Adira
Warlander Mare
Born: March 31, 2018.
Breed: 50% Friesian 50% Andalusian
Adira is the horse that changed everything. When she first arrived, she wasn’t the confident liberty horse people know today. She had been passed between multiple trainers and had earned a reputation for being “untrainable.” She was difficult to catch, lacked trust in people, and had learned to protect herself by shutting others out. Before coming to DLH, she had even flipped over a gate while someone was trying to catch her.Despite what others believed, I saw something different.Instead of trying to force a partnership, we focused on building one through patience, trust, and giving her a choice. Day by day, she began to believe in people again, and together we developed the relationship that became the foundation of Durancik Liberty Horses.Today, Adira performs advanced liberty and bridleless work, demonstrating what’s possible when a horse is understood rather than overpowered. She has become the heart of DLH, inspiring thousands of people to see horse training through a different lens.Her journey is a reminder that labels don’t define a horse’s future. With patience, consistency, and understanding, incredible transformations are possible.
Merida
Gypsian Mare
Born: May 10, 2024
Breed: 50% Friesian 50% Gypsy Vanner
Merida is the horse I had dreamed of for years. After attending the Liberty Festival, I knew I wanted to add another horse to the herd. I wanted a horse that combined my two favorite breeds—the elegance and athleticism of the Friesian with the kind, steady nature of the Gypsy Vanner. When I found Merida, I knew she was exactly what I had been searching for.From the beginning, Merida has been incredibly thoughtful and sensitive. She approaches every new lesson with curiosity and always tries her best to understand what’s being asked of her. Rather than rushing her training, every step of her journey has been built on trust, patience, and allowing her to develop at her own pace.Watching Merida grow from a young filly into a confident liberty horse has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my journey. Every milestone has strengthened our partnership and reinforced the belief that great horses aren’t created through force—they’re developed through understanding.As she continues to mature, Merida represents the future of Durancik Liberty Horses. Her story is still being written, and I can’t wait to see where our journey together takes us.
Fabio
Gypsy Vanner × Pony of the Americas (POA) Gelding
Born: May 16, 2023
Breed: 50% Gypsy Vanner • 50% Pony of the Americas
Fabio is proof that a horse can be both incredibly fun and incredibly dependable.
I purchased Fabio as an untouched yearling with one goal in mind—to train him to become my mom’s horse after she lost her beloved horse, Dually. From the very beginning, Fabio showed an easygoing personality and a willingness to learn. Every new experience seemed to be met with curiosity rather than fear, making him a joy to develop.
As his training progressed, Fabio quickly became known for his goofy personality. Whether he’s carrying toys around, sitting like a dog, or making everyone laugh with his playful antics, he’s always the first to bring a smile to people’s faces. But behind that playful nature is a calm, kind horse with a strong desire to connect.
At DLH, Fabio is being developed through relationship-based training with the goal of becoming a safe, confident partner both on the ground and under saddle. Watching him grow has been incredibly rewarding, and seeing my mom begin riding him has made the journey even more meaningful.
Fabio reminds us that trust, patience, and consistency can shape not only a willing horse, but a lifelong partner.