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.

Conditioning Services

All sessions are approximately 60 minutes unless otherwise noted.

Basic Equine Conditioning Assessment

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 awayBest for: Self-guided equestrians who want structure and clarity.

Starting at $75

Advanced Conditioning Assessment

A 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 youBest for: Hands-on support and real-time coaching

Starting at $185 for 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.

Groundwork and Liberty Services

All sessions are approximately 60 minutes unless otherwise noted.

Single Session - $75

A focused session to address a specific challenge or introduce groundwork/liberty concepts.Great for: troubleshooting one issue or getting a starting point.

3 Session Foundation Package - $216

Build consistency and understanding over multiple sessions.Includes:
• Initial assessment
• Progressive groundwork exercises
• Intro to Liberty (if appropriate)
• Take-home exercisesGreat for: creating real change and developing skills.

6 Session Transformation Package - $420

A Deeper dive into behavior, movement, and connection.Includes:
• Full assessment and goal setting
• Customized groundwork + liberty plan
• Ongoing adjustments based on progress
• Support between sessionsGreat for: horses with ongoing behavior challenges or owners wanting a strong partnership foundation.

Ready to Get Started?

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

Groundwork and Liberty Training for Improved Behavior and Connection

Troubleshoot behavior problems by finding the root cause and improving your communication with your horse.

I believe there is no such thing as “bad” behavior - only communication.It takes courage to pause and ask what your horse is trying to tell you, rather than defaulting to the conventional approach of correcting or suppressing unwanted behavior. So often, what we label as “naughty” is actually a horse expressing confusion, discomfort, or a gap in understanding.When we shift our perspective, we open the door to real, lasting change.Together, we can step back, identify the root cause of the challenges you’re experiencing, and build a clearer, more effective way for you and your horse to communicate.

Why Groundwork Matters

Groundwork is more than something you do before getting in the saddle - it is where real understanding begins.When we take the rider out of the equation, we can clearly see how a horse moves, thinks, and responds without added pressure or compensation. This allows us to identify the root cause of behavior challenges rather than just managing symptoms.Beyond being incredibly beneficial, it’s also a lot of fun. Groundwork is so much more than hand walking or endless lunging. Horses are more than something to ride, and groundwork gives you the opportunity to enjoy time with your horse in a different way - even on the days you aren’t able to get in the saddle.This work creates a foundation that carries into everything you do with your horse.

What is Liberty?

Liberty (noun) the power to act as one pleases.In the horse world, liberty training refers to a method in which the horse chooses to work with the handler, not because of ropes or restraints, but because of trust, understanding, and willingness.At Empowered Equestrian, I use liberty as a way to give the horse a voice in the conversation. This may look like working fully at liberty without a halter or lead rope, or simply allowing more freedom within groundwork - creating space for the horse to process, make decisions, and respond thoughtfully rather than reactively.Liberty is less about control, and more about connection. It reveals how well the horse understands the handler, and how willing they are to engage when given a choice.

Where Liberty Fits In

Liberty and groundwork are not separate systems - they are deeply connected.Groundwork gives your horse the skills and understanding. Liberty reveals the relationship behind those skills.When you remove the halter, lead rope, and physical pressure, what remains is communication, trust, and choice. Liberty highlights how well your horse truly understands you - and how much they want to engage.Incorporating Liberty into training allows us to:
• Strengthen connection and trust
• Encourage true engagement instead of compliance
• Reveal holes in communication in a clear, honest way
• Build a horse that chooses to stay connected, even without pressure.Together, groundwork and Liberty create a balanced approach that supports both the horse's body and mind.

Through intentional Groundwork, we can:

  • Improve the horse's sense of balance, coordination, and body awareness

  • Build relaxation and emotional regulation

  • Establish clear, consistent communication

  • Develop a willing, thinking partner

My Approach

My work blends principles of equine behavior, biomechanics, clear communication, and multiple training techniques to help horses and humans understand each other better.With over 20 years of experience and a background in animal behavior, I focus on:
• Identifying why a behavior is happening
• Supporting the horse physically and mentally
• Giving owners practical tools they can confidently applyThis isn't about forcing change - it's about creating it in a way that lasts.

Common Problems I Help With

Many of the challenges horse owners face aren't random - they're patterns rooted in communication, understanding, or physical discomfort.Here are some of the common issues I help clients work through:• Tension, anxiety, or a horse that feels "on edge"
• Difficulty catching or a horse avoiding interaction
• Pushy behavior or lack of boundaries
• Trouble standing still (mounting, grooming, or handling)
• Lack of focus or connection during work
• Inconsistent responses to cues
• Trouble with transitions, softness, or relaxation
• A horse that feels disconnected or uninterestedOften, these behaviors aren't the problem themselves - they're symptoms of something deeper.Through groundwork and liberty, we take the time to understand what your horse is communicating, address the root cause, and create a clearer, more balanced partnership.

Not seeing your specific challenge listed? Reach out - every horse is different, and I'm happy to help you determine if this approach is the right fit.

Ready to Understand your Horse on a Deeper Level?

Whether you're dealing with a specific challenge or simply want to build a better connection, groundwork and liberty can transform how you and your horse communicate.