I have always been interested in as well as a proponent of ground

work/training for horses- especially young horses or new horses to an

owner. Then came a new concept I learned about -furthering my

ground training called ‘liberty training’. This discipline became a new

learning experience and an exciting training experience for me. What is

it? In a nutshell take ground training and expand on it without any lead

rope or control on your horse other than using visual and voice cues.

What a relationship builder it is between horse and owner.

I spent a day with Julien Beaugnon at a clinic in Nokesville, VA

organized by Melinda M. Hall in May. Mr. Buaugnon is a master at

horse training in every aspect and ‘liberty training’ is one of his

specialties.

Since purchasing my horse, a mature big draft cross I’ve owner for

almost 1 ½ years who came from an auction and doubtful beginnings, I

immediately began ground training with him once he arrived home. We

have built a somewhat comfortable relationship together, since. This

year in February I had hip replacement surgery (with complications)

and the word from the doctor is no riding until possibly July. Not

wanting to give my horse more time off then I already had, I began

researching more in-depth ground training exercises and that led to my

learning about ‘liberty training’ and it piqued my interest! I found an

announcement of a ‘liberty training’ clinic not far from my home and I

was sold. I researched the clinician, Julien Beaugnon, and was more

than super impressed with what he has accomplished with horses and

how he trains horses. I signed up as an auditor immediately!

The clinic started with an introduction by Mr. Beaugnon and then

commenced with foundational ground training exercises with a lead

rope in hand held by each of the 8 handlers and horses involved in the

clinic. These exercises helped get the handlers and horses in a relaxed

state of mind -important to continue with further exercises and

training. The exercises were presented step by step, building on one

another, developing trust and connection between the horses and their

handlers. This connection and trust created noticeable changes in the

newly developed communication between horse and handler- literally

showing a deeper partnership as the clinic continued. Mr. Beaugnon

showed upmost patience toward handlers and horses- stressing the

patience required to train a horse and the ’break time’ needed

between each short lesson. The horses and their handlers excelled

under his guidance.

In the afternoon ‘liberty training’ was introduced to the horses and

handlers. Working individually with each horse/handler team Mr.

Beaugnon requested lead ropes be taken off. Handlers began using the

visual and verbal cues taught to their horses in the morning to

encourage their horse to want to willingly follow them- at liberty.

Success was evident in the expression and willingness of the horses and

certainly the expression of the handlers. Participants may have had

their first experience of liberty with their horse.

Mr Beaugnon is a patient and kind clinician. He readily answers

questions and clearly defines and demonstrates what he is asking the

horse and handler to do. His abilities were quite evident throughout

day’s clinic- leaving participants quite pleased with the lessons they

learned.