Class to connect horses and humans

A NEW six-week horse training program is breaking new ground with its focus on connecting people and horses.

Free Rein Horsemanship is run by Lisa Willey who has more than 20 years’ experience riding and training horses across the country.

She now runs a variety of programs on a property at Coopers Shoot.

The Adult Horse Riding and Connection Workshop will start Saturday, April 5.

“I definitely thought there was a need for it and I’m trying to pass on what the horses have taught me over the years,” Willey said.

“It’s all about connection between human and horse, a lot of people miss out on that.

“I want to change the way people think and interact with horses, too.”

“By the end, it can almost be like they’re having a conversation with the horse without talking.”

The program will teach people how to read body language and other intricate cues from horses.

There are also plenty of interactive elements including archery shoots and obstacle courses.

Safe riding, hazard detection and emergency procedures are reinforced with participants ranging in ages from 17 through to 50.

Ms Willey said she travelled around Australia as a jillaroo and wanted to work in a zoo as a bird trainer.

She eventually started rescuing horses and turned it into a business venture when she moved to Alstonville a few years ago.

She prides herself on having years of knowledge and creative ideas.

One of her ideas was to introduce art classes which are also being held.

It involves the horses taking centre stage like models as people paint portraits of them.

“It’s been another creative tool where people can paint and engage with the horses,” Willey said.

“The horses have really enjoyed it, too, they often come over to the people and interact with them.”

Information on the art classes and six-week training program can be found on the Free Rein Horsemanship Facebook page.