Life at LIBERTY

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What do you do when your horse anticipates the next maneuver, struggles with a stop, or becomes worried when the physical connection comes off?

In The Liberty Troubleshooting Room, recorded live at Liberty Festival 2026, host Cinelle Claassens sits down with trainer and clinician Ryan Rose to work through questions about liberty training.

Ryan shares his perspective on connection, drawing on his experience as a trainer and liberty competition judge. The conversation explores emotional fitness, the preparation behind individual maneuvers, and how liberty can support a horse’s foundation training.

We also discuss handling setbacks, deciding when to end a session, and choosing a horse for liberty. It’s a practical conversation for anyone looking to better understand their horse and work through the places where training gets difficult.

What liberty and connection mean to Ryan

Ryan’s experience judging liberty competitions

Using liberty as part of foundation training

Developing emotional fitness and assessing your horse’s emotional state

Troubleshooting anticipation, stops, and preparation cues

Handling setbacks and deciding when to finish a session

Preparing for complex maneuvers, including flying lead changes

Breed considerations when choosing a horse for liberty

00:00:00 Introduction to the Liberty Festival and Ryan’s background
00:01:12 What liberty means to Ryan
00:02:29 Ryan’s experience with ILHA and judging
00:05:02 The development of liberty and its community
00:07:16 Common liberty training challenges
00:08:30 Liberty as part of foundation training
00:10:15 Developing emotional fitness
00:12:30 Assessing your horse’s emotional state
00:15:50 Managing anticipation and preparation cues
00:18:52 Ending on a good note and handling setbacks
00:20:32 Preparing for flying lead changes
00:21:21 Choosing a horse for liberty
00:22:11 Clinics and future possibilities

00:00:00 Introduction to the Liberty Festival and Ryan’s background
Cinelle welcomes Ryan Rose for a live Life at Liberty recording at Liberty Festival 2026 and introduces the troubleshooting conversation.

00:01:12 What liberty means to Ryan
Ryan shares his understanding of liberty, with a focus on connection and the horse’s willingness to participate.

00:02:29 Ryan’s experience with ILHA and judging
Ryan reflects on his involvement with the International Liberty Horse Association and his experience judging liberty competitions.

00:05:02 The development of liberty and its community
The conversation explores liberty’s development as a discipline and the community forming around it.

00:07:16 Common liberty training challenges
The discussion turns to difficulties people encounter during liberty training and how to approach troubleshooting them.

00:08:30 Liberty as part of foundation training
Ryan explains how he incorporates liberty into foundation training, including everyday interactions such as catching and connecting with a horse.

00:10:15 Developing emotional fitness
Ryan discusses emotional fitness and the role training can play in helping horses develop the skills to handle challenging situations.

00:12:30 Assessing your horse’s emotional state
The conversation considers how a horse’s emotional state can inform training decisions and what to ask for next.

00:15:50 Managing anticipation and preparation cues
Ryan addresses anticipation and discusses how preparation and cues can help clarify what the horse is being asked to do.

00:18:52 Ending on a good note and handling setbacks
The discussion explores setbacks during training and the decisions involved in bringing a session to a close.

00:20:32 Preparing for flying lead changes
Ryan discusses the preparation involved in complex maneuvers, using flying lead changes as an example.

00:21:21 Choosing a horse for liberty
The conversation turns to breed preferences and considerations when selecting a horse for liberty work.

00:22:11 Clinics and future possibilities
Cinelle and Ryan close with a discussion of potential clinics and opportunities to work together again.

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There’s a moment in every horse person’s life where you realize this isn’t just about horses anymore. It’s about who you become because of them.

In this special Ladies of Liberty panel from Liberty Festival 2025, Elizabeth James brings together a group of women who have built their lives around horses, each from a different path, discipline, and background. Featuring Amber Marshall, Jessica Blair Fowlkes, Caitie Holtzman, and Allison Whisler, this conversation moves beyond training techniques and into something deeper: identity, failure, pressure, and the reality of building a life with horses.

This isn’t polished. It’s honest, funny, and at times uncomfortable, in the best way. From navigating burnout and postpartum depression to performing under pressure and redefining success, this episode explores what Liberty really offers: not control, but choice. And through that, a mirror. If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re “good enough,” whether you belong here, or what’s actually possible with your horse, this conversation will meet you right there.

00:00:00 Opening and introduction to the Ladies of Liberty panel
00:05:00 What horses mean to each guest
00:11:15 Why Liberty? Connection, creativity, and choice
00:20:06 What horses teach you about yourself
00:27:30 Performing at Liberty: what happens when it goes wrong
00:35:00 When passion becomes a profession
00:47:00 Identity, confidence, and finding your place in the horse world
00:52:22 Failure, excuses, and what’s really holding you back
00:56:30 Final reflections and advice to the audience

00:00:00 Opening and introduction to the Ladies of Liberty panel
Elizabeth James introduces a diverse panel of women in Liberty, setting the tone for a conversation centered on connection, experience, and the unique role women play in the Liberty space.  

00:05:00 What horses mean to each guest
The panel shares personal reflections on what horses represent in their lives, from grounding and emotional stability to opportunities, relationships, and identity.  

00:11:15 Why Liberty? Connection, creativity, and choice
The conversation shifts into Liberty itself, why it resonates so deeply, especially through its emphasis on freedom, creativity, and allowing the horse to choose to stay.  

00:20:06 What horses teach you about yourself
Each guest reflects on the personal lessons horses have taught them, from patience and emotional awareness to confidence, self-doubt, and growth through discomfort.  

00:27:30 Performing at Liberty: what happens when it goes wrong
A candid and often humorous look at performing with horses, what to do when things fall apart, how to recover in the moment, and why authenticity matters more than perfection.  

00:35:00 When passion becomes a profession
The panel explores the shift from loving horses to making a living with them, including the pressure, burnout, and the importance of maintaining enjoyment in the process.  

00:47:00 Identity, confidence, and finding your place in the horse world
Elizabeth shares her personal journey as the “horse crazy girl,” navigating identity, comparison, and what it means to belong in a space filled with professionals and performers.  

00:52:22 Failure, excuses, and what’s really holding you back
Amber Marshall delivers a defining message of the episode: failure is necessary for growth, and often the biggest obstacle is the one we place in our own way.  

00:56:30 Final reflections and advice to the audience
The panel closes with direct advice—stop making excuses, embrace failure, stay curious, and step outside your comfort zone if you want to grow in Liberty and beyond.

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In this episode of Life at Liberty, host Cinelle Claassens sits down with Dr. Elizabeth James, founder of the International Liberty Horse Association (ILHA), for a milestone conversation about where the association is headed next. Elizabeth announces Cinelle as the new official host of the podcast and shares the heart behind the transition. Together, they unpack why the ILHA established its first Board of Directors, what the process looked like behind the scenes, and how members played a direct role through nominations and voting. Elizabeth explains the balance between elected and appointed seats, the intention to avoid “popularity politics,” and what this shift means for the future of the ILHA and Liberty as a legitimate discipline. The episode closes with an invitation for members to stay engaged, share what they want to hear next, and step into a greater sense of ownership within the community.

Elizabeth James announces Cinelle as the new official host of Life at Liberty

Why the ILHA established its first-ever Board of Directors

The behind-the-scenes research that went into building the board structure

How nominations and member voting actually worked

Why the ILHA avoided popularity politics and donor-driven seats

What this transition means for ILHA members and the future of Liberty

Elizabeth reflects on leadership, sustainability, and letting go

A teaser for upcoming projects and future podcast conversations

00:00:26 Opening context: why this episode matters
00:02:10 Elizabeth’s announcement: Cinelle named new host
00:06:30 Why Life at Liberty needed its own voice
00:09:45 The origin of the ILHA and the long-term vision
00:13:40 Sustainability, leadership responsibility, and “what happens if I’m gone?”
00:18:20 The research phase: boards, term limits, and hard lessons learned
00:24:50 Why donor seats and popularity contests were intentionally avoided
00:31:10 How nominations and voting worked for board seats
00:37:40 Transparency, protecting feelings, and member trust
00:41:55 What excites Elizabeth most about the new board
00:45:30 What this milestone changes for members
00:49:10 Liberty as a legitimate discipline, why this matters beyond ILHA
00:54:20 Early board meetings and what’s already in motion
00:57:40 Clubs reopening and community growth
01:00:15 Elizabeth’s personal reflections and what’s next
01:02:00 Closing reflections on ownership, belonging, and the future

00:00:26 Opening context: why this episode matters
Cinelle sets the tone for a milestone episode, explaining that this moment has been years in the making and quietly shapes where the ILHA is headed next.

00:02:10 Elizabeth’s announcement: Cinelle named new host
Elizabeth announces Cinelle as the new official host of Life at Liberty, sharing why the podcast needed a dedicated voice and how this transition reflects the original vision of telling the community’s stories.

00:06:30 Why Life at Liberty needed its own voice
Elizabeth reflects on the evolution of the podcast and why separating the association from the storytelling side was always part of the plan.

00:09:45 The origin of the ILHA and the long-term vision
Elizabeth revisits why the ILHA was founded in the first place: to legitimize Liberty as a discipline and give people a place to grow, compete, and belong.

00:13:40 Sustainability, leadership responsibility, and hard questions
A candid discussion about sustainability, leadership pressure, and the realization that the association couldn’t rely on one person long-term.

00:18:20 The research phase: how the board structure was built
Elizabeth explains the eight-month research process, including calls to other associations and the challenges of finding real answers about governance.

00:24:50 Avoiding popularity politics and donor-driven boards
Elizabeth shares what she learned about boards that don’t work—and why the ILHA intentionally chose a different path.

00:31:10 How nominations and voting actually worked
A clear breakdown of how members nominated candidates, how voting was structured, and why each member received two votes.

00:37:40 Transparency, fairness, and protecting community trust
Elizabeth talks about the balance between transparency and care, and why protecting members’ dignity mattered throughout the process.

00:41:55 What excites Elizabeth about the board
With the board now in place, Elizabeth reflects on new energy, fresh perspectives, and the excitement of stepping back and watching others lead.

00:45:30 What this milestone changes for members
The conversation shifts to what members gain: influence, ownership, and a stronger voice in the association’s future.

00:49:10 Liberty as a legitimate discipline
Elizabeth explains how this milestone further establishes Liberty as a real, respected discipline governed by its community.

00:54:20 Early board meetings and next steps
Cinelle and Elizabeth discuss early board meetings, current priorities, and how members will start seeing changes roll out.

00:57:40 Clubs reopening and community growth
An update on clubs reopening, new communities forming, and why local connection remains at the heart of the ILHA.

01:00:15 Personal reflection and what’s next
Elizabeth shares what this transition means for her personally and teases future creative projects and podcast conversations.

01:02:00 Closing reflections on ownership and belonging
The episode closes with a reminder that the ILHA exists to celebrate members at every stage of their Liberty journey,  and that this milestone belongs to the whole community.

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In this live episode of Life at Liberty during the 2025 Liberty Festival, Dan Steers and Tik Maynard gets into conversations that somehow manages to be equal parts actual horsemanship and absolute chaos (in the best way). Between dad jokes, Aussie/Canadian banter, and a legendary story about Dan James, they dig into what it really looks like to invest in your own learning, whether that’s training chickens to understand reinforcement, preparing for Road to the Horse, or simply figuring out how to be a better student without letting ego run the show. It’s funny, honest, and unexpectedly practical.

The live Liberty Festival vibe: banter, audience energy, and “we might not be the best, but we’re the funnest”

Tik’s path through Pony Club, mounted games, and how it shaped his horsemanship foundation

What Tik learned preparing for (and winning) Road to the Horse - twice

The “Chicken Training Camp” story… and why it actually matters for training horses

A real discussion on investing in yourself, avoiding burnout, and staying inspired

What makes a good student—and how to choose clinics that actually help you grow

00:00:36 The unicorn joke opener and immediate chaos
00:04:32 Dan James running late + the Pony Club origin story
00:12:44 Tik’s background: Pony Club, mounted games, and early competition
00:17:56 Road to the Horse: what actually changed for Tik
00:18:55 Chicken Training Camp + rate of reinforcement explained
00:28:34 The real cost of investing in yourself (time, money, family)
00:32:11 Confidence, criticism, and following the “inner flame”
00:40:10 What’s next for Tik: family, Greece, eventing goals, and writing
00:44:50 Why great horsemen still take lessons + collaboration culture shift
00:47:05 What makes a good student (homework, trust, and setting yourself up well)
00:55:43 “Dotcom” story: the original catfish incident and how it shaped Dan James’ path
01:04:38 Wrap-up + Liberty Festival gratitude

00:00:36 The unicorn joke opener and immediate chaos
Tik Maynard opens with a joke and the tone is set instantly: this episode is going to be fun, unfiltered, and very live. The banter establishes the dynamic between Dan and Tik right away.

00:04:32 Dan James running late + the Pony Club origin story
Dan Steers roasts Dan James for being late (as tradition demands), then launches into stories about Dan’s early horse days and how “Dan James time” became a very real thing.

00:12:44 Tik’s background: Pony Club, mounted games, and early competition
Tik shares his upbringing in Vancouver’s horse scene, where arena work was the norm. He explains how Pony Club and mounted games shaped his foundations, focus, and sense of purpose with horses.

00:17:56 Road to the Horse: what actually changed for Tik
Tik breaks down what winning Road to the Horse did and didn’t change. Biggest impact: how much he learned during preparation and the increase in clinic requests, more than a total business shift.

00:18:55 Chicken Training Camp + rate of reinforcement explained
Yes, it’s real. Tik explains how training chickens taught him learning theory fundamentals, especially rate of reinforcement, and how that translates directly into pressure/release timing with horses.

00:28:34 The real cost of investing in yourself (time, money, family)
They get serious about what it takes to commit to big goals when you’ve got a family, bills, and a business. Tik shares the conversation with his wife and why long-term growth still mattered.

00:32:11 Confidence, criticism, and following the “inner flame”
Tik talks about competition pressure, mistakes in front of an audience, and choosing to keep going anyway. Key message: protect that internal drive and don’t let social media critics steer your path.

00:40:10 What’s next for Tik: family, Greece, eventing goals, and writing
Tik lays out what he’s working toward, time with his kids, a long-awaited vacation, building an event horse, using Tomcat as a “learning horse,” and writing his next book (including more liberty).

00:44:50 Why great horsemen still take lessons + collaboration culture shift
They talk about how modern horsemanship has become more collaborative and why the best trainers keep learning. Tik shares his weekly lesson routine and how being coached keeps him sharp and inspired.

00:47:05 What makes a good student (homework, trust, and setting yourself up well)
Tik gives a practical blueprint: do your homework before you sign up, commit fully once you’re there, and choose clinicians based on what you/your horse need right now, not ego or hype.

00:55:43 “Dotcom” story: the original catfish incident
Dan Steers tells the legendary story behind Dan James’ nickname “Dotcom”, an early-internet catfish situation that somehow leads to Dan learning from top horse people in Texas. Wild, funny, and oddly meaningful.

01:04:38 Wrap-up + Liberty Festival gratitude
They close by circling back to the Liberty Festival community, why humor belongs in education, and how the weekend re-inspired Tik. Dan Steers signs off in classic Double Dan style: fun first, ego last.

If you listen to Life at Liberty, we need your help. We've put together a short survey. It’s for listeners only. Click this link to complete is under 3 minutes: Life at Liberty Podcast Survey

If you listen to Life at Liberty, we need your help. We've put together a short survey. It’s for listeners only. Click this link to complete is under 3 minutes: Life at Liberty Podcast Survey 

In this episode of Life at Liberty, host Cinelle Claassens interviews Candice Snow, a champion freestyle performer. Candice shares her inspiring journey back to horses after nearly 40 years away, her experiences with Liberty training, and her preparations for the upcoming Invitational Freestyle. The conversation highlights the deep connection between horse and trainer, the challenges faced in training, and the joy of competing in freestyle events. Candice emphasizes that it's never too late to start competing and encourages listeners to build a connection with their horses through Liberty work.

Highlights:

How Candace returned to horses after nearly 40 years away

Building her Liberty journey through volunteering, Mustangs, and a growing herd

The story behind her championship-winning freestyle performance

Preparing for the 2025 Invitational Freestyle with new challenges and creative twists

Why she believes it’s never too late to start Liberty

Practical advice for listeners to begin building connection with their horses

Key Moments:

00:02:05 Life in Texas, balancing grandma duties and horses

00:02:49 Building a freestyle cart and the thrill of winning the championship

00:04:47 Returning to horses after decades away

00:07:36 First time witnessing Liberty with Dan James in 2012

00:09:40 From auditing clinics to champion: years of persistence

00:12:41 Finding joy in practice and connection with her horses

00:13:57 Challenges of training her insecure mare to stand independently

00:15:14 Her message: it’s never too late to begin Liberty

00:16:09 Practical first steps for Liberty beginners

00:19:55 Sneak peek: 1960s theme and surprises for the Invitational Freestyle

Summaries:

00:02:05 Life in Texas, balancing grandma duties and horses. Candace shares her daily life split between watching her granddaughter three days a week and devoting the rest of her time to horses.

00:02:49 Building a freestyle cart and the thrill of winning the championship. She recalls constructing her unique cart for her horse to push, describing the pride of seeing it all work in the arena and the joy of last year’s championship win.

00:04:47 Returning to horses after decades away. Candace reflects on volunteering with therapeutic horsemanship after her children were grown, which reignited her love for horses and led her back into ownership and Liberty training.

00:07:36 First time witnessing Liberty with Dan James in 2012. She describes the awe of watching horses stand freely in the arena, realizing years later that her own horses could do the same—something her late father would have been proud of.

00:09:40 From auditing clinics to champion: years of persistence. Candace explains the long journey of hard work and setbacks that ultimately led her to become a Liberty Festival champion.

00:12:41 Finding joy in practice and connection with her horses. Her favorite moments come when things “just click,” whether riding bareback or playing at Liberty, blurring the line between practice and pure enjoyment.

00:13:57 Challenges of training her insecure mare to stand independently. She discusses her biggest training hurdle—getting her mare to stay confidently alone while sending her Mustang to perform other tasks.

00:15:14 Her message: it’s never too late to begin Liberty. Candace encourages listeners that no matter their age or experience, Liberty offers a unique and deeply rewarding connection with horses.

00:16:09 Practical first steps for Liberty beginners. She advises starting small—spending time in a round pen, moving with your horse, and observing how they respond to your body language.

00:19:55 Sneak peek: 1960s theme and surprises for the Invitational Freestyle. Candace teases her 2025 Invitational performance, hinting at a 1960s “Age of Aquarius” theme, a redesigned cart, and a special Liberty maneuver surprise.

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In this episode of Life at Liberty, host Elizabeth speaks with clinician Kathy Baar about her journey in horsemanship, the concept of liberty, and the importance of building relationships with horses. They discuss the balance between competition and liberty, the role of mentorship, and the significance of biomechanics in training. Kathy shares insights on building confidence in both horses and humans, the evolution of the Liberty Festival, and the importance of finding one's 'why' in horsemanship. The conversation culminates in a quick-fire round where Kathy shares personal anecdotes and insights.

Highlights:

Key Moments:
00:01:50 Discovering the Power of Liberty in Horse Training
00:07:30 Overcoming the Challenge of Letting Go of Control
00:14:20 Preparing for the 2025 Liberty Festival Performance
00:22:55 Learning From Mistakes and Embracing Feedback
00:30:40 Kathy’s Philosophy on Observation, Empathy, and Consistency
00:38:10 Practical Tips for Liberty Enthusiasts at Home
00:44:25 Closing Thoughts and Festival Preview

Summaries:

00:01:50 Discovering the Power of Liberty in Horse Training
Kathy shares how she first explored Liberty work and how it transformed her understanding of connection, trust, and partnership with her horses.

00:07:30 Overcoming the Challenge of Letting Go of Control
She explains the mental shift required to release traditional control methods, embracing patience and responsiveness instead.

00:14:20 Preparing for the 2025 Liberty Festival Performance
Kathy takes listeners behind the scenes of her choreography, music choices, and the planning process that brings her performance to life.

00:22:55 Learning From Mistakes and Embracing Feedback
She reflects on challenges and mistakes during training, highlighting how horses provide honest guidance and opportunities to improve.

00:30:40 Kathy’s Philosophy on Observation, Empathy, and Consistency
Kathy discusses why a thoughtful, empathetic, and consistent approach is essential for building strong partnerships in Liberty work.

00:38:10 Practical Tips for Liberty Enthusiasts at Home
She provides actionable exercises and strategies to improve timing, communication, and trust with horses in personal practice.

00:44:25 Closing Thoughts and Festival Preview
Kathy leaves listeners with motivation for their own Liberty journeys and shares a preview of her upcoming 2025 Festival performance.

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In this episode of Life at Liberty, host Cinelle Claassens interviews Jessica Blair Fowlkes, a dynamic performer in the equine industry. Jessica shares the highs, the wipeouts, and the lessons that only Liberty horses can teach. She talks about the pressure of competing in front of judges who know exactly what they’re seeing, why partnership always comes before performance, and the advice she gives every aspiring freestyle competitor.

Highlights:

How Jessica discovered Liberty Freestyle and why it humbled her as a trainer

The challenges she faced building trust and communication without a bridle

Behind-the-scenes of choreographing her 2025 Liberty Festival Invitational Freestyle

Why she believes patience, observation, and mindset are the keys to success

Tips for Liberty enthusiasts to improve connection and performance at home

Key Moments:

00:02:15 Discovering Liberty Freestyle and Its Humbling Nature
00:08:05 Building Trust and Communication Without a Bridle
00:15:42 Choreographing the Invitational Freestyle for the 2025 Liberty Festival
00:25:10 Working Through Mistakes and Learning From Horses
00:32:55 Jessica’s Approach to Mindset and Patience in Training
00:40:30 Practical Tips for Liberty Enthusiasts at Home
00:46:50 Closing Thoughts and Preview of Her Festival Performance

Summaries:

00:02:15 Discovering Liberty Freestyle and Its Humbling Nature
Jessica shares how she first encountered Liberty Freestyle, and how the discipline immediately challenged her assumptions about control, connection, and patience.

00:08:05 Building Trust and Communication Without a Bridle
She discusses the process of creating a partnership based entirely on trust, body language, and subtle cues, emphasizing how humbling it can be for even experienced trainers.

00:15:42 Choreographing the Invitational Freestyle for the 2025 Liberty Festival
Jessica takes listeners behind the scenes of designing her performance, from music selection to movement planning, highlighting the creativity and attention to detail required.

00:25:10 Working Through Mistakes and Learning From Horses
She opens up about setbacks and mistakes during training, sharing how horses provide honest feedback and force trainers to adapt and improve.

00:32:55 Jessica’s Approach to Mindset and Patience in Training
Jessica explains how a patient, observant mindset allows both horse and trainer to grow, and why mental approach is just as important as technique.

00:40:30 Practical Tips for Liberty Enthusiasts at Home
She offers actionable guidance for listeners, including exercises and strategies to strengthen trust, timing, and connection in their own Liberty practice.

00:46:50 Closing Thoughts and Preview of Her Festival Performance
Jessica leaves listeners with inspiration for their Liberty journeys and a sneak peek at her 2025 Invitational Freestyle, encouraging persistence and curiosity.

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In this episode of the Life at Liberty podcast, Dan James sits down with renowned Liberty performer Ben Atkinson to discuss the art of Liberty training, the challenges of performing with horses, and the upcoming Liberty Festival. They explore Ben's journey into Liberty training, the importance of foundational skills, and the mindset required for success in equine performance. The conversation also touches on the unique aspects of the Liberty Festival, the significance of perseverance in training, and the community spirit that makes the event special. Ben shares personal anecdotes and insights, emphasizing the importance of belief in oneself and the process of learning with horses.

Highlights

- How an Aussie and a Brit found common ground (and comedy) in Liberty

- The lessons Dan and Ben learned the hard way, and how failure shaped their training

- Why “Not Yet” became Ben’s life motto and a reminder for every horseman

- A behind-the-scenes look at their Foundations in Freedom session coming to the 2025 Liberty Festival

- The balance of faith, humility, and humor in pursuing Liberty without limits

Key Moments

00:03:11 How Dan and Ben First Connected Through Liberty

00:08:47 Stories of Setbacks, Humor, and Lessons Learned

00:15:02 Ben’s Motto of “Not Yet” and What It Means for Trainers

00:22:36 The Role of Faith and Mindset in Horsemanship

00:30:49 What to Expect from Foundations in Freedom at the Liberty Festival

00:42:15 Dan and Ben on Keeping Liberty Training Fun

00:50:27 Final Thoughts on Partnership, Progress, and the Future of Liberty

Chapter Summaries

00:03:11 How Dan and Ben First Connected Through Liberty Dan James and Ben Atkinson share how their paths crossed in the Liberty world and why they respect each other’s approach to training, even across different continents.

00:08:47 Stories of Setbacks, Humor, and Lessons Learned They swap candid (and hilarious) stories of things going wrong in the arena and the value of finding humor when training doesn’t go as planned.

00:15:02 Ben’s Motto of “Not Yet” and What It Means for Trainers Ben explains how “Not Yet” became a guiding phrase for him, teaching patience and persistence when progress feels out of reach.

00:22:36 The Role of Faith and Mindset in Horsemanship Both trainers open up about how faith, humility, and mental resilience shape their journey as horsemen and performers.

00:30:49 What to Expect from Foundations in Freedom at the Liberty Festival Dan and Ben give listeners a preview of the new Foundations in Freedom session debuting at the 2025 Liberty Festival, where multiple trainers will demonstrate different approaches to starting horses at Liberty.

00:42:15 Dan and Ben on Keeping Liberty Training Fun They discuss how fun, creativity, and laughter are just as important as structure and discipline in Liberty training.

00:50:27 Final Thoughts on Partnership, Progress, and the Future of Liberty

In this episode of Life at Liberty, host Cinelle Claassens interviews Mirka Crew, a competitor in the upcoming ILHA Invitational Freestyle Competition happening at the 2025 Liberty Festival in Kentucky. Mirka shares her journey from the Czech Republic to becoming a prominent figure in Liberty training, discussing her early experiences with horses, the challenges she faced, and the importance of connection in training. She emphasizes the significance of self-doubt and how overcoming it has shaped her career. Mirka also talks about her preparation for the 2025 Invitational Freestyle performance, her unique posture focus training program, and the lessons learned from past performances. The conversation highlights the accessibility of Liberty training for aspiring trainers and the special bond between trainers and Mustangs.

Highlights:

Key Moments:

00:01:58 Growing Up in the Czech Republic and Discovering Horses

00:07:12 Moving to the U.S. with $200 and a Dream

00:12:36 Wrestling with Self-Doubt and Finding Confidence Through Liberty 00:18:04 Posture Focused Training® Explained—How Balance Creates Connection

00:26:51 Preparing Marvel and Trac for the Invitational Freestyle

00:34:29 Lessons Liberty Horse Enthusiasts Can Apply at Home

00:41:56 Mirka’s Mindset Advice for Competitors and Dreamers

00:48:20 Closing Thoughts and a Sneak Peek of the Liberty Festival Chapter

Summaries:

00:01:58 Growing Up in the Czech Republic and Discovering Horses Mirka reflects on her early years in Prague, where she first fell in love with horses but never imagined it would lead to a professional career.

00:07:12 Moving to the U.S. with $200 and a Dream She shares the bold decision to move to America with almost nothing, and how that leap of faith set the foundation for her training journey.

00:12:36 Wrestling with Self-Doubt and Finding Confidence Through Liberty Mirka opens up about lifelong struggles with self-doubt, questioning her worth, and how Liberty training gave her a new sense of possibility.

00:18:04 Posture Focused Training® Explained—How Balance Creates Connection Mirka introduces her Posture Focused Training® method, explaining how horse balance and self-carriage improve partnership at Liberty and bridleless.

00:26:51 Preparing Marvel and Trac for the Invitational Freestyle She gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at working with her Mustangs, Marvel and Trac, ahead of the 2025 Liberty Festival Invitational Freestyle.

00:34:29 Lessons Liberty Horse Enthusiasts Can Apply at Home Mirka offers practical advice for Liberty enthusiasts of all levels, focusing on mindset shifts and small steps to build connection.

00:41:56 Mirka’s Mindset Advice for Competitors and Dreamers She shares how she encourages students through her “Sky Is Not the Limit” philosophy, reminding them to push past fear and self-doubt.

00:48:20 Closing Thoughts and a Sneak Peek of the Liberty Festival Mirka leaves listeners with encouragement for their own Liberty journeys and a teaser of what to expect in her Invitational Freestyle performance.

Episode Summary:

In this exciting episode, Dr. Elizabeth James is joined by both Dans of Double Dan Horsemanship—Dan James and Dan Steers—for a rare, wide-ranging conversation about their legacy, the evolution of Liberty horsemanship, and the deep bond that has fueled their partnership for nearly two decades. From the invention of the Liberty beanbag to the story behind their first horse that could sit on cue, this episode is filled with never-before-heard stories, unfiltered humor, and powerful reflections on what it means to share knowledge instead of hoard it.

You’ll also get a sneak peek at what they’re bringing to the 2025 Liberty Festival, including their new "Foundations in Freedom" concept and a long-awaited return to the U.S. performance arena—together. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to Liberty horsemanship, this episode will leave you inspired, entertained, and more than a little tempted to join us in Lexington this October.

Highlights:      

Key Moments  

00:02:27  The Origins of Double Dan Horsemanship  

00:07:34. Early Liberty Training Experiences  

00:10:44. Developing Liberty Acts at El Caballo Blanco  

00:15:26. Transition from Performing to Teaching Liberty  

00:35:33. Foundations in Freedom at the Liberty Festival  

00:47:31. Upcoming Performances and Special Guests  

00:53:13. Liberty Principles in Performance Horsemanship  

00:56:57. Closing Thoughts on the Double Dan Partnership

Chapter Summaries

The Origins of Double Dan HorsemanshipDan Steers shares how he got introduced to horses at age 14 and his early experiences with liberty training. He discusses his mentor Pete Weber and his first horse Susie, who became the foundation for his liberty work.

00:07:34 Early Liberty Training Experiences - Dan Steers recounts stories of riding his mare Susie bareback and bridleless as a young trainer, including riding to the grocery store. He shares how these experiences shaped his early confidence and skills with liberty work.

00:10:44 Developing Liberty Acts at El Caballo Blanco - The Dans discuss how they started working together at El Caballo Blanco, developing their liberty acts and stunts. They recount creating signature moves like having two horses sit on a beanbag while another jumps through.

00:15:26 Transition from Performing to Teaching Liberty - The hosts explore how Dan Steers and Dan James transitioned from performing to teaching liberty clinics. They credit Heath Harris for pushing them towards teaching and helping develop a systematic approach to liberty training.

00:35:33 Foundations in Freedom at the Liberty Festival - The hosts discuss a new session at the upcoming Liberty Festival called "Foundations in Freedom," where multiple trainers will start horses at liberty over three days, demonstrating different methods for beginners.

00:47:31 Upcoming Performances and Special Guests - The Dans discuss their upcoming performance at Quarter Horse Congress and the Liberty Festival. They express excitement about special guest Frédéric Pignon attending the festival, calling him one of the greatest liberty trainers of all time.

00:53:13 Liberty Principles in Performance Horsemanship - Dan Steers shares how he applies liberty training principles to competitive performance disciplines like reining and cow horse. He discusses finding a balance between natural horsemanship philosophy and competitive success.

00:56:57 Closing Thoughts on Double Dan Partnership - The hosts reflect on the unique and enduring partnership between Dan Steers and Dan James, praising their ability to maintain a successful business and friendship across countries and life changes over many years.