Discover liberty Horsemanship and Build a Lasting Connection

book your matchmaking assessment

Whether you're new to horses or a seasoned equestrian

Level 1 ~
where your ethical horsemanship journey begins.

Be guided every step of the way, build confidence and develop a skill set that prepares you to achieve your HORSEMANSHIP dreams.

Saturdays 3.30pm-5pm for 6 weeks

Level 1: Harmonious Liberty Horsemanship 6 week course

7 November to 12 December inclusive

6 Sessions | $732

This foundational course introduces you to a unique, liberty-based approach that prioritises trust, respect, and science-based communication with horses.

✨ Hands-On Weekly Lessons
Each session is designed to empower you with the core principles of ethical horsemanship, from groundwork to understanding horse psychology. You will cultivate a deep and meaningful connection with your horse, working together as a confident, skilled team.

✨ Building Trust and Communication
You will learn to read your horse’s unique body language and signals, laying a strong foundation of trust and understanding that enables clear and effective communication between you and your horse.

✨ A Personalised Journey
Each week, you will work with the horse that chose you during your matchmaking assessment, creating an authentic and customised experience. This closely mirrors the ownership experience, minus the responsibilities, allowing you to move at a pace that suits your relationship with your horse and your individual goals.

✨ Supportive Community of Like-minded Souls
Join a supportive network where you can share experiences, challenges, and successes in a nurturing environment that encourages personal growth and empowerment.

✨ Level 1 at the Australian Liberty Equestrian Academy (ALEA)
Everyone starts here. At Level 1, you will focus on groundwork, creating a strong bond and understanding with your horse. As you progress, you’ll have the option to specialise in riding, driving, or groundwork at Level 2, continuing to build your skills and confidence. Then move on to once, twice or three times per week once level 3 reached.

Be gently guided every step of the way,

cultivating confidence and honing a skill set that empowers you to bring your horsemanship dreams to life. With each lesson, you’ll grow, develop, and refine your abilities, setting you on the path to achieving a deep, fulfilling connection with the horses you work with.

What Sets the Australian Liberty Equestrian Academy Apart?

At ALEA (the Australian Liberty Equestrian Academy), we empower you to develop the skills and confidence needed for horse ownership, ensuring that you build your abilities progressively without relying on negative reinforcement tools such as whips or spurs. Safety is at the forefront of every interaction, and our approach is grounded in the values of freedom, respect, and responsibility—honoring both humans and horses. We believe that true horsemanship is built on a foundation of mutual trust, ethical care, and clear communication.

Our structured levels system ensures you stay on track, guiding you through each stage of your journey with clear goals and milestones. Our courses are designed not only to teach technical skills but to deepen your understanding of what it means to connect with and care for a horse. From the moment you step onto our property, the learning process begins. You will gain hands-on experience, receive personalised support, and progress from foundational skills to advanced techniques, all while developing a lasting bond with our carefully trained schoolmaster horses.

Mindful groundwork session with Liberty Equestrian Academy’s expressive herd, Chandler Brisbane.

✔Ethical Horse Care

Learn to care for a horse to the highest standard, embracing the true essence of a human/horse partnership. In this connection, the horse’s needs are paramount, and it is your voice that advocates for their well-being. At ALEA, we place the utmost importance on the health and happiness of our herd. They are never worked in the heat of the day, always given access to shade, plentiful forage, and fresh hydration. We honor their natural needs for freedom, companionship, and rest, ensuring they are never overworked or left tacked up between lessons. Each horse is paired with the person they have chosen to work with, creating an authentic bond built on trust and mutual respect, so that each interaction is truly meaningful.

✔Personalised Support

Our sessions offer personalised guidance within a nurturing group environment, with a maximum of just six participants per group. This intimate setting blends experienced riders and beginners, allowing you to learn from one another, revisit foundational principles, and be inspired by more advanced skills. You’ll receive tailored support that meets you exactly where you are in your horsemanship journey, ensuring that your growth is both meaningful and enriching, surrounded by a community that uplifts and encourages your progress.

✔multifaceted Horsemanship

Graduating with ALEA means you are fully prepared for how to support a horse covering a broad range of skills and knowledge necessary for understanding and working with horses - providing students with a well-rounded approach to horse care, riding techniques, and overall horsemanship, blending traditional, psychological and modern methods. As you progress through our levels, you gain comprehensive knowledge and practical skills that go beyond technique, ensuring you understand how to genuinely care for a horse using horse psychology and behaviour understanding, groundwork and HORSEMANSHIP, riding techniques, horse care and maintenance, problem solving and techniques, equine health and nutrition, an overview of several equine sports and disciplines, as well as a deep understanding of safety and ethics.

✔More Than Just Lessons

We create a safe and immersive experience, giving you the time and space to learn at your own pace—no rushed 45-minute sessions here. Sessions start at 90 minutes in Level 1, and as you progress into higher levels, they extend to 2-4 hours (depending on group size with the max at 6 people per group), allowing for more in-depth learning and practice. Learn about our pathway program here

✔Certification & Recognition

Each level you complete is celebrated with a certificate of achievement, allowing you to track your progress at no additional cost. Upon graduating from Level 1, you will have the option to specialise in liberty ground, riding, or driving—each specialisation guiding you from mastering the fundamentals to competing and advancing through increasingly sophisticated skills. Once you reach Level 3, you can choose to attend once, twice, or three times per week, working with the same horse each session, all within a supportive, community-driven environment that fosters continuous growth and connection.

Read more about our Pathways levels>>

Your Journey to liberty starts here

Course Structure & Progression

  • Six-Weeks of Hands-On Lessons

    Dates: Saturday 7 November to 12 December

    The course runs every Saturday 3.30-5pm, offering a consistent learning schedule for busy adults looking to deepen their horsemanship skills.

    Over the course of several weeks, you will engage in progressive learning, building knowledge and confidence week by week.

    Weekly Focus on Ethical Horsemanship

    Each session will focus on a key aspect of ethical horsemanship, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of horse care and training.

    Topics covered will include groundwork, horse psychology, effective communication, and building trust with your horse.

    Work with the Horse That Has Chosen You

    Each participant will be paired with a horse that will choose them, creating an authentic connection and bond. This ensures that your learning experience is personal and tailored to your specific goals.

    You will develop mutual trust with your horse, working together as a cohesive, skilled team.

    Key Areas of Focus

    Groundwork: Learn the fundamentals of groundwork, where you will practice leading, communicating, and understanding your horse without the use of restraints.

    Horse Psychology: Gain insights into how horses think and behave, enhancing your ability to connect and respond to your horse’s needs.

    Trust and Bonding: Each session will focus on strengthening the trust and understanding between you and your horse, building a foundation for effective training.

    Teamwork: By the end of the course, you and your horse will work together in harmony, demonstrating increased communication and mutual respect.

    Progressive Learning Each Week

    Each session builds upon the last, allowing you to develop both your skills and confidence gradually.

    As you progress, the sessions will become more advanced, allowing you to refine your techniques and deepen your bond with your horse.

    Join level 1

  • 1.5-Hour Sessions

    Learning Begins Upon Arrival

    Your journey starts as soon as you enter the property, immersing you in a hands-on learning experience from the very first moment.

    With guidance from Nat, you'll receive expert support and ensure safety at all times, making your learning experience both enriching and secure.

    Weekly Focus on Harmonious Horsemanship

    Each week, you'll dive into a specific topic of Harmonious Horsemanship, ensuring you build a solid foundation in the art of ethical horse handling.

    This structured approach helps you develop your skills progressively, with a focus on building a deep connection with your horse.

    Hands-On Horse Care and Training

    Start with catching your horse from the paddock, allowing you to practice essential groundwork skills and begin forming a bond.

    Learn the art of grooming your horse, gaining an understanding of their physical and emotional needs.

    Engage in targeted exercises designed to refine your horsemanship skills, focusing on both you and your horse's growth.

    Learn proper aftercare techniques to ensure your horse’s well-being and your continued success in training.

    Session Recap and Reinforcement

    After each session, you'll take time to recap what you’ve learned, reinforcing key concepts and making sure the experience is fully absorbed.

    This allows you to track your progress and ensures that the knowledge gained is clear, applied, and ready to build upon in future sessions.

    Comprehensive Hands-On Experience

    From the moment you arrive to the final recap, you’ll have a comprehensive, hands-on experience that nurtures both your confidence and your connection with your horse.

    Each step in the process is designed to deepen your understanding and skills, ensuring you’re prepared for each next step in your horsemanship journey.

    book matchmaking assessment

  • Prerequisite for Level 2 & Part-Lease Program

    Level 1 Course: Your Harmonious Foundation in Liberty Horsemanship

    The Level 1 course is the essential first step in your Liberty Horsemanship journey. It focuses on building a strong foundation through groundwork and developing trust with your horse.

    Learn the core principles of ethical horsemanship to establish a deep, respectful connection with your horse.

    Hands-On Experience

    Gain invaluable, practical experience by engaging in key activities such as catching your horse from the paddock, grooming, and preparing them for work.

    Participate in exercises that develop both you and your horse’s skills, plus learn the essential aftercare routine to ensure your horse’s well-being.

    Progress to Level 2

    Successful completion of Level 1 qualifies you to progress to Level 2, where you can choose to specialise in riding, driving, or continue building your expertise in liberty on the ground.

    Move forward at your own pace, continuing to deepen your understanding and refine your skills in your chosen discipline.

    Guided Part-Lease Program

    Upon completing Level 2, you become eligible for the guided part-lease program, where you will be paired with a dedicated horse to further develop your skills in a personalised, supportive environment.

    This part lease program allows for consistent, focused training as you continue your journey with a horse that matches your learning needs and goals.

    ✓ Consistent Access to the Same Horse ✓ Group Lessons with supportive community ✓ Refining your Skill sets ✓ Dip your toe into what horse ownership could be ✓ Tailored experience with focus on progressing at your pace

    In essence, a guided part lease is a great middle ground between full ownership and casual riding lessons, offering regular interaction with the same horse, structured lessons, and the chance to form a meaningful bond without the full-time commitment.

    Join Level 1

YOU CAN WHISPER.

AND A HORSE CAN FINISH YOUR SENTENCES.

True liberty is the art of an invisible conversation. You will learn how to ask a horse to walk, trot, canter or halt so subtly that anyone watching won't even see the cue.

This level of connection requires no ropes, no whips, and no treats. It is just you and a horse who deeply understands your communication—and possesses the total freedom to choose whether to join you.

At ALEA, we teach you exactly how to cultivate this profound relationship from the ground up, starting with the essential foundations. Whether you have spent your entire life around horses or are discovering them for the very first time, you will learn firsthand just how sensitive, intelligent, and beautifully expressive they truly are.

What you’ll learn

  • Matchmaking Assessment

    Discover which horse connects with you and chooses to teach you level 1. Discover if this is the right path for you.

  • ✓ WEEK 1

    Learn essential safety practices around horses, including catching, haltering, leading through energy, grooming, and building a strong connection.

  • ✓ WEEK 2

    Catch your horse, groom, and lead with intention, then explore friendly games, understanding boundaries, and learning how horses communicate through calming signals.

  • ✓ WEEK 3

    Build on the skills from the previous week by practicing them further, then progress to learning how to achieve yields through rhythmic pressure. Focus on nurturing a relationship based on fluidity, relaxation, and cooperation, while creating a safe, predictable space with clear communication. Emphasise movement, connection, positive reinforcement, emotional regulation, biomechanics, balance, and empathy.

  • ✓ WEEK 4

    Review and practice all skills from previous weeks, then learn how to achieve yields using steady pressure. Discover how to create an environment of predictability and safety for your horse through clear communication, understanding, positive reinforcement, stress-reduction techniques, empowerment, trust, patience, incremental learning, and promoting both physical and mental relaxation.

  • ✓ WEEK 5

    Review and practice all skills from the previous week, then progress to setting boundaries through intention and energy. Create a dialogue of pressure and release with minimal cues, respect, and communication. This week emphasises mental and emotional training tools for effective emotional regulation.

  • ✓ WEEK 6

    Review all the skills from the previous weeks and add a key element to your training: how to request cooperation, focus, and trust from a distance. Focus on utilizing a horse’s natural herding instincts to promote safety and calm. Learn how your body language plays a role from afar, and apply the subtle cues you've been refining throughout the course. This is your final week, and upon successful completion, you'll graduate to join us in the Level 2 course were you can specialise in ride, drive or ground.

discover a deeper connection

  • Why Liberty

    Liberty Horsemanship is a unique and empowering way to connect with horses on the ground - without ropes, halters, whips or flags. It’s perfect if you:

    - Can’t or don’t want to ride

    - Want to develop a relationship based on trust and communication

    - Are looking for a mindful, ethical approach to horsemanship

    This course is about freedom - for both horse and human.

  • What you will learn

    1. Liberty techniques using body language, energy and intention

    2. Groundwork fundamentals & advanced communication cues - we start with ropes for your safety as you learn body language cues

    3. Horse psychology, calming signals and biomechanics

    4. Trust building and leadership without pressure or force

    5. Transferable horsemanship skills that work with any horse.

  • We meet you at your skill level

    For Beginners

    Learn how to safely approach, handle and communicate with horses from the ground up. No prior experience needed.

    For Experienced Horse People

    Refine your skills, explore Liberty and deepen your partnership using subtle body language and energetic intention.

  • The Secret of Horsemanship

    Groundwork is the key to being a horse person that gets by and a highly skilled horse person. Most find horsemanship/ground work much harder than riding but it is achievable for all.

Discover what you will learn at every level

we are so proud that the feeling is mutual - we are blessed with the community that surrounds us

The only way to describe what happens here is with one word "Magic". 

Mr T

I learnt more in my assessment than in all my many horse years prior.

Kate, Member for 6+ years

It has been such a cool experience having all the learnings come together! Couldn’t think of a better way to spend my Sunday mornings.

Taylor, Level 4 member
Nat, instructor at Liberty Equestrian Academy, demonstrating ethical liberty horsemanship in Chandler, Brisbane, showcasing connection, respect, and gentle communication between human and horse.

Meet your instructor

NATHALIE

✔️ Nat’s techniques are designed for those who seek a deep, transformative connection with their horses, unlocking revolutionary results both in and out of the saddle.

✔️Years of experience. We are proud of our diverse experience and the trusted reputation that we built over the years. Under our EquiTune Wellness through Horsemanship umbrella, we have been deeply honoured to provide specialised animal-assisted programs for participants from organisations including NDIS, QPS, QCS, ADF and First Nations support initiatives. Within this safe space, we support individuals address burnout, trauma and capacity building through profound connection.

✔️Accomplished FEI competitor, Nat brings a wealth of top-level experience to her teaching, shaping riders into true equestrians.

✔️ Masterful in her approach, Nat has trained the entire herd to work at an advanced level using breathwork and liberty techniques, without tack, achieving extraordinary harmony.

✔️ Biomechanics Coach, offering a unique, body-conscious approach to training that enhances both rider and horse performance.

✔️ With 39 years of experience in the UK, Europe, and Australia, Nat has worked across a vast range of horses—from thoroughbreds and standardbreds to brumbies, minis, and warmbloods—developing tailored retraining techniques that honour each horse’s individuality and needs from breaking in to retraining to trauma resolutions.

✔️ A true expert in horse training and riding at the international level, Nat has consistently achieved proven results using a holistic approach that focuses on emotional regulation, biomechanics, and classical dressage techniques—without the use of whips, bits, or forceful methods.

✔️ Qualified in Equine Psychology, Applied Equine Behaviour, and Human Counselling, Nat combines a deep understanding of horse psychology with the tools to empower both horse and rider in their journey.

Horses have been a central part of Nat’s life since the age of 5. Supported by her parents, Nat quickly advanced through the competitive equestrian ranks, riding a variety of beautiful part-lease horses. Her journey culminated with her Belgian Warmblood in Europe, where she trained to an exceptionally high standard in both show jumping and dressage, reaching FEI levels.

In the UK, Nat managed large stables and trained horses in dressage, show jumping, and hunting, gaining invaluable experience from both horses and owners within the high-end equestrian world. She honed her skills and knowledge, immersing herself in all aspects of elite equestrian sport in both the UK and Europe.

Upon relocating to Australia, Nat’s path took a transformative turn when she was gifted Coco, a sensitive and explosive Thoroughbred mare. Coco’s strong reactions and clear objections to traditional training methods led Nat to explore the world of natural horsemanship and equine psychology. Under the mentorship of experts in the field, Nat delved deeply into the psychological aspects of horse behaviour. These studies provided profound insights into the mental and emotional needs of horses, allowing Nat to integrate this knowledge into her horsemanship approach.

This pivotal moment in her career marked the shift from a successful corporate career to the birth of EquiTune, where Nat and the herd supported many individuals in their own journeys of transformation. Through the development of specialised courses, Nat helped clients achieve remarkable progress while cultivating a community built on trust, respect, and understanding.

As their journey evolved, the call for a more liberated form of horsemanship became clear. In 2025, Nat and the herd made the decision to focus on liberty horsemanship, honouring the horse’s freewill with every step.They continue to teach how to ride, ground, and drive through pure energy, using classical techniques supported by modern science and enhanced by an intuitive, soul-connected approach.

With the launch of the Australian Liberty Equestrian Academy, Nat and the herd built a beautiful community of like-minded individuals who share a vision of a true equine-human partnership. This partnership is rooted in a soul-to-soul connection, honouring the fundamental needs of horses—Friends, Freedom, and Forage—while striving to meet international standards of excellence and advancing horsemanship in a deeply ethical, psychologically-informed way. In 2026, we found a property in Patchs Beach East Wardell, which is large enough for the herd members to retire when they wish to - none have volunteered so far and ALL are looking forward to new adventures in this beautiful part of Australia and we are honoured that our Brisbane community continue to nurture their relationships with the herd even though we are a bit further to travel to.

Spots are limited. Secure your place in our next Level 1: Horsemanship Foundations course today.

Join Us & Experience the Journey of liberty Without the Stress of horse ownership

If you have ever dreamed of owning a horse, this course gives you a realistic yet supported experience without the financial and logistical burdens. You will develop the knowledge and confidence to care for, understand, and build a true partnership with a horse, setting the foundation for a lifelong journey in ethical horsemanship.

Sign Up Now

book your matchmaking assessment

 FAQs

  • No. Our sessions are designed to be focused and distraction-free. We follow a drop-off only policy as this is not a spectator sport. Unfortunately, experience has shown that non-participants often unintentionally disrupt sessions by not adhering to safety protocols. Wardell pie shop is only just round the corner as is a walk on Patchs Beach. We will host show days where you can introduce your horse to family and friends. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

  • No. We have a no phone policy to help everyone stay present and focused. If you would like photos or videos for personal use or social media, we will capture key moments and share them with you.

  • No, we do not provide a waiting area for support persons. However, there is coffee nearby at Wardell pie shop. We appreciate your cooperation.

  • We have undercover areas that allow sessions to continue in most weather conditions. We will only cancel if conditions are unsafe. Please wear gumboots and a waterproof jacket if rain is forecast.

  • We do not offer reschedules or refunds. Each horse is only worked once per day, and when you reserve a spot, that horse is reserved exclusively for you. Missed sessions cannot be transferred or refunded. Unlike other establishments, our horses follow a balanced work-life schedule to ensure their well-being. Cancelled sessions affect both our horses and our small business. Thank you for your understanding and for planning your sessions in advance.

  • We will always have activities for you to do. Alternatively, another horse may step forward to work with you—an experience that mirrors the unpredictability of horse ownership.

  • Classes are limited to a maximum of six participants to ensure personalised attention and a high-quality experience.

  • For an overview of what you will learn as you progress through the levels, please visit our Pathways Page.

  • No. The animals that live here are trained and acclimatised to each other. We appreciate you respecting their home.