When Horses Choose Clinic,

About the event

The "When Horses Choose" method, developed by Mia Lykke Nielsen, is a humane, trust-based approach to horse training that emphasizes mutual respect, leadership, and the horse's voluntary participation. Drawing from Nielsen's extensive experience working with wild and free-roaming herds (including over 300 Icelandic horses on a 1,000-acre California ranch in her early twenties), the method mimics the natural behaviors and communication styles of lead horses in a herd—using subtle body language, energy, and positioning rather than force, equipment, or dominance tactics. It's positioned as a bridge between natural horsemanship and "horse whispering" techniques, but stands apart by prioritizing the horse's free choice: the animal decides to follow the human as a trusted leader, fostering deeper connection and long-term cooperation.

Key principles include:

• Natural herd dynamics: Training replicates how wild horses establish leadership through calm, assertive cues, building safety and confidence so horses willingly approach tasks like hoof care, dental work, or riding without restraint.
• No-force philosophy: Avoids tack, pressure, or punishment; instead, it relies on energetic awareness and invisible aids to guide the horse, often resulting in "delicate, invisible riding" where the partnership feels effortless.
• Universal horse language: Applicable across breeds, ages, and temperaments (from young wild stallions to show jumpers or problem ponies), as it taps into innate equine instincts rather than learned behaviors.

Nielsen shares the method through global workshops, online programs, and videos, helping riders and owners worldwide create safer, more joyful equine relationships. Overall, it's empowering for both horse and human, transforming training into a collaborative journey rooted in empathy and choice.

Why should you sponsor?

Mia is on a powerful mission to revolutionize the way horses are cared for in both sport and recreation. Through education, advocacy, and hands-on work, she’s challenging outdated practices and opening minds—especially in communities where the wellbeing of the horse has long been overlooked.

Her impact is real, and growing. But to reach more horses and more people, she needs your support.

Become a sponsor and help Mia change the world—one horse at a time.

Lisa bowman

I was drawn to Mia Lykke Nielsen's method almost 10 years ago, it changed my relationship with my horse and other's noticed my connection and asked me about her method.  I shared it with anyone who was open to learning.  5 years ago Mia came to the US to host her first clinic, I immediately signed up and trailered two horses over 3 hours to spend just one day with her.  Her passion for her mission is infectious and we became instant friends.  I have travelled abroad with her and manager all of her US clinics now! 

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