Liberty horses perform (at dressage exhibitions or in circuses) at liberty, that is, without any harness or even touch from the human leader. He or she directs the horses by signalling, usually with two whips which never touch the animals.

Horses in the wild have a large extended family, the herd, while in captivity they are more frequently isolated from one another and stalled for human convenience. This separation is in direct conflict with the most basic instincts and needs of the horse, which is why liberty training has such rapid and dramatic results. For thousands of years, the very survival of horses has been linked to their interrelationship in the herd, with a clearly established pecking order. They feel a responsibility and a security in the herd, structured by a hierarchy topped by the lead brood mare.

All horses in a herd are responsible to the lead brood mare, whose function in the herd is to caretake and provide order and discipline. She is to be vigilant and alert for any danger, and must, if called upon, relocate the group. As such, all individuals in the herd have a duty to keep an eye on her. This lead mare will, during the course of a day, formally elicit eye contact from the various members of her group. Should any horse fail to acknowledge her, she may kick him, haze or chase him, or outright banish him from the herd until proper respect is learned.

Being aware of this, the horseman, with an understanding of appropriate communication skills, may convince the horse that he is a viable substitute for the missing aspects of a herd in his life, and may gain the attention and respect of the horse by functioning in the following recognizable capacities: lead brood mare, mother, father, sister, brother, enemy and friend.

Acrylic Paint on Canvas
75cm X 60cm

Original Painting is For Sale unframed – POA