[october 2019 |horseillustrated.com 17 ]jumping, racing, and reining that may have
other issues. The liberty goes into a deeper
level of thinking for the horse because he has
to do it at liberty, so it’s much less mechanical.
Teaching them to be liberty horses addresses a
multitude of problems that we see that happen
in the performance world.”
Many horse owners are drawn to liberty
work to strengthen their bond with their horse
while enjoying new avenues.
“What I think is exciting about liberty is that
not everyone who owns a horse wants to ride
or can ride, but they are looking for something
more to develop the relationship with their
horse,” says Elizabeth. In addition, Dan explains
liberty training is truly open to all sizes, breeds,
and ages, unlike many other disciplines.
“In liberty, you have a lot more opportunity,
regardless of the type of horse you have,” he says.
CompeTiTive Classes
The ILHA will offer its first competition, the
International Liberty Horse Championship,
Oct. 18-20, 2019, at the Kentucky Horse Park.
“What we are looking to do is to bring all
styles, techniques, and trainers together,”
explains Elizabeth. “We want to offer a plat-
form for people to showcase their horses and
have a goal to work toward. The idea is to be
all-inclusive, from beginner to professional.
We offer levels from leadline to working one
liberty horse, working one liberty horse off
another horse, working a team, bareback and
bridleless, bridleless for people that don’t want
to ride bareback, and obstacles.”
Going forward, the ILHA will begin coordi-
nating online competitions, as well as support
for others to put on their own event.
“We’ve had people in France, Canada, Aus-
tralia, and Sweden contact us wanting to host
competitions,” says Elizabeth. “Once we get
the format ironed out this year, there will be
international shows available.” n HI
Natalie DeFee Mendik is an award-winning journalist
specializing in equine media. Visit her online at http://www.
mendikmedia.com.
Many horse owners
are drawn to liberty work
to strengthen their bond
with their horse
while enjoying
new avenues.Bareback and bridleless is one
option for competing at liberty.sarah BernknoPf