elevate your mindset with Deena Cooper - Psychologist
SPORT PSYCHOLOGY FOR EQUESTRIANS
Whether you're a seasoned competitor or just starting out, the mental side of equestrian sport can be just as challenging as the physical. As a registered Performance Psychologist and active competitor in cutting horse events, I understand firsthand the unique pressures riders face—because I’ve lived them.
My journey has involved overcoming significant performance anxiety and self-doubt. Through Mental Skills and Equestrian Performance Psychology techniques, I transformed my mindset and now compete with confidence and clarity.
I help riders of all ages, all levels and all disciplines to:
- Regain confidence after injury, accidents, or setbacks
- Achieve peak performance
- Thrive under pressure
- Eliminate distractions
- Build a resilient mind.
WHY SPORT PSYCHOLOGY FOR EQUESTRIANS?
For all riders, mastering the art of horsemanship is about more than just physical skill—it's a profound mental and emotional partnership. Many of us know the feeling: the tightening in your chest before a show, the doubt that whispers you're not good enough, or the fear that holds you back from pushing your limits. These moments—from performance anxiety to a nagging loss of confidence—aren't just annoyances; they are the biggest barriers to achieving the fluid, confident partnership you and your horse are capable of. Performance and mindset psychology provides you with a proven toolkit of mental skills, helping you not only overcome these obstacles but truly unleash your full potential, transforming your relationship with the sport and with yourself.
For professional and elite competitors, mastery is measured in fractions of a second and millimetre precision. You've honed the physical skills, but what separates good from great is the ability to consistently deliver under immense pressure. The challenges you face aren't just about anxiety; they're about maintaining absolute focus in a high-stakes arena, managing mental fatigue across a gruelling season, and executing a perfect round when everything is on the line. Elite performance psychology isn't a fix for fear; it's a strategic tool designed to optimise your mental game. It provides a structured approach to fine-tuning your mindset, helping you eliminate costly mental errors and consistently access the peak state of performance required to stay at the top of your sport.
MEET YOUR PSYCHOLOGIST
I’m not just a Psychologist—I’m also a rider and competitor. I’ve competed across a range of equine disciplines including dressage, show jumping, eventing, and now cutting horses, where I’ve found my competitive stride. My journey has involved overcoming significant performance anxiety and self-doubt. Through Performance and Sport Psychology techniques, I transformed my mindset and now compete with confidence and clarity.
This lived experience allows me to connect deeply with my clients. I understand the emotional highs and lows, the pressure of competition, and the unique relationship between horse and rider. My goal is to help you build the same mental skills for riders that changed my own riding career.
As a Psychologist with extensive experience supporting children, teens, and adults, I offer clients of all ages the expertise required to help them develop the mental skills needed to perform at their best.
My approach
I provide practical, real world, and evidence-based strategies, to empower riders to overcome challenges, achieve their goals, and unlock their full potential—both in and out of the arena.
Want to be sure this is a good fit for you? I offer a free consultation with a 15-minute phone call. Simply complete the form by clicking the link below.
New Client Package saving $160 on 2026 rates
Don't let nerves & self doubt hold you back in 2026 Secure the 3-Session New Client Package saving $160 on 2026 rates. Start preparing for success now! Limited spots - must book before Dec 31, 2025.