“Liberty training is designed to bring the horse a sense of freedom and safety without using any tack, halters or ropes.”
Patrick Sullivan, Collinsville, Texas, will be in a return engagement discussing advantages of liberty training horses during EquiFest of Kansas.
“Working with a horse in this way will increase the horse’s desire to interact with the handler,” Sullivan explained. “Liberty training a horse will create a deeper bond and a more dependable performance under saddle.”
Sullivan’s presentations at last year’s EquiFest attracted spectator raves creating their desire “to learn more.” So, he’s returning to the Saline County Livestock Expo Center and Tony’s Pizza Events Center at Salina, March 16-19.
“It’ll be a really fun time,” Sullivan promised. “I’ll have three separate one-hour clinics during EquiFest this year.”
They’ll include a bridle-less riding demonstration, advanced liberty training, and problem solving especially with herd-bound horses.
Growing up in Dallas, Texas, Sullivan was heavily involved playing soccer successfully through college and professional ranks. He became a high school and college soccer coach before “finding horses” in 2015.
“I became intrigued by horses,” he admitted. “I began to pay attention and listen. There are infinite ways to develop a bond, trust, and a strong, safe, relationship with our horse partners.”
Through several top horsemen, Sullivan developed his own personal skills leading to major horse starting-training competition titles.
Likely, Sullivan is best recognized for riding a horse 2,500 miles from California to Kentucky completely bridle-less in 2021.
“During the trip, we stopped at 17 different non-profits, raised $50,000 for them, and helped rehome 15 horses,” Sullivan said. “We are now working on a book dedicated to those who ‘dare to dream.’ It will be all about the trip including documentary footage we captured during our six-month adventure.”
Ample credit is given to his mount who made the ride possible. “There has been no better teacher for this journey than my black Egyptian Arabian mare Gamilah MJA who I call Gami,” Sullivan said. “She has been pushing me beyond my own established comfort zones since the day we began our partnership.
“Nothing seemed to quite get through to her. She still didn’t trust me. She was the reason I dug deeper, looking for other ways I could establish a true connection with her.”
Liberty was that key. “It opened the door for the friendship that we share, and a tool to dig deep within myself,” Sullivan said. “To become intentional with what I believe in my personal values, and who I strive to be for others.
“My love and passion for people and coaching expanded my love and deep respect for natural horsemanship,” the clinician continued.
Through his Modern-Day Horsemanship, Sullivan has a full schedule nationwide presenting clients and demonstrations.
Gamilah Unbridled was started as a non-profit service. “We help provide liberty horsemanship education to underprivileged youth and rescue horses,” Sullivan said. “Each year Gamilah Unbridled takes on a different project to help others and promote the power of liberty.”
Connection between the horse and the handler is the basic principle of liberty, Sullivan insisted. Any age horse can be trained to work at liberty starting out when turned loose in a pen.
“It might take five minutes or even an hour to get that eye-to-eye connection,” he explained. The larger the pen typically the longer period it will require.
The best time” to start working a horse at liberty is when they are a yearling. “However, liberty is a foundation for every level of horsemanship,” Sullivan said. “Even the best trained horses in whatever discipline will benefit from liberty training,”
Different sources have varied definitions of liberty horses. Circus and rodeo acts are advertised as liberty horses or sometimes high school trained horses. They often will bow, lay down, even rear on command.
“That is fun and entertaining, and we can typically train a horse to do those things,” Sullivan said. “However, our liberty training is more about connection between the horse and handler working together.
“I unquestionably believe that horses help us to reach a deeper connection with ourselves,” Sullivan said. “Their connection to others is horses’ gift to this world. Change is hard at first, messy in the middle, and gorgeous at the end.”
Additional information about Sullivan’s program is available at www.moderndayhorsemanship.com.
Schedule for Sullivan’s presentation as well as other details concerning EquiFest can be found at www.equifestofks.com.

CUTLINES

Liberty training horses will highlight Patrick Sullivan’s demonstrations at the EquiFest of Kansas in Salina, March 16-19.

Patrick Sullivan rode his black Egyptian Arabian mare Gamilah 2,500 miles from California to Kentucky completely bridle-less in 2021.

“None of us, including me, ever do great things. But we can all do small things, with great love, and together we can do something wonderful.” Patrick Sullivan works with horses and people of all ages through his Modern-Day Horsemanship demonstrations.

“How about having a cup of coffee?”
The comment is heard often everyday around the world with high percentage of responses: “That sounds good.”
Coming from a long lineage of coffee drinkers, a cup of coffee has been personal enjoyment ever since very young. Easily and far surpassing a glass of water, tea, soda pop, lemonade, energy drinks, and certainly liquor, never appealing.
Seemingly odd to lifetime dedicated coffee drinkers, there are some who do not like coffee. They’ll even refuse a cup when offered, such a loss to those never wanting to waste a drop.
Blacker and stronger the better as personal preference. But, for some there must be sugar, milk or cream, and even other additives which cover the good coffee taste.
Many people insist coffee must be brewed in a pot, but instant coffee is just fine for others. No question, instant coffee is easier and doesn’t really cost much more.
There are many brands of coffee that each have their own following. But in reality, the beans all come from the same field, with slightly different processing and widely varied appealing packaging.
Coffee is not hazardous to personal health, according to personal doctor. When told about daily coffee consumption in preference over water, he said, “It’s the same thing.”
Of course, other physicians and certain people will argue with that, but the response was appreciated by this coffee drinker.
However, many supposedly in-the-know through time contend that coffee can be harmful to health. They have said, “It’s hard on the heart, clogs arteries, shortens breath, hyperventilates, causes sleep disorders, and more.”
Okay, there are different opinions about coffee. However, one thing that is agreed upon: “Don’t drink too much.”
The consensus: “It’s best not to consume more than three or four cups of coffee a day.” One cup is enough for some, but others drink a dozen cups with no apparent bad affects, just more enjoyment.
Interestingly, though not unlike liquor, coffee has been unlawful to consume in some locales throughout history. Certain religions have and continue to condemn coffee drinking.
Still coffee consumption worldwide remains quite high, a very lucrative business to be invested in it would seem.
Reminded of Genesis 1:29: “God said, Behold, I have given you every tree yielding seed to you it shall be for food and drink.”
+++ALLELUIA+++
XVII–8–2-19-2022
CUTLINE
Coffee cups are usually in constant daily use, so stains develop before evening washing.

“Helmets need to be worn by horseback riders whatever the discipline.”
Ann White spoke at the National Barrel Horse Association (NBHA) Kansas District 5 yearend awards banquet in Clay Center.
She discussed importance of wearing helmets to decrease severity of head injury to riders when falling from horses.
Owner of The Basement Tack Shop in Wamego, White said, “Safety is utmost important when riding horses. A helmet doesn’t necessarily prevent injury, but every safety precaution is important.”
Lifetime equestrian and trainer of horses and riders, White operates the Vermillion Valley Equine Center east of Wamego near Belvue.
“Specializing in hunters, jumpers, equitation, and eventing, we offer riding lessons and horse training for all ages and skill levels,” she explained.
“Everybody must wear a helmet when they are riding horses at our facilities,” White emphasized. “I don’t get on a horse without a helmet, and neither does anybody working, training, or taking lessons.”
Although White specializes in English riding, she pointed out that head protection is equally important for Western riders.
“Regardless of a person’s riding ability and level of the horse’s training, accidents happen,” she said. “It’s best to do what you can to protect yourself in every way possible.”
From a display case, White showed a variety of helmet styles including several designed for those riding in Western tack.
Helmets generally come in small, medium, and large sizes, long oval and round, for various head shapes.
Different kinds of helmet liners are available according to rider preferences. Dials on the back of the helmets can be readily maneuvered to fit helmets for individual riders.
Certain helmets are solid head cover while others provide ventilation for when riding in hot weather conditions.
Cost of helmets is widely varied ranging from $75 up to $1,000, depending on brand and specific details, White said.
“However, the most expensive helmets don’t always have the highest test ratings,” she explained. “You must select a helmet that is comfortable to wear and also provides adequate head protection.”
Color of helmets also varies according to rider preference with some riders even wanting shiny sparkles embossed on their helmets.
“The chin strap must be fastened tight for the helmet to stay in place for best protection,” White said. “Riders in certain English classes will be excused when the chin strap isn’t tightened in place.”
Hairnets must be worn by riders with long hair to keep hair in place under the helmet. “In our classes, we cannot have long hair hanging out down the back from under the helmet,” White explained.
The audience was quite attentive to White’s discussion, asking questions about helmet differences, and even trying on certain helmets.
“I will be happy to help find you a helmet that is comfortable to wear while providing protection,” she said.
“I encourage all horseback riders to wear helmets,” White summarized. “Horse accidents do happen, and severity of head injuring can often be reduced by wearing a helmet.”
+++30+++
CUTLINE
Ann White, owner of The Basement Tack Shop and Vermillion Valley Equine Center, discussed the importance of horseback riders wearing helmets for head protection.