Trust, Freedom, and Horses: Rachel Liana’s Equestrian Journey

Must Love Horses Interviews Rachel Liana

Rachel Liana is an equestrian, lifelong horse lover, and advocate for compassionate horsemanship. Though she didn’t grow up surrounded by horses, her love for them was evident from childhood, fueled by books, movies, and dreams of galloping alongside wild mustangs. Rachel’s equestrian journey began in earnest when she met her heart horse, Tucker, at the age of 13—a partnership that has defined her life ever since. Today, she lives in the country with Tucker and two other horses, building a life centered around partnership, trust, and care. Rachel is also passionate about promoting positive change in the horse world by encouraging riders to question outdated practices and listen to their instincts.

"Don’t accept things that make you uncomfortable simply because they appear normalized by the people you are learning from."

1. What about horses captured your heart and made you fall in love with them?

I don’t believe I can remember the first time I saw a horse, or when I fell in love with horses. I know I did not grow up around horses, and my mother claims I loved them from the moment I saw one, whether it was a book, movie, or toy. I think that is common with children, but for some of us - that never fades. I do not recall a time where having a horse was not at the top of my wish list for life. Looking back at the inspirations I had, it is no surprise that I envisioned myself galloping on a black stallion down an empty beach, totally tackless. Or thought I could win the heart of a powerful mustang with friendship, and be accepted on their back to run alongside a bald eagle. I think I must have loved horses for the entire concept of being able to befriend a creature so powerful, intelligent, and fast. The fact that people could earn their trust was always magical in my eyes, and the idea that you could ride them amazed me. I know it wasn't riding alone that attracted me to horses - it was always about running with a horse, not simply using a horse to run fast. 

2. In your experience, what’s the most fulfilling moment or accomplishment you’ve had while working with horses?

The most fulfilling accomplishment of my entire life, as a whole, has been being able to live the life I do right now alongside my heart horse, Tucker. I met Tucker when I was only 13, and he became my responsibility a year later. He had been abandoned by his owner, and after something like a “love at first sight” experience, my parents were unable to deny me the ability to become Tucker’s guardian. It was not an easy road, and for all of high school he lived 45 minutes away so I could only see him once or twice a week, except during summer when I would stay at the ranch where he lived to work summer camps. Then I went to college, and my parents made me do the first year without Tucker, to focus on making friends - that was hard. But the following year, I was able to move Tucker down to where I went to school and we spent the first quarter together on campus for a riding class. (I studied Animal Science and minored in Equine Science, so this was a valid way to earn my credits!) From that point on, I lived my life with him at the center. It wouldn’t be until many years later that I found myself in the position to move to the country and rent an amazing spot where I could live with Tucker outside my door. By that time, we had picked up my second horse, Trubee, and quickly after moving here we added our mare Adee. Seeing Tucker living the life he lives today is by far the biggest accomplishment I am most proud of today.

3. For someone just starting their journey with horses, what’s the first piece of advice you would give them to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience?

 I will always recommend that people learn from others, and become well versed in horse care before embarking on the adventure that is owning a horse. This has developed more recently to include that when starting out with horses, listen to your gut. Don’t accept things that make you uncomfortable, simply because it appears normalized by the people you are learning from. So much of the equestrian community has been indoctrinated into believing that force, dominance, even violence is the only way to safely handle horses. That is not the case, and if it looks harmful to your fresh eyes, it very well might be. I hope that we can witness a time where it is considered normal to listen to a horse’s opinion about things that are being done to them, and strive instead to accomplish things with them. 

Thank you, Rachel! Love your insights. 

Follow Rachel’s riding life at @nantucket_blue.

Welcome back to Must Love Horses. Here’s to learning about each other's love for horses. I hope you join the blog's journey ahead. Check out more interviews: