The Essence of Liberty Podcast

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/

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 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/

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":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/

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":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/

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": 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/

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":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/

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": 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/

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: Why balance between connection time and training time matters. How to use lower-value rewards to reduce food obsession. The importance of clear start and end signals to keep sessions structured. 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 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/

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": 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/

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 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/

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": 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/

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? In this episode of The Essence of Liberty Podcast, I’m diving into 8 elements that go into creating collected movements at liberty—without tack, without pressure, and without drilling. From emotional energy to biomechanics, transitions to intention... this one goes deep.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/

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": 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/

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! 🥰✨But when food rewards enter the mix, issues like resource guarding can pop up. 😬👉🏼 If your horse is submissive, they might get anxious, worrying another horse will push them away from you.
👉🏼 If your horse is more dominant, they might focus on guarding you, keeping others away.This isn’t just uncomfortable for your horse—it’s also dangerous for you and its easy to unintentionally reinforce these behaviors.
The good news?
It’s absolutely possible to train with food rewards peacefully and safely in the field. 🌟
In this new video from Module 3, Rewards & Gentle Guidance, I show you how I work with my own horses, keeping things calm, relaxing, and fun for everyone involved. 🕊️💕
Want to know how you can join the academy and get started on your journey? 

Go to: https://www.nadinelindblom.com/academy-new to find out all the details about the academy! You can also check out the free masterclass on how to begin liberty with your horse here: https://www.nadinelindblom.com/masterclass-registration Also, don’t forget to follow @nadinelindblom on Instagram for more inspiration and education: https://instagram.com/nadinelindblom 

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: https://www.nadinelindblom.com/masterclass-registration If you want to dive really deep, enrolments into The Essence of Liberty Online Academy are now open. Find our more here: https://www.nadinelindblom.com/academy-new Also, don’t forget to follow @nadinelindblom on Instagram for more inspiration and education: https://instagram.com/nadinelindblom

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:🔹 3 key reasons why creating distance is a game-changer for liberty work.🔹 5 actionable strategies to help your horse move freely yet stay connected.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: https://www.nadinelindblom.com/masterclass-registration If you want to dive really deep, enrolments into The Essence of Liberty Online Academy are now open. Find our more here: https://www.nadinelindblom.com/academy-new Also, don’t forget to follow @nadinelindblom on Instagram for more inspiration and education: https://instagram.com/nadinelindblom

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. Taking a moment to do this will influence your entire session. It helps you understand your horse’s mindset, structure the session with intention, and create a positive, enjoyable experience for both of you. By incorporating this practice into your routine, you’ll strengthen your relationship and ensure that your horse remains engaged and motivated. Don’t miss this foundational step to setting you and your horse up for success!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: https://www.nadinelindblom.com/masterclass-registration If you want to dive really deep, enrolments into The Essence of Liberty Online Academy are now open. Find our more here: https://www.nadinelindblom.com/academy-new Also, don’t forget to follow @nadinelindblom on Instagram for more inspiration and education: https://instagram.com/nadinelindblom 

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!If you love this podcast, you will also love the free masterclass “Launch Into Liberty: Where and How To Begin”. You can access it through the link below:https://www.nadinelindblom.com/masterclass-registrationIf you want to dive really deep, enrolments into The Essence of Liberty Online Academy are now open. Find our more here: https://www.nadinelindblom.com/academy-new Also, don’t forget to follow @nadinelindblom on Instagram for more inspiration and education: https://instagram.com/nadinelindblom

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. However, one of my absolute favourite benefits of liberty is its ability to EMPOWER horses and boost their confidence, curiosity, and playfulness. It’s especially transformative for horses in a state of learned helplessness (aka "shut down"), those who are spooky, or those who have lost their love for movement. In this new episode we dive into how liberty can empower your horse and build them up into the most confident, powerful version of themselves 🔥 If you love this episode, you will also enjoy the free masterclass “Launch into Liberty: Where and How To Begin”. You can access it on the link below: https://www.nadinelindblom.com/masterclass-registration If you want to dive really deep, enrolments into The Essence of Liberty Online Academy are now open. Find our more here: https://www.nadinelindblom.com/academy-new Also, don’t forget to follow @nadinelindblom on Instagram for more inspiration and education: https://instagram.com/nadinelindblom

I'm sure you have experienced this before: You want to do liberty with your horse. You want to grow your relationship together, and you want him to WANT to participate in the training! You start by giving your horse the choice to participate or not and his choice is... to graze. Well... that's fun 🙄 Now what??In this podcast episode, we dive into the reasons why your horse chooses to graze rather than participate in the training (some of the reasons may surprise you!), and how to approach this common challenge without taking your horse’s choice away. If you’ve enjoyed this episode, you will also enjoy the free masterclass “Launch into Liberty: Where and How To Begin”. You can access it on the link below: https://www.nadinelindblom.com/masterclass-registration If you want to dive really deep, enrolments into The Essence of Liberty Online Academy are now open. Find our more here:https://www.nadinelindblom.com/academy-new Hosted by Dr Nadine Lindblom, creator of The Essence of Liberty Online Academy