Liberty allows us to explore communication without a rope or rein connecting horse and human.
It can teach us about body language, timing, attention, motivation and trust, while creating an opportunity for the horse to participate willingly.
When nothing physically connects us, what remains is the conversation itself.
What liberty can develop
Depending on the horse, liberty work can help develop:
- attention and focus
- clarity in our body language
- timing
- motivation and willingness to participate
- confidence
- trust between horse and human
Part of the wider groundwork
Liberty is one of several ways of working from the ground, alongside in-hand work, trick training and ground jumping.
It is not a separate discipline to be collected, but another tool for helping the horse develop confidence, body awareness and a willingness to learn.
The horse comes first
Working at liberty asks the horse to choose to stay in the conversation. That choice has to be earned rather than assumed.
The aim is not a performance. The aim is a horse that understands what is being asked and wants to answer.