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2020 ILHA Championship Show Freestyle Judging Criteria

Category Essence of Liberty 60 points Components

Degree of difficulty (1-20 points) Technical difficulty of maneuver being asked or method (distance/subtlety/follow up cuing/physical assistance/etc.) of how it is asked. Guidelines 1 Poor – maneuvers asked of horse do not require high level of difficulty to complete and/or are asked in a very straightforward obvious manner with the trainer in very close proximity to the horse or the requires additional cueing or physical assistance of some kind to complete maneuver. 10 Average – horse completes some maneuvers that have a low level degree of difficulty and some that have a high level of degree of difficulty. Trainer cues horses some maneuvers in straightforward obvious ways that require some additional cueing or physical assistance and in other more subtle ways that require no additional cueing or physical assistance 20 Outstanding – all maneuvers completed are of a high level degree of difficulty and they are cue in the most subtle/high degree of difficulty ways by the trainer with no need for additional cueing or physical assistance.

Connection (1-20 points) Observable connection between horse(s) and trainer. Guidelines 1 Poor – horse is often disconnected from trainer (runs off, does not complete tasks/attention focused elsewhere) 10 Average – horse is connected at times but disconnected at others 20 Outstanding – horse is closely, completely connected to trainer throughout the entire performance

Communication (1-20 points) Clarity, fluidity, subtlety, ease of communication between horse(s) and trainer. Guidelines 1 Poor – horse does not respond to trainers communication (runs off, does not complete asked tasks or maneuvers) 10 Average – horse completes tasks or maneuvers 20 Exceptional – horse completes tasks and maneuvers based on subtle communication with a heightened degree of accuracy, and efficiency

Category Artistic Impression 20 points Components

Music/Costume/Theme/Props (1-10 points) Relationship between music, costume, theme, and/or props is cohesive and obvious. Note – props are not required but can include other people/horses/animals/etc. to increase performance value. Guidelines 1 Poor – Difficult to impossible to see the relationship between the music, costuming, theme, and/or props and/or music, costuming, theme and/or props are of very low quality. 5 Average – Music, costuming, theme, and/or props used are of average quality and loosely related. 10 Outstanding – Music , costuming, theme, and/or props used are outstanding quality and relationship between them is completely clear and cohesive

Overall Entertainment Value (1-10 points) Guidelines 1 Poor – Performance has no entertainment value. 5 Average – Performance is of average entertainment value. 10 Outstanding – Performance is of outstanding entertainment value from start to finish.

TOTAL POINTS AVAILABLE 80

Additional Freestyle Rules 1. Act must be in allowed time (3-5). 2. No cones required. 3. Can start from any place in the arena or outside the arena. 4. For all virtual shows, whole act must be able to be shot in one take and without video edits. 5. No treats during performance. 6. No abusive or excessive force with any tools or equipment. TABLE OF CONTENTS

MEET THE JUDGES

Austin Anderson Jennifer Nicholson Dan Steers

COMPETITORS

NON-PRO PRO Avery Allumbaugh Ashley Boswell Melissa Barnett Amber Buresh Virginia Deden Ranelle Carter Kim Gullatt Caeli Cavanagh Lindsey Knipp Mirka Crew Emma Sanchez Lindsey Doese Candace Snow Nadia Heffner Caitie Holtzman Samantha Pearce YOUTH Christy Scotch Maddy Gatrel Patrick Sullivan Colton Jones Karla Switzer Reese Wolheter

SENIOR Elizabeth Deden Samie Ledyard Robert Pearce AUSTIN MEET THE JUDGES ANDERSON

"Always expand, watch, and learn. I learn new things from watching and meeting new horsemen and women."

Austin Anderson started his career performing with his family as part of their show “The Texas White Horse Troupe.” Austin’s parents, Don and Jo-Ann Anderson, founded “The Texas White Horse Troupe” in 1963. They performed at many venues such as rodeos, Wild West shows, state fairs, expos, and circuses. Eventually, Austin went out on his own and continued to present quality acts at shows and events around the USA and Canada. His family sets the bar high, so he works hard to bring quality acts with integrity to all of his shows and presentations. In 2004, Austin created “The Texas Trick Riders” show aimed at providing state fairs with a fast paced equine action show featuring trick riders and roman riding with some western action sprinkled in. He and his team have performed at various events including but not limited to the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, National Western- Denver, Equine Affair, World Horse Expo, and “Pawnee Bill Wild West Show”. During a break from trick riding competitions after 2007, Austin began teaching trick riding. He would later add liberty and trick training to his teaching and internship program. Some of his titles include: 2015 Men's Champion Trick Rider, 2011 Walnut Hill Driving Competitions Entertainment Selection, 2007 Extreme Cowboy Race Champion, 2007 Team Trick Riding Champions, 2007 Reserve men's Champion Trick Rider, and 2002 PRCA Dress Act of the year Finalist. Austin’s abilities as an all-around horseman soon led to work in TV and film not only as a stuntman but also providing cast and stunt horses. A member of the Screen Actors Guild since 1993, some of his credits include: Dakota’s Summer, Cowgirls ‘n Angels, Second Hand Lions, and Sleepy Hollow. JENNIFER MEET THE JUDGES NICHOLSON

“You earn your reputation in the arena, but you earn your respect in the barn.”

Jennifer Nicholson’s story begins in much the same way as every little girl who grew up with a passion for horses. Her love and desire to ride at the famed Riata Ranch was more than passion...it was an addiction. It was at Riata Ranch where she learned to ride and soon traded in her western saddle for a trick riding saddle. She and her teammates began a journey like no other as the first professional Riata Ranch Cowboy girls trick riding team. Along with the Riata team, Jennifer has traveled to 22 countries on five continents representing the Western American lifestyle as well as building respect for western riding sports. She has been a part of many events and shows for the NFL, NBA, and Professional Baseball. One of themost prestigious events occurred at Windsor Castle, England where the Riata team performed for Queen Elizabeth at her Diamond Jubilee Pageant. Nicholson currently serves as Executive Director for Riata Ranch and President of the Three Rivers Lions’ Club in California. She is also a member of the PRCA, Three Rivers Womens’ Club, and Visalia Downtown Rotary Club. Jennifer Nicholson is a well awarded horsewoman. As a Riata Ranch Cowboy girl, she has been a part of the teams nominated 5 times PRCA Dress Act of the Year. She recently received, on behalf of her husband Chad, a Paul Harris Fellow from Rotary International. She was also awarded the Lions District Award for Increased Membership, Clyde Kennedy Medal, and Ronnie Richards Stock Horse Award. DAN MEET THE JUDGES STEERS

"Preparation is key of course, but more than that it’s to make sure your horse is relaxed when preparing. Make sure that even on a bad day your performance is still going to be good."

Dan Steers is an accomplished horseman, performer, clinician, and farrier stationed in New South Wales, Australia. At 15 years of age he began working for master farrier and horseman Pete Webber. It was here Dan developed both his horsemanship and farrier skills. At age 17 Dan began working for cutting trainer Corry Holden in Cobram, Victoria where he spent the following 6 months starting and training young horses – it was here that Dan was first recognized in the show ring – winning many senior & junior cutting events. In early 2002 Dan returned to WA and began working at Taunton Vale. Here he was involved in all aspects of breeding, training, showing and yearling preparation.

In 2007 Dan won the ACA Western Australian Reserve Champion Open Campdraft rider after winning multiple campdrafts and Stock horse futurities. Dan’s love of horses and desire to diversify his skills led him to gain part time work with master farrier, Brent Tyler, shoeing horses.

In 2008, Dan joined his good friend Dan James at El Caballo Spanish Horse centre where he continued refining his showmanship and training skills. The following year, he and Dan established their training business “Double Dan Horsemanship”. Dan Steers has a passion for breaking and training horses as well as performing to a wide audience. He aims to educate and enlighten people across Australia and overseas as to the ways of successful horsemanship.

Dan holds multiple titles including but not limited to: 2016 Winner of the Rookie Challenge at the Coonamble Challenge NSW, 2014 Runner up competitor in The Road to the Horse World Colt starting competition Kentucky USA, and 2012 Winner of the 'Mane Event' Trainers Challenge in Chilliwack, British Columbia CANADA. MEET THE JUDGES A Q&A WITH ILHA 2020 FREESTYLE JUDGES A member exclusive read with advice and insight for the Liberty Equestrian from our Freestyle Judges!

Find us online at http://libertyhorseassociation.com or on Facebook and Instagram! Austin Anderson Jennifer Nicholson Dan Steers Troup, TX Three Rivers, CA NSW, Australia 2015 Men's Riata Ranch Cowboy 2016 Winner of the Rookie Champion Trick Rider Girls - 5 times PRCA Challenge at the Coonamble 2007 Team Trick Dress Act of the Year Challenge NSW Ronnie Richards Stock 2015 Winner of the National Riding Champions Australian Stock Horse Colt Horse Award 2002 PRCA Dress Act starting competition Dalby, of the Year Finalist Recipient QLD Clyde Kennedy Medal 2013 NSW State Reining Recipient Freestyle Champion How did you discover your passion for Liberty horsemanship? AUSTIN: Both parents and grandparents on my mother's side trained horses for a variety of things including circus liberty acts with six and eight horse teams. I began working in TV and film in the early 1990’s and eventually used some of the horses on film jobs as cast or stunt horses. I applied some new methods to my training to make that work more film-friendly. I do, however, enjoy discovering new or learning different techniques to liberty training.

JENNIFER:

I was introduced to Liberty Horsemanship when I was in my 20’s. It ME was beautiful and a true example of the bond that can be developed between horse and human but the methods seemed

harsh and I didn’t find a connection. However, it wasn’t until I E became acquainted with Dan James that I became passionate T about true unity through liberty training. Dan took it to a whole

nother level and it was more than just putting horses through their T paces, it was a language all of its own. The movement and energy that Dan exhibited was like none other and I became aware of how H

different a relationship with each horse can be although you are E asking each horse to do some of the same maneuvers. It’s truly

remarkable. J U DAN: D I became interested in liberty watching natural horsemanship

videos and also seeing it demonstrated at Equitana and expos alike. G E S What elements stand out to you in Freestyle performances? AUSTIN: Basically I believe liberty starts with a discipline base. However, the freestyle is an open book; the creator has total carte blanche to make a presentation. It is up to individual interpretation. My presentation, although similar in the elements or tricks, may be presented totally different from the next.

JENNIFER: First off, the creativity and freedom. There is really so much more you can do with a horse without the usual equipment. You see the movement and how the horse thinks. The handler has to be much more in tune with the horse and be aware of every movement.

DAN:

First and foremost is the creativity. Second is the skill and degree of difficulty ME in the performance. E T

What are you most excited about for this T H

year's Championship Show? E AUSTIN:

I look forward to seeing everyone's creativity and individual styles. J

JENNIFER: U

It will be my first time to be a judge and I’m looking forward to seeing D participants use their imaginations and creativity to bring out the best in their

horses and themselves. G

DAN: E

This is my first time judging for the ILHA and that’s what I am most excited by. S Any advice for those entering into the Championship Show and/or future competitions? AUSTIN: Just have fun with it.

JENNIFER: Don’t be afraid to fail and take risks. You will never know what you can do until you push yourself beyond what you know you can do. Go for it!!!

DAN: Preparation is key of course, but more than that it’s to make sure your horse is relaxed when preparing. Make sure that even on a bad day your performance is still going to be good. One of my favorite says is, “Don’t practice until you can get it right; practice until you can’t get it wrong.

Any advice for those continuing to build a ME Liberty foundation with their horses? AUSTIN: E

Always expand, watch, and learn. I learn new things from watching and meeting T new horsemen and women. If I learn one little detail that I can apply later on, it's

very rewarding. T H JENNIFER:

Pay it forward. We all connect on different levels, but everyone can benefit from E

learning how to communicate with horses. It’s such a special bond and once one has experienced that bond for the first time, it’s unforgettable and sparks that J

passion for a day, a week, a month, a year or a lifetime. Horses deserve our best and U we need to keep putting positive experiences out there for everyone to enjoy. D DAN: G To me, liberty foundation is about building a willing partnership between horse and human. I want my horses to want to work at liberty because it’s their idea and E

not because I am making them. S In Order of Appearance: Samantha Pearce - Pro with Trigger

Karla Switzer - Pro with SD Worth It SD Worth It “Elliot” is a 4 year old Gypsy stallion. Elliot is imported from the UK and is already showing extraordinary talent. Trained and shown by Karla Switzer, watch as these two take you back to the days of queens and kings, and see if you can believe Elliot only has 3 weeks of training.

Patrick Sullivan - Pro C with Gami & Ozzie OMP

Colton Jones - Youth with Mouse E

Colton just started learning liberty these past few weeks T and started with Mouse in the last week. Colton is a natural I

performer and displays a lot of raw talent that we can't wait T

to see grow. Mouse is a $10 former kill pen horse with a big ORS heart. We can’t wait to see how far they go together! Avery Allumbaugh - Non-Pro with Leo & Cricket

Christy Scotch - Pro with Damenwahl (Darya)

Karla Switzer - Pro with Mouse, Maggie, & Elsa

Karla and Mouse share a special bond. Karla was adopted at a young age, and Mouse was rescued from a feed lot for $10. They found each other when they were both were lost, scared, and unsure of the world around them. Together, they

pushed through their fears and uncertainties and have C become the amazing performers you see today. OMP

Melissa Barnett - Non-Pro with Jamaican Me Marley E Showing with the ILHA has taught me to be brave and try T new things. My freestyle theme is "Fearless". The signs in the I arena say "Fear", "Worry", and "Doubt". As we conquer our T

fears together, we knock down our doubts and put aside our ORS worries to become a fearless team! Nadia Heffner - Pro with Sky, Hazel, & Sage

Nadia Heffner trains horses full time in Westpoint, Indiana. She colt starts, works with problem horses and finishes show horses in several disciplines. She gentles mustangs and burros for the Bureau of Land Management. Nadia started learning liberty a few years ago for her own enjoyment and had visions of a bay roan team. Nadia adopted Hazel thru an internet adoption and she traveled all the way from California to reside at her farm in Indiana. Sky was one of Nadia's Extreme Mustang Makeover horses and Sage was one she was gentling to rehome but kept to finish out her team.Enjoy watching these three perform intricately as dragons as Nadia directs them as their Sorcerer!

Virginia Deden - Non-Pro with CR Reyly Stylish The year 2020, the world was set afire, quite literally! COVID-19 virus put a halt to everything. We are now doing school and business meetings on Zoom in our PJs and wearing a mask everywhere we go. Our world was turned upside down. The only thing that Is getting us through are

our horses and TikTok. The crisis is not over and we are still C getting through this day by day. Let’s beat the hell out of COVID-19. #BTHO-COVID OMP

Lindsey Doese - Pro with Texas Thunder Bird

As everyone knows, there are times when life gets hard. E

Some days are harder than others, and it takes everything T you have just to breathe. On those days, when you feel I alone, it’s important to remember those you have around T you. For many of us here, the most solid friend we have says no words and offers no judgement. Our horses carry ORS us and help us find our strength again. They promise to always be there for us. Next to ours, their footprints always in the sand. Amber Buresh - Pro with Thor

Reese Wolheter - Youth with LEE LEE Reese was inspired at age 6 with Liberty - Last year she set a goal to perform a Freestyle as she watched the ILHA last year in Lexington and now she reaches for that goal and loves this song and its message, especially as this year 2020 has brought so many challenges in not only her world but everyone around her. She hopes this inspires others as it has her. Now at age 12, she and her pony that only started this a year ago, reach for the light!

Lindsey Knipp - Non- Pro C

with Joyous Song OMP My name is Lindsey and I am performing with 4 year old Friesian cross, Joy. I want to give a special thank you to Karla Switzer and Jenny Gatrel for helping me take my liberty to the next level. E

This performance is for anyone and everyone who has T struggled with anxiety, depression, or self worth. To the ones I crying the silent tears: we hear you. Keep your head up high, T work hard, and have confidence in the day you will feel ORS invincible. Samie Ledyard - Senior with Cricket

Mirka Crew - Pro with Hearts Call to Serve "Cali" Mirka Crew is a trainer and a clinician originally from the Czech Republic, now an American citizen residing in Southeast Alabama with her husband Brandon and their 5 year old son Grady, where she also manages the Southern Cross Ranch. Mirka has passion for Liberty and Bridleless training, Versatility Ranch Horse, Extreme Mustang Makeovers and Western Dressage. C

Emma Sanchez - Non-Pro OMP with Remington Falling through the stones of time the Outlander meets the fiery Scottish warrior. After living in the unknown world of the

Highland Clans she’s faced with a choice...Stay in the past, E dancing through life with the Scotsman or return through the T stones to her own time I T ORS Maddy Gatrel -Youth with Mouse Maddy is ten years old and partners with Karla June Switzer great mare Mouse. Mouse was rescued for $10 from a Kansas kill pen. The little mare that nobody wanted ended up changing both Maddy and Karla's life forever. Mouse showcases the definition of love by trying her heart out and forgiving mistakes.

Nadia Heffner - Pro with Grace & Roscoe

Nadia Heffner trains horses full time in Westpoint, Indiana. She colt starts, works with problem horses and finishes show horses in several disciplines. She gentles mustangs and burros for the C Bureau of Land Management. Nadia started learning liberty a few years ago for her own enjoyment and had visions of a bay OMP roan team. Nadia adopted Hazel thru an internet adoption and she traveled all the way from California to reside at her farm in Indiana. Sky was one of Nadia's Extreme Mustang Makeover horses and Sage was one she was gentling to rehome but kept E

to finish out her team. Enjoy watching these three perform T

intricately as dragons as Nadia directs them as their Sorcerer! I T ORS Ranelle Carter - Pro with Lazy D Golden Times and Lazy D Dun Gambling

Ashley Boswell - Pro with Champ Champ (black) is a 5 1/2 year old QH and Sozo is a 9 year old mustang Ashley competed with in the Extreme Mustang Makeover in 2017. The duo has been working together for just over 1 year now. Both horses are also used in biblically based equine assisted therapy with people who have suffered trauma. Ashley is the founder of Shepherd Youth Ranch, a ministry that has served over 750+ people in need per year for over 16 years.

Elizabeth Deden - Senior C with Pickles & ZaZu OMP We all love Dolly Parton and the gifts she has given us over the years with her beautiful voice and entertainment. I have added Kenny Rodgers duets with Dolly Parton. Having been a seamstress from a very young age, I truly enjoyed putting E together costumes for my two Special Mustangs. ZaZu and Pickles. As always, this was such a wonderful learning T experience and I look forward to new talents and skills in I the following year to share with my horses! T ORS Caeli Cavanagh - Pro with Soldis from Solheimar I would like to dedicate my performance to my sister, Yar Ayuel, who I am reminded of every time I hear this song. At the age of 9 she fled war, walking miles through the wilds, coming to America speaking very little English in her early teens. She has since spoken on UN panels, had breakfast with a president, is getting her MBA and is raising six of the best kids I have ever met. I love you Yar, you are my inspiration, my hero and my role model for perseverance, grace, compassion and grit. She reminds me to always keep going, because when you succeed you reach dreams you never thought possible. To anyone who ever doubted you, Yar, the joke is on them.

Candance Snow - Non-Pro with Cayenne After attending our first Liberty Clinic in December of 2018, Cayenne and I found something we both enjoy.

The theme for my freestyle showcases the Little Old C Lady From Pasadena. Just as the little old lady loves racing on the streets of Southern California, Cayenne OMP and I enjoy the challenges presented by the ILHA shows.

Caitie Holtzman - Pro E with Stella, Cuban, & Punk T I

Even though you’ve made the plan and DRESS’d the T

part, neat arrangements are sometimes disrupted. ORS Rather than twisting into a frenzy when glitches arise; welcome the loss of control, ride forward in the moment, and embrace the opportunity to break out! Maddy Gatrel - Youth with Razor Maddy is a ten years old and is a born performer. The last few years has brought heartbreak into her life. She has chosen to channel the pain into her art form.

She is partnered with the incredible Razor, trained by Chantal Corminboeuf. Maddy and Razor have become fast friends and have only been working together at liberty for 2 weeks. Watch as these two pint sized super stars steal your heart.

Robert Pearce - Senior with RCY Kingsilver Enoch Good day from Rob and Enoch, we are living the good life way out west in California. It is unfortunate that the despicable acts of a few can tarnish the commendable actions of the majority. This little parody on the Highway Patrol is my way to pay tribute to all law- enforcement and the sacrifices they make for each of us. It is also a reminder to me of what my parents and C

grandparents always told me. If you are ever in trouble, OMP find a policeman and they will help you. Enoch and I have had an amazing life together, from his birth through an 8 year journey of discovery and learning. It has been an extraordinary adventure thus far, and we

look forward to an exciting unlimited future. I hope you E enjoy our Freestyle routine. T I T ORS