Free Rein Horsemanship

16/10/2025

Lovely video of our art class today made by k.mooreart ❤️🐴🎨

11/10/2025

Echo is a gorgeous 2 year old stock horse X gelding with huge potential and his whole life ahead of him.
He was previously rescued unhandled and has since been through all of the handling process with me, and has flourished into an incredibly intelligent, trainable and sweet boy who will be an absolute ripper of a riding horse when he is old enough. He was trained and handled using positive reinforcement and other kind training techniques, and will be suitable for a family who will continue with similar connection-based training methods.
He is currently 14hh, expected to mature to about 14.2hh, with a lot of filling out to do. He has not been started undersaddle and must not be for a couple more years until his body is mature enough to carry a rider.
I will offer a heavily discounted starting fee if this new family would like to have him started by me in the future.

This little guy has surprised me with his boldness over new obstacles and in new areas since developing his skills.
He is not phased by dogs running all around him, is good to paddock with any other horses, he is good to catch, tack up, lead, rug, wash, trim, stand relaxed tied for any length of time, and he is fantastic at liberty groundwork. He has shown many of my students how to connect with and move with a horse at liberty.

He is of course still young and green so not suitable for beginners who may confuse him. He is looking for a family capable of continuing his training throughout his life to bring out his full potential (there is a whole lot of potential in this boy).

If you think Echo would make a perfect addition to your family, please send me a message with information about yourself, your experience and what you're looking for and I can give you an idea on whether he would be suitable 😊

1100 🥕
All money made from Echo's sale will go directly back into saving and rehabilitating more lives like his.

Vet check welcome 🐴
Located Coopers Shoot, NSW

Video here:

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07/10/2025

As many of you know, I (Lisa) run Free Rein Horsemanship, and dedicate a huge part of my life to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming horses who I rescue from the 'dogger bid' at kill pens.
I currently have 6 rescue horses and two donkeys. They have all progressed on their journey to healing, from requiring antibiotics, dentistry, worming, specific feeding plans and supplements, hoof rehabilitation, as well as many, many hours of training and ongoing care. The donkeys hooves, which were severely rotated, are now under careful rehab, but they have a long road ahead.

I spend hours each day training the rescues on top of full time work and farm management, 7 days a week.
The horses have progressed wonderfully, and a couple are now ready for adoption.
I still have two rescues spelling, unhandled, for when I have time to start their training, but see to them each week and spend some time with them developing trust.

The season has brought increasingly poor grazing, so I have increased feeds massively. I am now going through 3-4 Lucerne bales a day plus hard feed, supplements and 24/7 Rhodes round bales (roughly one a week).
My (literal) blood, sweat and tears pour into the passionate work I do every day, and I will keep making a difference as long as I'm alive. I love everything I do, and it is more fulfilling than anything I could imagine.

I am a one-man-band and my horse rescue is completely self-funded, deriving from all profits made through my business Free Rein Horsemanship, adoption costs and the rare donation.
If you would like to help me help these incredible animals, you can donate here;
https://gofund.me/936260d1a

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has ever donated towards the rescues for your amazing kindness and support 💚
And to anyone who has even shared a kind word of support or sent positive energy our way, I appreciate it more than you know.

🐴

For more information on Free Rein Horsemanship, visit www.freereinhorsemanship.com.au

15/09/2025

Horses remind us that power can be gentle, and gentleness can be powerful ✨

07/09/2025

Why I don't like the word "Disrespect" being used with horses:

In the horse world, it’s common to hear phrases like “your horse is disrespecting you!”
But here’s the truth: horses aren’t capable of feeling respect or disrespect. Those are human concepts, tied to social values and ego, and horses simply don’t think that way.

When a horse pushes into your space, ignores a cue, or reacts explosively, it isn’t “disrespect.” It’s communication. It’s a sign of confusion, stress, distraction or a lack of clarity in the training.

Labeling a horse as “disrespectful” shifts the blame onto them, when in reality, the responsibility lies with us as handlers and trainers to communicate more clearly and consistently.

Instead of looking for respect, I look for:
Clarity: does my horse understand what I’m asking?
Calmness: Is my horse in a state where they can actually learn?
Connection: Am I building trust and making the right choice easy?

When we change the language, we change the mindset.
And when we change the mindset, we create a partnership that’s based not on fear or control, but on understanding and trust. 🐴

19/08/2025

🙌

If your horse is confused, it’s on you.
If he’s frustrated, it’s on you.
If he’s not improving, it’s still on you.

Harsh? Maybe.
But that’s leadership.

Blaming the horse is easy.
“Stubborn.”
“Lazy.”
“Spooky.”

Those words let you off the hook.
They protect your ego while your partnership falls apart.
They create dead ends that stop us from asking “why”.

Owning your mistakes is harder.
It means admitting your timing was off.
That you asked too soon.
That you pushed too far.
That you ignored the signs.
That you didn’t prepare him for the situation you put him in.

Accountability is the fastest path to growth.
When you own it, you can fix it. You can slow down, get clearer, get calmer, and teach better.

Stop blaming.
Start owning.
That’s when the real progress starts.

-Julia Williamson | The Horse Center, 2025

18/08/2025

Art brings us into the present.
Focusing on the next stroke, the next choice of colour, the next outline.. art can be a powerful meditative practice, bringing us into the present moment, with no expectation or goal apart from the current brush stroke.

Horses understand this language. They are drawn to the energy of stillness, to people who are present and want to share space without asking for anything in return.
The horses are free to join us, not because they are asked or expected to, but because to them, connection is found in this shared frequency, and in the shared space of presence.
Just as it is for the herd, basking in the sun together in the morning or grazing together. One energetic body.

If you would like to learn more or join our weekly art class, feel free to PM me 🎨

13/07/2025

***Places are now full***

🐴🐴 Rescue Horse Connection and Training Workshop 🐴🐴

This 6 week workshop focuses on the art of horse training, connection and horsemanship. You will be working with a combination of schoolmasters, liberty horses and previously rescued horses to learn how to connect, communicate and understand a two way language between human and horse. I will also be teaching guests my techniques on training unhandled horses as I train the new rescues, and guests will be practicing these techniques on their partnered horses.
Guests will also be connecting with handled rescue horses and learning techniques to build connection.

In this group, guests will learn about body language, connection and zero-pressure techniques, energy work, in-depth positive reinforcement training methods, two-way communication with the horse, joining up, meditation and breathwork practices, problem solving, step by step training and all elements of basic Liberty groundwork.
There is no riding involved in this class, as it is based around the union of horse and human from the ground, where it should all begin.

After establishing a foundation of knowledge, you will partner with a horse for the duration of this workshop with whom to learn from and create a special bond.
All experience levels can join in this group and horses will be delegated depending on their compatibility and connection with each person. Lessons will be tailored in difficulty to suit what you are comfortable with and capable of. Participants will have first option to adopt any rescue horses once they are ready in the future.

All levels welcome
Located Coopers Shoot, NSW
15+ years
6 week workshop
$400 pp (total)
Every Saturday 9-11am
Commencing 26th July

Please PM me with any inquiries or to book a place in our Rescue Horse Connection Workshop 🐎
Limited spaces available.

11/07/2025

Young rescue, Echo, was introduced to some obstacles for the first time yesterday, after a couple of months of building trust, connection and basic handling skills (he was previously unhandled).
Suffice to say, he did so well! What a clever little man 🐴

27/06/2025

***Spaces are now full***

🐎 Now taking bookings for our next Adult's Horse Riding and Connection Workshop 🐎

This is an extensive, fun and holistic 6 week workshop which will be running every Saturday 2-4pm, commencing July 12th.
Suitable for all rider levels (lessons will be divided where necessary and tailored to individuals) 🐴
Horses are provided!

This workshop is for those who love riding horses, but more than that, want to truly connect with a horse and experience the magic of conscientious horsemanship and riding practices, instead of just "get on and go".
Guests will learn how to understand horses, listen to them, learn their language and be able to communicate and create a real bond and friendship with a horse in a safe environment, while learning to establish softer cues and develop a kinder riding style.
Our adults riding and horse connection class will begin with 1 hour of horse husbandry, connection work and groundwork, followed by 1 hour of riding.
In this class, all following areas will be covered:

🐴 Understand horses on a deeper level by learning to read their body language, become aware of our own energy and practice self-regulation and breathwork techniques both on the ground and in the saddle
🤝 Create a connection through two-way communication
🏇 Training techniques and how to think critically and problem-solve
🦄 Experience the magic and connection that is possible while working with trained Liberty horses
🏹 Mounted archery
🌿 Horse care, grooming, feeding and tacking up
⛰️ Navigating obstacles with your equine partner and learning how to lead *and* follow
🥕 Learn about the fundamentals of Positive Reinforcement training and what is possible
⚠️ Safe handling, safe riding, hazard detection and emergency procedures
⚖️ Correct seat, riding position and establishing good balance
🪶 Learning how to soften cues and establish good "feel" of the horse to build the foundations of a concise, kind and attuned rider
🎉 Fun days and gymkhana mounted games!

$550 for the 6 week workshop
Ages 15+
Limited positions available
Located Coopers Shoot, NSW

Please PM me with any enquiries, or to book a place in our Adult's Horse Riding and Connection Workshop 🐴
Gift vouchers available 🎁

16/06/2025

***BYO Horse Workshop cancelled due to not filling spaces. Will be replaced with our usual Workshop with my schoolmaster horses***
PM me if you would like to arrange private lessons with your horse 🐴

🐎 Adult's Horse Riding and Connection Workshop, With Your Own Horse! 🐎

This immersive, supportive and fun 6-week workshop is designed for those who want to deepen their connection with their own horse while developing conscientious, kind and effective horsemanship and riding skills. This workshop will be run similarly to a clinic, but with ongoing support over 6 weeks instead of only a couple of days.

Held every Saturday from 2–4pm, starting June 28th, located in Coopers Shoot, suitable for all rider levels. Lessons will be tailored to each horse-and-human partnership based on experience level, ensuring a safe, enriching and personalised experience for both.
Each session includes one hour of connection-based horsemanship, groundwork and training techniques, followed by one hour of riding and mounted activities (or similar activities in the ground if preferred!) 🏇

Skills you will develop throughout the workshop:

🐴 Understand your horse on a deeper level:
Learn to read your horse’s body language, manage your energy, and practice breathwork and emotional regulation techniques, both on the ground and in the saddle.

🤝 Create connection through two-way communication:
Discover how to listen to your horse and build trust, leading to a more responsive and enjoyable partnership.

🧠 Training insights and critical thinking:
Explore gentle, effective training approaches that encourage you to problem-solve and adapt to your horse’s unique needs.

🥕 Positive Reinforcement Training:
Gain a solid foundation in R+ and learn what’s possible when motivation is mutual.

🦄 Liberty training:
Experience the freedom and magic of Liberty, and start establishing liberty groundwork with your own horse.

🏹 Intro to mounted archery:
Begin exploring this exciting sport and learn how to safely introduce your horse to it with confidence.

⛰️ Obstacle navigation and partnership work:
Develop communication and leadership as you guide your horse through groundwork and ridden challenges.

⚠️ Safety procedures:
Safe handling, hazard awareness, emergency skills and responsible riding practices.

⚖️ Correct seat:
Improve your posture and balance.

🪶 Soft cues and feel:
Refine your ability to communicate clearly, softly and effectively with your horse.

🎉 Fun days and mounted games:
Join in group games and challenges, at whatever pace you and your horse are comfortable with.

Whether you're looking to strengthen the partnership with your horse, explore new ways of working together, or simply enjoy quality time in a supportive and like-minded community, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to grow, learn and connect, both in and out of the saddle.
Join us for six weeks of transformation, trust-building, and joyful discovery alongside your equine partner.
We can’t wait to welcome you both.

$600 for the 6 week workshop (Only $50 per hour!)
2-4pm Saturday's
Ages 15+
Limited to only 5 participants to ensure plenty of individual support for each horse and rider.
Located Coopers Shoot, NSW

Please PM me with any enquiries, to find out whether this workshop will be suitable for you, or to book a place in our Adult's Horse Riding and Connection Workshop 🐴
Gift vouchers available 🎁

We will also be running a similar workshop during the week with my herd of wonderful horses, if this workshop interests you but you do not have a horse of your own. Please PM me to find out more 🐴

28/05/2025

They stood alone with wary eyes,
Shadows shaped by fear and fight.
I offered no commands or ties-
Just presence in the fading light.

Their past was deep, a silent well,
Each scar a tale they couldn't speak.
But still I stayed, and stayed to dwell,
And waited days, and then a week.

With time they stepped a little near,
A breath, a blink, a softened head.
I held no rope, I held no fear,
Just space for healing hearts to tread.

They taught me things I never knew-
That trust is earned, not won or forced.
And now I walk a path more true,
Led by the souls I once had nursed.

- Lisa Willey