Working at Liberty Phase I: Handler Position?
03/09/2008 - By By: Lynn Palm
Very often in clinics I run into riders who are performing at a fairly high level of their chosen equine discipline but who are having trouble with their horse that can be traced back to the horse's basic training...
Very often in clinics I run into riders who are performing at a fairly high level of their chosen equine discipline but who are having trouble with their horse that can be traced back to the horse's basic training. I usually recommend that these riders go all the way back to basic ground manners training with their horse and work forward again. However, because we already have covered some elements of in-hand training in the previous series, Developing Natural Balance in Your Horse,I want to do a review beginning with liberty work.
Liberty work is a form of in-hand training and handling that readies your horse for future training and makes him more enjoyable to be around. The lessons have direct application and benefit to under saddle work. The time you spend on ground work will pay off in increased respect for you and self-confidence in your horse.
Working at liberty is a ground-training tool that enables you to train and exercise your horse in a safe, enclosed area while not on a lead or longe line. The horse is free to move and respond to your voice and longe whip commands.
Liberty work is:
An excellent conditioning exercise and better than continuously circling the horse on a longe line or in a round pen, which can stress his joints because he is always turning.
A great way for your horse to learn voice commands as you use them to encourage him to change gaits, speed, and stop.
A way to read a horse's temperament and personality. Because you are observing the horse moving freely, you see his response to being asked to move through different gaits and his reactions to these commands.
A good way to teach your horse voice commands. Since you are not in physical contact with the horse, he will learn to respect and react to your voice.
An opportunity to evaluate a horse's athleticism as he becomes fit and conditioned. Because of your perspective on the ground, you can easily watch the horse's movements and transitions.
Getting Started
Your horse should be outfitted with a well fitting halter, a longe line or lead, and leg protection such as polo wraps. I prefer to work in a medium to large size paddock or arena, rather than a round pen. It should have a fence at least four foot high to give the horse more security. The footing should be soft, but not deep. A grassy surface is fine as long as it is not wet and slippery.
When introducing liberty work, it will be much easier if you have a second person to help. Both you and the other person will need a longe whip, which acts as an extension of the handler's arm. It is carried in the left hand, if the horse is tracking or moving to the right, and vice versa. The handler holds it with arm outstretched to the side, not behind her. The whip is only used to encourage the horse to move forward while a voice command is given to reinforce the go forward command, as needed.
When the tip of the whip is held down touching the ground, it is inactive and not asking for a response from the horse. When the whip is extended in height, gradually to a point approaching 45-degrees overhead, it means move forward. If more response is needed, swing the whip toward the horse's hip to ask him to move forward. If more response is needed, use the same action but snap the whip. This is the most aggressive way to use it.
A common mistake is using the whip in an up and down motion. This is not effective because you are not using the action of the whip towards the horse.
Handler's Position
Start by mentally dividing the paddock or arena you will be using in half, the long way. The correct position for handlers will be to stand at either end of the paddock close to or on the centerline throughout the lesson. The handlers will work on this line to keep the horse moving forward and in one direction. Staying on this imaginary line also helps handlers to avoid the temptation of chasing the horse around the paddock's perimeter.
Ask your helper to stand on the centerline at one end of the arena, approximately 10 to 15 feet away from the fence. Allow enough distance so horse feels comfortable and will willingly pass between the fence and the handler. Lead your horse down to the other end of the arena and ask him to whoa. Drop your whip and coil any excess longe line in your hand as you prepare to unsnap the longe line from his halter.
For your safety, stand off the horse's left shoulder so he is toward you. As you unsnap the longe line from the halter, grasp the halter's cheek piece. Ask him to who aand hold him in this position for a moment. This will teach him not to get into the dangerous habit of running off the second the longe or lead is unsnapped. When you are ready, gently release your grasp and let him move away from you. Do not stand at his side or with his hips toward you to release him in case he would kick, buck, or swing his hips in your direction.
The first part of the lesson is to let your horse have the freedom to move around, play and relax. This will give him a better chance for concentrating during the lesson without any pent up energy distracting him.
When first released, most horses will walk or trot over to the fence. The handler's role is just to keep the horse moving forward, in one direction. Do not worry about which gait he is in. Encourage him to move forward and play by clapping your hands. If needed, reinforce your request that he moves forward with the whip. If the horse tosses, nods his head, bucks, or kicks up his heels, he is telling you that he is feeling good and is having fun.
In our next article, we'll move on to teaching your horse to change directions and gaits when working at liberty.
These helpful ground training exercises are covered in more details in my Longevity Training DVD series, which offers specific training instruction, demonstrations and tips.
Visit www.lynnpalm.com for more information on training products and courses.
