In this week's episode, I am joined by Nikki Eggert, a recent graduate of our ⁠⁠Foundations Certification Program⁠⁠. Nikki’s story is a textbook example of what happens when you commit to the process, invest in yourself, and keep showing up—especially on the hard days.

Meet Nikki Eggert

Nikki Eggert is the owner and operator of Never Stop Believing Performance Horses based out of Sauk Rapids, MN. Nikki’s hands-on approach to horsemanship focuses on building a stronger connection between horse and rider, balancing foundational horsemanship with emphasis on self-talk, goal setting and mental mindset.

Nikki’s Journey to Certification

When Nikki first came to a mentorship a little over two years ago, she was clear about one thing: “I want to be confident.” She’ll be the first to tell you she didn’t feel “naturally gifted.” But talent isn’t the separator—skills, reps, and discipline are. From day one, Nikki leaned in. She listened, asked questions, and—most important—applied what she learned at home.

Our Foundations Certification program isn’t a bootcamp and it isn’t just a title—it’s a framework built on three pillars:

Advanced Horsemanship (foundation principles, feel, timing, balance)
Personal Development (mindset, self-talk, faith, habits)
Brand & Business (clarity, consistency, serving your customers)

Nikki took all three seriously. She built skills she could replicate and teach, strengthened her self-talk, and got consistent with simple, daily habits that moved the needle.

Nikki’s Turning Point

Every graduate has a moment where the lights really switch on. Nikki’s came at our clinic in Fargo, North Dakota this fall. She brought a very green three-year-old—first time hauled, in a brand-new environment, and surrounded by 17 new horses. In this situation, this three-year-old had a lot of insecurities, and the confidence and leadership Nikki displayed was the epitome of what this program was designed to create.

Over those two days at the Fargo clinic, what I witnessed was composure. Nikki stayed present, stuck with the process, gave timely releases, and let the colt breathe. She didn’t cave to embarrassment or frustration. By the end, the change was unmistakable. That two-day stretch confirmed what the program is designed to produce: a horsewoman who can think, adjust, and lead when things get uncomfortable.

The Transformation of Nikki’s Program

Since we met, Nikki has:

Expanded her lesson program (youth to adults), coaching riders to tangible results.
Clarified her niche—a coach who blends solid fundamentals with mental preparation, goal setting, and better self-talk.
Built a simple, values-driven operation where connection comes first—horses and people both leave better than they came.

You feel it when you’re around her: she’s comfortable in her own skin. That spills over into her clients, her horses, and her business.

Growth and Partnership

The Certification Program was never intended to produce “Phil Haugen-certified trainers.” It’s all about helping you build your program, your way—grounded in principles that work. Nikki’s journey proves that when you pair foundation skills with personal development and clear branding, you don’t just get better performance from your horses—you build a better life.

And here’s the selfish part for me: we gain lifelong friends along the way. Nikki, Paige, and the rest of our mentorship crew sharpen each other. Iron sharpens iron.

Final Words from Phil

Nikki earned this. She put in the hours, took the punches, and stayed the course. I couldn’t be prouder of the horsewoman—and person—she’s become.

If you’re in central Minnesota and want to work with someone who will meet you where you’re at and help you move forward, reach out to Never Stop Believing Performance Horses.

God bless each and every one of you. Have a great week of training—and as always, today and every day, let’s be our best.

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