Success Stories

WHAT OTHERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT PERFORMANCE COACHING

“Doris Worcester has made as positive an impact on my teaching and competitive riding as anything else I have encountered. By asking me all the right questions, and softly guiding me in the right directions, she has drawn out of me more confidence that I have ever realized I had. She has been a tremendous help, both to my students, and more importantly, myself.

Doris has helped both myself and my students not only with our competitive riding, but with out overall experience. She has an amazing ability to draw out our own innate strengths and help us use them in our everyday life. After speaking with Doris, I always feel great about myself and eager to face the world. She does this with a style that is simple, down to earth, and a lot of fun. I always look forward to our conversations.

My biggest fear of using a sport psychologist was that I would hear a lot of high level mumbo jumbo that I wouldn’t understand or be able to use. After having worked with Doris at different times over several years, I realize now, I had nothing to fear. My experience with Doris has been nothing but a great pleasure and a tremendous help.”

Geoff Teall
Professional Hunter/Jumper Rider, Trainer and Judge
2006 Show Hunter Horseman of the Year
Wellington, Florida


"Doris put together a phenomenal workshop for our group of adult riders at various stages of their showing careers.  Everyone in the group – from our trainer on down – felt like they got an incredible amount of pertinent information and actionable ideas from the day, and they all raved about how capable and convincing Doris was, and how much fun they had participating.

Doris’ winning combination of deep expertise in her professional field and years of competition experience allows her to offer workable recommendations, tailored specifically for the nuances of the horse show world.  Because she has been in the show ring – and the schooling area – herself, she’s experienced what you’ve experienced, and can offer vivid examples that make the concepts she describes humorous, memorable, and real.

With a great ability to listen and then to channel the discussion toward the topics that were of most value, Doris put a tremendous amount of effort and enthusiasm into her day with us, and we could all feel it.  After working with Doris, I was incredibly eager to go to a show and put some of the concepts we discussed into action, confident that they will positively impact my riding over both the short and long term."

Lisa Hankin
Equitation and Hunter/Jumper Rider
Dorset, VT and NYC, NY


I initially called Doris because I needed to address fear and confidence issues that had been exacerbated by my horse’s recent dangerous behavior.  Although my vet had determined that the problem was physical, and therefore the behavior could probably be eliminated with treatment, I still increasingly dreaded going to the barn during my horse’s rehab.  In addition to the never-ending anxiety, I was also very frustrated that I could not control my feelings and rationalize my way out of the fear. I arrived in Doris’ office feeling helpless.

I was happily surprised when I left my first session with Doris feeling like a dark cloud had lifted … Doris made me feel capable of making significant changes in myself, empowered to make some tough decisions about my horse, and, more importantly, hopeful that I could begin to enjoy riding again. 

Now just after a few more sessions, I have learned so much about myself, my riding, and my horse.  I have made substantial progress towards feeling positive and confident in every interaction with my horse – both on the ground and under saddle – and my relationship with him is truly at a new level.

I can’t say enough about my experience with Doris.  Her expertise, her riding background, her patience, and her positive energy are a powerful combination that can facilitate real change very quickly.  My expectations were far, far exceeded, and I look forward to continuing to work with Doris to see what more we can achieve!

Abbey Lombardi
Dressage Rider
Sudbury, MA


“According to Isaac Newton, for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. That action could be a spooky horse, a fearful rider, or someone who performs great at home, but panics at horseshows. Working with Doris taught me how to become aware of my thoughts, feelings, actions, and communications and to learn how to change them – to produce the results I wanted – for myself and my horse. My coaching experience was clear, direct and simple. And the process was quick too! I saw dramatic results after my first visit and didn’t need to come back after my fourth. The principals I learned in my riding I apply to all areas of my life, with extremely favorable outcomes!”

Megan Zidle
Hunter/Jumper Competitor
Dover, MA


“The best way for me to describe my coaching experience with Doris is that it was fully collaborative and a true partnership. My learning felt like a distinctly creative process that originated from me, with Doris guiding me. Through this process I learned many things: I ride my horse regularly and enjoy it thoroughly; I trailer my horse, by myself whenever I choose, and I am relaxed and confident about it; I ride in front of other people without feeling self-conscious, even when the eyes of others may be critical and judging. I feel a sense of peace and well-being in my life as a whole.

Doris was able to share specific tools and methods that, frankly, I was not aware of anywhere, and since I am an information fanatic, this pleasantly surprised me! Doris not only “connected the dots” in my life, she also taught me how to connect the dots myself. Horsemanship – riding, training, and keeping horses – has always been a huge part and passion in my life that was sometimes a disappointment. Now it is a part of my life that is so much richer and deeper and more meaningful than I would have imagined. Now the saying “When it’s good, it’s great and when it’s bad, it’s still pretty good” comes to mind when I think about my life with horses – and actually, other areas of my life as well.

I recently read an acronym: “D.P.A.A. + H”. It stands for Dramatic Personal Achievement in the face of Adversity + Humor. That phrase sums up my experience with Doris, a gifted healer and coach.”

Maureen Vanderstad
Dressage Rider and Student of Natural Horsemanship
East Haddam, CT
 

 

Home | Is This You? | What to Expect | About Doris Worcester | Success Stories | Contact Doris

Entire site protected under copyright © 2010, Doris J. Worcester.  All rights reserved.  Created, maintained and hosted by EquineSite.com, LLC.