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Many young riders simply ride. Then there are ones who listen, question, and work to quietly reshape the future of horsemanship.
At just 15 years old, Thea Harkness is the latter.
Thea’s journey into liberty and natural horsemanship hasn’t come from a place of ego or ambition, but from a natural and instinctive understanding of the connection that horses thrive on. It’s a philosophy that has captured the hearts of thousands online.
Thea’s story begins the way many of our stories do, with a child who simply couldn’t stay away from the stables. She was riding before she could walk, but it’s that quiet sensitivity, her natural ‘feel’, that sets her apart. What began as childhood play has evolved into a thoughtful, ethical approach to horsemanship.
Her work at liberty, her bridleless riding, and her ability to build trust with even the most complex horses show a maturity far beyond her years. But Thea would be the first to say she’s still learning and that curiosity is exactly what makes her so engaging.
Thea’s message is simple and it is helping other young riders change the way they see their horses:
- Connection comes before control.
- Partnership comes before performance.
- Listening comes before asking.
She questions traditional methods with kindness and curiosity. Her approach shows that liberty isn’t reserved for professionals, she demonstrates that it can begin as play, especially for riders who naturally gravitate toward softness and imagination.
The Horses at the Heart
Thea’s herd is as diverse as her skills and each horse has shaped her and educated her in a different way.
- Yoda: Lives with PSSM and is thriving. He has taught her patience and the power of thoughtful management.
- Sidney: The 31-year-old with poor teeth who is still a star, even in retirement.
- Popcorn & Scruff: The mischievous mini shetlands, seen at many a demo and who can always keep Thea grounded in play.
- Fanto: The beautiful Spanish rescue, is perhaps the most complex of the herd and is proving to be a great teacher as he learns to trust again.
Keeping such a varied team healthy is no small task, and CoolStance Copra has been a cornerstone of their wellbeing for many years. From metabolic support to senior care, it’s helped keep them all happy and healthy both inside and out.
Much of the training that Thea carries out is with positive reinforcement through treat rewards and Natures Rewards Natural Horse Treats are her treat of choice. Being made from 100% natural ingredients with no binders and fillers and very low starch and sugar they are perfect for the whole herd and compliment their diets perfectly.
An impact that is only growing
Thea’s popularity and reputation has been slowly growing with her influence coming from making ethical horsemanship feel possible and achievable. Her quiet confidence and creativity are inspiring a new generation to ask questions and to believe that softness and courage can coexist to become true connection and a real conversation with the horse.
Thea has been featured in Horse & Hound, with bridleless showjumping and cross country, showing the world what’s possible when trust becomes the foundation of training. Her work is proof that age is no barrier to feel, connection, or impact.
Supporting Thea isn’t just about backing a talented young rider. We also believe that horses deserve to be understood, that welfare and wellbeing come before tradition and that young people have a powerful role in shaping the future of the equestrian industry.
Thea embodies all of this with a spark that’s impossible to ignore.
We’re are proud to support her as she continues to grow, learn, and share her horsemanship journey.
If you also want to follow Thea you can find her online here:
On Instagram, You Tube and TikTok
Or in person at the following events:
13th June - Beyond The Bridle, Unicorn Equestrian Centre