We talked about what no one says out loud.

This is the episode every burned-out rider needs to hear-Buck The Stigma gets honest

Author

Aileene Ferma
June 10, 2025

Let’s talk about something most riders are too burned out to admit…

You’re doing everything right—taking lessons, training hard, staying committed—and yet?

It still feels like you’re running on empty.

That’s exactly what today’s episode of the Resilient Reiner Podcast is about.

I sat down with Devin Bang, founder of Buck the Stigma to talk about what it really means to ride through burnout, pressure, and the unspoken mental toll of being the one who always “has it together.”

She opens up about:

  • Trying to ride while quietly falling apart on the inside

  • Feeling like rest had to be earned

  • And what changed when she stopped trying to “fix” herself—and started supporting her mental health like an athlete.

This conversation will hit home if you’ve ever felt like you had to prove your worth before you could take a breath.

It’s honest. It’s needed. And it’s a reminder you don’t have to earn your way out of exhaustion. 

In this episode, you’ll hear:
✅ Devon’s personal experience with anxiety and identity pressure as a competitive rider
✅ The exact mindset shift that helped her stop chasing perfection
✅ Why showing up for your mental health doesn’t make you soft—it makes you stronger
✅ How to stop holding your breath and finally ride from a place of self-trust

Ride steady,
Nicole

P.S. If this conversation hit close to home—and you're realizing it’s not your horse, your saddle, or your lesson schedule that needs to change—it might be time for something deeper.

Ride Free is my newest, application-only coaching experience for riders who want to reconnect with joy, confidence, and the version of themselves that used to love this.

We start soon. Applications are open now through Monday, June 16.

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