EP244: Pressure & Freedom with Elsa Sinclair

In this episode I talk with Elsa Sinclair of Taming Wild. I invite her to discuss her opinion on pressure, escalating pressure, and freedom. She offered a unique and nuanced opinion about pressure and how it fits into her Freedom-Based training techniques. About the Guest: For ELSA SINCLAIR , horse training has been a lifelong pursuit, but her career took a turn when one day a student asked her if horses really enjoyed being ridden, and more importantly, if they knew they had a choice in the matter. Without an answer for her student, Sinclair set off on a quest to find one: If horses were given a choice, would they let us ride them—without force, control, or treats to lure them? With a Mustang mare straight off the range and a desire to connect using none of the usual horse training “tools,” just body language, Sinclair began to explore the possibilities. Her project led to a documentary called Taming Wild and ultimately to the method of horsemanship she now teaches: Freedom Based Training® ( tamingwild.com ). About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students of all disciplines and levels from around the world in her clinics and the Dressage Naturally virtual programs. Karen is well known for training horses with a priority on partnership, a student-empowering approach to teaching, and a positive and balanced point of view. She believes in getting to the heart of our mental, emotional, and physical partnership with our horses by bringing together the best of the worlds of dressage and partnership-based training. Karen’s passion for teaching extends beyond horse training. Her For The Love Of The Horse: Transform Your Business program is a result of her commitment to helping heart-centered equine professionals thrive so that horses may have a happier life in this industry. Resource Links: Elsa Sinclair’s Taming Wild Website: Ask a question or leave a message for the pod: How To Create A Happy Athlete course: [Text Wrapping Break]Discount code: HATS100 to save $100 Private Consult: The Dressage Naturally Book+Video: Karen Rohlf’s Dressage Naturally VIDEO CLASSROOM: Karen Rohlf’s Course: Sweet Spot of Healthy Biomechanics: Get 3 free training videos: Course: Habits For Excellent Horsemanship: . Program for Professionals: TYB Action & Support Group: Join the conversation in our Dressage Naturally Facebook Group: Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it! Don’t forget to FOLLOW the podcast! Leave us an iTunes review - Did you love it? Let us know!

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EP244: Pressure & Freedom with Elsa Sinclair is an episode from Horse Training in Harmony by Karen Rohlf.

This episode is 56:33 long.

This episode was published on Oct 24, 2025.

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