You train hard. Your horse is ready.
Don't let your mindset be the one thing holding you back.
Better Mind | Better Ride
TM
MASTERCLASSES
Grounded in the science of sport psychology, built for the arena. Designed & delivered by Performance Psychologist & active competitor Deena Cooper.
Start rewiring your mindset today.
Download my free tip sheet:
What to do if you are scared to ride
Hi, I'm Deena! I'm a rider, competitor, and experienced Performance Psychologist.
My Masterclasses are for riders of all levels and disciplines and deliver practical tools to manage stress, build resilience, and foster long-term enjoyment of the sport.
Whether you want to stay calm, regain your confidence, or improve performance - there is a Masterclass that is right for you.
Trusted Across the Equestrian Community
As a registered Psychologist in Australia, regulations prevent me from publishing individual rider testimonials, however, industry leaders, clubs, and equestrian organisations across Australia have relied on my Better Mind Better Ride Masterclasses, presentations, workshops, and advice to give their riders a competitive edge.
Click below for details of some of my recent Better Mind Better Ride Masterclass collaborations and partnerships.
About Me
Hi, I'm Deena. I'm a registered Clinical and Performance Psychologist, but long before all my degrees, I was a rider broken by fear. After a series of bad falls, my body healed but my brain was completely stuck. Every time I stepped into the saddle, my confidence vanished.
When I looked for help, I kept hitting walls.
Traditional sport psychology treated my panic like normal performance anxiety - they didn't get that our sport involved a massive prey animal with a mind of it's own.
On the other hand, mindset tips from riding coaches weren't enough to handle the real psychological stress I felt.
So, I built what I was missing.
I adapted clinical and sport psychology specifically for the saddle, tested it on myself, and went from dreading the arena to the winners circle.
Today, I combine real psychological science with real horse sense to give riders practical tools that actually work when you're in the saddle. I'm excited to help riders of all disciplines, experience, and ages build their confidence.
Why Masterclasses?
I designed the Better Mind, Better Ride Masterclasses to make elite-level sport psychology tools accessible to every rider, without the financial barrier of private 1-on-1 sessions.
Whether you find yourself freezing at the first fence, losing your focus in the warm-up ring, or struggling to trust your instincts after a setback, my goal is to help you rebuild your confidence from the ground up.
What I love most about this format is the shift that I see happen during and after the session. Riders often arrive carrying heavy self-doubt, convinced that anxiety is just "part of who they are" or that nothing will work for them. Seeing that turn around; watching a rider engage with the content, leave with a clear, practical plan and a renewed sense of hope, is easily the most rewarding part of my work. These masterclasses make that transformation possible for the entire riding community.
Upcoming Masterclasses
11 November, 2026
6:30 pm AEST
Online
Confidence Code
Rider-tested & science-backed tools for anxiety, overthinking, & self-doubt.
Key Takeaways:
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Turn self-doubt, anxiety, overthinking & negative thoughts into focus.
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Rebuild confidence through steady, manageable wins.
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Learn to evaluate progress without spiraling into self-criticism.
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Includes live Q & A
$37
Coming Soon
Reset & Rebuild
Rider-tested & science-backed tools for recovery from fear or falls.
Key Takeways:
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Overcome involuntary fear responses and "freeze" reactions in the saddle.
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Plan a safe, step-by-step return-to-riding progression.
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Rebuild trust between your brain, your body, and your horse.
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Includes live Q & A
$37
Coming Soon
Competition Mindset
Rider-tested & science-backed tools for performance under pressure.
Key Takeaways:
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Break the anxiety loop before entering the arena.
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Learn somatic techniques to lower your heart rate and soften rein tension.
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Execute a focused focus routine when the pressure is on.
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Includes live Q & A
$37
What to Expect
Better Mind Better Ride Masterclasses are a live online session, facilitated by me, a Performance Psychologist who understands the saddle as much as the science. Delivered in a small group format, each masterclass focuses on a particular equestrian mindset topic, like confidence or competition nerves.
By keeping groups small, every session is designed to deliver maximum practical and personal value. You won't just sit back and listen to theory; you’ll participate in guided exercises, practice real-time focus techniques, and get direct answers to your individual riding challenges during our live Q&A.
What you'll get:
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60–90 Minutes of Practical Tools: Concise, high-value training designed to fit around your riding and competition schedule.
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Small Groups: Capped participant numbers ensure you get personalised support - never a faceless, crowded webinar!
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Active Skill-Building: Practical mental exercises and tools you can put into practice during your very next ride.
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Live "Ask Me Anything" Q&A: Direct, real-time access to get answers to your specific mindset questions.
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100% Online & Accessible: Join live from an where in Australia—from your living room, office, or tack room.
What Happens After You Book?
Booking your spot is quick, secure, and hassle-free. Here is what to expect once you click "Book Now"
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Registration & Confirmation: Fast, secure checkout. You’ll instantly receive a calendar invite and Google Meet link for the session.
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What to Bring: There are no complex workbooks to print or study before we meet. Just bring yourself, a quiet space, and a notebook or your phone if you like taking notes.
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Refunds: If your plans change, you can cancel your registration up to 48 hours before the live masterclass for a full refund (minus $5 processing fee) - no questions asked. If something unexpected comes up at the last minute (vet calls, illness), contact me prior to the session and I can transfer your ticket to a future masterclass date (conditions apply).
Looking for more personalised
1:1 mindset support?
While masterclasses build foundational mindset skills, every rider and horse partnership is unique. If you're navigating post-fall anxiety, show-ring nerves, or preparing for high-stakes competition, private sport psychology sessions offer personalised strategies tailored specifically to you and your horse's needs.