From One Beginner to Another...

I have had several questions about my liberty work with Jackson. Honestly, I'm humbled that people are asking. I am 100% self taught and am fumbling my way through this liberty work journey but it seems to be working. Here is my advice if you want to call it that....

1. Establish a strong connection with your horse. Jackson and I spent lots of time just walking. Walking forwards, backwards, side passing and around large obstacles. Slowly I began taking away restraints until eventually we were doing this with no halter or lead. Don't set a time table, just go and have fun with it.

2. It is okay to laugh and enjoy the slip ups. I think that is the most liberating part of liberty. It is about connections, accepting the days are different and learning how far you can and cannot take it. I tried free lunging too early and Jackson peaced out. So I cued him to come back and we found something else to do. This may or may not be "the correct" way to do things but it worked for me. Now we free lunge outside even with other distractions....it's great!

3. The sky is the limit. In my opinion you are only limited by your imagination and the horse's physical capability. Create fun obstacles, patterns, pole exercises, creek crossings. The list goes on and on.

4. Baby steps are vital!! Do not negate the importance of solid foundations and taking your time. If connection is the brick of liberty then trust is the mortar. The more solid your foundation the more willing your horse will be to follow you through all the fun things you come up with.

5. Pressure is everything. How sensitive is your horse to pressures? Have you played around with this? It will change and progress as you keep working but understanding how your horse responds to pressure is so helpful. You can draw them in, push away, facilitate directional changes, positions etc. This is trial and error but as you fine tune your ability with it the liberty work becomes easier and guess what? This understanding you are developing with your horse greatly translates under saddle.

6. Your journey is yours, period. Do not compare your progress, ability or horse to anyone else. You are walking your own path and going at the speed, direction and cadence that is right for you. Enjoy the time and keep your eyes locked on your horse. It is so easy to fall into the "I wish my horse could do that" trap. I guarantee that you and your horse will have a moment that will leave the rest of us in amazement and speechless. Don't miss your own moments because you are too busy watching someone else.

Okay, there you have it. My unprofessional, self-taught advice on liberty work. It is such an amazing journey for your and your horse(s). Play, have fun and watch your relationship deepen. I hope this was helpful or useful in some way. Feel free to comment about your personal journey, liberty or otherwise. I (like many horse people) love reading and hearing about what others are doing in the equine world! Feel free to put it out there because you never know who you may inspire.

Have a blessed and beautiful week everyone!