Wild Thyme Horsemanship

21/08/2025

Learn the art of Liberty in this 2 day introduction clinic. No matter where you are at on your liberty journey, with our small, tailored groups you will find there is something for you. Whether your goals are to be the next equifest nighshow performer or just help you learn to read your horse better and deepen your connection, then this clinic is for you.

Date: Nov 8-9
Venue: Three Wires Farm, Wires Road, Hikutaia, Thames
Cost: $400 including Arena Fees
Overnight: Camping is available on site for $20 per person.
Spectators: $40 Per Day- Please bring cash on the day
Bookings are essential as spaces are limited:
https://wildthyme.co.nz/.../schedule/liberty-clinic-thames/
Want more info? Check out our FAQ page:
https://wildthyme.co.nz/learn/liberty-faqs/
Still need help? Contact Ellie@wildthyme.co.nz

See our Event page here
https://www.facebook.com/share/1AzzJwXQ9B/

19/08/2025

Here's one for those pony mad kids that don't have their own pony. A fun filled day of games and activities.

Start your planning for the school holidays early.

https://wildthyme.co.nz/learn/schedule/ponytales/

19/08/2025

Can We Really Rule Out Pain?
​We all know the conversation. A horse starts acting out, and the owner says, "I've had everyone check him out, and they've ruled out pain." My heart goes out to them because I know they're trying. And as a trainer, the first thing I say is always, "Let's get them checked for pain."
​But here’s the thing: can we ever really rule out pain? Honestly, I don't think so. Pain isn't always a glaring problem with a clear diagnosis. Sometimes, it’s a subtle stiffness, a little twinge, or a dull ache that only bothers them in a specific situation.
​Horses are incredible at hiding what hurts. That "naughty" behavior—the resistance, the grumpiness, the bucking—that's often their only way of saying, "This hurts." We have to learn to see these things not as attitude problems, but as clues.
Also like humans the tolerance for pain will differ between horses,
​A single vet visit is great, but it’s just a moment in time. The real pain might only show up under the stress of a ride. So instead of just "ruling it out," we need to become problem solvers. This means working with a whole team—your vet, your farrier, your bodyworker—and most importantly, listening to the horse.
​Let's start thinking of that "ruled out" statement as an invitation to keep digging, not as a finished conversation. Our horses depend on us to be their voice.

18/08/2025

We are hosting a horse dissection with Becks Nairn

If you have the stomach for it it's a great way to learn about anatomy.

Contact me if you're keen to attend.

14/08/2025

New to liberty? Or want to progress where you're already at?

Our Liberty Freedom Foundations series meet you where you are at.

With limited numbers and lots of individual coaching time you get the time needed to progress your liberty journey with your horse no matter your level.

Set over three weekends during summer you will progress your liberty surrounded by like minded individuals.

Sound like you?

Contact ellie@wildthyme.co.nz to register your interest. Numbers are limited.

14/08/2025

Such a relief knowing the last of the Kais we trained have arrived safely to their South Island homes and are settling in. Going to miss them but very excited for the wonderful future they have with their humans x

12/08/2025

Well it's certainly been a whirlwind few days. I took my girs to Auckland to Kelly Tarlton's and then Disney on Ice. They loved it although my little one fell asleep for the whole second half.

We arrived home on Sunday afternoon and sent our final two Kais off to the South island. With big swells their crossing has been delayed but both are doing great and reloaded easily after a night in a paddock.

Then Monday I went into hospital to have my Gallbladder out due to it being very inflamed and gallstones present. Coming around from the general anaesthetic was horrible but today I'm feeling much better and spending time in bed (luckily my own as I was discharged)

The next two weeks will be catching up with admin and putting clinic dates up for the 2025/26 season

05/08/2025

Our last two wild horses head to the south island at the end of the week. They have already passed all their milestones but as it's such a big journey we do take some extra steps to set them up well.

They have been trained and had trips in our straight loader but tonight we loaded them at dusk into the angle loader and went for a ride.

Practising in the dark and in the rain are all things that we should be doing to set the horses up. We don't want to leave it to the actual day we need them to load to make it the first time we have ever done it if possible.

We also added in our little Hannah to be the calming influence for the two newbies.

05/08/2025

Podcast recommendations needed please. 🙏

I do a fair amount of mucking out and I've generally always got a podcast on the go but I would love to hear your recommendations for your go to listens.

As I'm a giver not a taker in exchange i recommend to you the
A healthy mix of Horsemanship, humor and fun with lots of swearing 😜

03/08/2025

OK shameless plug to help us win a year's supply of dunstan treats we can share with you all.

Please like our video on the dunstan page (make sure you click on the video and then like it: also liking it on our page will help more people see it)

02/08/2025

Dunstan are doing a give away. Be sure to like their page and tag your best videos in their comments. I know there are people on here who are doing some amazing things with their horses so now's your time to shine.

Good luck ###x

🎂🐴 BIRTHDAY GIVEAWAY! 🐴🎂

Today is Party Day in the stable – and at Dunstan we’re all about celebrating with Treats! 🥳

To join the party, we want to see YOUR horse’s best party trick, funniest face, or cutest birthday look.

👉 Share a photo or video in the comments below to go in the draw to win a YEAR’S SUPPLY of Dunstan Treats! 🎁

On Sunday at 8pm, we’ll pick the Top 10 tricks and post them for our community to decide who takes out the crown (and the treats). 👑🥕

Let’s get this party started – show us those birthday tricks! 🎉

27/07/2025

Another Kaimanawa passed all her milestones and headed home to meet her new herd mates and family.

Emmy initially struggled to trust humans but with time and patience is now the ultimate all rounder.

Her final milestone was float loading which she now does better than most domesticated horses, self loading into the float as if it's no hassle at all.

It's been a slow process however, at some points I did wonder if it was ever going to come together but by splitting it down into as many different bite sizes chunks as each particular horse needs they build confidence and Emmy was no exception.

Good luck in your new home Emmy.