Liberty has recently become very popular within the horse community. What does liberty mean? Is it absolute freedom or qualified freedom? Are horses taught to act freely but according to specific rules or is it a flowing conversation between two beings?
Both work equally well and can be extremely beneficial to the horse/human relationship but there is a distinct difference between the two. Qualified liberty (or trick training) often involves an expected outcome and to reach that cues may be given. Cues may be specific and also include equipment such as clickers, poles, headcollar, schooling stick, treats. Movement might include teaching the horse to bow, flank up, lie down, rear, back up etc. I am not against this as it can be a valuable way to build a horses confidence and understanding and tap into their curiosity and mind. It’s a way of channelling energy and thought. However to me this still places the relationship in the servant and master camp and to that extent is contradictory to the true idea of liberty, being absolute freedom of choice and expression between two minds.
Absolute liberty is often achieved through play, observation, presence and freeing our mind of human traits to exploit and control. It is important to have an understanding of horse behaviour and psychology because the conversation offered by the horse can be missed. They are direct but subtle in their communication and what they don’t say is often as important as what they do say.
If you take time out to be with your horse on a one on one basis your liberty time with your horse will just flow without the need to be taught this skill. Most definitely you can be shown and given the approach but ultimately it is a state of being between the two of you and no different to any true friendship you may have.
Franck Jeanguillaume