Liberty with 6 Horses - Dan James - Night of the Horse 2018 - Del Mar National Horse Show

[@nervouszombie7]

I am so very glad that the whips are finally used how they are supposed to be used. There is not hard hitting just light taps and a blocker. I also appreciate that these horses don’t have any ropes tied and this is a perfect example of voluntary. Good job to you guys.

[@sidilicious11]

School Can Wait I don’t know about voluntary, but I do know it’s cooperation.

[@shewolfbangtan]

@@sidilicious11 animals don’t cooperate if it’s not voluntary😂they can’t talk you know... Hooman I mean😉

[@stravaganza7616]

Your name is genius!!!

[@shewolfbangtan]

@Marcus Layne damn boi!

[@brianconroy7514]

You have no clue what you are talking about and i find it funny as hell !

[@polomare2027]

I am privileged enough to have seen many fabulous liberty performances at this country's top venues over my lifetime and I have seen many performances similar in theme to this one; however, what I have NOT seen before is this ability to split the group and seemingly "turn off" a couple of them while working with the others, and then instantly turn them back on when he needs them. I am truly impressed!

[@karaamundson3964]

Polo Mare Yes, that amazed me as well! This kind of training is so natural to a horse's psychology & evolution that just a few hours can make the difference between an unrideable, distressed animal and a calm horse that trusts the relationship it has with the people handling it (if they too are trained of course!). Obviously these horses had many hours of work, and were probably chosen for temperamental and other reasons (that gray's beautiful gaits, the pony's charming & comical personality, the beauty of the two palominos, how nicely the bay & brown worked together & how close in size they were, and how well all six horses got along of course). Amazing outside of any of these parameters.

[@polomare2027]

Kara Amundson yes, Kara, agree 100%

[@jessicasevigny1206]

@@polomare2027 This Liberty work is truly amazing. It’s a reminder of how all liberty should be done. His liberty work style makes me think of Amy & Spartan’s liberty work session’s where she just uses her body language to communicate to him. The liberty session’s I reference come from Heartland.

[@rodrigoaguilera8808]

@@karaamundson3964 a

[@sherrihawkins1864]

@@jessicasevigny1206 when I get a horse I will teach liberty work but I already do something similar with training my dogs I signals, different types of sounds and tones but I have always used my horse riding into different aspects of my life and when it comes to animals they are similar usually my current dog is very shy and was scared of everything when I first got him but now he is still insecure but at least doesn't freak out anymore but a scared animal whether dog or horse is the same it's just size and a Great Dane is the size of a shetland pony. A jetski to me is like riding a horse bareback so I use my riding skills in daily life even though I dont currently don't ride.

[@sjp6341]

The real horse-lovers love to spend enormous amounts of time with their beloved friends, as Dan James obviously has! Very impressed!

[@avriewirth3645]

that grey dapple was the star of the show lol edit: and the pony

[@paigel.2013]

Avrie W But what about the mini? He was awfully cute!

[@Olivia-tq6er]

Lol yes. I have one myself

[@montanaottb946]

Avrie W nahh it was definitely the pony

[@whoissamman232]

Avrie W is true

[@kodyloomis8916]

Yeah that pony was nice, you see a lot of good trained horses. You don’t see that many half day horses this good.

[@dougie3547]

And i love how they do what they have to do but you can tell he still lets them show there personality and he dosent care if their perfect

[@animalobsessed1]

To me it just looked like he intends to practice more, but didn't want to wait quite that long before going to a show. Based on the amount of times he tried to keep them back, it didn't look like he was happy with their behavior.

[@dougie3547]

@@animalobsessed1 .. true. But im just saying he looks like a great trainer.

[@antayafairless9028]

@@animalobsessed1 not at all. Any good trainer KNOWS horses are flight animals with their own minds. They will never stop practising... But he loves them so much and even talked about how happy he was after this performance.

[@carlossolis8748]

@@antayafairless9028 jñ

[@butterfly1976]

Yes exactly i also noticed that all of them seem to be proud u know they are brilliant and he lets them shine ! Just like they let him shine !

[@edwarddeitch8886]

The amount of time and training it takes to do that are mind boggoling.

[@henryhenry903]

Edward Deitch you got that right and to keep there attention that long too

[@gertie2511]

You don't see the bad he's only letting you see the good about his performances. 😡

[@henryhenry903]

Raskal McCall what would be the bad? Building a level of trust and respect to allow him to have control over this many horses at once without a halter? Or did I miss something?

[@OneMeanArtist]

Mind boggling? Not really. I've seen well trained horses and this wasn't anything spectacular. He's just working with their herd mentality and a lunge line routine. This doesn't necessarily show any trust or respect either, just obedience and repetition. Horses will work out of fear and a broken spirit, too. Maybe this is something special to 'cowboy folk', but definitely not on any real equestrian level.

[@equidaes]

OneMeanArtist Then you tell me what is the “equestrian” way? We all share our love with horses. Also everyone has a different way to train horses. Just because he isn’t a rich, stuck up 3 day eventer or rich spoiled hunter jumpers girl who only cares about show ribbons doesn’t make him any less of an equestrian. Working with one horse is hard enough. Imagine working with 6. If they didn’t like it. These horses could very much crush him.

[@tuliplouart]

Liberty is so cool because it really shows the individual personalities of each horse. It's just horses being horses and cooperating with each other/people. Very cool.

[@oscarmansilla3546]

nlx

[@lxmon_boy9731]

It’s so beautiful, you can really tell that the horses and the man are both having fun, and he doesn’t care if the performance is perfect, he lets the horses show their personality and show themselves.

[@supxrstar]

the little shetland trying to keep up is adorable

[@LilyGazou]

After a terrible day, this is so refreshingly beautiful.

[@ievk8058]

Really cool... I really like how he worked with them.. not corny or over done etc- very natural♡♡

[@gerrycoleman7290]

Not natural. Just showmanship.

[@ganibeqiri9878]

n k

[@raimundacores3998]

Lu8p

[@cristinarivera9409]

Papá W qowo9w9990a0009w99210220

[@ajayghoniya5536]

@@gerrycoleman7290 😣😣

[@dianereiser6417]

It was so nice to see a show where they didn’t use shank bits and spurs, well done mister. ❤️

[@jovallepuhrmann1129]

Watching these horses working with this man makes me smile. Thank you.

[@savanaloveshorses2990]

Bruh

[@Crow-ig4py]

@@savanaloveshorses2990 what? All of the above use pain and discomfort to force the horse too listen

[@aizlynnroark4101]

It's also nice to see the connection that he has with those horses it shows that they love care and respect each other

[@kaylarudy5996]

Umm if there used right it's fine

[@jayfurjill]

Outstanding and mind boggling. I was a professional horse/rider trainer in the UK years ago, but this is on a whole new level. Makes me want to take it up again and learn how to train horses like this.

[@rinthedeer]

This absolutely warms my heart to see such wonderful and genuine horsemanship. You should never need bits, shanks, spurs or whips to connect or command you horse. Those horses are clearly a tight knit herd and deeply respect their head horse (aka the human).

[@equineblessed]

PachaDash he’s using a whip..

[@lyannawinter405]

@@equineblessed True, but in order to have a "longer arm" for guidance, not to beat anyone. That's the important difference :)

[@jennyandersson6238]

PachaDash I ride with a whip with some horses as they need it. It’s there as a extension of your arm.

[@Kat-mu8wq]

The true purpose of a riding whip is a backup of the leg when the horse isn't responding to leg aids.. It should never be used as punishment. Spurs, depending on the type doesn't hurt the horse either unless overused, the spur also backs up the leg aid so you don't need to hoof the horse so to speak, though mine would probably kill you if you kicked or used spurs, he responds of a little squeeze with your calf, my legs very rarely move on him. Bits, as much as I'd love to ride bitless, I know my horse, his bit is the only thing stopping him from killing me when he has a bad spook, rare but again.. I know my horse I side and put, the tiniest noise can set him off, and my health isnt great as it is, I probably shouldn't be riding at all, soci can't take unnecessary risks like riding bareback and bitless as much as I'd like to. If I fell off again, I'd likely never recover from it (it took 3 years to rebuild confidence from a previous horse to be able to walk and trot again) so he'd be sold which isn't fair on him. He's too good to waste not being in ridden work, he has a lot of potential.

[@teresavandale8181]

What a terrific Show I love horses and these ones were all well behaved and are trained very well as well. They are treated well you can tell because they want the trainer to love them and you can tell he does, what a show they looked liked they really enjoyed themselves too and the fans are blown away by their little show GOOD WORK HORSIES your wonderful.

[@highfive6095]

Man. They're watching him so closely, check out those ears ticked towards him. And, I get why ponies are so feisty now. They've gotta make sure they don't get trampled!

[@sidilicious11]

I give anyone who does liberty work and performance big respect. And multiple horses...it takes a lot of skill and time with the horses. It's nice to see more and more of this.

[@sherrihawkins1864]

And trust from both sides

[@justinwilson4670]

Hello pretty Lady how are you doing

[@Kat-mu8wq]

I do some of this with mine, not to this extent but he can do a few obstacles without ropes or halters on. I'd rather not teach him to rear though, being Welsh cob he is very cheeky and will use it to get out of work. 😂

[@rachel7113]

The grey has beautiful gates

[@mervjb809]

Gates?? The only gates I saw were at the side of the arena. Did you mean gaits?

[@waititisnt]

@@mervjb809 salty much

[@annajensen7207]

The grey is just beautiful in general and I totally agree

[@hafwenbrk523]

@@mervjb809 it's just a spelling mistake back off ok

[@elizaequestrian9760]

He’s trained to have them your quite correct I’m glad I found this comment!!

[@fionanewport716]

When you think of what horses had to endure in the past - it’s wonderful.

[@superlativesultan6165]

... and still to this day. But some people are trying to change things fortunately.

[@fionanewport716]

The Magic Twister In the past they were ‘broken’ in. Very aggressive form of submitting them.

[@fi6432]

You can break a horse without being aggressive?? As long as you prepare them and do plenty of groundwork and bonding you don’t have to traumatize them to break them.

[@kimberlyadams2794]

The mini horse was my favorite...having to go twice as fast to keep up with all the bigger guys out there...what a cutie!!

[@thecowtrainer]

These Horses are amazing love how there are 2 greys, 2 bays and 2 palomino’s

[@eibbabbie]

the cow trainer I know right! I love how the palominos we’re together the whole time and are identical basically 💖💖

[@justanotherhorsegirl1494]

Bambi Braveflight Yeah, they’re likely related. The horses are so beautiful ♥️

[@melodymacken9788]

I know nothing about horses but this was brilliant, brilliant and brilliant.

[@nemanja1998]

I don t know what to say. Respect for the work, hard work. You have priceless trust of those horses.

[@sidneysmith8787]

He has to be one of the happiest people on earth. He is certainly blessed!

[@alonsoramos5682]

This man should have been living with these horses since they were very young...

[@jillthewise]

Liberty is one of the most beautiful things to watch. The mutual respect between human and horse will never cease to amaze me

[@elizaday7125]

the pony is the star of the show no buts none can say otherwise

[@ceciliacoulombe-judkins3857]

👏👏👏WOW!!! I cannot be more blown away, by anything at this point in time, other then, what I just witnessed???!!! Superhuman being....yep, thats this man!!! Wow!!!

[@KaterinaRakosky]

I think the best part of this is that all the horses genuinely seem to be having fun

[@aether-1859]

This is magnificent, the horses are so beautiful and well behaved, Just imagine the amount of time and trust this took to do.

[@savannahweaver7136]

He trust's his horse's when I can't even trust my 2 in together bc ones a miniature horse and the other is a morgan draft cross and they still don't get along!

[@hazel1189]

That mini cracked me up haha

[@potatostix1532]

Hes like wait for me!

[@shelbykate5802]

This is one of the most amazing things I have ever seen I just love how he does not abuse the horses in any kind of way all he uses the whips for are to extend his arms, I am just left speeches and I also love how it is not just running small rears.

[@condiflyer]

I love the horses attention, how they turned and followed as soon as he jumped off..

[@riostgermain4578]

So beautiful to see this most natural connection between horse and trainer! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@aprilwood2889]

All 7of you are amazing there are no words that would express how much you all are amazing and that is all 7 of you..... I have been riding and training horses for the last 30 years and you guys have my love and respect💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@avaa22_81]

Wonderful performance!!!! The mini is adorable haha! 🥰

[@kellytyrrell1253]

No bridle, no saddle, no halter. Awesomeness in horsemanship!

[@swr5945]

this is how u see living horses that love their life, even tho they seem very well trained they still have their playfull spirit

[@ChubbyUnicorn]

just WOW. This is so high level, I don't think the crowd realized the incredible skill on display. absolutely masterful

[@superlativesultan6165]

That is AWESOME. I've never done liberty with more than one horse so I can imagine how hard it must have been with 6. Hats off!

[@pamelabrigham5605]

ABSOLUTELY UNDENIABLY UNEQUIVOCALLY BEAUTIFUL ❤️🙏 THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS PRAISE GOD ALL HIS STUNNING SWEET CREATIONS LOL BLESSINGS 💘

[@buddette3308]

Beautiful horses, such a great connection with trainer.

[@kroakie4]

This is really a spectacular feat and a testament to this man’s training methods. He’s a really good horse trainer. I’d love to see him do this with all ponies.

[@henryhenry903]

Pretty awesome showmanship right there

[@gerrycoleman7290]

weak on the horsemanship.

[@henryhenry903]

Gerry Coleman you can’t tell from this video other then he has spent a lot of time teaching this show but he is good enough to teach tricks which is more than a lot of trainers I know lol

[@gerrycoleman7290]

@@henryhenry903 Sure. It is clear that a great deal of time went into this end result. But it is showmanship, not horsemanship. I prefer horsemanship where horses are allowed to be horses as much as possible in this human dominated world. Having horses be taught to perform like circus animals is not in the best interests of the horse.

[@henryhenry903]

Gerry Coleman well im not sure how you would work with or ride a horse without making them something they were not born to do so i guess im not sure what you would consider horsemanship if you need a horse to be as close to its natural state as possible when you work with them?

[@gerrycoleman7290]

@@henryhenry903 One works with a horse by 'talking' to them in their language...........body language. One provides a situation for the horses to be horses. They are grazers. Have a suitable number of acres so they can graze. They are herd animals. Allow them to be in a herd setting. Give them choices for water, salt, food, shelter. Riding is fine just so long as they are properly prepared, a good mutual trust and respect has developed between horse and human, they are not too young (haven't finished growing yet), or too old. It is all about what is in the best interests of the horse. Not a master/slave relationship. But one mind. The horse knows what you are going to do before you do it. You know what the horse is going to do before he does it. Making horse's lives better.

[@embxrgrxyx8395]

I have reasons to believe that this is *actually* 5 horses and a *dog* 😂

[@AtlasTheJaquin]

XDXDXD😂😂😂😂😂😂🤣😂🤣😁😂

[@London.Lynn.]

It’s called a Shetland pony🧐

[@idristanjung3077]

@@AtlasTheJaquin Borneo

[@lesliehodge5081]

It is a mini pony

[@hollynunes7975]

You are not wrong 😹🤣🤣😂😅

[@erinnfitzgerald6257]

Horses are very spiritual animals, seeing these amazingly beautiful sentient beings filled my heart & I cried when it filled up & bubbled over... & that sweet little horse was so proud, bless them & their lucky owner 💓🙏💓

[@leeleeturn]

That was absolutely amazing! And the horses are beautiful, and the little pony is adorable

[@terryrush-tf7sc]

WOW-This was beautiful. I participated in a lot of rodeos but never saw anything like this. Wonderful.

[@jimheckert5383]

Magnificent!!! absolutely fantastic!!! Thank you 🇺🇸

[@tibwilliams7198]

The mini trying to keep up😂😂

[@rylanaustin8837]

Rainbow Puppy I know. It’s like me running in gym while everyone is like 1trillion feet ahead of me

[@sierrasanimaladventure8020]

I saw that too and it was cracking me up 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@oliviaembry4427]

I would be the pony trying to keep up with my friends and school lol

[@oliviaembry4427]

🤣🤣

[@oliviaembry4427]

Me trying to keep up with my friends at school 🤣🤣

[@Evveffentide]

Horses are so incredibly beautiful. The perfect animal!

[@GiselaSchlingmann]

They would be glad if their humans were just as good!

[@artbyamyk]

The horses are so relaxed. Beautiful relationship.

[@Instrument_of_Peace]

Very impressive!! WOW!!! I can only imagine the training ...you put into this!! Truly amazing!! AND SO happy to see no bits, spurs and whips also!!

[@maggiepolk6458]

Beach Bunny but he had 2 whips

[@Citrine_Cottage_Sys]

That's true, but he wasn't using them as whips, simply as an extension of his arm so he could tap a horse if it was getting out of place, I watch the whole video through and I didn't see him hit a horse once

[@Instrument_of_Peace]

@@Citrine_Cottage_Sys Precisely!! Those were teaching aids. He never inflicted pain on them! He used simple tapping and to give direction to 6 horses! See folks, it can been done without punishment!!

[@animalobsessed1]

​@@Citrine_Cottage_Sys So are you implying that people normally use whips to beat up horses? Because they don't. His use of the whips was nothing special; he was using them exactly the same way other people use them.

[@Citrine_Cottage_Sys]

@@animalobsessed1 that's not what I meant, when I said he wasn't using them as whips I meant he wasn't whipping the horses with the whips

[@rachelhammer4548]

*you have now unlocked ultimate horsemanship level* Honestly though this was beautiful. The work this must’ve took is true commitment. I show jump horses so I’m familiar with working with them and just thinking about how much sweat and energy came from both the trainer and horses is breathtaking. *literally shaking*

[@gatorontheroad]

Love how he and the horses work together as a TEAM! :D

[@GemJenGray-Tatton-rp1en]

Absolutely amazing thank you for putting a smile on my face and inspiring me to be better for my boy

[@samehoe4256]

The bay with the 4 white socks is gorgeous, they’re all so graceful...

[@alexking8610]

How absolutely wonderful , I have a liberty horse , who I am so proud of , but what this man is doing is remarkable , I am so proud of our Australian horsemen

[@BessBright]

That lil one does a great job of keeping up❣️

[@vtnminis]

What an AWESOME display of team work and trust. Nice Job Dan. Your mini looks a lot like my Coco. Enjoy your journey.

[@cowgirldaydream9219]

That was so amazing!! the amount of time that he put in to practice this routine is unbelievable, I absolutely love rodios they show what people and horses are capable of this was absolutely stunning !!!

[@JesusKathrynMiller]

✝️🤍😇🌲🔯🐑🕊️🧄🔭🎇🌏🌎🌍🎁🪐🌠🤍✝️🦅🇺🇸🍀Holy Psalm 91 Jesus and KathrynMiller say Thankyou for sharing ✝️🤍✝️ Happy New Years Dan and Liberty and Family and Friends🤍✝️🦅🇺🇸🍀🍀🍀

[@SweetwaterRanchMinistries]

I love scriptures Psalm 91❤

[@alexking8610]

Stunning I have a liberty horse but this is truly stunning , I can't believe how much work people like Dan put into their horses , totall respect

[@veikohonicke3186]

This is Freeworking! Foamous! I can little bit English! Sorry!It"s a Great Show!So Super!!!!!

[@amandaweber2555]

Amazing. Beautiful show of natural horsemanship.

[@Rosemaryfriedchicken]

WONDERFULL! I mean ik nothin about liberty but i know he has put a lot of efort into this! You should resoect the time people put into training a horse! Both the trainer and the horses are SOOO talented!

[@allansbullet]

This man's horsemanship and record is incredible - unlike anything I've ever seen! The horses are beautiful, and just superbly trained - I had never seen this before. But this is not your average "Queensland Bloke" of the old days - this is a man who is an unbelievable horse lover and trainer!!

[@daisycassidy2448]

Outstanding example of love and respect between horse and man. There is never, ever a need to BEAT a horse. 🐎🐴

[@cedar6519]

I do liberty with my horses and it's truly amazing. This guy is incredible! I also love that he used all of my favorite songs! 😊

[@ashleythehorsegirl8945]

The amount of trust, time and training this must of took definitely shows in this. This is just beautiful to me.

[@deekobald9260]

just amazing!!! love love love this cowboy and his friends!!!

[@avriewirth3645]

omg that dapple grey ❤️ i have a dapple grey dutch warmblood, a bay thoroughbred and a chestnut thoroughbred and others but that pony was so cute kinda looked like a shetland

[@EllenWatson-vr4me]

It is a mini I have asked him

[@sophiegreentree9154]

They have such a special bond all 6 horses trust each other as they were one whole horse

[@pikachu7118]

Fantastic work with these horses and not beating them, he’s amazing with them .🍀🍀🍀🍀🇬🇧🍀🇬🇧🍀🇬🇧🍀🇬🇧🍀😢🍀🇬🇧

[@erinvaughn3739]

WOW This is affection training at it's best ... These horses are happy and still free spirited 🤠🤠👏👏👍🏼👍🏼❤❤🙏🙏

[@maisie3911]

I’m going to be a barrel racer and have been in horse lessons for 3 years and always wanted to do something like this! ( I do western ) amazing

[@hollywill2226]

12 minuets of horses being “shown” in Heaven!!🥰

[@PremierHorseSales]

Lots of time spent, hard work, and great training!

[@jackieraulerson2005]

Love this man’s connection with the horses.

[@caeleighyoung2356]

This was truly an amazing show to see! I love that Mustang btw, he is beautiful

[@unicatscanfly1640]

The grey dapple is gorgeous 😍 💙 the mini so cute

[@slipmasterd]

This is proof that all you need is patience and knowledge to teach a horse things

[@Cookiepookie1177]

the little one is ADORABLE

[@dontwren]

that split was mindblowing, i couldnt help but weep

[@donnacsuti4980]

That was great and fun. Amazing training and smart horses. He must have wonderful relationship with the horses. Thanks for sharing

[@andreaschroeder2913]

That is amazing the love and trust your horses have for you is wonderful great job💝

[@quffcraft6606]

i got happy when whatever it takes started lol and THAT PONY IS SO FREAKING CUTE

[@rachelhammer4548]

Why is that mini a pure representation in horse form with me and my friends?😂 the short one that’s always being trampled over and too slow So is pushed to the back. Lol adorable

[@stevegold2672]

Much admiration and respect to the Horses and the Man 🙏🏻

[@douglaslinarespatino8102]

tonta steve gold

[@BetinaBischof-qk7bt]

Ober mega gut.....viel Können , tolle Show , tolle Pferde, tolle Performance!!!;; ❤

[@JasmineTruit]

I loved the chestnut with the blaze down it’s snout, he was the star of the show for me

[@HeatherStrickler]

Got to see Dan at Road to the Horse this year. It’s so cool seeing the connection he has with these horses even when something doesn’t go as planned they always join back up. He also let us know that the two palominos will be on Heartland this season! So cool!

[@davidhill1220]

So beautiful to watch such trust Thank you

[@CraftyTimewithCatPearson]

Beautiful! God bless those beautiful horses! And their human. ❤️❤️❤️

[@shamailarizwan4083]

Great tame... Man's wisdom n beast's obedience creats wonders... Fabulous sight...

[@ssolyla6061]

Such beutiful horses and that shetland pony! so cute and amazing!

[@ryanhipps41]

i love liberty so much and your horses and you are so talented

[@butterfly1976]

The best performance i've ever seen ! Wow wow wow the communication is just fabolous and amazingly perfect also the attention always of all his lovely horses very great u can see what is possible WE learn so much from horses they reflect our emotions also i could see that the horses like to perform and they all are moving so nice naturally movements and very light and easy! Congratulations Dan for me u are the best

[@sarahrose5772]

They were so excited to come out and work for him! Even the mini lol

[@daviddiego9831]

Hello 👋 Sarah How are you doing?

[@thegildedagemadonnabe]

I cried laughing from the adorableness when that mini came out