How Horses Learn
Tired of feeling unsure what’s working in your training?
Discover how your horse actually learns — and make every ride clearer, calmer, and kinder.
Next cohort starts September 2025
Early bird pricing available now!
Ever wondered what makes some training actually work, while other approaches just confuse or frustrate your horse?
This course gives you:
the WHY behind the WHAT
It’s the missing piece that helps you understand why certain techniques work (and why others don’t).
How Horses Learn gives you the knowledge to make better decisions, whatever method you use.
With this course, you’ll train more clearly, kindly, and confidently. Because you’ll finally understand how your horse is processing what you’re asking.
Is This for You?
You might love this course if:
You know there has to be a better way to train horses, but don’t know where to start.
You’ve tried ethical methods but feel confused or stuck.
You want to feel more confident in the choices you make for your horse.
You feel overwhelmed by all the conflicting information out there.
You’re not a professional — and that’s okay! This course is for curious, committed riders at all levels.
What You’ll Learn
In this 10-week journey, you’ll learn how to:
Crunch the science without the jargon
Spot stress, motivation & confusion in your horse
Train more effectively — without losing your values or your cool
Speak confidently about your training choices
Course participant
“The content is spot on! I love the small group size, the recordings, and the way the course is structured. It’s packed with useful information and delivered in a really accessible way.”
LB, How Horses Learn participant
“This course is incredibly useful and will be really popular. It’s probably worth even more once you're fully confident in running it. It’s that good!”
Course participant
“I’m feeling really confident about applying what I’ve learned so far. The course has helped me see things so much more clearly.”
What’s included in How Horses learn?
10 Live Online Sessions (90 mins each)
Exciting case studies to test your knowledge
Session replays so you can catch up anytime
WhatsApp group support between sessions
Like-minded community of thoughtful, curious equestrians
Max 15 participants for personal support
Breakout groups + co-tutor support if the group exceeds 10 people
Next cohort starts September 2025 – Spots are limited!
Who is How Horses Learn for?
Horse Enthusiasts
You love your horse and want to do what’s best. This course will help you understand what makes great training truly great, so you can confidently apply it yourself.
Horse Trainers
You’re already experienced, BUT you're ready to go deeper. This course gives you the why behind the what you do, helping you refine your methods and communicate them better.
Equestrian Coaches
Equip yourself to explain why certain techniques work—and how to troubleshoot when a student’s horse isn’t responding as expected.
Equine Proffesionals
Whether you’re a farrier, vet, or bodyworker; understanding learning theory helps you stay safe, support your clients, and work more effectively with so-called “difficult” horses.
“This course helped me understand my horse’s behaviour in a whole new way. It gave me the clarity I didn’t even realise I was missing.”
Are you ready to understand your horse’s behaviour?
Join the next intake
Next cohort starts September 2025 – Spots are limited!
Course investment: $495 NZD
Early bird: $345 NZD (until 15 July)
By purchasing this course, you confirm that you have read and agree to the Terms of Service.Can’t make this intake time? No worries! Let us know if you'd like to join the waitlist for a future round — and tell us which time zone works best for you so we can plan accordingly.
FAQs
I’m not a professional, will I be able to keep up?
Absolutely! The course is rich in content but designed to be accessible. You’ll have replays, extra support via WhatsApp, and the freedom to go at your own pace.
I am a professional, will it still be worth it?
If you already have in-depth knowledge of learning theory and equitation science, this might not be for you. But if you're a skilled professional looking to deepen your understanding of the why, this course will be invaluable. And don't underestimate how much you'll learn from peers in the group; titles don’t always equal understanding.
Who teaches this course?
Hi, I’m Susan Nienaber. I’m not a Grand Prix rider — but I’ve spent over 15 years helping horses and humans understand each other better with the help of science. I hold an MSc in Equine Science (Aberystwyth University) and BHS equestrian coaching qualifications, and I’ve worked with horses around the world; from OTTBs in Hong Kong to world champions. The one thing that really changed the way I work with horses was when I started to really understand how horses learn. This course is that knowledge bundled up. Because when you have the knowledge, you have the power to change the way you do things.
How long are the sessions?
Each session runs for approximately 90 minutes, with a mix of teaching, discussion, and case studies.
How much does it cost?
The full 10-week course is currently $495 NZD. Payment plans are available, just get in touch to arrange one.
Ready to join
How Horses Learn?
Still have questions about the course?
Please reach out!
Susan@equineeq.co.nz
+64 20 415 99 111