One thing that is different about Cowboy Dressage is that the tests are not progressive, but they do not move up the levels as traditional dressage does. However, this isn't quite the case in Liberty. You have to get qualifying scores along your liberty journey to advance to the next stage. To begin with you have to qualify to enter the Liberty Division in the first place! To begin your liberty journey you must score above a 72% on the Partnership on the Ground Walk/Jog 2 test from a recommended judge at a show that submits scores to the national organization. Click here to view the test diagrams for POGWJ2. This test is performed on half of the Cowboy Dressage Challenge Court. Click here to watch my qualifying score video. |
After receiving a qualifying score on Partnership on the Ground Walk/Jog 2 the horse/handler pair is eligible to compete in any of the four Liberty Division tests using a neck rope. This is a rope tied around the horse's neck with a bowline knot allowing for 4 fingers of space. The rope should remain slack and the horse should not "leave" (as defined by the Cowboy Dressage rules). Handlers may also carry a whip/stick up to 48" in length including the lash (for other Cowboy Dressage divisions the maximum length is 42"). Liberty tests use the full Cowboy Dressage Challenge Court including the octagon. |
- Liberty Walk 1 (click here to view the test diagrams)
- This test is basically the same as Partnership on the Ground Walk/Walk Test 1 which is done with a halter and lead rope
- The test involves working walk 10m circles, halts, half turns on haunches, and free walk 20m circles
- Click here to watch my test that scored a 73.333% - the judge's score sheet information is in the video description
- Liberty Walk 2 (click here to view the test diagrams)
- This test involves free walk through the box, free walk 10m corners, working walk 10m circles, halts, half turns on haunches, free walk over ground poles, half turns on forehand, and backing a straight line
- Click here to watch my test that scored a 77.28% - the judge's score sheet information is in the video description
- Liberty Walk Jog 1 (click here to view the test diagrams)
- This test is basically the same as Partnership on the Ground Walk/Jog Test 1 which is done with a halter and lead rope
- The test involves working walk 10m circles, halts from a jog, half turns on haunches, and working jog 20m circles
- Click here to watch my test that scored a 72.778% - the judge's score sheet information is in the video description
- Liberty Walk Jog 2 (click here to view the test diagrams)
- This test involves backing a straight line, halts from a jog, backing a 10m curve, working jog 10m circles, free walk half of a 20m circle, working jog over ground poles, half turns on forehand, full turns on haunches, and working walk over ground poles.
- I have not yet attempted this test. Zeke is a Tennessee Walking Horse that does not jog. Gaited horses are welcome in any Cowboy Dressage test, but will receive a maximum score of 4.5 on a directive to jog if they are gaiting. The "Gaits" collective remark is also adjusted down accordingly. This test is impossible to get a 72% in if a horse never jogs. I am going to give it a try, and I hope the rules will eventually be made more accommodating for gaited horses.
Each horse/handler pair must receive qualifying scores for Liberty advancement together. The horse/handler pair must receive above a 72% on each test with a neck rope before being able to attempt each test at full Liberty where the only allowed tool is a whip/stick. Then the horse/handler pair must receive a 72% on each test at full liberty before being eligible to show in Liberty Freestyle.
The Liberty Freestyle is very open ended which I think is exciting! Unlike other Cowboy Dressage freestyles, there are no required movements. Click here to view the Liberty Freestyle Score Sheet.
I encourage you to try the Partnership on the Ground tests and sign up for Partnership on the Ground Walk/Jog 2 in either a Cowboy Dressage World Virtual Show (which is awesome they count for Liberty advancement!) or your next local gathering to enhance your partnership with your horse. Just remember, if you do utilize the virtual option, your horse may be more relaxed and connected to you at home compared to when you are at a local gathering!