About Cynthia Cooper

Cynthia and her special horse – Manny (Examiner Photo)

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

9-year-old Cynthia and her first pony, Jingles.

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.

My special horse who taught me so much throughout this journey was Manny (Royale Candyman) who I bred and loved until his passing in 2007. Here’s a video tribute to this wonderful horse.

Teaching, Creating, and Innovating

Cynthia and Manny at showcasing Natural Horsemanship at Agfest

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:

These have since been widely adopted by others in the natural horse care and bit-free riding community.

What I do now

Cynthia teaching about bitless bridles.

Develop and sell the LightRider® Bitless Bridles
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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