Sally & Freya – Session 1

Helping a Shutdown Horse

Welcome to the first session of our EquiKinder journey with Sally, a sensitive, shutdown Brumby mare who often retreats inward when life gets overwhelming. In this episode, we begin building trust through simple, repeatable exercises designed to gently spark her curiosity and awareness without pushing her into shut down.

Together with her owner, Freya, we explore how to:

• Create movement-based releases instead of stillness
• Recognize and reward even the smallest signs of engagement
• Use rhythmic motion/pressure, timing and feel to invite awareness
• Offer co-regulation without dependency
• Maintain a safe, consistent space bubble for connection

This session focuses on slowing down, listening closely, and honouring the small moments of ‘try’ that can lead to bigger shifts over time.

At EquiKinder by Lisa Rothe, my goal isn’t to “fix” the horse. It’s to help both horse and human feel safer, more seen, and more in tune with each other.

🎥 No quick fixes. No fancy edits. Just honest, real-time horse training exactly as it happens.

📍 Filmed on the Mid North Coast of NSW, Australia.

🔔 Subscribe on YouTube to follow the weekly sessions and witness what unfolds for this horse-human partnership.

Processing vs Shutdown (Q&A with Freya)

Is your horse zoning out… or shutting down? In this candid conversation between me and Freya, we explore the subtle signs of freeze, fawn, and true processing. A must-watch for any horse owner navigating the complexities of nervous system regulation in training.

🔍 Get curious. Learn the difference. Support your horse better.

Anchoring Sally During a Spooky Moment

What do you do when your horse gets overwhelmed? In this clip, I support Sally through a moment of worry. Not with force, but with presence. See how co-regulation, breath, and grounded energy can help horses return to safety.

✨ Real horsemanship. No quick fixes. Just authentic connection.

Encouraging the Flight Instinct in Sally

Sometimes the safest thing we can do is say, go ahead and move. In this EquiKinder moment, I give Sally, a shutdown-prone Brumby, the chance to express her flight instinct, not suppress it. Watch how creating space for movement can build trust, confidence, and agency in the horse-human partnership.

🌱 Ideal for: Trainers exploring trauma-informed approaches, liberty work, and energy-based horsemanship.