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Welcome to Riding Far
Our Mission:
Riding Far, LLC was founded over 20 years ago with the idea that riders thrive when they understand themselves, their horses, and how to create change. Every rider, regardless of experience or discipline, encounters challenges—we help them navigate these obstacles. More than just psychology or horse training, we create transformative experiences through expert education, mentorship, and guidance. By meeting each rider and horse where they are, we foster meaningful growth where traditional approaches have often failed.
Our work integrates modern psychology, equine ethology, biomechanics, and the best of classical and contemporary horsemanship. Committed to ongoing learning, we provide informed, comprehensive, and inspired guidance to help riders and horses succeed together.
We draw inspiration from the best of modern psychology and horsemanship to create positive lasting change in horse and rider relationships.
Paul Haefner
Justin Haefner
Paul Haefner, Ph.D., founded Riding Far, LLC to combine over 35 years of psychology expertise with a lifelong passion for horses. A licensed psychologist and experienced horseman, he helps equestrians transform fear into confidence and build deeper partnerships through science, empathy, and connection. His ongoing study in fields like neurobiology and leadership in equine organizations reflect his dedication to advancing both human and horse well-being. Through Riding Far, Paul supports growth for riders, instructors, and professionals at all levels.
Justin Haefner joined Riding Far, LLC in 2018, bringing expertise in training young performance horses. Rooted in vaquero-style horsemanship and inspired by masters like Nuno Oliveira, Ray Hunt, and Tom Dorrance, he blends classical dressage and equine bodywork to strengthen horses’ mind, body, and spirit. A lifelong equestrian, Justin’s passion and experience—honed through diverse disciplines and ongoing study with top instructors—drive transformative results for horses and riders. At Riding Far, he’s committed to impacting the equestrian world, one partnership at a time.
Our Partnership
Justin Haefner joined Riding Far, LLC in 2018, bringing expertise in training young performance horses. Rooted in vaquero-style horsemanship and inspired by masters like Nuno Oliveira, Ray Hunt, and Tom Dorrance, he blends classical dressage and equine bodywork to strengthen horses’ mind, body, and spirit. A lifelong equestrian, Justin’s passion and experience—honed through diverse disciplines and ongoing study with top instructors—drive transformative results for horses and riders. At Riding Far, he’s committed to impacting the equestrian world, one partnership at a time.
Paul Haefner, Ph.D., founded Riding Far, LLC to combine over 35 years of psychology expertise with a lifelong passion for horses. A licensed psychologist and experienced horseman, he helps equestrians transform fear into confidence and build deeper partnerships through science, empathy, and connection. His ongoing study in fields like neurobiology and leadership in equine organizations reflect his dedication to advancing both human and horse well-being. Through Riding Far, Paul supports growth for riders, instructors, and professionals at all levels.
Justin Haefner
Paul haefner
Riding Far Services
-Diane Rogers, Head Trainer/ Director of Programs, USHJA Certified Trainer
“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.”
Alison Firestone Robitaille, Show Jumper/
5 time World Cup finalist
“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.”
Colton Woods, Colton Woods Horsemanship
“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 downright incredible professional is world class.”
Carol Young, CEO Healing Strides
“I have been an instructor for 40 years. Starting as a very young woman, teaching in my backyard, with my own horses. Over the years I became a ‘professional’ and earned the Certificates to go with that. When I took this course with Paul and Justin, I not only enjoyed it immensely but learned more about the connection of our own personal stories to those of others. The value of understanding the students story and how that plays out in your lesson and their connection to their horse partner. Well done Paul and Justin. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to continue to expand their knowledge. Be a forever learner.”
- Heidi
“Paul and Justin have the most unique and impactful program by combining Paul's deep knowledge of human psychology and Justin's unmatched ability to tune into, understand and connect with horses. They are able to provide an experience at their clinics unlike any other I've attended. I had not attended Fresh Start l or ll, so had no idea what to expect. As soon as I arrived, I was welcomed warmly and felt at ease. An agenda was presented that was full of insightful research-based information concerning human psychology as it applies to equestrians as well as insight regarding the horse's perspective and how to truly connect and create a deep, meaningful relationship. Time was well spent between lectures, individual, small and large group work with our horse and demonstrations. I left with so much new and exciting information that has completely changed my thinking about myself as a rider and definitely how I relate to my horses (and I've been riding for 45 years!). I will be attending Fresh Start l and ll this fall and any other clinic Riding Far offers. I have so much more to learn!”
Abby Gibbon, FEI Event Rider/USDF Medalist/Owner and Head Trainer - Fine Idea Farm
"What an amazing sport 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.”
