The number 1 benefit of liberty (plus some more!)

In one of my recent blog posts, I talked about liberty vs. obedience. If you missed it, you can read it here.

I wanted to follow up on this and talk about the number one benefit that true liberty can have for your horse.

The thing about liberty that is based on true choice and autonomy is that the horse feels in control within the training session. The first exercise that we do (“initiation of contact”) aims to show the horse that he can influence you. I explain this exercise in the free masterclass “Launch Into Liberty: Where & How To Begin.” Later, when we introduce food rewards, the horse should feel like he is unlocking his reward by doing different things. He can also walk away if he feels uncomfortable or if he loses interest.

This feeling of control is very important because it allows your horse to feel safe. Only when you feel safe can you also feel confident, playful, curious, and socially connected. All good things!

This is where true liberty is so powerful in building your horse up. Instead of suppressing the horse into submission, you are empowering him.

With true liberty comes confidence and playful expression. With playful expression come power postures and even collected movements. When these arise through play, you can begin reinforcing them and encouraging your horse to continue exploring those types of movements!

It’s so interesting and so fun!

I have seen some incredible changes in horses through this form of liberty. The most incredible and rewarding changes are in horses that are quite shut down, aka in a state of learned helplessness. These horses have practically given up because they feel that they don’t have any control over what happens to them. This is why this form of liberty can really help them—it allows them to regain control. In the academy, one of the horses we follow is Nellie, and it was so beautiful to see her go from shut down to excited and playful!

So, that is the main reason why I love this form of liberty so much, but there are so many more benefits:

• This way of interacting grows your relationship with your horse.
• When your horse says YES, you know for sure that it is a true YES.
• The feeling when your horse actually wants to work with you!!
• It keeps them physically and mentally active even if they are not ridden.
• You don’t need any special facilities—you can literally do it in the field.
• You don’t need fancy and expensive saddles, bridles, boots, etc.
• You don’t need a whole lot of time—you don’t need to groom or tack up your horse… you don’t even need to take him out of the field! Also, short sessions are the most powerful, so 10-20 minutes is great!

I could go on… but I think you get the point 😂 Liberty is so fun with so many benefits for both you and your horse!

That’s it from me for now.

I hope you have a lovely rest of your week and that you get to spend some time with your horses and ponies!

Nadine 🌸

PS. Don't forget to check out the free masterclass "Launch into Liberty: Where and How To Begin" to get you started on your path to liberty and building your horse UP! Orrrr if you are ready to dive really deep, you can join the academy by clicking the button below 👇🏼