Community Guidelines
Kind to Horses. Kind to Humans.
These guidelines apply across our whole community, including The Liberty Herd community and the Academy group, whether you access it through our website or our app. They form part of our Membership Terms and Conditions.
The purpose of The Liberty Herd is to provide a safe, supportive, and encouraging space for horse lovers to learn, connect, share their journeys, and grow together.
Many of our members are trying something new. Some are complete beginners. Some are experienced professionals. Some are celebrating successes, while others are navigating challenges.
In order for everyone to feel comfortable sharing openly, we ask all members to help protect the culture of this community by following these guidelines.
1. Be Kind First
The way we speak to each other matters.
We welcome questions, different experiences, and different viewpoints.
We do not welcome rudeness, hostility, sarcasm, personal attacks, bullying, or shaming.
Before posting, ask yourself:
"Will this help make The Liberty Herd feel like a safe place to learn and share?"
If the answer is no, reconsider posting.
2. Choose Curiosity Over Judgment
Every member is on their own journey.
Some members may be completely new to liberty training. Others may have decades of experience with horses.
You may encounter training approaches, questions, or perspectives that differ from your own.
Respond with curiosity and compassion rather than criticism or judgment.
Our goal is not to prove who is right.
Our goal is to help horses and humans learn together.
3. Only Give Advice When It Is Invited
Not every post is asking for feedback.
Some members may simply be celebrating a win, sharing a story, documenting their progress, or expressing something meaningful about their journey.
Before offering advice, ask yourself:
"Has this person actually asked for feedback?"
If advice or feedback has not been requested, focus on encouragement, support, and celebrating with them.
When feedback is requested, offer it kindly and constructively.
4. Keep Feedback Supportive and Constructive
Members are encouraged to share videos, questions, successes, and challenges.
Constructive feedback is welcome when requested.
Criticism, pile-ons, harsh commentary, or public shaming are not.
The purpose of feedback is to support learning, not to demonstrate expertise.
Remember that there is a real person on the other side of every post.
5. Share Experiences, Not Absolutes
You're welcome to share what has worked for you and your horse.
Please avoid presenting opinions as facts or insisting there is only one correct way to do something.
Instead of:
"This is wrong."
Try:
"Here's another approach that has worked well for me."
6. No Trainer Bashing
Discussion about training methods, experiences, and learning journeys is welcome.
However, this community is not a place to criticize, attack, mock, shame, or complain about other trainers, programs, organisations, or individuals.
Please focus discussions on ideas, experiences, and what you are learning rather than naming people in a negative light.
7. Advice Is Shared Peer-to-Peer
The Liberty Herd is a community.
Members may share ideas, experiences, and suggestions based on their own journeys.
Advice shared here should not be considered professional veterinary, medical, behavioural, or safety advice.
Always seek appropriate professional guidance when necessary.
8. Horse Welfare Matters
This community exists because we care deeply about horses.
Members may come from different training backgrounds and be at different stages of their learning journey.
Questions, videos, and discussions are welcome, even when members are exploring approaches that differ from those of others in the community.
However, content that promotes, glorifies, or depicts abuse, cruelty, neglect, or deliberate harm may be removed.
If moderators believe content raises significant welfare concerns, action may be taken to protect both horses and the community culture.
9. No Spam or Unauthorised Promotion
Please do not use The Liberty Herd to:
- Sell products or services
- Promote your business
- Recruit clients
- Grow your social media following
- Advertise events or programs
without prior permission.
We want conversations to remain focused on learning, connection, and horses.
10. Respect Privacy
Please respect the privacy of fellow members.
Do not share screenshots, conversations, personal information, or community content outside The Liberty Herd without permission.
Please do not post photos or videos of other people (or their horses or property) without their permission, and do not share another person's personal details.
11. Celebrate Progress
Every horse is different.
Every human is different.
Every journey is different.
Whether someone is celebrating their first moment of connection or a complex liberty movement, all progress deserves encouragement.
Support each other generously.
12. Help Us Protect the Herd
If you see behaviour that goes against these guidelines, please report it rather than engaging in arguments.
You can report a post or comment using the report option in the community, block another member, or email us at [email protected].
Our moderation team will review concerns and take appropriate action.
Moderation Policy
Our goal is always education before enforcement.
In most situations, we will provide guidance or warnings before taking further action.
However, we reserve the right to remove posts, comments, or members immediately if behaviour is harmful to the community, other members, or horse welfare.
Membership in The Liberty Herd is a privilege, not a right.
By participating here, you are helping shape the culture of this community.
Together, let's create a place where horses and humans can thrive.