OEP 33: Student of the Horse with Ariana Sakaris

What this episode covers

In this episode of the Optimized Equine Podcast, I sit down with Ariana Sakaris to explore what it truly means to work in partnership with horses. Ariana shares her unique approach to blending groundwork, liberty work, and dressage—always with the horse's perspective at the center of every decision.We discuss the art of information gathering and how to read what your horse is telling you through body language, energy, and subtle cues that often go unnoticed in routine care. Ariana challenges the idea that "liberty" has one definition, explaining why sometimes the kindest thing you can do is put the halter back on to help a horse find clarity rather than letting them stay lost and confused.Ariana opens up about her journey with her Mustang, Wildheart—from wild in Nevada to competing in dressage shows and International Liberty competitions. She shares the internal battle of showing up in competitive environments when your horse doesn't fit the mold, and how she found the courage to do it anyway, on her own terms.We also dive into the concept of horsemanship as an evolving practice of self-awareness, adaptability, and learning to speak the horse's language. Ariana emphasizes that true partnership isn't about perfection—it's about meeting each horse where they are, respecting their "no" while helping them work through challenges, and always prioritizing their mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing.Whether you're interested in liberty work, dressage, or simply want to deepen your connection with your horse, this conversation offers practical wisdom and inspiration that transcends discipline.Key Topics Discussed:Blending groundwork, liberty work, and dressage in daily trainingReading your horse's mental and physical state through observationThe importance of establishing baseline information about your horseWhen to use tools like halters and lead ropes versus working at libertyNavigating fear and building confidence—for both horse and humanShowing with non-traditional horses and doing it your wayManaging horses with health challenges like EPM, PSSM1, and allergiesDefining horsemanship as self-awareness and adaptabilityAbout Our Guest: Ariana Sakaris is known for her calm, patient, and deeply empathetic approach with both horses and humans. Her teaching blends clarity with compassion, helping others discover a kinder way of understanding, communicating, and working with their horses.Ariana's journey began at age five in Greece, where she first became fascinated by the language between horses and people. After returning to the U.S., she spent over eight years studying under a former Russian Olympic Dressage Coach and Master of Sport, completing more than 400 hours of certified training. However, as her technical skills grew, she realized something was missing—genuine, two-way connection. This revelation sparked a transformative journey across the U.S. and France, studying with leading professionals in Grand Prix Dressage, Classical Dressage, Liberty, and Horsemanship.Today, Ariana is a United States Dressage Federation Silver Medalist, four-time International Liberty Horse Association Champion, National Dressage Pony Cup Mustang Champion, USDF Mustang Breed Award Champion, Mustang Makeover Reserve Champion, Midwest Horse Fair Star Search Reserve Champion, and award-winning filmmaker for her documentary Wild Heart. Based in Paris, Kentucky, Ariana offers clinics, demonstrations, instruction, and training focused on Liberty Work, Dressage, Groundwork, and Relationship-Based Problem Solving. Connect with Ariana:Website: https://www.arianasakaris.com/Facebook: Ariana Sakaris Equestrian DevelopmentPlease take a moment to Share, Follow, Subscribe, and Rate the Optimized Equine Podcast! Follow Our Socials and Stay Connected at TamaraLeeBarrett.com

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