On this episode of the Liberated Equestrian, I’m joined by Callie King, founder of HorseClass.com, an international online education platform dedicated to bringing top instructors together to share their expertise in riding, training, and equine care.
Our discussion kicked off with a reflection on what it means to be a liberated equestrian, which tied perfectly into her experience living in Oaxaca, Mexico, where she continues to develop educational programs for riders worldwide. Callie shared that the word for liberated, or free, in Spanish is “libre” and it has come to be the cue word she uses with her horses when she “turns them free” from their work together.
Callie describes that “journey with horses on the Pennsylvania farm where she grew up has taken her across disciplines and landscapes—from endurance riding in the Colorado mountains to gentling mustangs in California and trekking in Mexico.” In 2012, Callie started CRK Training as a way to support her riding students beyond their weekly lessons. Over the years, it evolved into HorseClass, a global resource for equestrians seeking thoughtful, effective training methods.
Throughout this episode, Callie and I explored how her approach to horsemanship has transformed through her experiences both in working with training horses as well as students. She has come to discover the science behind the “flow” necessary for peak performance for both the recreational rider and athlete as well as the horse. Together, we explored what this looks like in learning, especially redefining calm as not relaxation but rather as an aspect of stress leading to confidence and skill.
This is what Callie described as the tension between conscious competence and unconscious competence- that time in which you feel like a confident and capable rider and then you hop on a horse you’ve never ridden before, and it feels like you forgot everything you knew. Can you relate?
Well, it is in moments like this that we grow as we find the flow that enhances peak performance.
To hear more examples and dig into a new way of thinking about breakthrough awaiting you, tune into this episode of the Liberated Equestrian!
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The Liberated Equestrian is all about bringing together horsewomen to experience belonging, breakthrough, and becoming. Led by Lisa Pulliam, mental health professional, seasoned equestrian, and founder of Stableminded.us, the Liberated Equestrian is committed to addressing the unique challenges faced by many equestrians, from feelings of isolation and criticism to the deep desire for connection and growth. The mission is to provide a supportive space to heal, learn, and transform both our horsemanship and humanship. So, find a comfortable spot, take a deep breath, and let’s embark on this journey together. Because becoming a liberated equestrian is about more than just riding—it’s about healing, connecting, and thriving in every aspect of life.
