Explore every episode of the podcast The Essence of Liberty Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome | 27 Sep 2024 | 00:00:45 | |
Welcome to the Essence of Liberty Podcast! | |||
| 1 | Liberty vs Obedience and 6 ways to tell the difference | 01 Oct 2024 | 00:26:57 | |
In this episode, we discuss the difference between true liberty and obedience, and 6 ways to tell the difference. I share with you a little bit about my story and what shaped the methods that I use today. For more inspiration and educational content, follow @nadinelindblom on:
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| 2 | 5 ways to set your horse up to say YES | 04 Oct 2024 | 00:16:47 | |
True liberty is about giving your horse the choice to participate. Therefore, setting your horse up for success is more important than ever, because if you ask him a question that he has to say no to… then he is going to leave! So, setting your horse up for success is an art in itself in this type of training. In this episode, I walk your through 5 major ways to set your horse up for success. If you want to dive really deep, enrolments into The Essence of Liberty Online Academy are now open. Find our more here: Also, if you want to train your eye for lameness, check this out lameness detection game: Podcast hosted by Dr Nadine Lindblom, creator of The Essence of Liberty Online Academy | |||
| 3 | The most important concept you should know about how your horse learns | 08 Oct 2024 | 00:22:48 | |
Whether you are intentionally training your horse or not, your horse is constantly learning. Understanding this important concept will improve all aspects of your horsemanship and equestrian lifestyle! In this episode, we dive into operant conditioning and how it can be applied tactfully to train your horse, and we also look at how you may be using it accidentally and unintentionally teaching your horse something completely different! | |||
| 4 | What's a bridge signal and why is it SO important?? | 11 Oct 2024 | 00:15:09 | |
When you're training your horse with positive reinforcement, using a bridge signal is key to creating clear and consistent communication. A bridge signal acts as a marker, letting your horse know exactly when they've done something right, which speeds up learning and reduces frustration. If you want to dive really deep, enrolments into The Essence of Liberty Online Academy are now open. Find our more here: | |||
| 5 | What is "Gentle Guidance"? | 15 Oct 2024 | 00:23:57 | |
In this episode, I share with you my main way of communicating with my horses at liberty. Gentle guidance begins with your mental image and inner feeling, followed by your intention and energy and then slow and gentle body language. Gentle guidance requires you to be aware of your body so that you can communicate clearly yet quietly. It does not involve threatening with escalating pressure or punishment, but rather allows the horse to process and think through the guidance to find his reward! If you want to dive really deep, enrolments into The Essence of Liberty Online Academy are now open. Find our more here: Hosted by Dr Nadine Lindblom, creator of The Essence of Liberty Online Academy | |||
| 6 | Decoding Your Horse’s 'No': Why It Happens and What to Do | 18 Oct 2024 | 00:26:04 | |
"Yes" means nothing unless "No" is an option. | |||
| 7 | Liberty on GRASS: How to approach this common challenge! | 22 Oct 2024 | 00:18:21 | |
I'm sure you have experienced this before: | |||
| 8 | Empower your horse through liberty! | 29 Oct 2024 | 00:13:24 | |
There are SO many beautiful benefits of incorporating liberty into the time you spend with your horse. Not only does it do wonders for your relationship in many ways, it also helps you learn how to listen to your horse and how to communicate back in a gentle and force free way. | |||
| 9 | Sparking motivation in so-called "lazy" horses - A simple yet powerful technique! | 12 Nov 2024 | 00:18:36 | |
In this episode, we dive into the often misunderstood behavior of so-called 'lazy' or unmotivated horses. I share a simple yet powerful technique that can spark genuine motivation, allowing your horse to engage willingly rather than feeling pressured. If you’ve ever wondered how to inspire more interest and enthusiasm in your training, this episode is for you! Also, don’t forget to follow @nadinelindblom on Instagram for more inspiration and education: | |||
| 10 | What to do at the beginning of EVERY session | 26 Nov 2024 | 00:15:12 | |
In this episode, I reveal a simple yet powerful practice that I never skip at the beginning of any liberty session—whether I'm working with a horse new to liberty or my own experienced horses. If you want to dive really deep, enrolments into The Essence of Liberty Online Academy are now open. Find our more here: Also, don’t forget to follow @nadinelindblom on Instagram for more inspiration and education: | |||
| 11 | Increasing distance at liberty - 5 strategies | 03 Dec 2024 | 00:18:12 | |
Do you ever feel like your horse is glued to you, making it tricky to ask him to give you more distance? Or do you worry that your horse will disconnect from you the moment you ask him to increase the distance? If so, this episode is for you! When your horse can give you distance and still remain connected, there is SO much more you can do together! This creates opportunities to work with playful energy safely, allowing your horse to move freely without restricting himself to stay by your side. It’s also one of the key elements for developing collection at liberty! In this episode, I’ll share: If you want to dive really deep, enrolments into The Essence of Liberty Online Academy are now open. Find our more here: Also, don’t forget to follow @nadinelindblom on Instagram for more inspiration and education: | |||
| 12 | Do you need to stop riding your horse when you start liberty? | 12 Dec 2024 | 00:11:41 | |
Have you ever wondered if embracing liberty horsemanship means giving up riding or other activities with your horse? Maybe you have wondered if starting liberty means that your horse *always* needs to be at liberty, no matter what you are doing with them… Or if involving food rewards into training means that you need to use food rewards ALL. THE. TIME…. You're not alone—these are some of the most common questions I hear! In this episode of The Essence of Liberty Podcast, we explore the relationship between liberty training and your other pursuits with your horse. Can liberty coexist with riding? How does your horse know the difference? And what happens if your current activities feel stressful or confusing for your horse? Tune in to discover how liberty training can enrich your bond without requiring you to abandon the things you and your horse already do together. Whether you're a seasoned rider or just starting your liberty journey, this episode is packed with insights that might just change the way you think about training! Don't miss this one—it might be the permission slip you've been waiting for. 🎧🐴 If you loved this episode, you will also love the free masterclass “Launch into Liberty: Where and How To Begin”. You can access it on the link below: If you want to dive really deep, enrolments into The Essence of Liberty Online Academy are now open. Find our more here: Also, don’t forget to follow @nadinelindblom on Instagram for more inspiration and education: | |||
| 13 | Using food rewards with other horses around | 19 Dec 2024 | 00:09:48 | |
Training your horse in the field, surrounded by their friends, has so many benefits! Not only is it easier for you (no trips to the arena 🙌), but your horse feels safest near their herd.
That sense of safety opens the door to connection, curiosity, learning, and play—all the best ingredients for liberty training! 🥰✨ | |||
| 14 | Thinkers vs Feelers: Exploring What Connects and Separates Us | 28 Mar 2025 | 00:14:59 | |
In this episode, we explore the crucial differences between horse and human brains and how these differences profoundly affect communication, connection, and behavior interpretation with your horse. You'll discover why horses aren't deliberately misbehaving and learn how adopting a feeling-centered approach in training can significantly deepen your bond and improve your training outcomes. Dive into this episode to better understand your horse, enhance your emotional connection, and embrace a kinder, more compassionate way of training. To learn how to begin liberty with your horse, check out the free masterclass, "Launch Into Liberty: Where and How To Begin": To dive even deeper, enrollments in to The Essence of Liberty Online Academy are now open! Go to the link below to find out more: https://www.nadinelindblom.com/the-essence-of-liberty-online-academy-2025 Follow @nadinelindblom on Instagram for daily insights: | |||
| 15 | The Path to Collection at Liberty | 01 Apr 2025 | 00:22:38 | |
Ever dreamed of seeing your horse piaffe at liberty? Not because you trained it like a trick—but because your horse felt it, owned it, and offered it from a place of strength, play, and confidence? To dive even deeper, enrollments in to The Essence of Liberty Online Academy are now open! Go to the link below to find out more: https://www.nadinelindblom.com/the-essence-of-liberty-online-academy-2025 Follow @nadinelindblom on Instagram for daily insights: | |||
| 16 | 5 Ways To Avoid Frustration Around Food Rewards | 04 Apr 2025 | 00:19:20 | |
In this episode, we’re diving into a topic that all R+ trainers face at some point: frustration. But here’s the twist—you don’t need to fear it. I’m sharing five powerful ways to reduce frustration in your training sessions and help your horse build emotional resilience. Whether you have a highly food-motivated horse or you’re just starting out with positive reinforcement, these strategies will help you create calmer, more connected liberty sessions. To learn how to begin liberty with your horse, check out the free masterclass, "Launch Into Liberty: Where and How To Begin": To dive even deeper, enrollments in to The Essence of Liberty Online Academy are now open! Go to the link below to find out more: https://www.nadinelindblom.com/the-essence-of-liberty-online-academy-2025 Follow @nadinelindblom on Instagram for daily insights: | |||
| 17 | 6 Ways To Strengthen Your Relationship With Your Horse | 08 Apr 2025 | 00:32:29 | |
How strong is your relationship with your horse? In this episode of The Essence of Liberty Podcast, I share 6 powerful ways to strengthen your relationship—3 outside the training space, and 3 within it. Plus, we’ll talk about how to preserve trust when you have to do something your horse won’t enjoy (like worming, vet procedures, or trailering). If you want to become the person your horse seeks for safety and joy—not just tolerates—this one’s for you 💛 To dive even deeper, enrollments in to The Essence of Liberty Online Academy are now open! Go to the link below to find out more: https://www.nadinelindblom.com/the-essence-of-liberty-online-academy-2025 Follow @nadinelindblom on Instagram for daily insights: | |||
| 18 | Why I reward my horses for doing NOTHING | 30 Sep 2025 | 00:21:21 | |
In this episode of The Essence of Liberty Podcast, I dive into one of the most counterintuitive yet powerful foundations in positive reinforcement: rewarding your horse for doing absolutely nothing. Many students are surprised when I begin by reinforcing stillness instead of action—but this small detail can make all the difference. From reducing pushiness and frustration to teaching your horse emotional self-control and helping you match each other’s energy, rewarding nothing builds the calm, patient foundation your liberty work will always rely on. Discover how to set your horse up for success, what rewards to use, and why stillness is one of the hardest (and most important) behaviors your horse can learn. To learn how to begin liberty with your horse, check out the free masterclass, "Launch Into Liberty: Where and How To Begin": To dive even deeper, enrollments in to The Essence of Liberty Online Academy are now open! Go to the link below to find out more: https://www.nadinelindblom.com/the-essence-of-liberty-online-academy-2025 Follow @nadinelindblom on Instagram for daily insights: | |||
| 19 | How To Make Sure It Doesn't Become All About The Treats! | 07 Oct 2025 | 00:10:01 | |
Is your horse becoming hyper-fixated on food rewards? Do you ever worry liberty training might turn into nothing more than “cookie training”? In this episode of The Essence of Liberty Podcast, Dr. Nadine Lindblom (former equine veterinarian) shares how to prevent your training from becoming all about the food. You’ll learn:
These strategies will help you keep food as a motivator, not a distraction — so your horse sees you as more than a pocket full of treats, and your relationship grows deeper, more trusting, and more joyful. To dive even deeper, enrollments in to The Essence of Liberty Online Academy are now open! Go to the link below to find out more: https://www.nadinelindblom.com/the-essence-of-liberty-online-academy-2025 Follow @nadinelindblom on Instagram for daily insights: | |||
| 20 | The One Gear Mistake Sabotaging Your Training | 14 Oct 2025 | 00:05:32 | |
In this short but powerful episode of The Essence of Liberty Podcast, I’m talking about one of the most common mistakes I see in positive reinforcement training: using the wrong pouch or pocket for your food rewards. It may sound simple, but the wrong bag can lead to fumbling, delayed timing, and unclear communication with your horse. I’ll share what to look for in a food reward pouch, why convenience and security matter, and how this one small choice can completely change the flow of your training. To learn how to begin liberty with your horse, check out the free masterclass, "Launch Into Liberty: Where and How To Begin": To dive even deeper, enrollments in to The Essence of Liberty Online Academy are now open! Go to the link below to find out more: https://www.nadinelindblom.com/the-essence-of-liberty-online-academy-2025 Follow @nadinelindblom on Instagram for daily insights: | |||
| 21 | When "Play" Gets Dangerous And How To Stay Safe | 21 Oct 2025 | 00:19:38 | |
In this episode of The Essence of Liberty Podcast, I’m talking about how to safely encourage playful, expressive energy in your horse. Playfulness is one of the most rewarding aspects of liberty training, but it can also be risky if the right foundations aren’t in place. I share why it’s so important to have clear communication, space, and boundaries before encouraging high-energy play, and I discuss the common mistakes I see people make. To learn how to begin liberty with your horse, check out the free masterclass, "Launch Into Liberty: Where and How To Begin": To dive even deeper, enrollments in to The Essence of Liberty Online Academy are now open! Go to the link below to find out more: https://www.nadinelindblom.com/the-essence-of-liberty-online-academy-2025 Follow @nadinelindblom on Instagram for daily insights: | |||
| 22 | From Spooky to Playful Through Liberty | 28 Oct 2025 | 00:24:00 | |
In this Halloween special, Dr. Nadine Lindblom explores the spooky side of desensitising — and how some traditional methods may actually cause horses to shut down rather than truly relax. You’ll discover how to approach desensitising through the lens of the nervous system, helping your horse learn to regulate instead of simply suppressing their emotions. Learn how liberty training can transform fear into curiosity, and how play can become your horse’s pathway to genuine confidence and calmness. 👻 Plus, stay tuned — something exciting (and a little spooky!) is coming soon… a special Halloween Sale you won’t want to miss! Keep an eye on your inbox and social media so that you don't miss out! 🎃 To learn how to begin liberty with your horse, check out the free masterclass, "Launch Into Liberty: Where and How To Begin": To dive even deeper, enrollments in to The Essence of Liberty Online Academy are now open! Go to the link below to find out more: https://www.nadinelindblom.com/the-essence-of-liberty-online-academy-2025 Follow @nadinelindblom on Instagram for daily insights: | |||
| 23 | Cone Exercise - Distance By Destination | 04 Nov 2025 | 00:18:01 | |
In this episode of The Essence of Liberty Podcast, I'm talking about one of my absolute favorite liberty exercises that can completely change the way your horse feels about space, connection, and confidence. If your horse tends to crowd you, get a little too close, or struggles to relax when food is involved, this simple exercise might be the missing piece in your training. It is all about creating distance, but in a way that deepens trust instead of tension. To learn how to begin liberty with your horse, check out the free masterclass, "Launch Into Liberty: Where and How To Begin": To dive even deeper, enrollments in to The Essence of Liberty Online Academy are now open! Go to the link below to find out more: https://www.nadinelindblom.com/the-essence-of-liberty-online-academy-2025 Follow @nadinelindblom on Instagram for daily insights: | |||
| 24 | Emphasizing The Silences | 11 Nov 2025 | 00:14:50 | |
In this episode of The Essence of Liberty Podcast, I explore how the pauses and silences in our communication with horses can be just as powerful as the moments of action. Inspired by a quote from a West Coast Swing class that said “It is the silence between the notes that makes the music”, I reflect on how this idea beautifully applies to horsemanship. When we stop filling every moment with movement or noise, we create space for our horses to process, to breathe, and to truly listen. Quiet becomes the bridge between our intention and their understanding. By slowing down, softening our cues, and trusting in the silence, our communication becomes more fluent, more refined, and deeply connected. To learn how to begin liberty with your horse, check out the free masterclass, "Launch Into Liberty: Where and How To Begin": To dive even deeper, enrollments in to The Essence of Liberty Online Academy are now open! Go to the link below to find out more: https://www.nadinelindblom.com/the-essence-of-liberty-online-academy-2025 Follow @nadinelindblom on Instagram for daily insights: | |||
| 25 | The True Meaning Of Setting Up For Success | 18 Nov 2025 | 00:25:55 | |
In this episode, I take you far beyond the training space and into the real foundations of liberty: your horse’s lifestyle, nervous system, and basic needs. If we want our horses to genuinely say “yes” to our questions, we can’t simply train harder — we have to set them up to feel safe, curious, and playful long before we step into the training space. I talk about why “friends, forage, and freedom” are only the beginning, and why sleep and freedom from pain and disease are just as important for learning, motivation, and emotional regulation. I also dive into how unmet needs can show up as behaviors we often mislabel — like “spooky,” “lazy,” “pushy,” or “shut down” — when these are really signs of a horse who’s surviving rather than thriving. If you’ve ever felt like your horse isn’t fully available for connection, or swings between hyperreactive and shut down, this episode will give you a clearer picture of what might be going on beneath the surface. It’s a powerful reminder that true success in liberty begins outside the training space.
To dive even deeper, enrollments in to The Essence of Liberty Online Academy are now open! Go to the link below to find out more: https://www.nadinelindblom.com/the-essence-of-liberty-online-academy-2025 Follow @nadinelindblom on Instagram for daily insights: | |||
| 26 | Nina's Story: From Shut Down to Empowered | 25 Nov 2025 | 00:27:04 | |
In this episode, I share the journey of a very special mare who completely transformed the way I work with horses. What started as a promising beginning slowly shifted into something I didn’t expect - and one moment with her changed everything for us. If you’ve ever felt stuck with your horse, or wondered why things aren’t quite clicking, this story may give you some hope, perspective, and a new way of seeing your partnership. I can’t wait for you to meet Nina in the way I’ve come to know her. 💛 To learn how to begin liberty with your horse, check out the free masterclass, "Launch Into Liberty: Where and How To Begin": https://www.nadinelindblom.com/masterclass-registration To dive even deeper, enrollments in to The Essence of Liberty Online Academy are now open! Go to the link below to find out more: https://www.nadinelindblom.com/the-essence-of-liberty-online-academy-2025 Follow @nadinelindblom on Instagram for daily insights: https://www.instagram.com/nadinelindblom/ | |||
| 27 | Cone Exercise - Transitions | 02 Dec 2025 | 00:15:55 | |
In this episode of The Essence of Liberty Podcast, I’m sharing another favourite cone exercise - this time all about transitions! It’s a beautifully simple setup, but it has a remarkable way of bringing more precision, clarity, and responsiveness into your liberty sessions. I talk about why transitions are such an important foundation for posture, balance, and connection, and how using a cone pattern can help you think ahead, time your questions more intentionally, and create a horse who genuinely wants to offer energy. I also touch on a common trap many of us fall into with transitions. This exercise builds on last month’s Distance by Destination episode, so if you enjoyed that one, you’ll love exploring this next step ✨ To learn how to begin liberty with your horse, check out the free masterclass, "Launch Into Liberty: Where and How To Begin": https://www.nadinelindblom.com/masterclass-registration To dive even deeper, enrollments in to The Essence of Liberty Online Academy are now open! Go to the link below to find out more: https://www.nadinelindblom.com/the-essence-of-liberty-online-academy-2025 Follow @nadinelindblom on Instagram for daily insights: https://www.instagram.com/nadinelindblom/ | |||
| 28 | The Fascinating Link Between Posture, Collection & Emotions | 09 Dec 2025 | 00:12:12 | |
In this episode of The Essence of Liberty Podcast, I explore one of my favourite topics - the way a horse’s emotions and posture influence one another. We’re all used to reading a horse’s body language, but there’s a much deeper connection between how they feel and how they move, especially when it comes to collection and confident expression. I also touch on the idea that posture might not just reflect emotion, but actually shape it - a concept we see in human studies and one I’ve noticed hints of in my own liberty work. It leads to some really interesting moments where a shift in movement seems to awaken motivation, playfulness, or even a little “show-off” energy. This episode is a short, thought-provoking look at how emotional states and physical posture intertwine, and how gentle, collaborative training can bring out the most authentic, beautiful expressions in our horses✨ To learn how to begin liberty with your horse, check out the free masterclass, "Launch Into Liberty: Where and How To Begin": https://www.nadinelindblom.com/masterclass-registration To dive even deeper, enrollments in to The Essence of Liberty Online Academy are now open! Go to the link below to find out more: https://www.nadinelindblom.com/the-essence-of-liberty-online-academy-2025 Follow @nadinelindblom on Instagram for daily insights: https://www.instagram.com/nadinelindblom/ | |||
| 29 | Managing Weight & Laminitis While Using Positive Reinforcement | 15 Dec 2025 | 00:20:49 | |
In this episode of The Essence of Liberty Podcast, I wanted to have an honest conversation about something that so many horse owners quietly worry about. How do we support a horse who gains weight easily or is prone to laminitis while still using positive reinforcement and food rewards 🍎 There is so much conflicting advice out there and it can feel overwhelming. In this episode I talk about why the real foundation for healthy weight management begins in your horse’s lifestyle and environment, not in the training sessions themselves. We explore simple and realistic ways to encourage more movement, how a very easy version of a track system can make a huge difference, and how to choose food rewards that support rather than hinder your horse’s health. I also share why calmness around food is essential and how the foundations we build with positive reinforcement can actually help your horse feel safer, more relaxed and more secure about food in daily life. My hope is that this episode brings you clarity and a sense of relief if you have ever felt unsure about using treats with an easy keeper or a horse who has metabolic concerns. And keep an eye out because our Christmas and New Year offers for the Essence of Liberty Academy will be arriving very soon. I cannot wait to share them with you 🎀 To learn how to begin liberty with your horse, check out the free masterclass, "Launch Into Liberty: Where and How To Begin": https://www.nadinelindblom.com/masterclass-registration To dive even deeper, enrollments in to The Essence of Liberty Online Academy are now open! Go to the link below to find out more: https://www.nadinelindblom.com/the-essence-of-liberty-online-academy-2025 Follow @nadinelindblom on Instagram for daily insights: https://www.instagram.com/nadinelindblom/ | |||
| 30 | Feeling stuck, uninspired and unmotivated? Here are 5 strategies to find the spark again! | 23 Dec 2025 | 00:27:35 | |
In this episode of The Essence of Liberty Podcast, I talk about what to do when you’re feeling stuck, uninspired, or unmotivated with your horse - and why this is a completely normal part of the journey. I share gentle, practical strategies to help you reconnect with your why, take the pressure off progress, and find your spark again without guilt or force. We talk about why horses aren’t “going to waste,” how to check in with how your horse is really feeling, and why sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is slow down, learn something new, or simply take a break. This episode is an invitation to be kinder to yourself, trust your horse, and remember that liberty is about connection, curiosity, and play - not constant achievement. If things have been feeling a bit heavy or uninspired lately, this episode offers a gentle reset 💛 To learn how to begin liberty with your horse, check out the free masterclass, "Launch Into Liberty: Where and How To Begin": https://www.nadinelindblom.com/masterclass-registration To dive even deeper, enrollments in to The Essence of Liberty Online Academy are now open! Go to the link below to find out more: https://www.nadinelindblom.com/the-essence-of-liberty-online-academy-2025 Follow @nadinelindblom on Instagram for daily insights: https://www.instagram.com/nadinelindblom/ | |||
| What is The Essence of Liberty Online Academy? | 19 Dec 2025 | 00:23:05 | |
Welcome to a Special Episode of The Essence of Liberty Podcast
In this episode, I take a deep dive into The Essence of Liberty Online Academy—what it is, why it exists, and how it can completely transform the way you relate to and train your horse. If you’ve been curious about the Academy, wondering if it’s right for you, or wanting to understand what actually happens inside it, this episode is for you. Episode Highlights & Timestamps [0:00] IntroductionWhy this episode is different and why I wanted to create a full breakdown of the Academy and its purpose. [0:20] The Origin StoryMy journey from traditional training methods to choice-based, positive reinforcement. Redefining liberty as genuine freedom of choice for the horse. Why I created a step-by-step program that I wish had existed earlier in my own journey. A clear pathway from beginner to advanced liberty training. Levi – Playful, energetic, and always ready to offer behaviors. Set Up for Success Over 20 hours of bonus material including extra exercises, troubleshooting, Q&As, feedback videos, and a dedicated module on collection and posture play. A supportive private group for questions, sharing wins, and Saturday Celebrations. Priority access and exclusive discounts for online coaching calls (live or video review). Beginners who want a gentle, ethical foundation from the start. Those only interested in flashy tricks without considering the horse’s emotional state. Stories of horses regaining motivation, confidence, and joy. “I don’t have time” – Liberty can be done in short sessions, even in the paddock. One-time payment and payment plan options available.
If you’re ready to transform the way you train, connect, and communicate with your horse, you’re warmly invited to join The Essence of Liberty Online Academy. Click here to join The Essence of Liberty Online Academy! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. | |||
| 31 | Setting Liberty Goals With A Liberty Mindset | 30 Dec 2025 | 00:19:29 | |
In this episode of The Essence of Liberty Podcast, I invite you to slow down and reflect on what progress truly means in liberty training as we move toward a new year. This episode isn’t about setting goals around what your horse should be able to do by a certain time. Instead, it’s about connection, clarity, and alignment - and how shifting your focus away from pressure can completely change the way both you and your horse feel in the training. I guide you through a series of reflective questions designed to help you better understand where you are right now, how your horse may be experiencing your sessions, and what might be asking to shift beneath the surface. These reflections are simple, but powerful, and they offer a different way of approaching growth without rushing, forcing, or creating expectations that don’t serve the partnership. This episode is especially for you if you’ve ever felt unsure, stuck, or quietly questioning whether there’s a gentler, more intuitive way forward - one that honours your horse’s emotional experience just as much as the physical work. I also share details about a limited-time opportunity to join the Essence of Liberty Online Academy, why it was intentionally designed to remove pressure from learning, and how it supports both horses and humans on their liberty journey ✨ I encourage you to grab a pen and paper, settle in, and allow this episode to help you reconnect with what truly matters as you step into the year ahead.🌿 To learn how to begin liberty with your horse, check out the free masterclass, "Launch Into Liberty: Where and How To Begin": https://www.nadinelindblom.com/masterclass-registration To dive even deeper, enrollments in to The Essence of Liberty Online Academy are now open! Go to the link below to find out more: https://www.nadinelindblom.com/the-essence-of-liberty-online-academy-2025 Follow @nadinelindblom on Instagram for daily insights: https://www.instagram.com/nadinelindblom/
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| 32 | The Incredible Physical & Emotional Benefits of Spanish Walk | 06 Jan 2026 | 00:14:10 | |
Welcome to the very first episode of 2026 ✨ In this episode of The Essence of Liberty Podcast, I explore the Spanish walk through a softer and more reflective lens. Rather than focusing on how it looks from the outside, this conversation is about what the movement creates on the inside - within the horse’s body, balance, awareness, and sense of self 🐴 We touch on how the Spanish walk is often approached, how intention and subtlety can completely change its effect, and why slowing things down can open the door to deeper physical and emotional shifts. This episode invites you to look beyond the surface of an exercise and to consider how posture, presence, and internal focus can quietly reshape the way a horse moves and feels💛 There is also a gentle exploration of how the feeling behind the Spanish walk can begin to influence other work, not by adding more effort or bigger movement, but by encouraging lightness, preparation, and ease ✨ This episode is an invitation to become curious, to soften expectations, and to notice what becomes possible when movement is guided by feel rather than force 🌱 To learn how to begin liberty with your horse, check out the free masterclass, "Launch Into Liberty: Where and How To Begin": https://www.nadinelindblom.com/masterclass-registration To dive even deeper, enrollments in to The Essence of Liberty Online Academy are now open! Go to the link below to find out more: https://www.nadinelindblom.com/the-essence-of-liberty-online-academy-2025 Follow @nadinelindblom on Instagram for daily insights: https://www.instagram.com/nadinelindblom/ | |||
| 33 | The Power of Intentional Touch: A Simple Change That Transforms Your Horse | 28 Jul 2026 | 00:21:56 | |
Many of us touch our horses without ever stopping to ask one simple question: Does my horse actually enjoy this? In this episode, I explore the power of intentional touch and how becoming more aware of your horse's feedback can completely transform your relationship. We discuss why many common forms of affection are simply tolerated, how to recognise the types of touch your horse genuinely enjoys, and why helping your horse release tension creates the perfect foundation for connection, learning, and liberty training. If you want a calmer, more connected horse, this episode is for you. To learn how to begin liberty with your horse, check out the free masterclass, "Launch Into Liberty: Where and How To Begin": https://www.nadinelindblom.com/masterclass-registration To dive even deeper, enrollments in to The Essence of Liberty Online Academy are now open! Go to the link below to find out more: https://www.nadinelindblom.com/the-essence-of-liberty-online-academy-2025 Follow @nadinelindblom on Instagram for daily insights: https://www.instagram.com/nadinelindblom/
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| 34 | Self-Carriage at Liberty: 4 Exercises That Change Everything | 04 Aug 2026 | 00:21:28 | |
What if self-carriage has very little to do with holding your horse in a frame? After three incredible years and a huge expansion currently underway, lifetime access will be closing. If you've been thinking about joining the Academy, this is your final opportunity to become one of our founding lifetime members and receive all future content and updates with a single payment. To find out more, or to join our beautiful "Liberty Herd", go to: https://www.nadinelindblom.com/the-essence-of-liberty-online-academy-2025 | |||