About Ann Montgomery
A fully qualified, insured coach who is passionate about building the confidence, self-belief, suppleness and strength of both the horse and the rider.
The Mindful Rider
💫 A Philosophy of Presence, Connection & Compassion
Being a Mindful Rider means more than just sitting in the saddle - it’s a way of showing up for both yourself and your horse with awareness, curiosity, and empathy.
For me, mindfulness is the foundation of every breakthrough in riding. It’s how we quiet the noise, tune into subtle signals, and build a deeper connection with our horse - and ourselves.
I’ve spent over 40 years helping riders strengthen this connection. My work draws from classical coaching systems, biomechanics, and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), combined with the Ride With Your Mind™ (RWYM™) approach developed by Mary Wanless.
At the heart of it all is a simple belief:
You already hold the answers—my job is to help you uncover them.
🐎 My Journey with Horses
I didn’t grow up with a pony of my own. I borrowed rides where I could, saved up for my first horse, and found my way into coaching not through privilege—but through passion and perseverance.
I began coaching in South Africa in the 1980s, running a 25-stable livery yard.
I began coaching in South Africa in the 1980s, running a 25-stable livery yard.
In 1984, I returned to the UK to complete my BHS Horsemaster Certificate.
I earned my SANEF Level 1 and 2 coaching qualifications while helping students compete successfully at inter-regional and provincial levels.
In 2003, I discovered Mary Wanless’ work on rider biomechanics, and it lit a spark that changed everything.
Since then, I’ve trained extensively in RWYM™ and qualified as a Level 2 Mastery Coach in 2017.
I moved to Australia in 2004, where I continued to coach, judge, and grow. I’ve since taught clinics across WA, QLD, the NT, and New Zealand.
🧠 A Forever Student
Even with decades of coaching experience, I’m always learning—both from world-renowned educators and the riders I work with every day.
I’ve studied:
Rider biomechanics with Mary Wanless
Somatic awareness and movement
NLP and how mindset shapes performance
Equine anatomy and postural balance
Classical riding principles
And every lesson I teach is grounded in this ever-evolving learning journey.
🌱 My Coaching Philosophy
I believe riding is a partnership. My role isn’t to tell you what to do—it’s to help you listen more deeply to your horse, become aware of your own patterns, and develop the tools you need to ride with lightness, clarity, and calm.
Together, we’ll explore:
Alignment and biomechanics
Emotional regulation and mindset
Communication and connection
Releasing tension and building strength
Working with—not against—your horse’s body and temperament
Whether you’re rebuilding confidence, refining your position, or working through fear and frustration, I meet you where you are - without judgment.
“You’ll become the rider you’re meant to be - not by being told what to do, but by learning how to feel what’s true.”
🎓 Qualifications & Professional Training
Ride With Your Mind™ Level 2 Mastery Coach (UK)
NLP Practitioner (Australia)
SANEF Level 2 Coach (South Africa)
EA Level 2 Coach (Australia) – De-registered Nov 2018
EA Level D Dressage Judge (Australia) – Retired 2014
BHS Horsemaster Certificate (UK)
Senior First Aid Certified (Australia)
📩 Let’s Work Together
If you feel like something is missing in your riding—or you're ready to ride with more clarity, confidence, and connection—then now is the time to take the next step.
Whether you’re rebuilding trust, refining your seat, or seeking a deeper relationship with your horse, I’ll meet you where you are and help guide the way forward.
➡️ Head over to the BOOK NOW for options or Get in Touch to talk through what you need.
🎧 Are you Riding with Feel?
Get this Free Audio Lesson
to ride with more awareness, balance, and connection!
In this 20-minute lesson, I’ll guide you through powerful rider and horse-focused techniques—like using your seat for transitions, improving flexion, and feeling what your horse is really telling you.
No fluff. Just quiet, practical prompts to help you ride like the mindful rider you’re meant to be.
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The Mindful Rider
