Equestrian Psychology
Courtney L. Henry, Ph.D.
PERFORMANCE
CONFIDENCE
RECOVERY
BALANCE
You want to be a better rider, but there’s something getting in the way.
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You ride beautifully at home but fall apart at shows - the pressure, the nerves, and the fear of messing up take over the moment you enter the ring, leaving you frustrated and wondering why you can't perform when it counts.
Perfectionism has you so tense and critical of yourself that you can't ride fluidly or enjoy the sport anymore - every mistake feels catastrophic and you're never satisfied no matter how well you do.
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You've hit a wall with motivation - riding feels like an obligation rather than a passion, you're burned out, or you're questioning whether to continue at all.
You're struggling with major decisions about your riding - whether to move up, change trainers or barns, turn professional, or step back - and need clarity on what's right for you.
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You've lost your confidence after a fall, bad ride, or scary experience with a horse, and now fear has taken over - whether it's fear of jumping, hacking out, a certain horse, or taking another fall.
The anxiety about riding is consuming your thoughts even when you're not at the barn, and you're starting to avoid the very things that once brought you joy.
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Anxiety, depression, or panic attacks are affecting not just your riding but your entire life, and you need support that understands the unique pressures and culture of the equestrian world.
Eating disorders, body image struggles, or obsessive thoughts are interfering with your health, performance, and relationship with your horse and the sport.
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Your relationship with your trainer has become strained, toxic, or confusing, and you're struggling to communicate your needs, set boundaries, or decide whether to stay or leave.
The comparison game with other riders, pressure from parents or trainers, worries about the finances of riding, or barn drama is affecting your mental health and stealing the joy from riding.
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You're physically healed from a riding injury but mentally you're stuck - the fear of getting back on, the flashbacks, or the grief over what you've lost is keeping you from moving forward.
A traumatic experience with a horse has left you with symptoms of PTSD, and you need specialized help to process what happened and reclaim your sense of safety.
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You're facing the difficult reality of stepping back from riding due to injury, physical limitations, or age—and the grief, identity loss, or uncertainty that comes with it feels overwhelming and isolating.
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You're grieving the loss of your horse and the pain feels unbearable, or you're struggling to adjust after selling, retiring, or losing access to a horse you deeply loved.
Whether you're battling pre-show nerves, rebuilding confidence after a fall, or dealing with mental health issues that affect your riding and your life, Dr. Courtney Henry provides specialized therapy and performance consulting to help equestrians thrive.
Psychology just for riders
As a licensed psychologist with years of clinical and counseling experience, I have the knowledge, skill, and expertise to help you manage stress, make effective choices, and focus on what truly matters. Additionally, I’m a rider and horse owner, so I understand the thrill, the fear, and the commitment (as well as the never-ending dirt) that are involved in equestrian life.
I combine genuine understanding of equestrian sport with research-backed, evidence-based approaches to create a comfortable space where you can feel heard, identify what's holding you back, and begin to change patterns that are keeping you stuck. Sessions aren't about focusing on your faults; they’re about helping you find your confidence, build mental flexibility and resilience, and develop the self-trust you need to show up as your best self both in the saddle and in life.
My clients leave sessions with increased clarity, confidence, and a sense of empowerment, equipped to take meaningful next steps in their riding as well as their education, careers, relationships, and personal lives.
Support that goes with you
Based in New Jersey, I provide both online and on-site services to equestrians throughout the East Coast and beyond.
Through a secure video platform, I work with riders across the country - whether you're training in Wellington, competing at major venues like Tryon or Great Meadow, showing locally in the Mid-Atlantic, or riding at your backyard barn. As a PSYPACT member, I'm authorized to provide services in 40+ participating states, which means you can access support wherever your riding takes you. Remote sessions are ideal for equestrians with demanding schedules and competition travel - you can meet with me from home, the barn, a horse show, or anywhere with a private space and internet connection.
For clients in South Jersey, I offer on-site sessions and can meet you at your barn or competitions. On-site availability includes Mays Landing, Hammonton, Egg Harbor Township, Galloway, and Atlantic City, as well as surrounding areas in Atlantic, Cape May, Camden, Burlington, Ocean, and Monmouth Counties, with flexible travel throughout the greater Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area.
Mental Health Therapy
Address mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and disordered eating that follow you from home to the barn.
Sport & Performance Consulting
Learn the tools to gain confidence and ride your best from a psychologist who knows what it feels like to enter a ring.
Workshops & Presentations
Gain the knowledge and skills you need to level up your ride, your team, your coaching, or your barn.
Ready to get started? I make it simple.
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Reach out.
Click the button below to fill out the Get Started form. It’s that easy!
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Get connected.
I’ll email you to schedule a free 15-minute phone call. I’ll answer any questions you have, so you can feel confident that I’m the right psychologist for you.
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Ride better.
We’ll schedule our first appointment and I’ll take the time to understand you. Then we’ll set goals and work toward them, helping you whether you’re at home or traveling.