What Is Liberty Training
Our lessons at Eden Ranch are based on the Liberty Training technique, which is the philosophy of training horses using their natural language. Horses in the wild live in an organized, social hierarchical
system guided by a leader, the alpha mare, who is not the most dominant, but who has specific qualities of balance, inner strength and good judgement.
She always has the undivided attention of the herd's members, who respect
and follow her because they know and trust that she is able to understand their
needs and guide them to safety and comfort.
When working with horses, the most effective way to relate to them is to learn and acquire the qualities of a true leader. Most of the problems horses are blamed for are actually their owner's/rider's problem and the majority of the time the origin of those issues lay on miscommunication. Isn't that true for humans as well?
Horses are non-verbal creatures. Their way of communicating is mainly based on body language and subtle signals. Us humans, mostly verbal creatures, often fail in correctly delivering our requests to the horse and fail to understand what they are telling us. The result is a chain of situations that can create confusion and frustration, stress and discomfort on both horse and rider and can even become dangerous! Certainly minimizing any possibility for a trustful relationship. Horses end up being labeled as difficult, aggressive and stubborn while riders keep dreaming for the perfect horse, light and soft, a pleasure to ride. But, there is a solution, learn how to listen and communicate effectively. To understand what horses think, what they perceive, what they are telling us is indispensable to create that great relationship many are dreaming of.
Working with horses in liberty means to utilize the language of the horses, to understand what they think and to express our requests using concepts and principles that are natural to them. Our body language, combined with a serene mental state, is all we need for a clear, profound communication. When we are able to show them the same respect we ask for, horses become trustworthy companions and partners.
When training horses at liberty, we invite them to play and interact with us. Every encounter is enveloped with an enjoyable atmosphere that creates fun for the horse and the trainer. Every session takes place in wide open space, without any kind of restriction for the horse. The horses are always free to express their true personality and are encouraged to think, evaluate and suggest. Horses can be very creative! Everything is primarily based on groundwork, but you can learn to transition to the saddle.
Since no restrictive tools are used, the horses always have the choice to stay or to leave. They are totally free to walk away if they need a break and come back when they are ready for more. By constantly respecting the horse's mind and freedom, we can create a powerful connection based on mutual trust and understanding.
When working with horses, the most effective way to relate to them is to learn and acquire the qualities of a true leader. Most of the problems horses are blamed for are actually their owner's/rider's problem and the majority of the time the origin of those issues lay on miscommunication. Isn't that true for humans as well?
Horses are non-verbal creatures. Their way of communicating is mainly based on body language and subtle signals. Us humans, mostly verbal creatures, often fail in correctly delivering our requests to the horse and fail to understand what they are telling us. The result is a chain of situations that can create confusion and frustration, stress and discomfort on both horse and rider and can even become dangerous! Certainly minimizing any possibility for a trustful relationship. Horses end up being labeled as difficult, aggressive and stubborn while riders keep dreaming for the perfect horse, light and soft, a pleasure to ride. But, there is a solution, learn how to listen and communicate effectively. To understand what horses think, what they perceive, what they are telling us is indispensable to create that great relationship many are dreaming of.
Working with horses in liberty means to utilize the language of the horses, to understand what they think and to express our requests using concepts and principles that are natural to them. Our body language, combined with a serene mental state, is all we need for a clear, profound communication. When we are able to show them the same respect we ask for, horses become trustworthy companions and partners.
When training horses at liberty, we invite them to play and interact with us. Every encounter is enveloped with an enjoyable atmosphere that creates fun for the horse and the trainer. Every session takes place in wide open space, without any kind of restriction for the horse. The horses are always free to express their true personality and are encouraged to think, evaluate and suggest. Horses can be very creative! Everything is primarily based on groundwork, but you can learn to transition to the saddle.
Since no restrictive tools are used, the horses always have the choice to stay or to leave. They are totally free to walk away if they need a break and come back when they are ready for more. By constantly respecting the horse's mind and freedom, we can create a powerful connection based on mutual trust and understanding.
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