Empowered Equestrian LLC

05/12/2026

What started as a simple grooming moment turned into a really good example of horse communication.

Guarding behavior happens when a horse feels the need to protect a resource or a part of their body. It isn’t “bad” behavior - it’s communication.

In this case, Gelly is likely guarding his left shoulder due to some lingering discomfort from a recent injection. You’ll see him lift his head, turn toward me, and use his mouth to touch my hip. This is not a bite, it's communication.

I have allowed space for that communication in our training while still maintaining a clear boundary around biting: using his mouth to communicate is fine, closing his teeth on my skin is not.

Here, I show exactly how I've set up that space - instead of pushing through and touching an ouchy spot, I listen. When he says “no,” I respond by leaving the area. When I return without pressure, you can see the moment he releases - he no longer needs to guard because he’s been heard.

These small interactions matter. They’re how we show our horses that communication is safe, and that they don’t need to escalate to be understood.

04/23/2026

An easy way to connect on the days you don’t have the energy to ride.
Grooming your horse loose gives them space to move, express themselves, and choose to participate in their own care.

With a background in choice-based training as a zookeeper, I bring that same mindset into my work with horses. While some things are non-negotiable, there are so many opportunities to give your horse a voice and that’s where real trust is built.

Want help creating this kind of connection with your horse? Message me 🤍

04/14/2026

Gelly got his spring exam and shots yesterday and was an absolute gentleman… right up until the sheath cleaning 😅

Let’s just say he had strong opinions.

Cue sedation and a 15-minute stroll to bring him back to earth before rejoining his herd. Looks like we have some more desensitizing training in our future!

This is your reminder that training doesn’t stop at riding - husbandry matters too! AND that training is never truly done - horses are great at reminding us of that one 🤪

04/07/2026

Are you looking to improve your relationship with your horse? 🐴

I have openings for a few clients each week and work with horse owners who want to better understand their horse through groundwork and liberty-based training.
My focus includes:
• Groundwork and liberty training
• Troubleshooting behavior challenges at the root
• Helping senior horses get back into condition (just in time for trail riding season)
• Building communication, balance, and confidence for both horse and rider

I work with horses of all ages and experience levels, whether you're just getting started or looking to deepen an existing partnership.

I will travel to you, and am willing to travel within 30 minutes of Minnetonka, Rogers, and Forest Lake MN

Contact me or check out https://empoweredequestrianmn.com/ for more information

LLC main site

04/02/2026

Have you used balance pads with your horse? Let me know in the comments

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03/24/2026

Spring is here… and so are the ✨terrifying✨ sandhill cranes 🪿

Gelly was just trying to enjoy some enrichment time in a new paddock… and got bonus enrichment instead 😅

In the zoo world, enrichment is intentionally built into daily routines.
I’d love to see more of that in the horse world, too.

Because here’s the thing—
👉 Being scared isn’t the problem
👉 Not knowing how to process it is

This moment?
He spooked, came to me, processed it… and relaxed.

That’s the goal. Not “no fear”—but confidence through it.

EmpoweredEquestrian

03/11/2026

One thing I believe strongly about horses:

Better movement leads to better behavior.

When horses are stronger, more balanced, and understand what we're asking, so many “training problems” get easier.

That’s why I love working with:
✨ groundwork
✨ liberty
✨ conditioning
✨ rider body awareness

When horses and humans both learn to move better, communication becomes a lot clearer.

03/10/2026

03/10/2026