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Dr. Haefner brings a unique blend of expertise in sport psychology, performance, learning, and personal development to help equestrians thrive—in both sport and life. Whether you're striving to reach peak performance or navigating personal challenges, Dr. Haefner offers individualized support tailored to your goals and needs.

 Individual Services with Dr. Haefner

Dr. Haefner offers both individual and group consultations, available in person and virtually to meet your schedule and preferences.

Dr. Haefner works with equestrians at all levels to build the mental and emotional skills necessary for success in the saddle and beyond. Common areas of focus include:
  • Overcoming fear, anxiety, and performance blocks
  • Building confidence, resilience, and mental toughness
  • Developing focus, attention, and concentration
  • Mental skills training, practice routines, and goal setting
  • Managing emotions, energy, and arousal for peak performance

Whether you're competing at the top level or simply want to enjoy your rides more fully, Dr. Haefner offers tools to enhance both performance and enjoyment.

Equestrian Sports Psychology & Performance Consultation

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Psychotherapy & Emotional Support

In addition to performance consultation, Dr. Haefner provides psychotherapy for equestrians dealing with emotional challenges that may impact their riding, relationships, and overall well-being.

These may include:
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Trauma and PTSD
  • Isolation and loneliness
  • Relationship conflicts
  • Grief and loss
His compassionate and practical approach helps clients heal, grow, and regain emotional balance. He is licensed and certified to provide virtual psychotherapy in 42 states.


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Personal & Professional Growth

With over 35 years of clinical experience as a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Haefner also supports equestrians in their personal development. His work often addresses:
  • Motivation and self-confidence
  • Life transitions and identity shifts
  • Leadership and career development
  • Burnout prevention and work-life balance

For professionals in the equestrian industry, Dr. Haefner offers mentorship and guidance to support long-term growth, clarity, and success.


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Flexible Service Options


Available Services Include:
  • Sport psychology & mental skills consultation
  • Personal and professional development mentorship
  • Psychotherapy (for eligible clients)

Contact Dr. Haefner to schedule a free consultation call and learn more about which service is right for you.




Ready to Get Started?
If you're seeking expert guidance, lasting change, or peak performance, Dr. Haefner is here to help.

Optimize Your Brain. Elevate Your Ride.

Our brains are the control center for everything we do—our thoughts, emotions, decisions, reactions, and even our physiology. For equestrians, this connection is especially powerful. The way your brain functions directly impacts your mindset, behavior, and your ability to communicate effectively with your horse.

If you want to perform your best in the saddle, training your brain is just as important as training your body or your horse. That’s where neurofeedback brain training comes in.

Neurofeedback for Peak Mental Performance

The Rider’s Edge:
Why Brain Function Matters

As equestrians, we strive to:
  • Stay calm under pressure
  • Focus in the moment
  • Manage nerves and emotions
  • Respond to our horses with clarity and confidence
To achieve this, we must prepare the whole person, just as we prepare the whole horse. That means developing the resilience and flexibility of the brain itself—the foundation of all performance.


Why Traditional Brain Training Falls Short

Many brain training approaches focus on isolated skills—like memory or problem-solving—or attempt to "correct" the brain by forcing it into a specific pattern. This is like a fitness plan that only works one muscle group. It may help in some areas, but it misses the big picture.

The brain is dynamic, complex, and always adapting. Effective training must support the whole brain, not just one part of it.

Enter NeurOptimal®: Dynamic Neurofeedback for Equestrians

Through our partnership with Neurofficient, we’re proud to offer NeurOptimal® Advanced Brain Training—a cutting-edge form of neurofeedback designed to support your brain's natural ability to self-regulate, adapt, and thrive.

Unlike traditional neurofeedback, NeurOptimal® doesn’t try to “fix” or force the brain. Instead, it mirrors information back to your brain in real time, allowing it to recognize inefficient patterns and reorganize itself—naturally and effortlessly.

How It Works
  • Non-invasive and passive: You simply relax while your brain does the work.
  • Whole-brain training: Supports overall function, not just isolated symptoms.
  • Personalized by design: Your brain trains itself to operate at its own unique best.
  • Safe for all ages and experience levels.

Benefits for Equestrians

Riders using NeurOptimal® often experience:
  • Enhanced focus and presence
  • Greater emotional stability
  • Reduced performance anxiety and fear
  • Improved sleep and recovery
  • Increased confidence and calm
  • Sharper decision-making under stress

Whether you're returning from a fall, dealing with nerves before shows, or simply looking to feel more connected and balanced in your rides—brain training can support your goals from the inside out.

Ready to Train Your Brain?

Riding Far offers individual neurofeedback sessions using the NeurOptimal® system, with flexible options for in-office or remote training.  Discover how neurofeedback can support your riding, your well-being, and your performance.

Contact Dr. Haefner to schedule your consultation and begin your brain training journey today.

Contact Dr. haefner