Testimonials
Riding Lessons
Bonnie has always loved horses, but finding the right riding instructor was a challenge. She has ADHD, autism, spina bifida, scoliosis, and auditory processing disorder, which means traditional teaching methods don’t always work for her. We had tried several riding schools before finding Lisel, but none could truly adapt their teaching style to Bonnie’s unique way of learning. From the very first lesson, it was clear that Lisel was different. She has an incredible ability to read facial expressions and body language, instantly recognizing whether Bonnie has fully understood an instruction. If something isn’t clicking, Lisel intuitively adjusts her explanation—something that is remarkably rare to find in an instructor. She is kind, patient, and professional, ensuring that Bonnie feels both supported and challenged in her riding journey. Beyond her teaching, Lisel is deeply knowledgeable about horse care and riding, with expertise in both English and Western disciplines. Her horses are beautifully cared for, and she is constantly expanding her knowledge in animal husbandry, teaching techniques, and learning styles. She doesn’t just teach riding—she teaches connection, with a strong emphasis on groundwork and understanding the horse as a partner. For me (Robyn), returning to riding after 23 years was daunting. I had never been formally taught, and learning as an adult meant rebuilding my confidence and filling in the gaps from childhood. At other riding schools, lessons felt generic, with a one-size-fits-all approach. But Lisel meets each student exactly where they are, tailoring lessons to individual needs rather than following a rigid curriculum. She genuinely invests in her students’ progress, taking the time to ensure that every lesson is meaningful. We are incredibly grateful to have found Lisel. Adelaide is truly lucky to have an instructor of her skill, knowledge, and dedication. Whether you’re a beginner, returning to riding, or looking for an instructor who truly understands different learning styles, you won’t find anyone better than Lisel. Robyn & Bonnie (9), Broadview Lisel provides a lifetime of knowledge on how and why the horse reacts to the rider's slightest movement in the saddle, what the different pressures on the reins will instruct the horse to do, and how to respect the strength and power of the animal. She spends time explaining actions so my daughter can learn why to and why not to move her body certain ways, and how holding her upright position protects herself and guides the horse at the same time. As a mother watching the lessons, I have also learnt a great deal and have come to realise how sensitive these beautiful creatures are. If you are looking for a true instructor of all things 'horse', then I recommend contacting Lisel. Kelly, Glengowrie, SA My horse struggled for some time with anxiety in canter transitions. Lisel’s knowledgeable and quiet approach in conjunction with clicker training meant we were able to progress quickly to achieve the desired result, without my horse or I being overfaced. I recommend Liesel if you wish to progress with your riding/training , particularly if you wish to do so without the drama. Name withheld, SA I have known Lisel for near on two decades now - she was a special helper with my first horse (who would always walk off before I was properly seated). Over the years we have kept in touch, and when I decided I would like to be a little more adventurous with my riding (no, I did not want to jump six foot hurdles - I just wanted to experience a canter!) it was to Lisel I wanted to go because I trusted her. She is calm and kind, to both people and horses (all animals in fact) and I felt safe with her. I discovered at the time, being an older rider who had come very late to being with horses, that my body actually did not like cantering, but I felt safe and secure under Lisel’s care - there was no pressure shouting words like ‘go on, you can do it, just do it’, definitely there was encouragement, but no pressure. Lisel will help you achieve your goals within the limits you set for yourself, encourage you to extend your comfort zone, but keep you safe whilst doing so. If riding is not something you wish to do, Lisel will help you train yourself and your horse to play games together with you safely on the ground. If you choose Lisel to help you, I know you will spend happy hours with her in the presence of horses. Jan Luck (0403026651 for verification should you wish to speak with me) Lisel helped me with the purchase of a new saddle, gave me and my partner excellent riding lessons, and boosted my confidence as a rider taking me on trail rides. I thoroughly recommend Lisel for riding lessons! Jennifer Spick, Mt Barker, SA I highly praise this riding instructor (Lisel) for her knowledge of and safety with horses. My 9yo Grandson has recently had 3 riding lessons on a very calm pony. His first time riding and he is already doing a rising trot. Most importantly, Lisel had Levi from being quite nervous to being confident and able to catch, lead and brush the pony on his own and excited to climb on for a riding lesson. Fun is also a great part of these childrens lessons. I cannot praise Lisel and her horses enough. As a Grandma I say book in and bring the kids up for lots of gentle and fun learnings with horses from handling on the ground to riding on the saddle. Cheryl Glen, Whyalla SA My daughter loves horses. She loves all animals, and they seem to love her too, but she has always felt a particular connection with horses, from the first time, at 2 years old, she walked right up to the knee of a giant mountain draft horse and made a fast friend. She started riding lessons at age 5, and gained confidence a little too quickly. Before she was 6 she’d had a fall and a broken arm. She still loved horses, so much so that we still went to lessons, with her arm in a cast and for months thereafter, not to ride but just to spend time on the farm: feeding, learning about training, grooming, watching, bonding. By age 7 she decided it was time to ride again. She was scared, but drawn to it. We looked specifically for someone with the soft skills needed to rebuild a child’s confidence and get her ‘back in the saddle’, and we found that with Lisel. Over three school terms of instruction to-date, Lisel has helped Hazel not only regain her comfort and enjoyment with riding, but also to proceed beyond her previous skills and limits. Lisel’s gentle yet methodical approach to gaining skills and confidence without pressure of performance have been just what Hazel needed. In addition to my satisfaction with and appreciation for Lisel’s instruction, we are also very pleased with her farm in general. Rosewood is situated between a vineyard and the rolling golden hills of Macclesfield, where it seems like every evening ends with a perfect sunset. It’s a gorgeous, peaceful setting, for us and for the horses. Joe Nash, Stirling SA Lisel is an extraordinary riding instructor. I highly recommend her depth of knowledge, unparalleled patience, and a refreshing approach to teaching riding and horsemanship. What sets Lisel apart is her remarkable patience and ability to adapt her teaching methods to suit each individual's unique learning style. She has a calm demeanor and positive attitude. One of the most inspiring aspects of Lisel's teaching approach is her ability to think outside the box. She consistently goes beyond conventional methods of instruction to find creative and innovative ways to engage my daughter. I am immensely grateful for the impact she has had on my daughter's and my equestrian journey. Kelly Ketchell, Highland Valley, SA Our 6yo has been having fortnightly lessons with Lisel for around 6 months. We have horses of our own but really value how quiet the horses are and Lisel's patience and understanding as well as her thorough knowledge of all things equine. I also appreciate that she teaches horse care and handling that prioritise the welfare of the horse. (Freedom/forage/friends) Delwyn Bennett, Coromandel Valley, SA I have found riding lessons with Lisel fun, encouraging and informative and I have come a long way in my riding ability with her teaching. She is very good at explaining the nuances of seat and position and how to ride your horse with the balance of firmness and gentleness that is required. She has helped me with both my understanding of horses, and with clicker training has gently trained 2 mares for me, and taught me the basics of this training. This has really improved my relationship with my horses. Lisel is amazing with horses and they respond very well to her. She is also very committed to her work and gives her all. Robin McBride, Clayton, SA Our daughter has been learning to ride with Lisel for about a year. Lisel teaches all aspects of riding including care of horses with patience and kindness. Megan, David and Eliza Dann, Morphettville My daughter has been taking lessons for a while now and she loves it. She was a very novice rider but Lisel has taken her to a confident rider and can now catch, groom and saddle up her horse ready for the lesson. Lisel runs her through everything whether it’s on the ground or in the saddle. The change in confidence I have seen in my daughter is huge. She also has been doing joint lessons with another rider which she throughly enjoys. Highly recommend Lisel!! Jessica Bailey, Meadows |
Basic Education, Trick Training and Problem Solving I’ve worked with Lisel O’Dwyer for over 10 years and seen first hand her genius in training animals. This takes both a detailed knowledge of how animals learn, and also high level technical skills, plus that extra magic in understanding how animals are thinking and how best to work with each individual animal. Lisel is also a skilled teacher of students to help them improve their training skills. The training techniques used by Lisel are based on positive welfare, and always work towards improving the lives of the animals and people that she works with. I would have no hesitation in recommending Lisel to anybody looking for help to train their animals. Dr Susan Hazel, DVM Senior Lecturer Animal Behaviour, Welfare & Ethics Program Coordinator BSc(Animal Behaviour) School of Animal & Veterinary Sciences The University of Adelaide Lisel took on my young Anglo mare when I didn’t have enough time. She started clicker training with her. Something that was entirely new to me coming from straight dressage background. I was amazed at how well she came along and how kind the approach was. Since then I’ve known Lisel for many years through rescuing horses together and doing some dentistry for her. She’s very knowledgeable but the best part is how kind she is in her approach, I would recommend her to anyone wanting to learn more about our equine friends. Olivia Zulian, Callington, SA Lisel introduced me to clicker training almost 20 years ago and has helped me work with four different horses since. She has an excellent understanding of learning theory that she communicates very simply and effectively. What I most like about working with Lisel and my horses is her patience and willingness to look for solutions outside of the square. Kirrilly Thompson, Newcastle, NSW I first met Lisel through a clicker training forum in 2008. I initially took clicker training lessons and had her take my horse for training. Since that time I have had riding lessons on her school horse and my own covering dressage, bitless and bridleless, biomechanics, straightness, and young horse training. As well as float loading sessions and trick training, Lisel has also worked alongside my harness horse, problem solving specific issues. Lisel is intelligent, widely studied, kind and generous with her time, knowledge and resources. She is proficient in natural horse keeping, barefoot hoof care, health and injury management. She works with with horses, donkeys and other species. She is experienced in traditional and classical dressage as well as Western disciplines. Lisel has many years of teaching experience which translates to effective communication and instruction for her students. More than anything, Lisel has a genuine affection for the horses she is working with which she passes on to her students. The last 15 years of my equestrian journey have been richer for me and more enjoyable for my horses as a result of our interaction. Delwyn Bennett DVM, Coromandel Valley Highly recommend Lisel, she was easy to work with and helped my little mare gain confidence in people without feeling pressure. Lisel took her time and didn't rush the process which I found a fantastic way to deal with a pony that had been let down by people. I was always updated on her progress and what Lisel was planning on doing next. Lisel is a well educated horsewoman that knows her stuff, I definitely recommend her to anyone needing a nice gentle way of overcoming problems in a horse or pony's education. Lauren Deer, Macclesfield, SA Lisel has done an excellent job with my horse Willow under saddle (started at the age of 5) right through to me safely riding him on trails in the forest, at clinics and at riding club. She trains combining positive reinforcement and good horsemanship which works very well because there is no force involved and the horse stays calm and happy. Lisel also got Willow floating well as he was quite difficult to load. Now he goes on reliably and calmly. I can usually just throw the leadrope over his back and he walks in ahead of me. Denise McGrice, Clayton Bay, SA My horse Shandy and myself had a great experience with Lisel. And from that we developed the perfect partnership together. I would highly recommend. Tammy McLean, Meadows I have been having pony training lessons with Lisel for a couple of months now. She was highly recommended to me by a neighbour as an expert horse trainer who could sort out my Shetland pony who was totally unapproachable. This pony would walk/run away from anyone who tried to approach her. Now after a couple of months training twice weekly the pony is easily caught and haltered and has progressed to having hoof work done also. Lisel has shown to us she is extremely knowledgeable about horses and training them. Her rewards based clicker training has had excellent results with our pony. Lisel is a very calm person with an easy going personality. She is patient, reliable and punctual. I would recommend her to anyone who needs a horse trainer who can get results. Lynne Doyle, Coromandel Valley Before meeting Lisel, my daily life with my two rescue mares included a creeping sense of dread (sometimes outright panic) when I thought about their futures. This was not their fault. One had been abused, the other was largely unhandled. After a heartbreaking series of hoof trims under heavy sedation, my girls had made little to no progress in their willingness to have their feet maintained. Our previous trimmer had given up on them, and nobody else would risk the job. Quite by accident, I came across an advertisement in a shop window advertising Lisel’s services. She was able to visit with us almost straight away, and this was life-changing. Using positive reinforcement and clicker- training to build confidence (both theirs and mine) we were able to begin trimming hooves within a few visits, with my girls WILLINGLY OFFERING their feet for handling. A couple of months later, when one of my girls was injured, the training we had done together was quite literally lifesaving, allowing me to provide the necessary daily wound care that would have previously been impossible. Lisel is not a “keeper of the keys” sort of trainer. She does not guard her wealth of knowledge and experience, but shares it without ego … and with seemingly infinite patience. She does not prey on insecurities or capitalise on lost confidence to line her own pockets. Lisel has been a total game changer for me and my girls, and we’re so excited to continue our progress under her expert care and guidance. The future is bright, and I can’t recommend her highly enough! Bronnie Rose, Stirling |
Agistment
For several years my horse Shannah was agisted at Macclesfield under the care and supervision of Lisel Rosewood. Lisel’s expertise and professionalism were outstanding throughout this whole time. She made sure all animals were treated well and that their health, care, and wellbeing was priority. Paddocks were safe and well cared for as well as making sure that sharing animals were comfortable in each other’s company. During our association Lisel was able to offer advice to assist in best handling of animals in her care and ensuring that regular health checks were pursued. At a time when I was unavailable to care for my mare, Lisel was conscientious about keeping my family informed. Gratitude to Lisel when, on the passing of Shannah, she provided me with a keepsake which is a special memory. Lorraine Dunn, Happy Valley, SA Lisel is a conscientious property owner, and has looked after my elderly gelding for 7 years. The property is safe, well managed and maintained. She looks after the agistees like they are her own horses. She is a highly recommended horse agistment property owner. Dana Mickan, Melbourne, Victoria During the last 4 years, I agisted my three horses at various times of the year at Lisel’s beautiful, rolling 40 acre property at Macclesfield. It is like a home away from home for the horses as well as for me within Lisel’s caring and supportive environment. The property itself has very safe fencing, large undulating paddocks and a range of excellent training and other horse facilities including a sturdy round yard and full size dressage arena. Lisel is extremely knowledgeable, experienced, and skilled in horse care, including horse nutrition, gentle training, and horse handling methods as well as hoof care and first aid. It is Lisel’s attention to each individual horse’s needs that makes the agistment experience so good. One of my horses is prone to laminitis and needs careful monitoring and weight control which Lisel manages expertly. At other times my horses have needed supplementary feeding and Lisel catered for this as well. Lisel’s pastures are well managed, and hay is grown on the property. The home-grown meadow hay is fed out in rounds or in small bales in slow feeder hay nets minimising wastage and the rounds out in the paddock are kept high and dry on raised pallets inside hay rings. You won’t be in better hands than with Lisel and I recommend Rosewood as a friendly, trustworthy and experienced agistment home for horses. Jenni Gamble, Meadows, SA I appreciate that Lisel does not allow too many horses on the property so as to keep the paddocks in good condition. She does a lot of work like rugging and extra feeding and picks up little things like ripped rugs and injuries, weight gain or loss and changes in the horses' behaviour that might mean veterinary problems. It's a totally safe environment with good fencing and great facilities. 10/10 Denise McGrice, Clayton Bay, SA I thoroughly recommend Lisel’s place for agistment ! Lisel catered for my standard bred and my pony. Fabulous paddocks with good feed and great fencing. Horses were well loved and looked after. Lisel even did clicker training with my nervous pony with great results and always ensured that he was in appropriate paddocks to prevent over eating! During our stay, we had use of her quality arena and round yard. Lisel also is great at communicating when feeds, vet or farrier are needed. Lisel has a natural, calm manner with horses. I thoroughly recommend Lisel for agistment. Jennifer Spick, Mt Barker, SA My property was destroyed by the Cudlee Creek bushfire in December 2019 so I needed agistment for my three BIG draft horses (17- 18 hh and weighing over a ton each) for a few months. Lisel offered her place at no charge while I rebuilt fencing and so on. My horses were looked after very well and came back to me in excellent condition. The property is well maintained with high visibility white polycord electric fencing (though one of my big boys ignored the zap so he could get into other paddocks for a solo feast). There was plenty of groundcover/feed through the summer. The water troughs were always clean and located in the shade. I appreciate how Lisel introduces new horses to the resident herd slowly to avoid potential injuries and accidents, .i.e. she lets new horses and resident horses see and hear each other from separate paddocks or yards for a few days before joining the herd. Heather Hartley, Charleston, SA I moved my 30-year-old retired mare Shar to Lisel‘s property in Macclesfield where she remained for the last 3 1/2 years of her life. I really appreciated how the horses’ welfare was always put first. Lisel took care to buddy up horses so they always had a friend. Shar formed a strong bond with a donkey named Sweet Pea and they were paddock mates for a long time. Lisel took special care of the horses' nutritional needs to maintain weight and health through the cold months (making warm mash feeds daily) And would look after rugging for the horses that needed it and regularly have the horses poop tested for parasites and treat appropriately. I enjoyed the easygoing atmosphere that suited me. Renee Rechichi, Magill, SA |