If you’ve ever found yourself stuck — unsure why you’re hesitating, holding back, or filled with doubt — you’re not alone.
This stuckness is what many people (especially horse riders) describe as a mental block.
Whether you’re dealing with riding-related anxiety, a fear that seems to come out of nowhere, or a growing lack of confidence, mental blocks can make even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming. And often, they don’t make logical sense.
You might feel confident in most areas of your life… until you approach a certain type of fence.
Or maybe you’re absolutely fine schooling at home, but freeze in the warm-up ring.
Some riders find themselves dreading just getting on, even when they love their horse and know they’re safe.
This is exactly what a mental block looks like — and this is where IEMT (Integral Eye Movement Therapy) can help.
What is a Mental Block?
A mental block is a feeling of being stuck.
It can show up as fear, anxiety, resistance, or even total avoidance. It might be triggered by a specific situation — like showjumping, riding in front of others, or even just getting back on after a fall — or it may just be a vague, nagging sense of “I can’t do this.”
The frustrating part is, you often can’t think your way out of it.
You know the fear is irrational. You want to move forward. But your body and mind says no.
That’s because the block isn’t just in your mind — it’s stored in the way your nervous system reacts.
How IEMT Works to Shift Mental Blocks
IEMT is a fast, gentle, and effective therapy designed to help people shift emotional responses — especially when you feel stuck.
It involves using specific eye movement patterns while you focus on the emotion or situation that’s causing the block. These movements help the brain reprocess how that experience is stored, changing the emotional response without needing to talk it all through in detail.
Here’s what makes IEMT ideal for riders (and others) dealing with mental blocks:
- It’s fast – most people notice change within just a session or two.
- It doesn’t require talking through the past – I just need you to be able to recall memories and you don’t need to tell me what they are.
- It works even if you don’t know why the block is there – you don’t need to “figure it all out” for it to work. The structure of IEMT makes it easier and simple to work backwards to find out what the cause is.
Whether your block is based on a past fall, a fear of being judged, or something you can’t explain — IEMT works by shifting how your brain holds that experience. When that emotional charge is gone, confidence has space to return.
Not “Bad Enough”? You Still Deserve Support
Many riders (and people in general) wait until things feel really bad before they reach out for help.
But if a mental block is holding you back — from competing, from riding out, or just from enjoying your time in the saddle — it’s already impacting your wellbeing.
You don’t need to wait until it gets worse.
And you don’t need to prove that it’s serious enough.
If it’s bothering you, it matters.
Ready to Move Forward?
If you’re tired of second-guessing yourself and want to feel calm, focused, and confident again — IEMT might be exactly what you need. Whether you’re a horse rider struggling with confidence, or someone dealing with mental blocks in another part of life, this work helps you feel more like you again.
Want to know more or book a session? Contact me here or send me a message — and let’s get you moving forward.
