Mastering Liberty: Building a Strong Connection with Your Horse

TLDRLearn the fundamentals of liberty training to build a strong connection and trust with your horse. Start by teaching your horse to stay with you as the herd leader. Avoid relying on physical boundaries such as fences. Use location and direction cues to establish your role as the alpha. Sign your horse up for their mistakes and let them find you for relief. Progress to finding your horse in motion and on a circle. Avoid adding extra cues or rewards during this process. Work on developing a strong connection based on trust and understanding.

Key insights

🐴Teach your horse to stay with you as the herd leader

🚧Avoid relying on physical boundaries such as fences

🔀Use location and direction cues to establish your role as the alpha

🔍Sign your horse up for their mistakes and let them find you for relief

🔄Progress to finding your horse in motion and on a circle

Q&A

Should I bribe my horse to stay with me?

No, it's important to establish yourself as the herd leader and create a strong connection based on trust and respect. Bribing your horse with rewards may undermine the foundation of this connection.

How can I get my horse to stay with me without using fences?

Teach your horse to understand that it's their responsibility to stay with you as the herd leader. Use location and direction cues to establish your role and build trust and understanding.

What if my horse gets distracted or leaves during liberty training?

If your horse gets distracted or leaves, it's a sign that they need more training and understanding. Sign them up for their mistakes and let them find you for relief. Gradually build their trust and connection with you.

Should I reward my horse during liberty training?

During the initial stages of liberty training, it's best to avoid using rewards or treats. Focus on developing a strong connection based on trust, understanding, and clear communication. Once you have established a solid foundation, you can gradually introduce rewards as appropriate.

What is the significance of finding my horse in motion and on a circle?

Finding your horse in motion and on a circle helps to further build their trust, connection, and responsiveness. It allows you to establish your leadership even when your horse is moving and encourages them to stay connected with you throughout different exercises.

Timestamped Summary

00:03Learn the fundamentals of liberty training and building a strong connection with your horse

00:11Teach your horse to stay with you as the herd leader, rather than relying on physical boundaries

01:19Sign your horse up for their mistakes and let them find you for relief

02:32Gradually progress to finding your horse in motion and on a circle

03:36Avoid using rewards or treats during the initial stages of liberty training

04:35Establish a strong connection based on trust, understanding, and clear communication

06:52Teach your horse to stay connected with you even when they are moving