Dr. Quinn Sport Psychology

Equestrian Psychologist 

Equestrian Psychology 

Why do equestrian athletes need sport psychology? Because equestrian sports are some of the toughest sports around. Equestrian athletes are unique in having a thinking feeling animal to manage along  with their own performance.  Equestrian athletes need to be committed, dedicated, hard-working and persevering.  They need to be confident and recover quickly from setbacks.  With so much time given to the training of the horse, equestrian athletes often neglect their mental training which can stand in the way of achieving the results they want.  Sport psychology techniques are highly effective in supporting equestrian athletes on their journey to success. 

When Do Equestrian Athletes Need Sport Psychology? 

  • To improve confidence
  • To maximise performance
  • To handle nerves at home and in competition
  • To improve harmony with the horse
  • When motivation in riding is lost or needs a boost 
  • When moving up a level/grade/height 
  • When in need of help to get back in the saddle
  • Following an accident/fall/ or traumatic event
  • When competing as part of a team

Sport Psychology Sessions for Equestrian Athletes 

Sessions for individual equestrian athletes typically include: 
  • A full assessment of your mental performance  
  • Work to develop your mental skills
  • Support in applying your new skills at home, in training and competition
  • Support at competition if required (digitally or in-person)

Group sessions and workshops for teams and/or riding groups/clubs/organisations can also be arranged. 

Get in touch with Aoife today to discover the highly effective sport psychology techniques that get results regardless of whether your goals are performance or enjoyment based (or both).

Aoife's Experience in Equestrian Sport 

Aoife has been involved with horses for many years.  Beginning her journey as a member of the Bray Hunt Pony Club and later the AIRC and SJI , Aoife is a regular competitor in show jumping, dressage, eventing and showing events around the country.  As a rider she understands the importance of the relationship with the horse and how managing nerves, worries and motivation at home and in competition is so important for both performance and enjoyment in sport.  She believes sport should first and foremost be enjoyable and fun and with that foundation in place, anything is possible. 

© 2024. Dr. Quinn Sport Psychology