Liberty Horse Challenge
October 5, 2025
Join us for the 2025 Heart & Hooves Horsemanship Liberty Challenge!
Liberty horsemanship is the art of working with a horse in complete freedom, where the horse willingly chooses to stay connected and responsive without the use of physical restraints. It’s built on trust, respect, and clear communication, using subtle cues, energy, and body language to guide the horse’s movements. Liberty strengthens the natural bond between horse and handler, encouraging a deeper level of understanding, patience, and cooperation.
This challenge is designed to meet each Liberty participant where they are in their journey, offering an opportunity to showcase their progress, creativity, and connection—whether they are just beginning or have years of experience. It’s a space where handlers and horses alike can shine, inspire others, and celebrate their unique partnership.
More than just a competition, the Liberty Challenge is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we listen to and respect our horses. It’s an event that uplifts and motivates—showing spectators and participants alike how horsemanship built on kindness and understanding leads to beautiful results.
What to Expect:
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Obstacle Course Liberty: Handlers and their horses navigate a thoughtfully designed obstacle course that tests precision, confidence, and responsiveness. Obstacles may include weaving through poles, side-passing logs, backing through tight spaces, circling around objects, and crossing bridges. This class emphasizes focus, agility, and deep communication between horse and handler in real-time problem-solving situations.
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Individual Liberty Class: Each handler designs a freestyle routine with their horse, highlighting their unique partnership. Expect graceful circles, changes of direction, gait transitions, bowing, laying down, and other advanced maneuvers that demonstrate creativity and trust. Performances may be set to music, adding artistry and personal expression.
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NEW Team Liberty Class: A one-of-a-kind challenge featuring 2 people and 2 horses working together in a synchronized routine. Teams coordinate their cues, timing, and movements to present polished, creative performances that showcase teamwork and precision across all four participants.
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Double Liberty Class: A thrilling advanced test where 1 person works with 2 horses simultaneously. The handler must guide both horses through coordinated maneuvers, demonstrating balance, communication, and deep connection with each horse.
✨ Why Attend:
From the careful timing and precision of the obstacle course to the artistry of freestyle performances, the Liberty Challenge showcases the incredible power of trust, communication, and partnership between horse and human. Whether you’re competing or spectating, this event promises to inspire and amaze.
🏆 Awards:
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Scores from the Obstacle Course (Pattern) and Freestyle classes will be combined to determine Champion and Reserve Champion titles in each division.
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Additionally, Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion honors will be awarded to the highest overall scorers across all divisions, celebrating exceptional partnership and performance.
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Awards will also be given for the Double Liberty and Team Liberty classes, recognizing excellence in these unique group performances.
📝 Registration Information:
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Entry Fee: $50.00 per Horse per Class
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Deadline: All registration forms, payments, and music selections (for Freestyle, Double Liberty, and Team Liberty routines) must be submitted by October 2, 2025.
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Please note: All payments are non-refundable.
