ABOUT

About Jason

Horseman & Educator

Growing up in country Victoria, just a short drive from the High Country, Jason’s dream of riding brumbies was sparked by the classic film The Man From Snowy River. Unlike many, he didn’t grow up in a traditional horse environment—something he now sees as a strength, giving him an open mind and a hunger to learn.

Jason’s education began with local horsemen and women before taking him to the United States in 2000, where he spent three months at the Parelli Ranch in Colorado. There he learned the “why” behind horse behaviour and how to build true communication between horse and rider. He also studied with renowned horsemen John and Josh Lyons, and Buck Brannaman, whose Australian clinics Jason later attended.

Returning home, Jason completed a three-year colt-starting course with David Simons, starting and re-educating hundreds of horses—most with “people problems” rather than horse problems. His approach draws on the timing, softness, and classical influence he first witnessed in Buck Brannaman, whose mentors Ray Hunt and the Dorrance brothers blended US Cavalry experience with the finesse of the French Cavalry.

Today, Jason shares this blend of horsemanship and classical style through clinics, colt-starting, and education, helping riders develop not just skills—but true partnerships with their horses.

“Time is the gift, give it freely to your horse and you will both be the better for it.”

-Buck Brannaman

Jason McInnes – Horseman, Educator & Licensed School of Lightness Instructor
Committed to being the best horseman he could be, Jason set out to discover the connection between groundwork, classical timing, and feel under saddle—without ever compromising the principles that underpin all good horsemanship. In 2016, that search led him to École de Légèreté (School of Lightness), founded by Philippe Karl.

Driven by his thirst for knowledge, Jason travelled to Switzerland to meet Philippe Karl and trained directly under Gabrielle Schweizer, one of Philippe’s licensed teachers. That encounter unlocked the missing link in his horsemanship journey. In the same year, he began intensive student–teacher training with Sylvia Stössel, working towards becoming a licensed School of Lightness instructor—a program rooted in the utmost respect for the horse.

Jason’s eclectic background sets him apart in the horse world. He has the skills to raise foals, build solid foundations for green horses, develop classically trained dressage partners, or create safe and confident trail and obstacle horses.

Known for his easy-going nature, honesty, and “call it as it is” approach, Jason brings a calm, positive presence to every horse and rider he works with. His passion lies in coaching, lifelong learning, travel, and whole-body–mind fitness.

Through his methods, results evolve naturally and logically, building trust-based partnerships between horse and rider. With clear explanations of timeless principles and their practical application, Jason’s training bridges all disciplines and breeds—helping each partnership achieve its highest potential.

Happy trails