Darci Ecker-Popiel (EPOPS) is a mental performance coach, educator, and former international equestrian competitor who helps riders grow their vessel—developing the mindset and nervous system capacity to rise, reset, and ride with clarity, confidence, and connection.

Most of us move through life with a vessel (our mind + body) that feels too small to hold everything: stress, anxiety, old stories, expectations, fear of failing. That’s why you can feel overwhelmed, anxious, frozen, or like you’re snapping when challenges hit.
Growing your vessel means building your capacity. It’s learning how to:
Reset stress patterns so they don’t hijack your day.
Let go of limiting stories carried since childhood.
Regulate your nervous system to meet life’s ups and downs with clarity.
Expand resilience so you rise stronger, steadier, and more confident.

This isn’t about pushing harder or doing more. It’s about creating space inside yourself so life feels lighter, calmer, and more aligned—for you and your horse.
Blending psychology, neuroscience, biology, and somatic practices, Darci teaches equestrians how to work with both brain and body so they can show up consistently, handle pressure, recover from setbacks, and support their horses with greater ease and intention.

With over 30 years of experience in coaching, education, and equestrian sport, Darci offers science-backed tools that work in real-world settings—from the warm-up ring to the trail. Her clients range from casual to professional riders, coaches, and youth, across every discipline and stage of the riding journey.

Her work is especially powerful for riders who want to move beyond just “pushing through” fear, stress, or perfectionism—and instead develop the inner resilience and regulation skills that create lasting confidence. She helps riders replace overthinking with strategy, self-doubt with awareness, and tension with trust.

Through clinics, private coaching, and online programs, Darci guides equestrians to reset, rise, and expand what’s possible—so they can ride as the best version of themselves, not just for results, but for the well-being of their horses and themselves. 

DAY 1

★ Ride from the Inside Out — Understanding Your Nervous System as an Equestrian

You’ve spent hours riding, practicing, and learning—but sometimes your mind and body don’t cooperate, and your horse feels every signal you’re unaware of sending. In Ride From the Inside Out: Understanding Your Nervous System, you’ll learn how your nervous system shapes every moment in the saddle, how to recognize when you’re inside or outside your “window of tolerance,” and what to do when stress, tension, or anxiety takes over.

By the end of this session, you’ll walk away with practical tools to reset your mind and body, regain calm and focus, and ride with greater confidence, clarity, and connection. Plus, you’ll receive a free resource to keep building your mental performance toolkit—helping you Reset. Elevate. Repeat in every ride.

DAY 2

★ Ride From the Inside Out: Dealing with Feeling Anxious

 Feeling anxious in the saddle is more than just nerves—it’s your nervous system signaling something needs attention. In Ride From the Inside Out: Dealing with Feeling Anxious, you’ll learn what’s really happening in your brain when anxiety arises, how your left and right brain respond differently, and practical, science-based tools to work with these feelings instead of against them.

By the end of this session, you’ll know how to notice and befriend anxiety, shift your nervous system through guided sensory exercises, and ride with more calm, clarity, and connection. You’ll also receive a free resource to continue building your mental performance toolkit—helping you reset, elevate, and repeat in every ride. 

DAY 1

★ Ride from the Inside Out — Understanding Your Nervous System as an Equestrian

You’ve spent hours riding, practicing, and learning—but sometimes your mind and body don’t cooperate, and your horse feels every signal you’re unaware of sending. In Ride From the Inside Out: Understanding Your Nervous System, you’ll learn how your nervous system shapes every moment in the saddle, how to recognize when you’re inside or outside your “window of tolerance,” and what to do when stress, tension, or anxiety takes over.

By the end of this session, you’ll walk away with practical tools to reset your mind and body, regain calm and focus, and ride with greater confidence, clarity, and connection. Plus, you’ll receive a free resource to keep building your mental performance toolkit—helping you Reset. Elevate. Repeat in every ride.

  WATCH NOW 

DAY 2

★ Ride From the Inside Out: Dealing with Feeling Anxious

 Feeling anxious in the saddle is more than just nerves—it’s your nervous system signaling something needs attention. In Ride From the Inside Out: Dealing with Feeling Anxious, you’ll learn what’s really happening in your brain when anxiety arises, how your left and right brain respond differently, and practical, science-based tools to work with these feelings instead of against them.

By the end of this session, you’ll know how to notice and befriend anxiety, shift your nervous system through guided sensory exercises, and ride with more calm, clarity, and connection. You’ll also receive a free resource to continue building your mental performance toolkit—helping you reset, elevate, and repeat in every ride.

   COMING SOON

DAY 1

★ Ride from the Inside Out — Understanding Your Nervous System as an Equestrian

You’ve spent hours riding, practicing, and learning—but sometimes your mind and body don’t cooperate, and your horse feels every signal you’re unaware of sending. In Ride From the Inside Out: Understanding Your Nervous System, you’ll learn how your nervous system shapes every moment in the saddle, how to recognize when you’re inside or outside your “window of tolerance,” and what to do when stress, tension, or anxiety takes over.

By the end of this session, you’ll walk away with practical tools to reset your mind and body, regain calm and focus, and ride with greater confidence, clarity, and connection. Plus, you’ll receive a free resource to keep building your mental performance toolkit—helping you Reset. Elevate. Repeat in every ride.

DAY 2

★ Ride From the Inside Out: Dealing with Feeling Anxious

 Feeling anxious in the saddle is more than just nerves—it’s your nervous system signaling something needs attention. In Ride From the Inside Out: Dealing with Feeling Anxious, you’ll learn what’s really happening in your brain when anxiety arises, how your left and right brain respond differently, and practical, science-based tools to work with these feelings instead of against them.

By the end of this session, you’ll know how to notice and befriend anxiety, shift your nervous system through guided sensory exercises, and ride with more calm, clarity, and connection. You’ll also receive a free resource to continue building your mental performance toolkit—helping you reset, elevate, and repeat in every ride.

   WATCH NOW