Ken McNabb - Liberty

Today we are going to talk about true LIBERTY, and how to keep your horse locked on to you without physical contact. It is important to note that the horse I am working with in this session already has round pen and groundwork basics established in his training. We are simply going to build on those basics.
TOOLS:
1. Round pen
2. Rope
3. Dressage whip
To me, it is important the horse has a choice to leave or stay. I don't want to force him; I want him to make a conscious decision to be with me.
GETTING STARTED
I'll start by moving the horse around. This should look similar to the groundwork we've already established. Then, when I ask him to come to me, I want it to be at a trot. If he slows to a walk, I'll send him off again. I want his attention on me and I will be pretty demanding about that. When I send him off, not long after, I will ask him right back again. Pretty soon, he'll figure out he doesn't have to go too far, and that he's better off hanging around near me. When he comes to me, I will love on him and give him a good release.
Without spending too much time, you should see your horse start to get the idea that you want him to stay with you and move with you. This is something you are then able to have fun with and build on.
I hope you enjoyed this video and that you and your horse will have fun exploring what you can achieve at liberty. I think Stormy would agree that even though freedom has a cost, it is certainly worth it in the long run!
Until next time, may God bless the trails you ride!
Ken McNabb

[@christinamuller1741]

Hi Mr. McNabb, I am a huge fan! I love your videos and tutorials. Thank you so much for posting and sharing all of this information.

[@donyalewells1388]

See now I love seeing a person that communicate to an animal like this. Love a black horse

[@CassieAnderson-uo1cl]

Thank you so much Ken!!!

[@sallyhunter2389]

How does he work out that kiss is to go and kiss to come back? Live thus, but

[@leealexander3507]

The warning is correct. I recently broke my hip participating in horse related activities - I stepped on a shoelace and fell while leading my arabian stallion out of the barn. What hurts the most is not my hip. It's that I had to give up the liberty horse who has been my closest companion for years because I have some health issues requiring care aside from my hip and wouldn't be able to take proper care of him for at least a few months. Food and water is not enough. I expect to offer my horses a high quality of care. I gave him to a friend who needs him for her breeding program where I know he will receive the best of care instead of selling him and hoping for the best.

[@shahn415]

That’s some real good work

[@bettym9160]

He is so beautiful

[@4horn4]

I hear you “ kissing” both to move him away and come to you. I’m confused.

[@justindutcher1300]

Notice it’s his body language that he sends the horse off…he points off with his hand and creates energy with the rope. When he wants the horse to come to him then Ken steps out in front of his eye and backs up. So it’s body language that Ken is using that the horse is understanding.

[@leealexander3507]

He leans forward to send his horse and steps back to draw him in. A horse understands those movements even if they are very subtle although it helps to be far less subtle at first.

[@fernlintner65]

Wow I am so happy to have found you! Cant wait to get into all of this training

[@CrystalrichardsonKQ4RSY]

Horse is confused need to change your cues..kissing to run off kissing to come back..I was even confused on what you were asking

[@LuceReinsTraining]

The horse is sensitive enough to feel his intention change from drive away to draw in. Also, He's using a slight hand cue and a step back to draw him in. Horses communicate with tiny body language cues and they study us like we study them.

[@leealexander3507]

My black stallion likes to be rubbed softly between his ears.