OUR MISSION
Riding Far, LLC was founded over 20 years ago with a simple idea that riders could benefit from a better understanding of themselves, their horses, and how to create change.
All riders, regardless of experience or discipline, meet challenges along the way. We help riders move through these challenges. This is more than your typical sport psychology or horse training. We have dedicated ourselves to creating transformative experiences for equestrians and horses through compassionate and expert education, mentorship and guidance.
OUR SERVICES
Individual Consultation
Individual support for the rider, the horse, and the horse and rider team.A quiet and confidential setting
To address a wide range of riding or performance issues. Ideal for crafting individualized solutions to challenges you encounter in your life with horses.
Clinics and Seminars
Dynamic and integrated educational experiences for riders, horses, instructors, and trainers.IDENTIFY AND OVERCOME ROADBLOCKS
With direct access to expertise regarding horses and humans. Explore topics that will transform your relationship with your horse(s).
NeurOptimal Dynamical Neurofeedback
Cutting edge dynamical neurofeedback brain training for equestrians.NeurOptimal® advanced brain training system
Through our partnership with Neurofficient, we provide tools for your brain to adjust and re-organize itself for optimal functioning.
OUR PROGRAMS
Fresh Start Program
The most integrative program for riders with fear and anxiety available in the world.A custom program built for you
With full training for your horse and deep psychological exploration for you, you will rebuild your confidence and relationship with your horse.
Training Horse Program
A comprehensive foundation that promotes optimal physical development for young horses.The most well rounded start for young horses
Our process teaches your horse the skills they need to be successful for the rest of their ridden lives.OUR PARTNERSHIP
Together, we offer expert education, mentorship and guidance that is grounded in an innovative integration of modern human psychology and horsemanship.
Paul Haefner, PhD
Riding Far, LLC was founded by Dr. Paul Haefner to provide a wide range of sport psychology consultation services to riders, instructors and trainers.
Paul Haefner, PhD is a licensed clinical and sport psychologist in private practice in Northern Virginia with more than 30 years of professional experience. In addition to his PhD in Clinical Psychology, Dr. Haefner is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist and a Certified Master Practitioner of Neuro-linguistic Programming. He also holds a B.S. in Physics…
Justin Haefner
Justin K. Haefner joined Riding Far as a partner. His expertise expands our services to include horse training and horsemanship education.
Justin Haefner is a professional trainer who specializes in the training and handling of young performance horses of all disciplines. Justin believes…
“What an amazing sports psych and groundwork clinic we had with Riding Far, LLC last week. I can’t say enough about the fresh perspective these exercises provide, and I’ve already seen and felt the difference translate to the saddle for myself and students. So much to keep working on in becoming more connected with our horses. If you ever have the chance to train with Paul and Justin Haefner, DO IT!! We can’t wait to have them back.”
“We have scheduled several sessions with Paul at our barn including rider sports psychology, rider team building, and staff team building/goal setting. The experiences ranged from hands on with horses to group work inside depending on the goal of the session. All were very fulfilling. I strongly recommend Paul to my clients and colleagues.”
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Justin over the last year. He has worked with some of my young horses, doing an excellent job training and instilling confidence. He has also worked with some of my top show jumpers, and has made some very helpful suggestions pertaining to flat work and behavioral issues. He is a kind, patient, and very knowledgeable horseman.”
“Just last year I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Haefner as I navigated some personally complex areas of life. His wisdom, ability to connect, genuine being, understanding and, honestly, being a down right incredible professional is world class.”
RECENT INSIGHTS
We are passionate about sharing our knowledge and experiences to create transformational experiences for equestrians and horses.
Red Sunflowers
This weekend I am visiting my parents. On the way I picked up some flowers as a belated birthday gift for my mother. They were red sunflowers. Quite pretty and I thought unusual. My mother has been challenged with changes in her memory. It is hard for her to track time and she [...]
On Balance
This weekend I am sitting in an AirBnB in Charlotte, NC. My wife and I are visiting my son Luke to celebrate his 22nd birthday. It felt great to wrap my arms around him in a bear hug and chat and laugh over a meal. He opened gifts and we played with one [...]
Butterflies and Butter Knives
I woke up this morning to a poem in my Facebook feed. It is called Butter Knife and was written and read by Hollie McNish. Her introduction to the poem is almost as inspiring as the poem itself. Both celebrate how absolutely totally f**king amazing this world is and how, when we make [...]
On Loving Transitions
One of my horsemanship mentors along the way talked about “a million transitions” as they extolled the power of transitions to make everything better. I was reminded of this yesterday. First, in our lesson with Stephanie Jennings and again later in the day as one of my long term clients transitioned to a [...]
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Our insights will inspire you to be you to be your best self– for you and your horse.
We have dedicated ourselves to creating transformative experiences for equestrians and horses through compassionate and expert education, mentorship and guidance. We meet every rider and horse where they are and create deeply personal and meaningful experiences.