I’m Lydia Van Aken—

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wife, mother, competitor, and coach. I haven’t been afraid to dream big. But for years, even as I trained harder and pushed myself further, something was missing. No matter how prepared I was physically, my results didn’t always reflect the work I put in.

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What I discovered is something many competitors face but few talk about:
My biggest battle wasn’t in the arena. It was in my mind.

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I grew up believing in hard work, that repetition and long hours were the best path to performing at the top of my game. I felt I was doing everything right in preparation, but I struggled using it when it counted. Even though I was performing well by most standards, I felt I was not competing at my best.

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When I began learning about the mind, I was blown away by how deeply our thoughts influence our physical performance and confidence. The science behind it fascinated me. That discovery led me into the world of neuroscience and sports psychology. Everything I’d fought with began to make sense.

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I realized I didn’t need to work harder.
I needed to think differently.

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As I shifted my mindset, things began to change. My focus sharpened. My confidence grew. Competing felt clearer. I wasn’t fighting myself anymore—I was supporting myself.

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And once I experienced that transformation, I had to share it.

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Over the years, I’ve coached the University of Wyoming rodeo team, worked with private clients, and traveled the country training and competing in a variety of disciplines—from reining and cow horse to cutting, breakaway, heading and heeling.

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I didn’t come from an equestrian family. I started riding at eight years old and roping in high school, with a simple love for horses and a willingness to work. That took me to multiple high school and college titles, national qualifications, major all-girl events, and eventually my PRCA card.

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But my greatest accomplishment hasn’t been a buckle or a title.
It has been learning how to access a better version of myself.

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Today, that’s what I help others do.

I help competitors understand their minds. I help them break out of the patterns that hold them back. And I help them step into the confidence and clarity they’ve been working towards.

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Because when your mind finally starts working with you, not against you—
everything changes.