A leading global human performance coach, John Haime, is inspiring equestrian athletes to explore what’s possible in achievement in equestrian sport – and rise to new levels. Traditionally, the primary focus in equestrian sport has been developing the horse’s performance. But, with a deep background of elevating the performance of athletes, Haime is developing the rider’s mental and emotional performance skills – bringing a new dynamic to the overall partnership. He is introducing equestrians to what’s possible in both achievement and enjoyment in the sport based on a decorated career of elevating some of the world’s leading amateur and professional athletes.

I have had the privilege to work in all sports – at all levels. Because of the complex relationship between animal and human, equestrian sport may be the most challenging ‘mental and emotional’ sport.

- John Haime -

Haime began as an executive coach in the late 1990s, working with leading “corporate athletes” across the globe. As a former professional athlete (a world-class golfer), he added sport performance coaching in 2005 working in the North American professional sports leagues (NFL, NBA, NHL, PGA Tour, ATP Tennis, PSA World Squash and Olympians). He also works with young, promising athletes with dreams of reaching the top levels of sport. 

In a typical sport performance model, there are four key areas: technical, physical, strategic and mental/emotional. Working on each one of them is critical to maximizing performance. “Having worked in all sports, it is clear to me that equestrian sport requires a special mindset to bring both the rider and horse to new levels,” says Haime. "Currently, not enough is being done by riders to ensure that they are truly their best in the partnership.”

In late 2021, Haime wrote the popular book “Ride Big” for riders across all equestrian disciplines. “After five years working in the sport at all levels, it was clear to me that, generally, equestrians lacked the genuine confidence to consistently elevate the partnership,” states Haime. “So, I created a general guide to help riders understand confidence, learn how to build it and be aware of the threats that could shrink it.”

This guide from John Haime will help equestrians build their confidence, handle their emotions, and deal with pressure. I highly recommend it to competitors looking to take their riding to the next level.

- Beezie Madden, Olympic gold medalist, show jumping -

Results with clients have been impressive and consistent over Haime’s experience in equestrian sport. The success has ranged from young riders dominating age groups to FEI riders making significant strides in the FEI rankings. One example in Haime’s “Ride Big” book, highlights how a rider jumped 400 spots in the FEI rankings over a 10-month period. “When a rider commits to building a structure that lasts, and adopts the right process, significant achievement in the sport is very possible – and likely,” stresses Haime.  

I can't say enough about what John has done for me as a rider and person. He has given me the belief back in myself.

- Nations Cup rider, Olympic hopeful -

John takes pride in having great relationships with trainers and a rider’s team members. “We bring value to a rider’s overall program and it is very important to me to support work done with the horses,” highlights Haime. “We help trainers and support team members build the rider’s contribution to the overall partnership – so that there is a measurable elevation in the partnership. Overall, the team’s effectiveness is taken to new levels."

The rider is the leader in the partnership. The leader is responsible for the emotional climate and overall confidence in the partnership.

- John Haime - 

Beacon Hill was fortunate enough to have John meet with our group of young show jumpers during the midway point of the winter season. He gave each rider something to take home helping with topics like confidence, nerves, resilience, work ethic, strategy, pressure, burn-out and others. It was invaluable for our riders. I felt our riders really benefited listening to a world-class expert talk about performance & sport psychology.

- Stacia Klein Madden, Beacon Hill Show Stables, Inc. -

To leverage your investment and valued time in the sport – and see measurable results in your equestrian career, consult with John Haime Performance on how to get started.

⇒Visit – equestrian.johnhaime.com, www.johnhaime.com

@ Send email to – newedgeperformance@gmail.com

⇒Social – Instagram – johnhaimeequestrian

⇒WhatsApp – 1 613 296 6636

Working with individuals and teams, John takes clients inside his world of high performance and provides insights and long-term solutions to help them build on core capabilities. He shares the fundamentals and a defined, proven, step by step process that he uses with the world’s best performers. The process features key elements from performance psychology, emotional intelligence, neuroscience, business planning, sport psychology, executive coaching and communication. Clients learn what separates the average from the elite and how individuals and teams can build confidence and a variety of performance competencies to maximize abilities.