Empowered Equestrian

Helping horses and humans move, connect, and work better together.

Equine
Conditioning

Ground-based exercises and movement plans to support soundness, strength, and longevity.

Groundwork & Liberty

Build clarity, softness, and trust through body awareness and intentional communication.

Rider Body Awareness

Learn how your posture, balance, and tension directly affect your horse.

This is for you if...

  • You care about your horse’s physical and mental well-being

  • You own an older horse or are rehabbing a horse

  • You want a better partnership, not quick fixes

  • You’re curious about how your body influences your horse

  • You're wanting a more thoughtful, effective approach to conditioning your horse

Hi, I'm Liz

I have over 20 years of experience working with horses and more than five years of teaching riders. I’m a PATH certified therapeutic riding instructor with a background in zoology, animal training and behavior, natural horsemanship, and early childhood education.I’ve worked across disciplines from Western pleasure and rodeo to dressage and jumping, and I specialize in helping riders understand how their body influences communication, movement, and connection with their horse.

Investment

Because each horse and rider pair is unique, services are tailored to individual needs. Pricing typically falls within the ranges below:• Private sessions (groundwork or rider body awareness):
Starting at $75–$185 per session• Multi-session support or training plans:
Custom pricing based on goals and location• Travel-based sessions:
Travel fees may apply beyond my primary service area

Service Area

I’m based in the Twin Cities, Minnesota, and primarily work with clients within approximately 45–60 minutes of the metro area.Travel beyond this range may be possible for established clients or special circumstances and is considered on a case-by-case basis.

Why Work with Empowered Equestrian?

With over 20 years in the horse industry and a background in animal behavior, natural horsemanship, and therapeutic riding, I bring a unique perspective to equine training and conditioning.My focus is on:• Functional movement and bio-mechanics
• Ground-based training and awareness
• Clear communication between horse and rider
• Long-term soundness—not quick fixes

What I Don't Offer

To make sure I’m the best fit for both you and your horse, there are a few things I don’t currently provide:• Full-time training, horse starting, or board-and-train programs
• Quick-fix behavior solutions without addressing physical or communication factors
• Riding instruction focused solely on competition or performance outcomes
• Emergency, veterinary, or rehabilitation servicesMy work is best suited for owners who want to better understand their horse’s movement, comfort, and communication and are willing to engage in a thoughtful, process-based approach.

Ready to explore what’s possible with your horse?

Send me a brief email to get started. Helpful details to include:
• Your name and your horse’s name, age, and breed
• The service(s) you’re interested in
• Your general location

Equine Conditioning for Stronger, More Balanced Horses

Improve strength, movement, and soundness through intentional groundwork and functional training.

The foundation of a healthy, sound horse is Equine conditioning.At Empowered Equestrian, I focus on helping horses move better, feel better, and perform better through thoughtful groundwork and body awareness.Whether your horse is a performance athlete, a senior, or in rehabilitation, conditioning helps build the strength and coordination needed for long-term soundness.

What is Equine Conditioning?

Equine conditioning is the process of improving a horse’s strength, balance, coordination, and movement through intentional, structured exercise.Think of it as physical therapy for your horse.Just as we understand the importance of proper movement in our own bodies, it’s essential to apply that same awareness to our horses. A horse’s body is designed to move, but without the right guidance, they can develop muscle imbalances, compensation patterns, and tension that impact performance and long-term soundness.Many horse owners and trainers are taught that horses only need to be ridden and lunged. But what happens when these methods are no longer enough—or when they begin to reveal underlying physical limitations?This is where equine conditioning becomes essential.Through beginner-friendly groundwork techniques, targeted exercises, and progressive movement work, conditioning helps address common physical challenges such as:

  • Muscle asymmetry

  • Weakness due to age or injury

  • Poor balance and coordination

  • Tension and stiffness

  • Lack of engagement or impulsion

At Empowered Equestrian, my goal is to help you better understand your horse’s body and give you the tools to improve how they move—from the ground up.

How I Work

My approach is simple, practical, and horse-centered.Instead of focusing on intensity or “working harder,” I focus on:• Short, effective sessions
• Correct movement over repetition
• Building strength gradually
• Adapting to the individual horseEvery program is designed to be realistic and sustainable for both the horse and the humans working with them.A step-by-step plan tailored to your horse’s specific needs.Programs include:•Structured groundwork exercises
•Ground pole and balance work
•Weekly focus and progression guidance
•Clear session structureDesigned to be easy to follow and effective, even for busy equestrians.

My Approach to Equine Condioning

At Empowered Equestrian, conditioning is approached as a partnership between horse and handler, from the ground up.I focus on:• Groundwork that builds awareness and communication for both horse and handler
• Liberty work that encourages natural movement and engagement - allowing your horse to learn to self carry
• Functional exercises that translate to real movement on the ground and under saddle
• Simple massage techniques to strengthen your bond and help your horse feel their bestEvery program is designed to be realistic and sustainable for both the horse and the humans working with them.

This approach creates lasting change by focusing on how the horse moves, not just what they are asked to do.

Services

At Empowered Equestrian, I create individualized equine conditioning programs designed to meet your horse where they are—whether they are building strength, recovering from time off, or needing support in specific movement patterns.

Basic Equine Conditioning Assessment

Best for: Self-guided riders who want structure and clarity.A customized conditioning plan designed specifically for your horse’s needs.Includes:

  • On-site evaluation of your horse’s movement

  • A clear summary of findings emailed to you

  • Key areas to focus on

  • Personalized recommendations you can start right away

Starting at $75 for 45-60 minutes

Advanced Conditioning Assessment

Best for: Hands-on support and real-time coachingA deeper, in-person assessment combined with practical training.Includes:

  • On-site evaluation of your horse’s movement

  • 4-week groundwork and conditioning plan tailored to your horse

  • Step-by-step exercise guidance

  • Live coaching and groundwork exercises

  • Immediate feedback and adjustments

  • Full written assessment + customized plan for moving forward emailed to you

Starting at $185 for 60-90 minutes

Add-Ons

  • Follow-up Evaluation: $65-$100

  • One time troubleshooting call: $30-$60

  • 4 Week Ground Pole Exercises PDF: $100

  • Don't see what you are looking for? Contact me and we can discuss personalized opitions.

Ready to Get Started?

Let's build a conditioning plan tailored to your horse.