At The Unicorn Equestrian Centre, Glos. GL54 1JZ Saturday 13th June 2026 **EARLYBIRD TICKETS UNTIL END JAN**

Beyond the Bridle

Meet the trainers and performers

Thea Harkness, Thea Equestrian
At just 14 years old, Thea has taken the internet by storm, sharing her journey, what she’s learnt, and is still learning about ethical horsemanship. She aims to inspire the next generation of horse-kids, and show that “traditional” training isn’t always the way forwards. Thea’s advocacy for “connection rather than control” is something that has touched the hearts of many viewers across the globe!
Mia Rodley, Founder of The Heart of Horsemanship
Founder and creator of The Heart Of Horsemanship and Academy, Mia has always found the connection and friendship we can have with animals fascinating, specifically horses. Dedicated to learning and embracing never ending self improvement, Mia immersed herself in learning and surrounded herself with excellent mentors, some of the best... Read More
Lynn Henry, Founder of Think Like a Pony
Empowering the Next Generation through Ethical Horsemanship Think Like a Pony (TLAP) is ethical horsemanship education dedicated to helping children and ponies thrive together. Through a child-centred, welfare-led approach, TLAP supports young people to build respectful, trusting relationships with ponies, skills that foster confidence... Read More
Sarah Stone, Heart of Horsemanship Instructor
Sarah is a Heart of Horsemanship Instructor with a wealth of experience teaching people of all ages. Sarah has a knack of explaining things in a clear and uncomplicated way, and has helped many people start their Natural Horsemanship journey. Sarah has performed with her horse Barney in several Natural Horsemanship shows over the last couple of years, and is currently backing her young Spanish horse Dante to be ridden bridleless.
Jess Harkness, Owner of Back 2 Form
Jess has been connecting with horses since she was a kid, and for the last 21 years has been helping horses feel more comfortable in their bodies through her work treating horses with a variety of bodywork treatments. Jess believes that there is a really important connection between how a horse feels in his body and how he feels in... Read More
Bella Forster, Another Day Another Grey
Bella is 16 and always grew up with the urge to take off as much tack as she could. Despite being told it was dangerous, it was all she wanted to do! She strives to advocate for communication, connection and harmony being the forefront of every horse and human partnership.
Jodi Bament, Way More Than Riding
Jodi is a natural horsemanship coach working in association with The Heart of Horsemanship. With over 15yrs of experience in the horse industry, Jodi has worked with a variety of horses and people, learning from some of the top horsemen. Before dedicating herself fully to the horse industry, Jodi worked extensively with children and... Read More

What is it all about?

We would love you to join us for the UK’s first Ethical Horsemanship Demo and Evening performance created for those who are getting started, or early on in their natural horsemanship journey. Kindly sponsored by GK Horsemanship Equipment, Beyond the Bridle is an all-inclusive, family friendly event, that introduces an alternate way of working with horses - which we like to call “ethical or natural horsemanship” Have you ever looked at people working with their horses at liberty, or riding bridleless and thought…I would love to try that, but I just don’t know quite where to start? Have you ever wondered if there is a way to improve your connection and partnership with your pony/horse? Have you ever wanted to find easy and positive ways to work with your equine friend that doesn’t involve force or pain? Have you wanted to deepen your connection with your horse so that they trust you more in a competition environment? If the answer to any of these is YES, then you will love our day of fun and informative demonstrations given by top UK horsewomen from well respected organisations such as the Heart of Horsemanship, Think like a Pony, Thea Equestrian and Back 2 Form. Watch lessons in real time, and experience the learning process. Learn how you can apply the same principles at home with your horse, or with the ponies you interact with at your riding school. Then sit back, and enjoy a spectacular evening production. Watch as training, love and harmony come together in a magical performance. Think cheeky shetlands; magical liberty; bridleless skill. We want you to leave us at the end of the evening inspired and uplifted, and ready to have fun with your ponies!

Frequently asked questions

Event Sponsors

We are incredibly excited to announce that our main event sponsor is GK Horsemanship Equipment, creators of handmade, high-quality Horsemanship Equipment designed to support both horse and handler. We are thrilled to work with this local company, who have supported Thea since the start of her natural horsemanship journey, and with whom Thea developed and created the Affinity Neckrope. We would love to work with some other local and ethical brands who would like to support this event. We can offer far reaching social media publicity across several platforms, advertisement in programs and at the event. Please get in touch if you would be interested in chatting!
Contact us...
Got a question or simply want to know more about our event? Pop us an email or an Instagram DM!

When and Where

13th June 2026 The Unicorn Equestrian Centre
The Unicorn Equestrian Centre Netherswell Manor, Stow-on-the-Wold Cheltnham GL54 1JZ
Get directions
2:00PM start (estimated) 8:30PM finish