The Happy & Willing Horse Clinic


With Horse Behaviourist & Ethical Equitation Coach, Susan Nienaber
Wellington • Small Group • Fully Catered

Many horses are obedient, but not truly relaxed.

They do what we ask — but there’s tension under the surface.
A worry in their eyes.
A holding in their body.
A feeling that they’re not entirely with us.

This clinic is for riders who want to build a partnership where their horse chooses connection — not just complies.

A relationship rooted in understanding, softness and emotional safety.

What to Expect

This one-day clinic combines gentle, research-based theory with individual one-on-one lessons tailored to you and your horse.

Each session is adapted to what your horse is communicating on the day — this may look like groundwork, in-hand work, liberty, or ridden work. There is no pressure to perform. We meet each horse and rider where they are, with compassion and curiosity.

You will learn how to:

  • Understand your horse’s emotional experience

  • Reduce tension and confusion in your training

  • Use both positive and negative reinforcement with clarity and kindness

  • Support your horse to soften, process, and offer willingness

  • Communicate in a way that feels safe for both of you

This is not about making your horse obedient.
It’s about creating a partnership where you both feel calm, understood and connected.

What You’ll Leave With

  • A personalised, sustainable training approach for your horse

  • A deeper sense of clarity, confidence and emotional attunement

  • Tools to support relaxation, curiosity and willingness

  • A relationship that feels soft, safe and enjoyable

Clinic Details

Held at our quiet, private property in the Wellington hills — a peaceful, supportive space for learning.

| Participants | $399 | (4 spaces only — personalised, in-depth support) |
| Spectators | $125 | (Includes theory, observation, Q&A, lunch & refreshments) |

Fully catered lunch + drinks & nibbles + yard fees included

To Book

participant @ $399

spectator @ $125

Spaces are intentionally limited to keep the experience calm, supported and meaningful.

I can’t wait to hold this space for you and your horse.

Susan

Schedule

9:00 — Welcome + Theory
10:00–12:30 — Individual Lessons
12:45 — Catered Lunch (1 hour)
1:45 — Gentle Theory Session
2:15–4:00 — Individual Lessons
4:30 — Closing Q&A + Drinks & Nibbles