When I first started liberty work, all my focus was on the horse. What I didn’t realise was how much of the journey depended on me — my consistency, my attitude, and the habits I brought into our sessions.

I’m currently reading Atomic Habits by James Clear, and it’s completely reframed the way I think about training — not just in my own work, but in how I support others through Liberty Horse UK. This blog shares some key takeaways from the book and how they apply directly to liberty training. Because if there’s one truth we can count on, it’s this: success isn’t built on random bursts of motivation. It’s built on small, repeated actions — habits.

Why Habits Matter in Liberty Work

Liberty training is all about relationship, timing, and consistency. But those things don’t just happen in the arena — they’re shaped by the habits we carry into every interaction with our horses.

If you’re only training when you “feel like it,” progress will always be unpredictable. But when liberty becomes a regular, natural part of your daily or weekly rhythm, it starts to transform both you and your horse. The small things — checking in with your energy, practising a cue for 5 minutes a day, reviewing a short video clip — become the building blocks of long-term success.

The Power of Tiny Changes

One of the core ideas in Atomic Habits is the concept of compound growth — that tiny improvements, made consistently, lead to massive results over time. James Clear describes it like this:

“Habits are the compound interest of self-improvement.”

In liberty training, this means that:

• A short, consistent session every day beats an occasional long one.
  

• Focusing on one cue or behaviour at a time builds clarity and confidence.
  

• Repetition with calm energy creates trust that deepens over time.
  

You don’t need to overhaul your entire training routine overnight. Start with one small habit — even just putting the headcollar on mindfully or walking to the field with presence — and let it grow.

Forget Goals — Build Systems

A big lesson in the book is this:

“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”

Having a goal like “I want to perform a liberty routine at a show” is great. But unless you have a system — a repeatable, sustainable way of showing up and training — the goal can actually become frustrating.

A liberty training system might include:

• Short, focused sessions 3–5 times a week.

• A clear warm-up structure that builds connection first.

• Journaling or video reflection to track progress.

• Regular rest and review time for both you and your horse.
  

Systems are about creating an environment where success becomes the default — not the exception.

Who Are You Becoming? (Identity-Based Habits)

This is possibly my favourite idea in Atomic Habits: we don’t just build better results through habits — we build a better identity.

Instead of saying “I want to be good at liberty,” start saying:

• “I am a person who works in partnership with my horse.”
  

• “I am someone who trains consistently and calmly.”
  

• “I’m a liberty trainer who shows up with softness and clarity.”
  

Every small habit is a vote for the person you want to become. And every session is a chance to cast that vote again.

Practical Tips to Build Liberty Training Habits

If you’re ready to bring these ideas into your own liberty work, here are some ways to start:

1. Habit Stacking

Pair liberty training with something you already do.
“After I muck out, I’ll do 10 minutes of liberty work.”

2. Make It Easy

Start so small you can’t fail.
“I’ll work on one cue for five minutes.”

3. Design Your Environment

Keep your halter, cones, or tools ready in a dedicated space so it's easy to start. The less friction, the better.

4. Track Your Habits

Use a simple calendar or tracker to mark each day you train — visual progress is motivating.

5. Celebrate the Process

Don’t wait for the “big win.” Celebrate each time you show up, each moment of try from your horse, each improvement in feel or timing.

Final Thoughts

Liberty training isn’t about tricks — it’s about trust. And trust is built, one small habit at a time. If you want to get better at liberty, get better at the habits that support it.

Reading Atomic Habits has reminded me that we don’t need to be perfect — we just need to be consistent. So this week, ask yourself: what’s one small habit I can build that will move me and my horse forward?

Let me know in the comments — I’d love to hear what habit you’re starting with.