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've spent more than 20 years working with horses and more than five years teaching riders. As a PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor with a background in zoology, animal behavior, and natural horsemanship, I bring a multidisciplinary approach to helping horses and humans communicate more clearly.My goal isn't to create a perfect horse or rider - it's to help you better understand the one you already have.📍Based in Maple Grove, MN | Serving the Twin Cities metro and surrounding areas
Also Teaching at True Blue Equine
In addition to my work through Empowered Equestrian, I teach the Rainbow Riders program at True Blue Equine, in Forest Lake, MN. Working with young riders, aged 4-12, to build foundational horsemanship skills, confidence, and a positive relationship with horses.
Why Work with Empowered Equestrian?
✅Horse-First: Behavior is communication, not something to simply suppress.
✅Whole-Picture: I consider movement, behavior, communication, and the human in the partnership.
✅Practical: You'll leave with things you can actually use and your goals matter.
✅Individualized: No cookie-cutter training plans. Your horse and your goals matter.
What I Don't Offer
❌ Full-time training or board-and-train
❌Quick-fix behavior solutions
❌Competition-focused riding instruction
❌Veterinary, emergency, or rehabilitation services
My work is best suited for owners who want to better understand their horse and actively participate in the process.
What Clients Are Saying
"I particularly want to highlight Liz's work with the kids—she is truly exceptional. Liz is a natural teacher, demonstrating incredible patience, calmness, and approachability in every single class. For any parent looking for an instructor who connects effortlessly with children, Liz is the answer. She has a unique talent for balancing the curriculum; she makes the class fun, yet the kids leave having learned a ton about horsemanship, safety, and riding technique.
It's great to find an equine program that manages to instill strong skills while maintaining such a supportive and low-pressure atmosphere. We highly recommend True Blue Equine not just for young children who are just starting out, but for riders of all levels looking to grow their skills in a positive setting." - Jason Maynard, Parent of Rainbow Riders Students, True Blue Equine"...The progress that your clients have made under your instruction has been very impressive. I am so proud of how much you have grown as an instructor these past few years. You always encourage your students to discover what they can do and not focus on what they can't do. That takes creativity and imagination and a whole lot of faith in the entire team of riders, volunteers and horses. Thank you for having faith. It is what inspires people (and horses) to keep trying." - Michelle Haury, Head Instructor at We Can Ride
Investment
First-time sessions are $110 and approximately 90 minutes. This gives us time to discuss your goals, get to know your horse, assess where you're starting, and begin working together.Follow-up sessions are $75 for 60 minutes, with packages available for ongoing work.Specialized conditioning assessments and additional services are priced separately.Travel fees may apply depending on location.
Service Area
I’m based in Maple Grove, MN and primarily serve the Twin Cities metro and surrounding areas.Travel within approximately 30 minutes is included in session pricing. Locations farther away may incur a travel fee based on drive time.
| One-way Travel Time | Travel Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to 30 minutes | Included |
| 31-45 minutes | +$20 |
| 46-60 minutes | +$30 |
| 61-75 minutes | +$40 |
| 76-90 minutes | +$50 |
| Over 90 minutes | Contact for options |
Travel fees are based on the location of the session and will be confirmed when scheduling.For clients sharing a session location, such as multiple horses or riders at the same barn, travel fees may be shared rather than charged separately.
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
Follow Along on Social Media
See more horses, training ideas, educational content, and behind-the-scenes work from Empowered Equestrian.
Conditioning for Stronger, More Balanced Horses
Best For: Older horses • Rehab/prehab support • Weakness • Balance • CoordinationWhat We Work On:
Strength • Movement • Body awareness • BalanceSessions: Starting at $75Location: On-site, Twin Cities metro
What is Conditioning?
Conditioning is the process of improving a horse’s strength, balance, coordination, and movement through intentional, structured exercise.Think of it as a fitness program designed specifically 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 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 Conditioning
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-carriage
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 best
Every 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
Initial Conditioning Session: $110
Approximately 90 minutesA comprehensive first visit to discuss your horse's history and goals, observe movement, and begin hands-on conditioning work.We'll identify areas to focus on and discuss practical exercises you can incorporate into your horse's routine.
Follow Up Conditioning Session: $75
60 minutesContinue developing strength, balance, coordination, and body awareness through individualized exercises and coaching.
Customized Conditioning Plans:
4-Week Conditioning Plan: $185
For owners who want a structured plan to follow between sessions.Includes:
90 minute On-site movement assessment
Exercise demonstrations
Customized 4-week groundwork & conditioning plan, emailed to you.
Written recommendations
Progression guidelines
Follow Up Evaluation: $75
Review your horse's progress, reassess movement, and adjust your conditioning plan as needed.
Packages are intended for follow-up sessions after the initial session. Travel fees may apply depending on location.
Groundwork and Liberty Services
First Time Session: $110
Approximately 90 minutesYour first session is an opportunity to slow down, talk through your goals, get to know your horse, and see how you communicate together. We'll begin hands-on work based on what your horse and your goals tell us.
Single Session Follow Up: $75
60 minutesContinue building communication, confidence, connection, and practical skills with individualized coaching.
Packages:
3 Session Package
$216
Build consistency and understanding over three 60 minute sessions.
6 Session Package
$420
A deeper dive into behavior, movement, and connection with six 60 minute sessions.
Packages are intended for follow-up sessions after the initial session. Travel fees may apply depending on location.
Rider Body Awareness Sessions
First Time Session: $110
Approximately 90 minutesYour first session gives us time to discuss your goals, observe you and your horse together, assess your movement, and begin personalized coaching.
Single Session Follow Up: $75
60 minutesWe'll build on what we discovered during your initial session and continue refining your movement, body Awareness, and communication with your horse.
Packages:
3 Session Package
$216
Build consistency and reinforce new movement patterns through individualized coaching, progressive exercises, and homework.
Three 60 minute sessions.
6 Session Package
$420
Designed for riders who want more significant, lasting changes in movement, body awareness, and communication.
Six 60 minute sessions.
Packages are intended for follow-up sessions after the initial session. Travel fees may apply depending on location.
Travel
Empowered Equestrian is based in Maple Grove, MN and primarily serves the Twin Cities metro and surrounding areas.Travel within approximately 30 minutes is included in session pricing. Locations farther away may incur a travel fee based on drive time.
| One-way Travel Time | Travel Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to 30 minutes | Included |
| 31-45 minutes | +$20 |
| 46-60 minutes | +$30 |
| 61-75 minutes | +$40 |
| 76-90 minutes | +$50 |
| Over 90 minutes | Contact for options |
Travel fees will be confirmed when scheduling.When multiple clients or horses are scheduled at the same location, the travel fee may be shared rather than charged separately.
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.
Ready to Understand your Body, Improve your Communication, and Strengthen your Partnership?