Improving the Psychological Well-being of the Horse in Training:

2 days of Equine Professional Training, with Sarah Fricoteaux

Want to better understand your horse and strengthen your bond?

“Sarah Fricoteaux, a certified instructor in equine psychology and behavior, is returning to Domaine de Chéchigné for a two-day workshop to introduce you to a respectful and enriching approach to riding. Sarah invites you to step into a new dimension: one of exchange, listening first, and then appropriate responses.”

Upon completion of the training, the trainee will be able to observe and interpret their horse's behavior and signs of tension during training, whether on the ground or under saddle. They will understand the possible causes of this tension and its impact on learning and performance, and will be able to apply concrete psychological strategies to promote the horse's relaxation and well-being. Through this training, the trainee will be able to adapt their communication, gestures, and methods to establish a harmonious and effective relationship with their horse, allowing them to progress in an atmosphere of trust and motivation.

More information at www.equideo.fr

Educational objectives:

– To be able to identify and read the signs of physical tension

– To be able to determine the root of these tensions, to understand what created them

– To be able to elicit signs of relaxation during training, as soon as signs of tension appear, through the application of psychology strategies from the Equideo program

Learner profile:

– Riders, instructors or horse professionals wishing to develop both the relationship, the technique and the performance with their horse

– People wishing to deepen their knowledge of equine psychology and animal welfare

If you have a disability, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Prerequisites:

• be at least 18 years old, and be registered and professionally insured in your professional equestrian practice

• to have a deep motivation to progress towards a high level of competence in reading and training horses with psychology

Training content:

Understanding and improving the psychological well-being of horses in training

• Observe the horse's body language and emotional signals to detect tension

• Analyze the origin of the tensions and their impact on learning and performance

• Applying equine psychology techniques to promote relaxation

• Adapt your communication and methods according to the horse's behavior

• Evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and adjust practices in real time

• Share your observations and feelings during a debriefing with the trainer

What our interns say:

“Once again, a huge thank you for your teaching skills and your immense knowledge! This is truly a new chapter unfolding for the two of us, thanks to you and Linda Parelli!!” Magalie

“My Izak is a slow stopper who can quickly become tense. I was completely stuck in the arena trying to do a ridden session. We couldn't understand each other, and it was just a moment of frustration and discomfort for both of us. During our session with Sarah, she had already helped me get unstuck and understand how to get Izak moving forward and what was going on in his head. I was moved to tears 🥹 A thousand thanks 🙏 for giving us the tools to develop such a deep understanding of our horses, and also for helping us create a real relationship of trust with them.” Stéphanie

“Thank you for allowing me to (finally) start talking to my «scoundrel,» the rascal! I was truly at a dead end and I'm so happy to have found people like you who are opening a door to a new life with horses!!!! I feel like I've been wandering around for 40 years, trapped in a dialogue of the deaf…. Thank you, thank you.” Elena

“Olivier and I thank Maude and Sébastien for their welcome and are happy to have participated in a internship with Sarah, which I hope won't be the last. It's true that it feels good to meet other people in the horse world, and especially to meet people who respect horses. I'll see you all again soon for a weekend I won't forget. Thanks to Maud for lending me your little horse.”                Chrystele, Olivier

IN PRACTICE

This training takes place over two days and is suitable for all levels in both Technique and Horsemanship. We begin with a theory session where Sarah asks you about your current level, what challenges you are facing, and what your short-term goals are.

You will then learn to determine the true root of the problems or stagnations in progress, and then to solve them through the use of the Happy Horse program, of which we will use the successive educational modules.

The first morning session takes place on the ground. You will need a rope halter, a 3.7m round lead rope, and a carrot stick with a cord. For the riding portion, please bring your usual riding equipment, the kind you are comfortable with. Helmets, chaps, or boots are required. No riding in sneakers.

Organization of the training:

Number of people in training:

8 horse and rider pairs

Possible listeners

Duration : 

16 hours of training spread over 2 days

Method, educational resources and techniques:

Operational training focused on the equestrian techniques of the Happy Horse program on the ground and in the saddle, in a halter and at liberty, for the benefit of the horse's well-being in its interactions with humans.

Over 2 days of 8 hours: Review of past experiences – provision of examples – Real-life situations with the horse – Theoretical input on equestrian learning and the well-being of this animal – Simulations between the trainee and the trainer – Individual reflection based on questioning and role-playing – Debriefing and feedback.

Scientists are searching for publications on the topic of well-being at work, but how can you find them if you don't know what you're looking for? Another challenge arises once you've discovered signs of well-being: how do you recreate them? What factors contributed to their emergence? How do you achieve your goals and have a willing and happy horse eager to work with you?

The Happy Horse program is the missing link in equine psychology education. Created in 2021, following many years of research, experimentation, and handling of some of the most advanced and extreme horses worldwide, Linda Parelli has completely redesigned and incorporated her latest knowledge to provide professionals with the expertise to understand their horse in every moment spent together. Regardless of your discipline or level of expertise, this new program offers you the keys to understanding your horse's behavior and psychology, enabling you to solve problems, achieve your goals, and have a partner who is both happy and high-performing.

Teaching staff:

Sarah Fricoteaux – Bilingual teacher (FR-EN), graduated in France, Happy Horse Instructor, specializing in equine psychology.

Osteopath DO specializing in posture and functional biomechanics of the horse and rider.

Manager and Founder of Equideo, horse training with psychology.

www.equideo.fr

Mechanism for monitoring the implementation of the training results evaluation :

A written self-assessment will need to be completed at the end of the session.

Monitoring of the execution of the action is ensured by signed attendance sheets and a certificate of completion will be given at the end of the training.

Quality and performance indicators:

A written satisfaction questionnaire will need to be completed at the end of the training.

In 2025, the trainee satisfaction rating for the training courses was 100%. Your satisfaction is our priority.

Accessibility and access times:

If you have a disability, please do not hesitate to contact us.

The average waiting time for access to training is 2 weeks after application, subject to eligibility for funding.

Training activity falling under the category:

Skills development (as defined in Article L.6313-1 of the French Labour Code)

Latest program update: 14/11/2025

Send your questions about funding for your training to formationpro@equideo.fr

Request your pre-registration form for riders at formationpro@equideo.fr