Equideo Equestrian Park Internship: Developing your horse's confidence

It's often said that riding is the school of life, and it's true. Much is learned through experience, but if you can apply precise and effective steps to save time in training, then the moments shared with your horse will be all the more enriching. During this course, you will learn as much about equine psychology as you will about techniques related to working outdoors, while exploring the different areas of the Equideo Equestrian Park.

Equideo Equestrian Park is the first themed equestrian park in France. This unique space features different zones designed for easy and fun step-by-step learning, allowing you to calmly develop the trust your horse has in you. Come and spend unforgettable moments with your horse in this one-of-a-kind, multidisciplinary space, where everything has been designed for your horse's education and training.

A 2-day course where you will learn as much on the ground as in the saddle:

• to create a connection with your horse:
  • Make sure your horse focuses on you rather than on the environment or other horses.
  • establish a calm and peaceful atmosphere from the very beginning of your conversation.
  • learn how to regain connection when you lose it
  • What does “redirect the nose” mean? Or, “look where you’re going”?”
• to create relaxation:
  • to spot the slightest signs of tension, to know what they mean, and to know how to help your horse
  • knowing when to dismount and how to react when your horse is afraid
  • From the mounting block to the departure point: discover the parking space, how to manage the horse that wants to leave without you, or that is agitated and already wants to be with its friends?
  • from the very first 5 minutes of walking at the start
  • knowing how to regain relaxation when you lose it
• to balance the quality of responses to subtle cues while maintaining relaxation:
  • Use the rail strategy and orient your headlights
  • to be aware of who is leading whom in a group of horses
  • to be aware and able to read what horses are saying to each other
  • knowing how to manage impulsiveness as well as non-responsiveness during transitions in pace
• to assess, build and develop your horse's confidence:
  • What safety position should I adopt on the ground as well as in the saddle: when crossing obstacles, at different gaits, on uneven terrain, when my horse is scared, etc.?
  • When and how should you invite your horse to touch something?
  • When and how to perform withdrawal and approach?
  • When to let the horse slide with the control rein, in order to better bring it back later?
  • When to wait and do nothing?
  • etc.
• to adjust the gait of his horse outdoors, whether alone or in a group:
  • Are you the master of speed?
  • Are you aware of the speed chosen in each gait?
  • What strategies should be used for horses with too much GO and those with too much WHOA?

Day 1:

MORNING = groundwork in the equestrian park through various workshops where you will learn jumping and movement techniques, as well as building connection, relaxation, and responsiveness. For each area and each workshop, you will have specific exercises of varying difficulty to complete. I will guide you to reach a whole new level of communication with your horse.

AFTERNOON = After a picnic together, we'll explore how to create Connection, Relaxation, and Response in 5 minutes to get in the saddle and head out into the field. We'll cover group progression strategies, strategies for managing herd behavior and separating horses, and then returning them to the herd. We'll also cover trail riding techniques.

Day 2:

MORNING = Alternate between riding and ground work in the field with specific requests to further develop confidence in your communication, supported by challenging workshops. Take on new challenges and practice the skills learned the previous day.

AFTERNOON = After a picnic together, we'll explore how to create Connection, Relaxation, and Response in 5 minutes to get in the saddle and head out into the field. We'll cover group progression strategies, then more individual ones in the field, strategies for managing herd behavior and separating horses, before returning them to the herd. We'll also cover trail riding techniques.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced trail rider with persistent issues with your horse, whether you're a show jumper or a dressage rider, develop your horse's confidence WITHIN YOU! This clinic is designed especially for you, on a dream course. Sarah adapts to your level, and the more you ask for progress, the more you'll get! It's up to you!

It is possible to rent one of our schoolmaster horses provided you have already taken lessons with Sarah.