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
Not your average riding lesson! 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 riding lessons):
Range from $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 Maple Grove, 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.
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.
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 all the time, not just when they are working.
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 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.
Rider Body Awareness Sessions
Every session includes personalized notes and recommended exercises to continue your progress between sessions.Your first session is approximately 90 minutes, allowing for a thorough discussion of your goals, an assessment of your movement, and personalized coaching during your ride.Follow-up sessions are typically 60 minutes, focusing on building on your progress and refining your skills. Longer sessions can be arranged if needed.
Single Session - $75
A focused session to address a specific challenge or an evaluation.Includes
• One 60-90 minute Rider Body Awareness session
• Discussion of your goals and concerns
• Mounted assessment
• Personalized coaching during your ride
• Emailed notes and recommended exercises (if applicable)Great for: First-time clients; addressing one specific riding issue; riders curious about the service.
3 Session Foundation Package - $216
Build consistency and reinforce new movement patterns.Includes:
• Three Rider Body Awareness Sessions (60-90 minute)
• Individualized coaching
• Progressive exercises and homework
• Adjustments based on your progressGreat for: Riders wanting lasting improvement; correcting long-standing position habits; building confidence in the saddle.
6 Session Transformation Package - $420
The best option for creating lasting change.Includes:
•Six Rider Body Awareness Sessions (60-90 minute)
• Ongoing assessments and coaching
• Progressive off-horse exercises
• Adjustments based on your progressGreat for: Riders committed to long-term improvement; returning from injury or extended time away; anyone wanting to maximize their riding abilities.
Out of your budget? I never want the price to be what stops you from learning. While I am not always able to accommodate, don't hesitate to reach out, even if this is out of your budget at the moment.
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.
Rider Body Awareness
A fancy way of saying riding lessons where the focus is on you - the rider.
Why Not Just Say "Riding Lessons"?
The term riding lessons can mean almost anything - from someone's very first ride to advanced competition coaching. While those are all valuable, my focus is different.Rather than teaching you what to do, I want to help you understand why your body moves the way it does and how those movements communicate with your horse.Have you ever spent an entire lesson hearing, "More leg," "Sit up taller," or "Keep your toes in," but never really understood how to make those changes?I know that feeling because I've been there myself.Instead of simply correcting your positions, I look at how your body naturally moves. Are your hips tight? Is one side stronger than the other? Do you consistently collapse through one shoulder or struggle more in one direction? Together, we'll identify what's happening, why it's happening, and practical ways to improve both in and out of the saddle.When your body becomes more balanced and aware, your horse receives clearer, more consistent communication - and that benefits both of you.
Why I Teach This
Becoming a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) deepened my understanding of rider biomechanics and movement in ways I never expected. Working with riders of all ages and abilities inspired me to dive deeper into physiology, biomechanics, and how the human body influences the horse while under saddle .Today, I combine that knowledge with years of teaching experience to help riders understand why their bodies move the way they do and how small, intentional changes can make a big difference for both horse and rider.
What a Session Includes
Every rider is different, so every session starts with a conversation. We'll discuss your goals, any challenges you've noticed, and any physical limitations or concerns you'd like to address.From there, we'll ride much like a typical lesson - working at the walk, trot, and canter as appropriate for you and your horse. Throughout the ride, I'll observe how your body moves, identify patterns that may be affecting your communication with your horse, and explain what I'm seeing in real time. Together, we'll experiment with small adjustments to find what works best for your body.If appropriate, I'll also recommend simple off-horse exercises or stretches to improve mobility, strength, balance, and body awareness so you can continue making progress between rides.My goal isn't to create a "perfect" position - it's to help you better understand your body so you can communicate more clearly, ride more comfortably, and build a stronger partnership with your horse.
Is a Rider Body Awareness Session Right for You?
This service may be a great fit if you...
Feel like your horse is easier to ride in one direction than the other.
Hear the same corrections over and over, but aren't sure how to make the change.
Feel unbalanced, crooked, or tense in the saddle.
Want to improve your communication with your horse through a better understanding of your own body.
Are returning to riding after an injury or extended break.
Want to become a more effective rider without relying on stronger aids or harsher equipment.