I created Natural Horse World to inspire and empower horse owners to take a more natural, horse-centered approach to care, training, and connection. My mission is to share knowledge, tools, and products that align with horses’ natural needs—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
My journey is grounded in studies of horse psychology, equine ethology, natural horsemanship, and positive reinforcement training. Through decades of caring for my own horses, I’ve learned the value of listening to them, learning from them, and supporting them in ways that honor their nature.
A Life with Horses
I began riding at age 6 and had my first pony by 9. With my mum’s love for horses and an Arabian stallion at home, my early years were shaped by breeding, riding, and running trail rides on our Tasman Peninsula property. Teaching naturally followed, from local kids to starting a riding club that still thrives today.
After years of training and showing Arabians—including my beloved stallion *Mandala Royale*, Tasmania’s top-performing Arabian stallion—I became disillusioned by the competitive world’s harsh methods. I took a step back… until Pat Parelli’s first clinic in Tasmania reignited my passion in 1991.
The Instructor Path
I immersed myself in the Parelli program, organizing clinics, coordinating for Tasmania, and studying at Pat’s International Study Centre in 1996. I qualified as an instructor in 1997 and reached Parelli Level 3 (the same as current level 4) in 1999, despite a major back injury.
After four years of teaching Parelli, changes to the program led me to seek a broader, more flexible approach. I shifted focus to positive reinforcement and liberty-based training, which better matched my values and the evolving needs of the horses I worked with.
Teaching, Creating, and Innovating
Inspired by my experiences and my horse Manny—my partner in Agfest performances from 1996 to 2005—I’ve continued to expand my knowledge and teaching. I’ve studied natural hoof care, permaculture, equine nutrition, and healing, applying these principles to the care of my aging herd at home.
I also developed several horse-friendly products based on what horses truly prefer:
- The LightRider Bitless Bridle
- LightRider Bareback Pads
- Supersoft Knotless Rope Halter
- Slowfeed HaySaver Nets
These have since been widely adopted by others in the natural horse care community.
What I do now
- Develop and sell the LightRider Bitless Bridle
- Design and promote horse-friendly products.
- Operate the Natural Horse World online store.
- Teach live-in helpers via Helpx.
- Mentor Equine Hoof Care Students
- Write articles, newsletters and educational content.
- Support **Bitless equality** through the World Bitless Association
I’m currently compiling everything I’ve learned—both from horses and humans—into my first book. This website is an evolving resource of that journey, and I’m always learning, always listening, and always guided by the horses.
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Hi cynthia so cool that you are helping so many people in their natural horsemanship journey in this world. You certainly got me started many years ago in Lachlan, and I still use the parelli techniques constantly on my 2 lovely horses here in nz. Be awesome to see you again one day.
Cheers, Chris
Thanks Chris, that’s great to hear and I really hope we meet again soon. 🙂
I have read your articles about natural weaning. I absolutely agree except out colt is a little devil. Our mare is very passive. I believe she wants him out of there. We have 5 acres so they will still be close together. Please advise. Mary Henry
Hi Mary,
usually, colts are ‘little devils’ until they are gelded. But this can also be because he doesn’t have any other horses, especially young colts to play with. I feel for your mare if this is the case but I also feel for your colt as he’s only expressing his natural behavior. If he doesn’t have any other horses to interact with, I’d suggest trying to change that situation. If you take him away from the mare, he will probably direct his playful energies towards people, and be much harder to handle.
I hope that helps. Cheers, Cynthia.
Hi Cynthia, I didn’t know anything about your journey, although I have been purchasing your minerals (and a few other things) for a couple of years now. You have inspired me even further, as I too am committed to providing my horses with a lifestyle and care that emulates their natural way of being, as much as I am able to. I like the new format of your website. Best regards, Glenys Robinson
Thanks so much, Glenys, and I’m glad the information on my website has inspired you.
Keep to this journey and your horses will be happy and healthy. 🙂
Cheers, Cynthia.
Hi Cynthia. It’s been ages since we connected but you are in my thoughts and comments weekly. So much of what I learned from you I use constantly. Thank you for your input here in South Africa. Sending lots of love to you Cynthia
Yours always Pips Arnott