Sam VanFleet Intro to Liberty Clinic
COMING TO SILVER BROOK STABLES — April 27, 2026 Sam VanFleet – Intro to Liberty Clinic Connection • Liberty Groundwork • Communication • Responsiveness.
If you’ve been curious about liberty work but want to start the right way—this day is for you. Join clinician Sam VanFleet for an Intro to Liberty clinic focused on building a stronger connection with your horse through clarity, energy awareness, and responsive groundwork. This is a practical, foundation-first day designed to help you communicate more effectively and develop a willing, confident partner—without rushing the process. Sam’s approach emphasizes patience, reading the horse, and adjusting your energy to support trust and understanding.
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What You’ll Learn: This clinic focuses on foundational liberty principles and skills you can take home and use immediately, including: Building connection and engagement from the ground Body language and energy: what the horse is telling you Communication and responsiveness (timing, clarity, release) Groundwork exercises that support liberty success Creating willingness through partnership vs. pressure Safe, structured steps toward liberty work This is a groundwork and liberty foundation clinic (no riding focus).
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Who This Clinic Is For: This clinic is a great fit for: Riders and horse owners new to liberty Anyone wanting to deepen connection and communication Young horse owners, mustang owners, and groundwork enthusiasts Horses that need confidence, clarity, and better responsiveness Those who want a thoughtful, patient, horse-first approach All breeds and disciplines welcome.
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Schedule (9:00 AM – 3:00 PM) 9:00 AM – Welcome, clinic overview, safety and space agreements 9:15 AM – 12:00 PM – Connection + foundational liberty groundwork concepts and exercises 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM * Lunch break* 1:15 PM – 3:00 PM – Practical application: communication, responsiveness, building willingness and engagement Exact flow may adjust based on the group and horses’ needs.
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Participation Options Choose the option that fits you best: Participant (with horse) – hands-on learning with your horse Auditor (no horse) – observe, take notes, learn alongside the group Spots are limited to keep the day productive and safe.
What to Bring For Participants (with horse): Halter and lead rope (bring what you normally use for groundwork) Gloves recommended Comfortable footwear (barn-safe) Layers for weather Water bucket and basic supplies for your horse Any notes about your horse (goals, challenges, history) For Everyone: A notebook/journal, Lunch and snacks. A good attitude and willingness to learn in small steps.
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FAQ's: Do I need prior liberty experience? No. This is an introductory clinic focused on foundations. Is this a riding clinic? No—this clinic focuses on connection and groundwork leading toward liberty skills. Can I bring a young horse? Yes, provided the horse is safe to handle in a group setting and you can manage them appropriately. What if the weather is bad? We may have the option to move to the indoor in Canterbury, CT if it is available, if not, the clinic will be rescheduled. Participants will be contacted with any changes.
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✨✨✨Airbnb Raffle: All clinic participants receive one (1) complimentary raffle ticket for a chance to win a two-night stay for you and your horse at Silver Brook Stables’ beautiful on-site farmhouse Airbnb. Additional tickets may be purchased below and during the clinic. The winner will be drawn in October from all raffle ticket entries collected across our 2026 clinics. The prize includes a two-night stay (a $500 value), horse stable and full board services for one (1) horse, and access to the riding facility. *Subject to availability and scheduled directly with the property hosts.