riding far blog
Our goal is to raise riders' awareness of the importance of mental and emotional skills in equestrian sport. We help equestrians achieve their personal riding goals.
WE SUPPORT, CHALLENGE AND INSPIRE EQUESTRIANS
We hope you will enjoy our insights in the forms of Casual Conversations, videos and articles aimed at helping the equestrian transform their relationships with their horses. We are passionate about sharing our knowledge, tips, tricks, and experiences.
July 26, 2024
Join us for the second clinic in our Fresh Start Clinic series where we focus on giving you effective strategies you can put to work immediately in combating fear and anxiety in both you and your horse!
ABOUT THIS CLINIC:
This is a rare opportunity to participate in a small group with the full attention of Justin Haefner, and Dr. Paul Haefner focused entirely on tackling fear and anxiety in you and your horse! The powerful combination of our knowledge and experience with humans and horses will give you exactly what you need to move forward in tackling your anxieties and fears. You will learn about the underlying nature of fear and anxiety as well as practical strategies for managing these strong emotions in you and your horse. We will be focusing on teaching you how to apply these strategies with your horse to address your unique challenges.
WHO IS THIS FOR?
- Riders struggling to overcome fear and anxiety
- Horse owners with an anxious/difficult horse
- Any rider in search of deeper understanding
WHAT YOU GET
- 3 Lectures/Discussions
- Tools to Strengthen Mental Skills and Capacity to Regulate Emotions
- Disrupting Negative Patterns and Connecting to Resourceful States
- Creating Consistent and Lasting Change
- 3 Horsemanship Demonstrations
- The Big Picture: From Groundwork to Riding
- Growing the Window of Tolerance and Identifying Processing Signs
- Redefining Our Horses’ Relationship to the Bit
- 3 Guided Group Sessions
- Applying Mindfulness to Groundwork
- Introducing In-Hand Work
- 3 Semi-Private Lessons
- Ridden or groundwork
- Private Sessions with Dr. Paul Available
- Stall and Bedding
- Daily Lunch
- Group Dinner
**A total value of over $2200**
**We have LIMITED the number of Participants to ONLY 6 to ensure you and your horse get the 1 on 1 instruction you deserve**
Call, direct message, text, or email to participate!
(703) 872-9878
Jhaefner@ridingfar.com
SCHEDULE:
Friday
8am-12pm:
Introduction
Lecture with Paul: Tools to Strengthen Mental Skills and Capacity to Regulate Emotions
Demo with Justin: The Big Picture: From Groundwork to Riding
Group Session: Applying Mindfulness to Groundwork
12pm-1pm: Lunch
1pm-4pm: Semi-private sessions
4pm-4:30pm: Wrap up
Saturday
9am-12pm:
Lecture with Paul: Disrupting Negative Patterns and Connecting to Resourceful States
Demo with Justin: Growing the Window of Tolerance and Identifying Processing Signs
Group Session: Introducing In-Hand Work
12pm-1pm: Lunch
1pm-4pm: Semi-private sessions
4pm-4:30pm: Wrap up
Sunday
9am-10:30am:
Lecture with Paul: Creating Consistent and Lasting Change
Demo with Justin: Redefining Our Horses’ Relationship to the Bit
10:45am-1:45pm: Semi-private sessions
2pm-3pm: Lunch and wrap up
PRICE:
Entire weekend rate: $1,000
Includes stabling and lunch all three days
AUDITORS WELCOME:
Auditors/Spectators are welcome to attend the full clinic!
$50/day-$125/weekend with preregistration
For questions about this clinic, contact:
Justin Haefner – 703.872.9878 – Jhaefner@ridingfar.com
Read More
Join us for part one of our two-part series, The Art and Science of Teaching and Learning
ABOUT THE CLINIC:
As a riding instructor or trainer, there are unlimited resources at your fingertips providing extensive information about horses, riding technique and theory. There are also numerous teacher certification programs through equine institutions such as ARIA, BHS, USDF, USHJA and USEA among others which teach the rules, regulations, skills and technique guided by years of history. Yet, there is an important piece missing – how to teach to best motivate, encourage, and empower the rider. And, how to help our students deal productively with strong emotions like frustration, anger, upset and fear.
In order to create positive learning environments that enhance riders’ overall wellness and enable them to manage their frustration, anxiety and fear. You will learn how to better understand the nature of individual learning differences as they relate to teaching riding and foster an environment that encourages regulation of the strong emotions common to riding.
In this clinic, we will be discussing tools to help students deal with strong emotions, regulate emotional responses, and help to improve your connection with your students.
Call, direct message, text, or email for more information!
(703) 872-9878
Jkhaefner12@gmail.com
To Register for the clinic Click Here.
SCHEDULE:
8:30am-12pm: Lecture with Dr. Paul Haefner: Coping with Strong Emotions in the Arena
~ Nature and influence of emotions
~ Neurological bases of regulation
~ Strategies for addressing and de-escalating strong emotional reactions
12pm-1pm: Lunch
1pm-4pm: Lesson Demos – Analysis and Critique
4pm-4:30pm: Wrap up
Session rate: $200
Both sessions: $350 (session II Sept. 16, 2024. Nonrefundable)
For questions about this clinic Contact:
Justin Haefner – 703.872.9878 – Jkhaefner12@gmail.com
June 12, 2024
Read more
June 11, 2024
ABOUT THE CLINIC:
In this clinic we will dive into the depths of developing young horses. Our focus will be on horsemanship, communication, and relationship building. We will help you make sure you’re on the right track with your youngster as well as provide guidance and direction moving forward. Our goal is to create calm and positive experiences for you and your young horse. Bring your weanling, 5yo, or any age in between and we will help!
We can work on anything from leading, tying, hoof handling, groundwork, and riding. Bring your questions and we will address them. The focus of this clinic will be completely custom to you and your horse!
Call, direct message, text, or email for more information!
(703) 872-9878
Jkhaefner12@gmail.com
To Register for the clinic Click Here.
SCHEDULE:
Groups up to 4 – 2 hrs per group
9am-11am Group 1 Riding: Yields and Patterns for the Young Horse
11am-1pm Group 2 Groundwork: Yields to Pressure and Riding Preparation
1-2 Lunch
2pm-4pm Group 3 Life Skills: Leading, Loading, Foot handling, Tying
Session rate: $175
Audit: $35
Stabling: $15
Lunch: $15
For questions about this clinic Contact:
Justin Haefner – 703.872.9878 – Jkhaefner12@gmail.com
Read More
Join us for part two of our two-part series, The Art and Science of Teaching and Learning
ABOUT THE CLINIC:
As a riding instructor or trainer, there are unlimited resources at your fingertips providing extensive information about horses, riding technique and theory. There are also numerous teacher certification programs through equine institutions such as ARIA, BHS, USDF, USHJA and USEA among others which teach the rules, regulations, skills and technique guided by years of history. Yet, there is an important piece missing –
how to teach to best motivate, encourage, and empower the rider. And, how to help our students deal productively with strong emotions like frustration, anger, upset and fear.
In order to create positive learning environments that enhance riders’ overall wellness and enable them to manage their frustration, anxiety and fear. You will learn how to better understand the nature of individual learning differences as they relate to teaching riding and foster an environment that encourages regulation of the strong emotions common to riding.
Call, direct message, text, or email for more information!
(703) 872-9878
Jkhaefner12@gmail.com
To Register for the clinic Click Here.
SCHEDULE:
8:30am-12pm: Lecture with Dr. Paul Haefner: Essential Skills and Knowledge of the Excellent Teacher
~ Creating Positive Learning Environment
~ Individual Differences in Teachers and Students
12pm-1pm: Lunch
1pm-4pm: Lesson Demos – Analysis and Critique
4pm-4:30pm: Wrap up
Session rate: $200
Both sessions: $350 (Nonrefundable)
For questions about this clinic Contact:
Justin Haefner – 703.872.9878 – Jkhaefner12@gmail.com
June 11, 2024
Read more
June 6, 2024
ABOUT THE CLINIC:
Join us in learning the ins and outs of working equitation and the practical horsemanship involved! Stephanie is a renowned competitor in the discipline, business member of Northern Virginia Working Equitation (NOVAWE), and owner of Professional Horse Services, LLC. This clinic invites riders of all skill levels and disciplines.
Call, direct message, text, or email to participate!
(703) 872-9878
Jkhaefner12@gmail.com
To Register for the clinic Click Here.
SCHEDULE:
9am lecture
9:30-11 Group 1
11-12:30 Group 2
12:30-1 Lunch
1-2:30 Group 3
2:30-4 Group 4
PRICE:
Session Rate: $150
Lunch: $15
Auditor rate: $30
AUDITORS WELCOME:
Auditors/Spectators are welcome to attend the morning sessions. In order to be respectful and provide the most personally meaningful experience for each rider, there will be no auditors for the individual and group sessions with horses.
Register to audit, click here.
For questions about this clinic Contact:
Justin Haefner – 703.872.9878 – Jkhaefner12@gmail.com
Read More
Join us for the third and final part of our Fresh Start Series, focusing on helping riders to develop and implement a plan to continue their growth in themselves and their relationship with their horse.
ABOUT THE CLINIC:
This is a rare opportunity to participate in a small group with the full attention of Justin Haefner, and Dr. Paul Haefner focused on integrating a knowledge of fear and anxiety and the strategies for overcoming them, with a powerful, effective plan for progressing forward! The combination of our knowledge and experience with humans and horses will give you exactly what you need to move forward, sustain your growth, and build on progress you’ve already made. You will learn about the essential keys to making good decisions about your riding and making plans that are both achievable and sustainable. We will be focusing on teaching you how to apply these strategies with your horse to address your unique challenges.
**We have LIMITED the number of Participants to ONLY 6 to ensure you and your horse get the 1 on 1 instruction you deserve**
Call, direct message, text, or email to participate!
(703) 872-9878
Jkhaefner12@gmail.com
To Register for the clinic Click Here.
SCHEDULE:
Day One: Motivation and Goals
8:00 – Introduction
9:00-10:45 – Lecture/Unmounted Group Work Session
11:00-12:00 – First Individual Session with Guided Group Observation
12:00-1:00 – Lunch
1:00-1:50 – Second Individual Session with Guided Group Observation
1:55-2:45 – Third Individual Session with Guided Group Observation
2:50-3:40 – Fourth Individual Session with Guided Group Observation
3:45-4:35 – Fifth Individual Session with Guided Group Observation
4:40-5:25 – Sixth Individual Session with Guided Group Observation
Day Two: Resources and Risk
8:00 Introduction
9:00-10:45 – Lecture/Unmounted Group Work Session
11:00-12:15 Small Group Session with Guided Group Observation
12:30-1:30 Lunch
1:45-3:00 Small Group Session with Guided Group Observation
3:15-4:30 Small Group Session with Guided Group Observation
Day Three: Relationships
8:00 Introduction
9:00-10:45 – Lecture/Unmounted Group Work Session
11:00-1:00 – Large Group Session
1:15 – Lunch/Wrap Up
PRICE:
Entire weekend rate: $1,000
Includes stabling and lunch all three days
AUDITORS WELCOME:
Auditors/Spectators are welcome to attend the morning sessions. In order to be respectful and provide the most personally meaningful experience for each rider, there will be no auditors for the individual and group sessions with horses.
$25/day-$65/weekend with preregistration
Register to audit, click here.
For questions about this clinic Contact:
Justin Haefner – 703.872.9878 – Jkhaefner12@gmail.com
March 25, 2024
Read more
October 19, 2023
Join us for the second clinic in our Fresh Start Clinic series where we focus on giving you effective strategies you can put to work immediately in combating fear and anxiety in both you and your horse!
ABOUT THIS CLINIC:
This is a rare opportunity to participate in a small group with the full attention of Justin Haefner, and Dr. Paul Haefner focused entirely on tackling fear and anxiety in you and your horse! The powerful combination of our knowledge and experience with humans and horses will give you exactly what you need to move forward in tackling your anxieties and fears. You will learn about the underlying nature of fear and anxiety as well as practical strategies for managing these strong emotions in you and your horse. We will be focusing on teaching you how to apply these strategies with your horse to address your unique challenges.
**We have LIMITED the number of Participants to ONLY 6 to ensure you and your horse get the 1 on 1 instruction you deserve**
Call, direct message, text, or email to participate!
(703) 872-9878
Jhaefner@ridingfar.com
SCHEDULE:
Friday
8am-12pm:
Introduction
Lecture with Paul: Tools to Strengthen Mental Skills and Capacity to Regulate Emotions
Demo with Justin: The Big Picture: From Groundwork to Riding
Group Session: Applying Mindfulness to Groundwork
12pm-1pm: Lunch
1pm-4pm: Semi-private sessions
4pm-4:30pm: Wrap up
Saturday
9am-12pm:
Lecture with Paul: Disrupting Negative Patterns and Connecting to Resourceful States
Demo with Justin: Growing the Window of Tolerance and Identifying Processing Signs
Group Session: Introducing In-Hand Work
12pm-1pm: Lunch
1pm-4pm: Semi-private sessions
4pm-4:30pm: Wrap up
Sunday
9am-10:30am:
Lecture with Paul: Creating Consistent and Lasting Change
Demo with Justin: Redefining Our Horses’ Relationship to the Bit
10:45am-1:45pm: Semi-private sessions
2pm-3pm: Lunch and wrap up
PRICE:
Entire weekend rate: $1,000
Includes stabling and lunch all three days
AUDITORS WELCOME:
Auditors/Spectators are welcome to attend the full clinic!
$50/day-$125/weekend with preregistration
For questions about this clinic, contact:
Justin Haefner – 703.872.9878 – Jhaefner@ridingfar.com
Read More
Join us for the third and final part of our Fresh Start Series, focusing on helping riders to develop and implement a plan to continue their growth in themselves and their relationship with their horse.
ABOUT THE CLINIC:
This is a rare opportunity to participate in a small group with the full attention of Justin Haefner, and Dr. Paul Haefner focused on integrating a knowledge of fear and anxiety and the strategies for overcoming them, with a powerful, effective plan for progressing forward! The combination of our knowledge and experience with humans and horses will give you exactly what you need to move forward, sustain your growth, and build on progress you’ve already made. You will learn about the essential keys to making good decisions about your riding and making plans that are both achievable and sustainable. We will be focusing on teaching you how to apply these strategies with your horse to address your unique challenges.
**We have LIMITED the number of Participants to ONLY 6 to ensure you and your horse get the 1 on 1 instruction you deserve**
Call, direct message, text, or email to participate!
(703) 872-9878
Jkhaefner12@gmail.com
To Register for the clinic Click Here.
SCHEDULE:
Day One: Motivation and Goals
8:00 – Introduction
9:00-10:45 – Lecture/Unmounted Group Work Session
11:00-12:00 – First Individual Session with Guided Group Observation
12:00-1:00 – Lunch
1:00-1:50 – Second Individual Session with Guided Group Observation
1:55-2:45 – Third Individual Session with Guided Group Observation
2:50-3:40 – Fourth Individual Session with Guided Group Observation
3:45-4:35 – Fifth Individual Session with Guided Group Observation
4:40-5:25 – Sixth Individual Session with Guided Group Observation
Day Two: Resources and Risk
8:00 Introduction
9:00-10:45 – Lecture/Unmounted Group Work Session
11:00-12:15 Small Group Session with Guided Group Observation
12:30-1:30 Lunch
1:45-3:00 Small Group Session with Guided Group Observation
3:15-4:30 Small Group Session with Guided Group Observation
Day Three: Relationships
8:00 Introduction
9:00-10:45 – Lecture/Unmounted Group Work Session
11:00-1:00 – Large Group Session
1:15 – Lunch/Wrap Up
PRICE:
Entire weekend rate: $1,000
Includes stabling and lunch all three days
AUDITORS WELCOME:
Auditors/Spectators are welcome to attend the morning sessions. In order to be respectful and provide the most personally meaningful experience for each rider, there will be no auditors for the individual and group sessions with horses.
$25/day-$65/weekend with preregistration
Register to audit, click here.
For questions about this clinic Contact:
Justin Haefner – 703.872.9878 – Jkhaefner12@gmail.com
February 9, 2023
Read more
As a riding instructor or trainer, there are unlimited resources at your fingertips providing extensive information about horses, riding technique and theory. There are also numerous teacher certification programs through equine institutions such as ARIA, BHS, USDF, USHJA and USEA among others which teach the rules, regulations, skills and technique guided by years of history. Yet, there is an important piece missing – how to teach to best motivate, encourage, and empower the rider. And, how to help our students deal productively with strong emotions like frustration, anger, upset and fear.
This clinic is designed to provide fundamental, practical knowledge to instructors and trainers. In order to create positive learning environments that enhance riders’ overall wellness and enable them to manage their frustration, anxiety and fear.
You will learn how to better understand the nature of individual learning differences as they relate to teaching riding and foster an environment that encourages regulation of the strong emotions common to riding.
Both you and your clients will benefit through:
~ Clear and effective communication that leads to faster and deeper learning
~ Increased client satisfaction means greater client retention
~ More grounded and resilient clients interested in pursuing further education
~ Increased safety and decreased horse related injuries
SCHEDULE
Saturday
8:30am-12pm:
Seminar with Dr. Paul Haefner: Essential Knowledge and Skills of the Excellent Teacher
~ Creating Positive Learning Environment
~ Individual Differences in Teachers and Students
~ Strategies and Techniques of Effective Teaching
12pm-1pm: Lunch
1pm-4pm: Lesson Demos – Analysis and Critique
4pm-4:30pm: Wrap up
Sunday
9am-12pm:
Lecture with Dr. Paul Haefner: Coping with Strong Emotions in the Arena
~ Nature and influence of emotions
~ Neurological bases of regulation
~ Strategies for addressing and de-escalating strong emotional reactions
12pm-1pm: Lunch
1pm-4pm: Lesson Demos – Analysis and Critique
4pm-4:30pm: Wrap up
Entire weekend rate: $275
Early enrollment before March 22nd: $250
Includes lunch both days.
For more information contact Justin Haefner at (703) 872-9878 or Jkhaefner12@gmail.com
Note: Payment is non-refundable.
January 10, 2023
