Wild Horsemanship

30/12/2024

👏👏👏

Danish Equestrian Federation Imposes New Rules to Promote Animal Welfare: Age Limit, Nosebands, Bits

28/12/2024

🌿✨ Join Us for the First Wild Roots Clinic of 2025! ✨🌿

2025 is going to be PHENOMENAL for you and your horse!!! Let's kick it off with a 2-day Wild Roots Clinic designed to transform your partnership with your horse by focusing on connection, curiosity, communication, and compassion.

🐴 Why Attend?
This isn’t about perfecting a discipline; it’s about deepening the bond between you and your horse. Together, we’ll:
🌟 Cultivate mutual respect and understanding
🌟 Strengthen communication and connection.
🌟 Explore curiosity and self-regulation for both horse and human.
All of my clinics have a maximum of 7 participants, ensuring you’ll receive plenty of personalised attention and an experience that truly focuses on you and your horse.

Here’s what one participant had to say:
“The weekend clinic was a wonderful way to connect with my horse- we spent a lot of time closely working on clear communication and observation. Spending this uninterrupted time gave me the chance to feel connected to my horse and be curious about what works for her. Sharing that process with the fellow participants was affirming and a great way to expand our understanding. Kate is an excellent educator who encourages participants to solve their own puzzles with just the right amount of support. Add in the delicious meals, laughs and location and you have an unforgettable weekend"

Whether you ride or not, this clinic is for anyone who values true partnership with their horse.

📲 To book, visit the website at www.wildhorsemanship.com.au
or give me a call.
Let’s make 2025 the year of deeper connection and growth for you and your horse! 🌱💚

17/12/2024

🌿 WILD News! We’ve Moved! 🌿

After 12 amazing years of raising our (now adult) kids and building our business on our little hobby farm, we’ve decided it’s time for the next big adventure!

We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve found our dream property and are starting a new chapter at Wildwood — our beautiful new home on 250 acres in Tyringham!

This stunning piece of land is a perfect blend of pasture, forest, and endless trails, with big plans to build an even bigger and better mountain trail course for you all. We can’t wait to host future clinics here once the infrastructure is in place!

In the meantime, we’ll continue hosting clinics at the incredible Kari’s Equestrian in Dorrigo. Our first one of 2025 will be over the Australia Day long weekend — we’d love to see you there!

🌟 We are now taking 2025 bookings for horse training starting Jan 10th! 🌟

Thank you all for your continued support, and we’re so excited to welcome you to this new chapter of Wildhorsemanship. For clinic dates and updates, head to Wildhorsemanship.com.au.

Here’s to new beginnings and exciting journeys ahead!

05/12/2024

🙌🏼❤️

Based on recent research coming to light, I’d like to describe what I am evolving on, in the ever expanding work of Emotional Horsemanship.

1. I used to believe there were correct and optimal positions and movements to prefer. I now understand that these positions and movements are good and helpful if they are good and helpful, and they won’t always be. We need to give bodies options. Not minimal, reductionist, optimal and inflexible zones of safety. Options and variation, as much as we can afford them within their anatomical limits.

2. I no longer teach automatic associations between specific movements, body parts, and behaviors as automatic universal triggers to specific emotional states as the final answer. This is taught as an important stepping stone. Because we cannot understand the enormous variation and nuance that is the truth, if we have not understood some basic symbols. Horses don’t speak with their bodies in automatic button pressing, trigger meaning, action states. That feels intuitive but recent science has blown that out the water, as a naive first step in understanding horses only. It’s a helpful stepping stone in teaching progressive clients who are only starting to understand horses. But as soon as possible we need to get our students comfortable with interpreting not behavioural formulas like an alphabet, but exploring the abundance of variation that each horse present.

3. Homeostatic nervous systems are probably unhealthy. I used to promote consistency and sameness as the goal we might aspire to. I still believe it’s helpful for most horses to find a calm baseline. But not to live only and forever in that place. We understand now that healthy brains and bodies have ups and downs. Not flatlines in the middle. And we need to be training as such.

4. Emotions are not triggered. It feels like they are. But brains have prepared responses ready before triggers arrive- brains and bodies predict what’s coming. When the brain predicts something, and they predicted incorrectly, the brain feels very awkward and uncomfortable. The nervous system immediately is taxed and can be very jarred. The technical term for this poorly predicted discomfort is: learning.

5. Not all trauma is stored in the body. Not all disease is a result of trauma. I used to espouse this, it has now become a “sometimes” and “in some cases” factoid. Not an immediate draw card.

6. Horses are not in the moment always. Like us, they can be running simulations of the past, and predicting anxiously to the future. In fact- it’s very rare to find horses in the moment always.
A good task in horsemanship is to teach your horse how to be in the moment (with you). And maybe we learn how to do that as well.

This is an extremely brief and poorly written synopsis with many missing holes, of the things I have pivoted on this year. Evolved. That’s my job. To teach from the best that I can but immediately move to the next best layer as soon as it reveals itself. And some of the research that went into these findings was only published and reviewed this year. No, I’m not giving references here today. I have other places where I cite my research.

I’ve just spent 12 weeks meticulously teaching all of this and more, in great detail, in a course focused on riding, to 125 people. We have one week left, and then I open intakes for self study. So you can see exactly what I am talking about.

22/11/2024

Recently, I had a conversation with a very dear friend. She was telling me about a horrible experience she had with a trainer at a clinic.

The clinician was well known in my friend’s local area and was holding a clinic that was designed to build confidence, skills and knowledge in a particular type of riding that my friend is interested in.

During the clinic she didn’t feel safe to voice her opinions, or her concerns. Being heard was just not going to happen. She watched, feeling helpless, as the clinician subjected her horse (and vicariously, my friend) to trauma. Numerous times.

This story left me absolutely gobsmacked!
I was so profoundly mad that I decided to go all ‘keyboard warrior’ and write a blog post about it.
Read the entire article on my website.

Our coaches/trainers can profoundly impact on the way we feel about our horses, our training and ourselves- how to deal with toxic trainers.

22/11/2024

08/11/2024

Eight weeks ago, a dear friend of over 25 years suffered a tragic riding accident. She was airlifted to the hospital with critical injuries, including a traumatic brain injury, and remains in serious condition. This experience has deeply affected me and made me reconsider my approach to safety.

Today, I purchased my first riding helmet in 15 years. In the past, I only wore a helmet when starting a horse under saddle, often relying on skill, experience, and “good instincts” to keep safe. It’s easy to think helmets interfere with connection, look bulky, or are just “not for me.” But no matter how experienced or careful we are, unpredictable moments happen, and the benefits of wearing a helmet far outweigh any reasons to not.

The helmet I purchased is equipped with MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) technology, an impressive innovation designed to reduce rotational forces on the brain during angled impacts. MIPS has been widely used in high-risk sports like cycling, skiing, and motocross for years, offering athletes crucial protection against traumatic brain injuries. In the event of a fall where the head strikes at an angle, MIPS absorbs more rotational force, helping prevent injury by reducing the impact transferred to the brain. This technology is a game-changer for rider safety, and it’s time for MIPS to become a standard feature in all horse riding helmets.

A huge thank you to Karen at Horseland Coffs Harbour for sharing her in-depth knowledge of MIPS and guiding me toward an informed choice. Let’s honor the risks we take by riding with both skill and safety in mind. Stay WILD but be safe .coffsharbour

24/10/2024

Get your orders in for Christmas!!!

23/10/2024

Expressions of Interest – Dr Janet Jones Masterclass, Australia Sept/Oct 2025

I’m excited to announce that Dr Janet Jones, author of 'Horse Brain, Human Brain', will be visiting Australia!

Dr Jones is a neuroscientist and experienced horsewoman who combines her expertise in brain science with horsemanship. She has spent over two decades teaching neuroscience to horse owners and industry professionals. Alongside her academic career, she trained horses and operated a successful training business, working across multiple equestrian disciplines, including hunter-jumper, reining, and western pleasure.

Her acclaimed book, Horse Brain, Human Brain, explores the neuroscience behind horse-human interactions. It explains how understanding the differences and similarities between human and equine brains can improve training, reduce behavioural issues, and build trust. Jones addresses practical topics, such as how horses perceive the world, the impact of vision on training, forethought in horses, and non-edible reward systems. She also discusses how differences in perception can trigger fear responses and offers strategies for cross-species communication that foster trust and reduce anxiety.

If you haven’t read this book yet, add it to your reading list now!

I’d love to gauge interest in hosting a 1-day Masterclass with her in Dorrigo, NSW.

This in-depth seminar will explore:
🔸 Equine vision and its impact on training
🔸 The horse’s ability to plan and think ahead
🔸 Training with non-edible rewards
🔸 How categorical perception can help prevent fear responses
🔸 Cross-species communication and building trust
🔸 Understanding over-attachment, anxiety, and the role of horses in Equine-Assisted Therapy

The session will follow a seminar format, with opportunities for Q&As and discussion throughout.

👥 Who Should Attend?
This masterclass is suitable for a wide range of horse professionals and enthusiasts, including:
• Veterinarians & equine health professionals
• Trainers, coaches, and behaviourists
• Bodyworkers, physiotherapists, and chiropractors
• Rescue organisations & rehabilitation workers
• Farriers, saddle fitters, and equine dentists
• Competitors across all disciplines (dressage, eventing, reining, etc.)
• Equine-assisted therapy practitioners
• Horse breeders and agistment property owners
• Casual riders, recreational horse owners, and horse lovers of all kinds

💰 Estimated Cost: $200–$250 per person (depending on participant numbers)
📍 Location: Dorrigo, NSW

If you’re interested, please comment below or send me a message. Your response will help us determine participant numbers and make this exciting event a reality!

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn from one of the world’s leading experts in equine neuroscience!

16/10/2024

Dental Day with .oliver of Equine Veterinary & Dental Services Pty. Ltd. (EVDS) 🦷
As horse owners we understand the importance of regular dental examinations, but WHO you get to do these examinations and any required treatment is equally important. I wouldn’t trust anyone else with my horse’s oral health.
Oliver is a specialist in this field and has co-ordinated and hosted equine dentistry training workshops for equine vets from all over the world, authored several scientific papers, contributed many articles to equestrian magazines interested in horse welfare and has lectured on equine dentistry across Australia and internationally.
BONUS- a free w***y wash for the geldings and f***l egg counts for all horses.
Thanks Ollie and always appreciate your work 🙌🏼

12/10/2024

Some lovely feedback of my work from another trainer thanks so much 🙏🏼

Bitless riding isn’t for everyone but I find that the majority of horses are very happy hackers in a bitless bridle. It is encouraging to see more and more clubs, associations and peak bodies allowing bitless bridles in all arenas. If you are keen to try bitless, creates beautiful handmade bitless bridles and accessories 🙌🏼

10/10/2024

Now that I am back from the Emerald Isle, it's time to get back into the work I love

Wherever you are in the world or in your horsemanship journey, we have a Course, Clinic, Private Lesson or Camp to suit you & your horse

05/10/2024

🤔🤔🤔 SOME FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Most horses pass from one human to another - some horsemen and women are patient and forgiving, others are rigorous and demanding, others are cruel, others are ignorant.
Horses have to learn how to, at the minimum, walk, trot, canter, gallop, go on trails and maybe jump, to be treated by the vet, all with sense and good manners.Talented Thoroughbreds must learn how to win races, and if they can’t do that, they must learn how to negotiate courses and jump over strange obstacles without touching them, or do complicated dance like movements, or control cattle, or accommodate severely handicapped children and adults in therapy work.

Many horses learn all of these things in the course of a single lifetime. Besides this, they learn to understand and fit into the successive social systems of other horses they meet along the way.

A horse’s life is rather like twenty years in foster care, or in and out of prison, while at the same time changing schools over and over and discovering that not only do the other students already have their own social groups, but that what you learned at the old school hasn’t much application at the new one.
We do not require as much of any other species, including humans.

That horses frequently excel, that they exceed the expectations of their owners and trainers in such circumstances, is as much a testament to their intelligence and adaptability as to their relationship skills or their natural generosity or their inborn nature. That they sometimes manifest the same symptoms as abandoned orphans - distress, strange behaviors, anger, fear - is less surprising than that they usually don’t.
No one expects a child, or even a dog to develop its intellectual capacities living in a box 23 hours a day and then doing controlled exercises the remaining one.
Mammal minds develop through social interaction and stimulation.
A horse that seems “stupid”, “slow”, “stubborn”, etc. might just have not gotten the chance to learn!
Take care of your horses and treasure them.

-Jane Smiley

04/10/2024

✨There hasn’t been a lot of activity on my page for a couple of weeks and you might be wondering where in the wild world have I gone!

I am currently exploring the stunning landscapes of Ireland with my wild sisters Toni and

This has been a dream come true for me.
Growing up, I faked being sick just to stay home from school and watch David Attenborough (sorry Mum, full disclosure), and when he showcased Ireland, it instantly topped my bucket list. With ancestral roots in this beautiful country, I’ve felt a connection to it for as long as I can remember.

A highlight for me has been meeting the amazing Connemara ponies—hardy, beautiful, and known for their gentle nature. We’ve visited some incredible places, including Kylemore Abbey and the Connemara National Stud.
Connemara ponies have made their way to Australia over the years where they are valued for their versatility and temperament. They excel in various disciplines, from show jumping to eventing, and their adaptability makes them great companions for riders of all levels. I’ve admired these ponies for years and can’t wait to hopefully add a couple to my herd soon! 🐴💚
I am so grateful for the horsie connections I have made while travelling in the Emerald Isle.

I will be back in Australia very soon and will be releasing new dates for Wild Roots Clinics and Mountain Trail Clinics. Stay tuned or check out the website for details

10/09/2024

No matter your discipline – hacker or dressage rider, trail rider or eventer, polocrosse competitor or casual clinic participant, your hip flexors are essential for an independent, soft, effortless seat.

As a riding coach, I see the results of tight hip flexors and rotated pelvis all the time. At every clinic and across every day of lessons, I am guaranteed to see hip and pelvic tightness in about 50% of participants.
I s**t you not my friends!
It’s a pandemic!
And that is why I thought it was important to write about on my blog- read the full article at

We need our hips to be flexible to create a relaxed leg and independent seat. Mindful, connected riding will teach you to maintain a sense of balance, build core strength and improve your ability to feel of the horse underneath you.

06/09/2024

Looking forward to this weekend’s Wild Roots Clinic.
Contributing to a truely caring and connected equestrian community is what I L♥️VE to do 🙌🏼

Creating true connection through communication, compassion and curiosity- It’s WILD! 🐴

28/08/2024

Avoiding Parasites without contributing to global anti-parasitic resistance

It isn’t news to any of us, that as responsible horse owners, we must be vigilant about managing our horses’ health. A crucial aspect of horse health that cannot be ignored is the management of internal parasites. Common equine parasites include roundworms, tapeworm and bots. These tiny little blighters can lead to a range of health issues in horses, including poor growth in young horses, lack of energy, coarse, dull, and dry coats, weight loss, ‘pot belly,’ poor performance, skin sores, respiratory issues, colic, and even death.

While most of you are already aware of this, there’s an idea you might not have considered: NOT WORMING YOUR HORSE ROUTINELY! To read more, click the link! to my blog https://wildhorsemanship.com.au/to-worm-or-not-to-worm/

25/08/2024

HERE IS THE NEWS!!

The Wild Horsemanship website is now live! 🎉

I’m thrilled to share this space and to connect and grow as a community of horse lovers who value connection through communication, compassion, and curiosity.

A heartfelt thank you to Sophie Love and her incredible team at The Idea Factory for bringing my vision to life💚

The online booking system is still in the works, so for now, please reach out to me directly for any inquiries. I can’t wait to connect with you all!🐴✨

We aim to recapture the magic in your relationship with horses. To reconnect you with wonder. To foster connection based on mutual respect.