Competitor Turned Clinician — A Career That Evolved
Warwick Schiller is an internationally recognized horse trainer, clinician, author, and podcaster known for his thoughtful and evolving approach to horsemanship. Originally gaining success as a high-level reining horse competitor, Schiller later became widely respected for teaching methods centered on relaxation, emotional regulation, connection, and understanding the horse's mental state. Through clinics, online videos, podcasts, and educational programs, he has influenced horse owners across many disciplines worldwide.
From an Australian Sheep Farm to California
Warwick Schiller was born in Young, New South Wales, Australia, and grew up on a sheep and wheat farm. His father, Ray Schiller, was a rodeo champion and accomplished bull rider, which exposed Warwick to horses and western riding at an early age. He began riding horses as a child and competed in Quarter Horse shows throughout his youth in Australia. Growing up in a rural ranching environment helped shape his practical horsemanship foundation and competitive interests.
In the early 1990s, Schiller traveled to the United States to pursue a professional career in horse training. After arriving in America, he worked under respected horseman Don Murphy, who became an important mentor during Schiller's early years in the western performance horse industry. During this period, Schiller refined his skills in reining and horse training while establishing himself professionally in California. By 1995, he had established his own independent horse training business focused primarily on reining horses.
NRHA Reserve World Champion and Team Australia
Over the following years, Schiller became highly successful in National Reining Horse Association competition. His accomplishments included becoming the NRHA Reserve World Champion in 2002 and earning significant success at major events such as the NRHA Futurity, NRHA Derby, National Reining Breeders Classic, and the All American Quarter Horse Congress.
Schiller also represented Australia internationally in reining competition. He competed for Team Australia at the 2010 and 2018 World Equestrian Games, helping showcase Australian riders on the international reining stage. His competitive success established him as one of the best-known Australian horsemen working in the United States.
From Competitive Reining to Behavioral Horsemanship
Around 2011, Schiller began producing horse training videos online and gradually shifted away from focusing exclusively on competitive reining. Through his YouTube channel and educational programs, he started emphasizing relaxation, trust, communication, and emotional connection between horse and rider. His videos gained a large international audience and introduced many horse owners to his approach.
Relaxation, Connection, and Emotional Awareness
A major aspect of Schiller's work involves understanding horse behavior through psychology, nervous system regulation, and observation of emotional responses. His philosophy emphasizes helping horses feel safe, confident, and mentally balanced rather than relying primarily on pressure-based training systems.
The Principles of Training and The Journey On Podcast
Schiller's book outlining thirteen foundational principles he believes apply to effective horsemanship and horse training. The book reflects his transition from competitive trainer to educator focused on communication and partnership between horses and humans.
Schiller launched The Journey On Podcast in 2020, where he discusses horsemanship, personal development, mindfulness, and lessons learned throughout his career. The podcast developed a substantial following both inside and outside the horse industry. As his popularity expanded, he became a featured clinician at major horse expos and educational events including Equitana, Western States Horse Expo, and Midwest Horse Fair.
Accomplishments
- NRHA Reserve World Champion (2002)
- NRHA Futurity competitor
- NRHA Derby competitor
- National Reining Breeders Classic competitor
- All American Quarter Horse Congress competitor
- Team Australia — 2010 World Equestrian Games
- Team Australia — 2018 World Equestrian Games
- Featured clinician — Equitana, Western States Horse Expo, Midwest Horse Fair
- Host — The Journey On Podcast
- Author — The Principles of Training (2023)
- International online audience across multiple equestrian disciplines
