The Classical Series: Symposium @ Barbier Farm – April 17-19, 2026
OPENING TO RIDE IN NEW JERSEY CLINIC – April 25-27
We have a rare opportunity for a lucky rider to come and join Dominique in New Jersey from April 25-27, 2025! Please refer to the flyer for details and contact information.
From the thoughts of a Working Student
Written by our current working student, Sarah Serfling.
Nestled among the vineyards of Dry Creek Valley in Healdsburg, California, Barbier Farm is truly a beautiful oasis for horse lovers.
At Barbier Farm, every living creature is treated with respect. The horses residing here, many of whom are thriving in their late twenties and early thirties, all exude an unmistakable vitality. Never have I witnessed so many bright-eyed, happy horses all in one location.
Based in the principles of French classical dressage, the teachings of Barbier Farms promote ethical training, sustainability, longevity, and the cultivation of harmony and “One-ness” between horses and humans. Everyone at the farm is committed to developing relationships with horses founded in trust and mutual understanding. Dominique, Debra, and their assistant trainer Lauren Schultz all uphold the finest standard in horsemanship and are equally compassionate teachers towards their human counterparts!
Sarah riding Zeus do Retiro in one of her daily lessons.
As a working student, I receive daily riding lessons. This amount of hands-on practice is nothing short of a blessing. Barbier Farm has excellent schoolmasters, who can help offer the “feel” of a correct pirouette or piaffe, as well as a couple of younger horses starting under saddle, who illustrate the early stages of the Barbiers’ classical training program. Getting to sit on both green and highly educated horses offers a richer and more diverse working student experience.
One of my greatest takeaways has been this realization: No matter how light, soft, or balanced you think you are as a rider or trainer, there is always room for improvement. You never stop learning, and you can always go deeper in your knowledge. The quest for lightness is ultimately an endless pursuit.
Upcoming Events with Barbier Farm!
We have TWO exciting events upcoming for Fall 2024…
The first, our annual Symposium at Barbier Farm will take place October 18-20 in Healdsburg, CA.
Second, join Debra and Dominique in PORTUGAL this November for the National Horse Fair (a 200 year old spectacle that brings people and their horses from all over the world) and a specially curated tour designed to show you the wonders of the country.
Email Debra Barbier at barbierfarm@aol.com for details to sign up for one, or both!
Christmas Gift Guide 2023
Christmas gift ideas! Need a little inspiration? Look no further…
💫 The Bison Deluxe Barbier dressage saddle. Elegant, comfortable, and designed for the maximum connection between you and your horse. The Cadillac of Saddles.
💫 An Intensive at Barbier Farm. Come solo, or bring your own horse for even more of an impact on your riding! Choose your duration of stay to fit your needs and ride twice daily with Dominique!
💫 Breeding to one of the marvelous Lusitano stallions standing at stud for a top quality foal of your own! Take advantage of Debra’s breeding passion and expertise, coupled with the very best bloodlines. (Pictured here, Larapio DB, bred by Debra Barbier; sired by her stallion Bailado do TOP, standing at stud at Barbier Farm).
💫 Sketches of the Equestrian Art by Dominique Barbier and Jean-Louis Sauvat. Ideal gift for someone who appreciates art, even if they are not so equine-inclined. Beautiful sketches by Sauvat that demonstrate the training progression, as described by Dominique.
💫 Meditation for Two: another work of art that will inspire even those who do not ride. A book of beautiful photographs and musings dedicated to the horse and to the essence of the equestrian art.
💫 A trip to Barbier Farm for symposium! Join us and make new friends in a whirlwind weekend of learning, dancing with horses, and a fabulous catered dinner in the barn (with wine grown from the farm’s vineyard)
💫 The Alchemy of Lightness: What happens at the molecular level to help horse and rider achieve maximum connection by Dominique Barbier and Maria Katsamanis. The title says it all.
💫 Antique prints curated by Dominique! Limited collection still available.
💫 A Lusitano of your own! Join Debra and Dominique in Brazil to visit the best breeding farms. Enjoy the hospitality, scenery, and the horses to bring home your dream partner.