What You Will Learn
This masterclass offers science-backed tools to help you process fear, rebuild trust, and get back in the saddle with calm confidence after a fall or setback.
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Expand your comfort zone: Learn how to recognise your nervous system's stress signals and work safely within your personal "comfort threshold," growing your confidence without forcing yourself into panic or overwhelm.
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Paced micro-steps back to riding: Use structured, step-by-step exposure techniques to safely re-engage with intimidating moments - from mounting up to cantering - retraining your brain to feel safe again.
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Rebuild self-belief and trust: Find practical mental routines to interrupt worst-case scenario thinking, clear post-fall hesitation, and restore a steady, intuitive partnership with your horse.
Class Format
To ensure every participant receives individual attention, attendance is kept small.
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60–90 minutes: Covers core psychology tools, practical application, and open discussion.
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Interactive components: Guided exercises throughout the session to help you practice techniques in real time.
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Live "Ask Me Anything" Q&A: Get direct feedback on your specific competition challenges, discipline, or riding goals.
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Limited to 25 riders: Keeping group sizes small ensures a tailored experience rather than a broad lecture.
About Deena
Registered Performance & Clinical Psychologist (AHPRA) & Competitive Equestrian.
Deena Cooper brings a combined perspective to rider mindset: she understands psychological science and she knows what it feels like in the saddle. As an active competitive rider who has worked through her own performance anxiety, Deena translates clinical knowledge into practical tools for equestrians.
Based in Australia, Deena works with riders of all levels and disciplines through Telehealth coaching, workshops, and masterclasses. Her focus is simple: helping riders overcome nerves, regain confidence after setbacks, and build the mental clarity needed to enjoy competing.
More Masterclasses
Whether you want to stay calm in the warm-up ring or regain your confidence after a bad fall, these masterclasses offer science-backed strategies to improve performance in the saddle. I offer a variety of Masterclasses to suit riders of all levels and disciplines with practical tools to manage stress, build resilience, and foster long-term enjoyment of the sport.
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Reset & Rebuild: Learn the mental skills for returning to riding after injury, falls or setbacks. Learn proven strategies to protect and improve your confidence as you navigate your return to riding.
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Confidence Code: Do you think you are an anxious rider or you lack confidence? Develop a clear and practical plan to confidence and stop anxiety getting in the way. Bring out the brave, capable rider in yourself.