The Essence of Liberty Podcast

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/

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] Introduction Why this episode is different and why I wanted to create a full breakdown of the Academy and its purpose. [0:20] The Origin Story My journey from traditional training methods to choice-based, positive reinforcement.The frustration of working with unmotivated horses and the breakthrough that led to true liberty. [1:33] What Is True Liberty? Redefining liberty as genuine freedom of choice for the horse.How this shift changes motivation, expression, and connection. [2:36] Why the Academy Exists Why I created a step-by-step program that I wish had existed earlier in my own journey.Turning years of learning into a structured, accessible resource. [3:24] Academy Structure: Four Main Modules A clear pathway from beginner to advanced liberty training.Learning through the real journeys of three very different horses. [4:07] Meet the Horses Levi – Playful, energetic, and always ready to offer behaviors.Nellie – Nervous, shut down, with a difficult past; her emotional transformation deeply resonates with students.Billy – Confident but food-aggressive, learning boundaries, self-regulation, and posture. [9:37] The Four Modules Explained Set Up for SuccessContact & ConnectionRewards & Gentle GuidanceAdvancing the Training [10:37] Bonus Content & Lifetime Access Over 20 hours of bonus material including extra exercises, troubleshooting, Q&As, feedback videos, and a dedicated module on collection and posture play.Lifetime access so you can learn at your own pace without pressure. [12:14] The Community A supportive private group for questions, sharing wins, and Saturday Celebrations.Direct access to me for thoughtful answers and guidance. [13:07] Exclusive Member Benefits Priority access and exclusive discounts for online coaching calls (live or video review).Members always receive scheduling priority. [13:56] Who Is the Academy For? Beginners who want a gentle, ethical foundation from the start.Advanced horse people wanting to fill gaps, refine skills, and deepen understanding. [15:23] Who Is the Academy Not For? Those only interested in flashy tricks without considering the horse’s emotional state.Those unwilling to work with positive reinforcement or food rewards. [17:09] Real Results Stories of horses regaining motivation, confidence, and joy.Students releasing guilt and finding a true sense of partnership. [18:18] Common Questions Answered “I don’t have time” – Liberty can be done in short sessions, even in the paddock.“Do I need special facilities?” – No fancy arena required, just a safe fenced area.“Will this work for all horses?” – Yes, exercises are adaptable for all ages and breeds. [22:21] Enrollment & Next Steps One-time payment and payment plan options available.An invitation to join a supportive, like-minded community. Academy Features Highlighted Step-by-step modules for all experience levels Real-life case studies with three different horses Lifetime access to all content 20+ hours of bonus material Supportive private community with direct access to the founder Saturday Celebrations to stay motivated Exclusive discounts and priority access to online coaching calls Suitable for all ages, breeds, and facilities Flexible payment options Ready to Begin Your Liberty Journey? 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.Thank you for listening and for choosing a path that honors both you and your horse.

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/

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/

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/

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