The Art of Liberty Training for Horses ― Attain New Levels of Leadership, Unity, Feel, Engagement, and Purpose in All That You Do With Your Horse

Horse trainer Jonathan Field has made a name for himself with his unique ability to give people simple, understandable, doable steps that lead to working with a horse ?at liberty” in a safe and progressive manner. At its most basic, many think of liberty as ?playing” with a horse without halters, leads, or other tack. True liberty, says Field, is much more than simply removing equipment and stepping outside the pen or arena: It is moving with your horse, communicating only with intention, and creating a seamless, smooth, and rhythmic dance. ?When you do liberty right, you become one with the herd,” he writes. ?And not only do you develop an amazing connection with your horse, but it’s one of the most fun things you will ever do.”

Developing communication skills and your relationship with your horse through liberty benefits all that you do with your horse?whether on the ground or in the saddle; whether competing or riding for pleasure. Quick responses to subtle cues, clear aids, and a relaxed and attentive horse: These are the keys to liberty, and they are also objectives when we ride, drive, or work with the horse on the ground around the barn. Liberty, therefore, teaches you to be a better horseman. With Jonathan Field’s step-by-step liberty training method, you learn to have a better ?feel,” to reward the horse sooner, and to time your aids just right to ensure you get the response you want. Plus, you discover how to approach things from the individual horse’s perspective?an important key to getting a horse to act because he wants to, rather than because he has to. This fabulously illustrated book, featuring hundreds of action-packed photographs taken on Field’s spectacular ranch in British Columbia, gives you practical and fun ways to teach your horse to genuinely like being with you in all that you do together?not through use of force or by bribing with treats, but because he feels safer and more secure by your side.

Jonathan Field has studied closely with a number of top instructors, learning their methods, listening to their ideas including Pat Parelli, Ronnie Willis, Craig Johnson, Ray Hunt, Dr. R.M. Miller and George Morris, to name a few. Jonathan's success is not a surprise when you consider the gracious help, time and experience so many wise and talented horseman have personally shared with him. This willingness to share knowledge has sparked Jonathan to go the extra mile to help a student or a troubled horse, sometimes late into the evening at a clinic. He'll say the best way to repay your teachers is by passing it on to others.

Jonathan has since started hundreds of horses; trailer loaded thousands, including wild and problem horses; and has developed his own horses into the best friends and partners that you see in his demonstrations. He has coached, mentored and shared his knowledge with thousands of people in clinics and presentations. Jonathan's been the crowd favorite at the Mane Event in both Red Deer and Chilliwack in British Columbia since 2004, and he headlined the 2008, 2010 and 2011 Western States Horse Expo in Sacramento, California. He also attracted a record number of horse enthusiasts at the 2009 Western Canada Farm Progress Show in Regina, Saskatchewan. Jonathan recently shot a pilot for a television series that promises to bring his message to even more horse lovers around the world.