About this episode
In this episode of Life at Liberty, host Cinelle Claassens interviews Mirka Crew, a competitor in the upcoming ILHA Invitational Freestyle Competition happening at the 2025 Liberty Festival in Kentucky. Mirka shares her journey from the Czech Republic to becoming a prominent figure in Liberty training, discussing her early experiences with horses, the challenges she faced, and the importance of connection in training. She emphasizes the significance of self-doubt and how overcoming it has shaped her career. Mirka also talks about her preparation for the 2025 Invitational Freestyle performance, her unique posture focus training program, and the lessons learned from past performances. The conversation highlights the accessibility of Liberty training for aspiring trainers and the special bond between trainers and Mustangs. Highlights: How a girl from the Czech Republic turned $200 and a suitcase into a U.S. horse training career The self-doubt Mirka battled and how Liberty helped her find confidence and connection What Posture Focused Training® is and why it matters for Liberty and bridleless work Behind-the-scenes of preparing for the Invitational Freestyle at the 2025 Liberty Festival Why Mirka believes mindset is the secret ingredient to success with horses Key Moments: 00:01:58 Growing Up in the Czech Republic and Discovering Horses 00:07:12 Moving to the U.S. with $200 and a Dream 00:12:36 Wrestling with Self-Doubt and Finding Confidence Through Liberty 00:18:04 Posture Focused Training® Explained—How Balance Creates Connection 00:26:51 Preparing Marvel and Trac for the Invitational Freestyle 00:34:29 Lessons Liberty Horse Enthusiasts Can Apply at Home 00:41:56 Mirka’s Mindset Advice for Competitors and Dreamers 00:48:20 Closing Thoughts and a Sneak Peek of the Liberty Festival Chapter Summaries: 00:01:58 Growing Up in the Czech Republic and Discovering Horses Mirka reflects on her early years in Prague, where she first fell in love with horses but never imagined it would lead to a professional career. 00:07:12 Moving to the U.S. with $200 and a Dream She shares the bold decision to move to America with almost nothing, and how that leap of faith set the foundation for her training journey. 00:12:36 Wrestling with Self-Doubt and Finding Confidence Through Liberty Mirka opens up about lifelong struggles with self-doubt, questioning her worth, and how Liberty training gave her a new sense of possibility. 00:18:04 Posture Focused Training® Explained—How Balance Creates Connection Mirka introduces her Posture Focused Training® method, explaining how horse balance and self-carriage improve partnership at Liberty and bridleless. 00:26:51 Preparing Marvel and Trac for the Invitational Freestyle She gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at working with her Mustangs, Marvel and Trac, ahead of the 2025 Liberty Festival Invitational Freestyle. 00:34:29 Lessons Liberty Horse Enthusiasts Can Apply at Home Mirka offers practical advice for Liberty enthusiasts of all levels, focusing on mindset shifts and small steps to build connection. 00:41:56 Mirka’s Mindset Advice for Competitors and Dreamers She shares how she encourages students through her “Sky Is Not the Limit” philosophy, reminding them to push past fear and self-doubt. 00:48:20 Closing Thoughts and a Sneak Peek of the Liberty Festival Mirka leaves listeners with encouragement for their own Liberty journeys and a teaser of what to expect in her Invitational Freestyle performance.