Erica Hess with Yogi, our gentle giant rescue

Joost Lammers on Hanovarian mare Bella

Liberty training is about connecting right to the heart of the horse. Without the use of ropes or constraints of any kind the horse is free to engage or not to. It becomes my job to become the kind of leader at every moment that each particular horse is looking for. There can be nothing inside of me that is not truthful going on if I want to attract and lead them. I rely heavily on the Waterhole Rituals of Carolyn Resnick, as they truly call for and rely upon transformation of both horse and human. Anyone can find their authentic leadership using these methods, and there are deep benefits to working in this way along with training under saddle. Even the most pessimistic horse can become a soft, willing, curious and trusting optimist.

I love shaping horses into the finest mounts they can be, through human connection and gymnastic exercise. I like to see them become mentally present, bright and open to learning. I have spent the last ten years starting or re-starting horses; fortunate ones and broken ones, and have achieved amazing results. The most rewarding outcome of this work is to watch a horse grow in its willingness to connect, knowing it has a job to do, nickering when it sees me.

German Master Egon von Neindorf says:

The horse’s compliance can only develop from trust and understanding, but its continuance depends on the horse and rider’s combined discipline. The rider’s mistaken leniency with the horse or himself/herself will not be without side effects. Only the rider’s patience and knowledge, combined with methodical and simultaneously individual increases in demands, accomplished without haste, will protect the horse from being overtaxed. This approach will prevent many potential battles and facilitate solving unavoidable problems that arise.

Mr. Neindorf speaks here, in my opinion, about the ineffable qualities of feel, timing and leadership. This means that through fairness, patience and a repertoire of techniques applied to each individual horse (and knowing when to stop), they will work their hearts out for us and not remain stuck in fear.

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Joost Lammers on Quarter horse Nute