Meredith Brisson, LICSW - Equestrian Sports Psychology Coach

04/28/2026

The Power of Saying "This is Really Hard"

Every rider goes through seasons where things feel heavier than usual—inside the arena, outside the arena, or both. And yet, when we’re struggling, most of us default to the same internal script: “I should be handling this better.” “I shouldn’t be this emotional.” “I should be strong...

04/23/2026

“You can feel anxious and still perform at your best.”

04/22/2026

Updates like this one make my heart sing! I love how clients carry our work forward and honor the progress and successes that they've worked so hard for! Congrats Nancy!

"I’ve had two ranch shows this season so far and have met all my expectations. The tools I developed from you have helped me accomplish my goals. Our partnership has evolved. We have been very competitive and performed very well at my first two AQHA ranch shows . I’m at peace and overwhelmed with joy knowing my journey and challenges last season were part of the process to become the team we are today. I feel complete & content. Thank you for everything Coach!"

04/06/2026

Shout out to my client, Lizzie Edgar, on her successful first show of the season! Lizzie was thoughtful and intentional in her approach to this show as she was coming back to the show ring after recovering from a tough fall. She has put in both the physical and mental work - and it paid off! Positive rides on both of her horses, culminating in a win on CH Paddyngton's Twilight in the Country Pleasure Stake at the Spring Showcase Horse Show.

Loved getting this update from her: "I showed last night and it was so much fun! It felt amazing to be back in my saddle suit and showing a gaited horse. There was a moment when we were flying down the rail that I fully felt like myself again. It was an incredible feeling that I want to continue to cultivate through the show."

Super proud of you, Lizzie! Keep up the good work!

04/06/2026

Finding the Arc of Your Show Season

This is always an exciting time of the year to be coaching clients. There's a sense of anticipation about how the year is going to unfold. It can be tempting to jump straight to outcomes—scores, placings, qualifications, goals scribbled at the top of a notebook. But strong seasons aren’t built a...

03/09/2026

Spring Training for the Rider's Mind

This morning, here in New England, things felt different. As the days stretch a little longer and the first hints of warmth return, riders everywhere feel that familiar shift — the awakening of spring. Horses start to come alive, goals begin to take shape, and the summer competition season suddenl...

02/23/2026

From Overwhelm to Intentional Action

If you’re like most dedicated riders, you care deeply—about your horse, your progress, your goals, and the long list of responsibilities that come with this sport. And when you care deeply, it’s easy for your mind to slip into a familiar phrase: “I’m overwhelmed.” It’s a phrase that fe...

01/07/2026

Letting Courage Take The Lead in 2026

Courage isn’t always loud. It doesn’t always look like galloping boldly across a field or throwing caution to the wind. Sometimes courage is the quiet breath you take when your protective part whispers that it’s safer to stay small, to hold back, to not try today. Courage is choosing the next ...

01/01/2026

Happy New Year! May you move forward with courage towards what brings you joy and fulfillment in 2026!

11/25/2025

https://www.theplaidhorse.com/2025/11/24/calm-is-a-skill-how-to-keep-your-mind-quiet-when-it-matters-most/?fbclid=IwZnRzaAOStANleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeyoGq9zHX2RJgGdQga3aRw4poTYY-AvhrDbeLcQ4l4kXzeXeB2O4iXrdJIQQ_aem_maERM_27mZPtQvWvuMKdLg

Brought to you by The Plaidcast In the chaos of the warm-up ring, trainer and “R” judge Geoff Case looks for one thing above all else—not the flashiest rider, not the biggest stride, but the calmest mind. “The best riders don’t look like they’re doing more,” he said. “They look like ...

11/04/2025

Another exciting update from my client, Kate!
"I wanted to share a quick update, and a very heartfelt thank you!
We had an incredible experience at the NSBA World Show this August. Perry and I ended up as unanimous winners in both the Hunter Under Saddle and the Equitation classes! I’ve attached the win photo, and honestly, I’m still a little in shock.

What stands out most, though, wasn’t the placings. The best moment came at the end of my Hunter Under Saddle class, trotting down the rail with a smile on my face, feeling totally at peace with how we rode. For the first time, I wasn’t focused on the outcome. I just knew I had a great ride, and that was enough. That mindset shift, trusting myself (and my horse), being present, letting go of the pressure, is something your program helped me build.

I’ve come such a long way in how I manage my mental health around showing. Instead of anxiety and second-guessing, I felt prepared and grounded. I truly believe that working with you made this kind of experience possible. So, thank you, not just for helping me become a better rider, but a more resilient and confident person, too."

I'm smiling from ear to ear over here...this is what it's all about! Connection to [and trust in] your self, your horse, and the process! Congrats Kate!

10/23/2025

Congrats to client, Tessa Woolf, on her top finishes at the All American Quarter Horse Congress this week! She puts her heart and soul into this sport and it truly shows ♥️.