#127 Freedom & Trust: Training Horses at Liberty with Avery Sullivan

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Would you ride your horse bridleless?

Are you worried your horse might run off without you? Is your bond strong enough they’ll choose to just hang around anyway?

What if the key to unlocking that deeper bond is letting go of control and allowing your horse the freedom to choose?

In this episode of the Resilient Reiner Podcast, we dive into the transformative world of liberty horsemanship with the incredible Avery Sullivan. From her early days in 4-H to becoming a top competitor in the ILHA Championships and a leading voice in liberty horsemanship, Avery’s journey is a testament to the power of trust, understanding, and mutual respect between horse and rider. If you’re ready to elevate your horsemanship to new heights, this conversation is a must-listen.

Avery’s work with Gamilah Unbridled, where she transformed some of the toughest rescue horses using only liberty techniques, shows that any horse can excel with the right approach. Whether you’re looking to deepen your connection with your horse, learn to manage your energy and emotions, or explore new techniques in your horsemanship journey, Avery’s insights will leave you inspired and ready to take action.

If you or someone you know has benefited from this episode, be sure to tag us @nicoleburnettmentalcoach @resilientreiner and @misfit_mares on Instagram and share this episode with your community! I am curious to hear all about your experience. Also, be sure to leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the show.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

The true essence of liberty horsemanship and how it can transform your relationship with your horse.
Why giving your horse the freedom to choose is key to building trust and partnership.
When to get help and support in your horsemanship journey
The importance of managing your energy and emotions during training sessions.
How Avery approaches liberty training with rescue horses, turning fear into confidence.
The value of being real about the ups and downs of your horsemanship journey.
How to prepare mentally for a liberty session
How Avery “resets” mentally/emotionally when a liberty training session with her horse isn’t going well
The connection between a horse and rider’s energy (amped up and nervous, or calm and confident)
The advice Avery gives if you are interested in doing some liberty work with your horse but you are anxious or scared to get started
What’s up next for Avery and her horses at liberty!

Questions I Answer:

What is liberty horsemanship, and how does it differ from traditional training methods?
How can allowing a horse to make choices lead to a stronger bond?
What are the benefits of giving your horse space to express themselves?
How do you manage emotions during training sessions when you’re feeling overwhelmed?
How does collaboration and support impact both riders and horses?
How important is a rider or handler’s mindset during liberty training?
What does a typical liberty session look like?
What to do if a horse chooses to leave during a liberty session?
What is liberty training really about?
How competitive riders can incorporate liberty into their training plan and the benefits of adding liberty work with your horse.
What are some common misconceptions people have about liberty training?
Avery’s number one piece of advice to someone looking to deepen their connection with their horse

Links/Resources

Connect With Avery

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misfit_mares

Facebook: Discover more about Avery’s work with rescue horses at Gamilah Unbridled https://www.facebook.com/GamilahUnbridled/

Grab my free masterclass on what you need to develop your unshakable confidence as a rider to start crushing your goals in no time. 💪 [https://www.resilientreiner.com/RRA_free_masterclass_signup]

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Let’s continue this journey together—because when we support each other, there’s nothing we can’t achieve!

Nicole