What I mean by that is Sam really believes in it, she knows what’s she’s doing because she’s benefitted in her personal life with these techniques, and it’s given with empathy, understanding, warmth and kindness. If I had to summarise it in one line it would be ‘working with Sam is an uplifting experience’.

I am still continuing with weight loss and realise it’s not just the number on the scales that counts, it’s the quality of the process that elevates wellbeing. Thank you Sam.

Anonymous

Weight Loss and Pain Management

In just four sessions, I went from being tearful and struggling to cope, to feeling radiant and confident.

Sam enabled me to change my thinking which changed my experience of events.

Working with Sam exceeded all my expectations and I really enjoyed working with her. It was an amazing experience!

Anonymous

Overcoming Anxiety and Developing Assertiveness Skills

Working with Sam left me with so many more benefits then I had initially set out for! Sam is so friendly and has such a great attitude towards her work, she really wants you to succeed just as much as you do! Doing this course with Sam was a great experience and it left me with so many new skills to tackle aspects of my life in and out of the saddle.

Equestrian

Confidence Course Review

I have lived with chronic underlying anxiety for years. I thought this was how it would be for the rest of my life.

Then I worked with Sam and my quality of life changed overnight. She is amazing.

She changed my life and she could change yours.

Anonymous

Chronic Anxiety

I went into my first session with zero clue of what to expect and to be honest a little sceptical, but straight away Samantha put me at ease. Just by her talking me through what she does and what we could achieve I was hooked and couldn’t wait to get started.

We covered breathing techniques, mental rehearsal, visualisation, self-talk and loads more… It was a lot to take in, but I couldn’t wait to start using it in my training sessions!

My first training session was simple rowing intervals, 10 x 500m rows with 2 minutes rest between, I had done 8 x 500m the week before. During the rest, I used the breathing techniques that we covered. And not only did my heart rate drop faster, I just felt so much more composed throughout the entire session.

Over the next few weeks, I retested a number of gymnastics tests, using all the techniques I’d covered with Sam. I can honestly say that I beat all of my previous scores.

I visualised myself doing it, I controlled my breathing, I had visual cues ready and went out and controlled my performance.

I now use these techniques without thinking about it in every session and can’t wait to use them in competition!

Sam… You’re awesome!

Competitive CrossFit Athlete

enhancing performance

After a recent team session with Samantha, I decided to go ahead with the individual programme and am absolutely buzzing with the results so far.

Samantha is amazing to work with and I really enjoy the sessions which Samantha is able to fit around my irregular work hours.

After just two sessions I have noticed a huge difference in my ability to focus and keep calm in the competition setting, most noticeably at the recent Royal Windsor Horse Show which is one of the biggest atmospheres I have ever ridden in.

The most amazing thing is that the benefits I’ve experienced with working with Samantha regarding my rider mental fitness have also filtered through to daily situations in which I am now able to concentrate much more calmly in.

Thank you so much Samantha, I really look forward to our next session and highly recommend anyone to work with you!

Equestrian

Rider Confidence

I’d been in a riding accident in which I’d broken my leg. I came to see Samantha to help me boost my confidence whilst I was still in recovery so that I could have a more successful return to the saddle.

I had never dealt with fear in regards to riding before, so this was a whole new territory for me. Samantha gave me a lot of tools to help me calm my body down and really refocus how I thought about riding so that when I was physically ready to return to riding I also felt mentally prepared as well.

I would say if you’re thinking about it, give the discovery call a try. I wasn’t sure if I was the best candidate because I was laid up in bed with my leg propped up, not actually riding, but in fact that was a great time for me to get started on my mental skills.

I’ve already recommended Samantha to a number of my friends and I just think whether you’re recovering from an injury or your trying to get your head more in the game for competition, Samantha has some great resources.

 

Showjumper

Returning to riding after an accident

When I first met Sam at Prepare to Win, I was struggling with anxiety and had no idea how to manage negative thoughts. But from day one, Sam has been a very calming and reassuring presence. She’s taught me how to re-evaluate and then reshape negative thoughts. She’s given me a whole host of tools I can use daily to improve my mood and keep me calm. And I always come out of each session with Sam feeling more positive – and also thoroughly entertained as she has a story or funny anecdote about everything!

Even when we’re between sessions, Sam checks in on me to make sure I’m ok and continuing with the tools she’s given me.

Sam said to me on day one that nothing happens overnight. To make the changes I wanted to see in my life would take commitment and determination. And she was right. But if you do commit to her suggestions and advice, it can transform your life.

Anxiety Recovery and Improved Sleep

OVERCOMING ANXIETY

I contacted Sam earlier this year after having seen her website and reading through all the great
reviews.

My self esteem and confidence were at an all time low and coping with my anxiety was a daily battle.

Life in general was overwhelming and was having an impact on my riding and handling of my pony.

It took a lot of courage to actually contact Sam, but I am so glad that I did, and I would say to anyone who isn’t sure about doing the course, to take a deep breath and go for it.

There will be times when it will possibly be emotionally difficult, but with Sam’s caring and sensitive constant support there is
light at the end of the tunnel.

On my first session we had to set up a meet app, at that stage I didn’t have my own email address, so Sam had to very patiently talk me through setting that up, I am a completer technophobe so was a total nervous wreck, but we got there, and the sense of achievement was empowering.

Sam also changed some of the content of our sessions from what she had planned, to enable me to work on situations that had arisen and to restructure my thought pattern on how I was thinking about them. This was really helpful, and I felt that I was being listened to and understood which in
itself is vital if you are feeling vulnerable.

My priority was the equestrian side of my life. The course with Sam has not only improved this but has had a knock-on effect to all aspects of my life.

I am in a much better place emotionally than I was before meeting Sam. Yes , I still have to work at it, but I now have the tools to keep moving forward and maintain a balanced lifestyle.

I would 100% recommend Sam to anyone struggling with any of the issues she details on her website.

Anxiety and Stress Relief

Rider confidence

I really enjoyed my course with Samantha, she made me feel really comfortable and there were practical tools I could use from the start and I am still using them!

Equestrian

rider CONFIDENCE course

Sam is a true professional and very good at what she does. She has helped me to become a more calm and confident rider. I now have the mental space to learn and feel what is required to be a better horseman. My mare appreciates the difference.

Not only has the training helped with my riding but life in general, as I am a much calmer and positive person. I would highly recommend Sam to anyone that no longer wants negative thoughts, emotions and anxiety to hold them back from achieving their ambitions. I couldn’t believe the difference it made to me in such a short time.

Equestrian

developing confidence

You can trust Samantha to give you the strategies and strength to manage both personal and business challenges.  She encouraged me to build on the skills I already had and led me towards success.  I can definitely recommend Samantha if you are prepared to win!

Business Professional

Personal and Business Challenges

Sam has helped me to see the world through a different lens. My self-esteem and confidence has reach a new level and the results have enabled me to enjoy my life to the full.

Anxiety Relief and Assertiveness Skills

Coping with Divorce

As an older adult and a “re-rider”, I found myself with a complicated horse to ride. Unplanned dismounts were becoming all too frequent, and anxiety was taking the reins.

There were some books, some sports psychologists that had great things to read, but somehow Sam totally got it.  She taught me how to reframe my dialogue from a negative to a positive.

Suddenly I could smile again — and it is supposed to fun!  But the best part is, I think of what she taught me all the time and it has helped in so many ways beyond just my riding.

I highly recommend Sam!

Mature Equestrian

Confidence and Performance

I met Sam at an event and got chatting! Sam has a warm kind persona and she gave me some tips to settle my anxiety and my daughter’s. Her advice was incredible and so I booked my first session which took place online.

Since my first session I can honestly say that I have made some serious changes to my way of living and taking the advice and exercises on board I have seen a huge difference in my day to day coping mechanisms. My sleep pattern has improved and so have my habits.

Sam has made me believe in me again and has given me the tools to deal with the stresses of motherhood, personal friendships/ relationships and self confidence.

I’m looking forward to more work with Sam in the future. Thanks Sam!

Anonymous

Self-Belief and Confidence

I wanted to work with Sam for 2 main reasons – weight loss and to reduce knee pain from 2 arthritic knees. Sam was welcoming, friendly, warm and professional and listened to my concerns and expectations. I thought it would be sessions to help me with these issues, but I got so much more than that.

Sam planned every session we had, she guided me through exercises to show how my automatic thoughts, often including fear and perfectionism, were influencing me without my conscious knowledge and making life much more difficult as they were in conflict with what I wanted. This required honesty from me, some aspects were uncomfortable for me to admit. Sam was assured and professional and I never felt I was being judged or what I said invalid or wrong.

Sam had different techniques to offer for these unhelpful thoughts so if we went off plan because I wanted to explore thoughts or feelings that had arisen, that wasn’t an issue and Sam worked with me on that. There was always a guided visualisation part to the session and it was delivered by Sam with clarity, a warm and well modulated voice and included what we had discussed with visualisations that Sam thought would work for me and was pleasant and easy to listen. Sam recorded these for me.

I have no hesitation in working with or recommending Sam to help become the best version of yourself. It encompasses coaching, new ways of viewing your thoughts and actions with what I’d call a quiet passion. What I mean by that is Sam really believes in it, she knows what’s she’s doing because she’s benefitted in her personal life with these techniques, and it’s given with empathy, understanding, warmth and kindness. If I had to summarise it in one line it would be ‘working with Sam is an uplifting experience’.

I am still continuing with weight loss and realise it’s not just the number on the scales that counts, it’s the quality of the process that elevates wellbeing. Thank you Sam.

Anonymous

Weight Loss and Pain Management

In just four sessions, I went from being tearful and struggling to cope, to feeling radiant and confident.

Sam enabled me to change my thinking which changed my experience of events.

Working with Sam exceeded all my expectations and I really enjoyed working with her. It was an amazing experience!

Anonymous

Overcoming Anxiety and Developing Assertiveness Skills

Working with Sam left me with so many more benefits then I had initially set out for! Sam is so friendly and has such a great attitude towards her work, she really wants you to succeed just as much as you do! Doing this course with Sam was a great experience and it left me with so many new skills to tackle aspects of my life in and out of the saddle.

Equestrian

Confidence Course Review

I went into my first session with zero clue of what to expect and to be honest a little sceptical, but straight away Samantha put me at ease. Just by her talking me through what she does and what we could achieve I was hooked and couldn’t wait to get started.

We covered breathing techniques, mental rehearsal, visualisation, self-talk and loads more… It was a lot to take in, but I couldn’t wait to start using it in my training sessions!

My first training session was simple rowing intervals, 10 x 500m rows with 2 minutes rest between, I had done 8 x 500m the week before. During the rest, I used the breathing techniques that we covered. And not only did my heart rate drop faster, I just felt so much more composed throughout the entire session.

Over the next few weeks, I retested a number of gymnastics tests, using all the techniques I’d covered with Sam. I can honestly say that I beat all of my previous scores.

I visualised myself doing it, I controlled my breathing, I had visual cues ready and went out and controlled my performance.

I now use these techniques without thinking about it in every session and can’t wait to use them in competition!

Sam… You’re awesome!

Competitive CrossFit Athlete

enhancing performance

I did my first session with Sam a week ago, I was unsure about what to expect, I have suffered with confidence and anxiety for a long time and figured I had nothing to lose.
After the first session, I already felt a change I felt lighter and found it easier and clearer to think.
Over the last week, I have been using the tools that were given to me when riding my horses, and straight away noticed an unbelievable difference in their behaviour, how relaxed they were and how willing they became.
I can honestly say that the change in a week has been so incredible and so unexpected I am looking forward to my next sessions to see how much further I can push myself to change into a more positive happy mindset.
Professional Showjumper

Confidence

I cannot recommend Sam enough!

I have recently started riding again after being away from it for 20 years! I soon realised I wasn’t the care free teenager anymore and that I also didn’t bounce quite the same either!

I was thinking more and more of the worse case scenarios and the what if’s, over thinking everything and it was effecting everything in my life!

Luckily I came across Sam at Prepare to Win on facebook, I messaged Sam booked onto a course and haven’t looked back since.

I did the 4 week Confident rider training course, I looked forward to Monday evenings and looked forward to trying out and taking part in all the resources Sam gave me. Even though it was about me and my horse it was also so beneficial in my everyday life, from my thought process, my breathing to dealing with the ways in which my environment and the people around me affected my mindset.

After just the first session there was a huge change In my mindset and my confidence whilst out riding I honestly couldn’t believe it!

Sam made me feel so at ease, she could relate to us, knew why we may be thinking the way we were, and was so supportive throughout and after!

I have decided to book some 1-1 sessions with Sam to follow on from the group session as I feel I still have a little way to go with my personal goals and 100% know I can reach them with a little more time and help from Sam!

Thanks Sam!!!!

Anonymous

Overcoming imagining Worst Case Scenarios

I first reached out to Sam and cited myself as a “lost cause.” My anxiety, weight and relationship with myself were wreaking havoc in all areas of my life and I felt beyond help. In the past i have spent a lot of time and resources on things that did not help so I was sceptical going into this.
After the first session my relationship with my horse and enjoyment at the stables was completely different. My anxiety at work had improved by the second and by the third session I felt like a completely different person, able to sit with myself and my thoughts, back in the gym working towards health goals and managing my anxiety well.
Sam is a wonderful support and cheerleader both during and in between sessions. My journey is still ongoing but has been life changing and most importantly enjoyable!
Equestrian

Generalised Anxiety

“Preparation is a controllable competitive advantage”

“Preparation is a controllable

competitive advantage”