Detours happen in riding — sometimes it’s the horse, sometimes it’s us, and sometimes it’s life. And when you hit a detour — physically or emotionally — it can change more than just the plan.

In Episode 5 of Two Point Perspective, Elizabeth is joined by Samantha Shanks-Husband of Prepare to Win to talk about what happens when riding (and life) take a detour — and why anxiety in the saddle isn’t something you can always “fix” by simply deciding to be brave.

They unpack what’s really happening in the brain and nervous system after a fall, injury, surgery, scare, or major life change — why riders are so good at hiding fear — and how confidence comes back when you rebuild trust in layers instead of forcing your way through it alone.

1. Why detours can change the way you ride (even when you’re physically “fine”)
2. The difference between normal nerves vs. fear that becomes a pattern
3. How anxiety shows up in the saddle: bracing, freezing, defensive riding, holding your breath
4. Shame and identity: “I used to be brave — what’s wrong with me?”
5. Why this isn’t a confidence issue — it’s a nervous system response
6. A practical tool you can use immediately: box breathing
7. The internal script riders should train (“I trust myself / I trust my horse / I trust our training”)
8. How to set comeback goals without over-facing yourself
9. Why support, tools, and language matter more than toughness

Samantha Shanks-Husband — Prepare to Win

Website: preparetowin.co.uk

Email: sam@preparetowin.co.uk

Book a free call: preparetowin.co.uk

If you’re in a detour right now — where you’re showing up but your body is telling a different story — you don’t have to white-knuckle your way through this sport alone.

Links referenced in this episode:

1. preparetowin.co.uk
2. sam@preparetowin.co.uk