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.