Thoughts from a working student

The following essay is written by Ashia Sanders, the current Barbier Farm working student

It’s been nearly four months since I arrived at Barbier Farms as a working student. I will stay for another two months before heading back home to Canada and I hope that those two months move slowly. I am writing this review with an immense amount of gratitude towards the Barbier family and team, who have graciously shared their home, their horses and their knowledge with me.


Ashia and school horse, Romeo, moving together in lightness

I have done two other working student positions, both at Olympic-level barns in Europe. They are what you expect in a working student position: full days of cleaning stalls, feeding, blanketing, turning in and out, hand-walking, grooming, preparing horses for riders, etc. Maybe once or twice a week you receive a lesson, if there is time after the day is finished and if a horse is available. These positions were valuable as they created international connections and prepared one for a stable hand or groom position – but your skills as a rider are secondary.


working in hand with Romeo

Barbier Farm is different. The focus here is truly on you as a rider – and the art of riding and working horses in the classical style. Every day involves riding, lunging, working in hand, watching other riders, reading, and discussion. What an honour to receive (beginning on the very first day) such respect, dedication, and commitment to my development as a rider. The horses, the farm, the team – words can’t describe how wonderful the experience is. I will be leaving Barbier Farm with a profound change in my understanding of the relationship we, as riders, share with horses and a passion to continue the study of this art for the rest of my life.

A.S.

Barbier Farm has an upcoming opening for a working student. Send your resume to Debra Barbier at barbierfarm@aol.com to apply.

For more details on the program, visit our Working Student page.

Symposium XX Postponed Until Further Notice

While we were looking forward to hosting our friends for the XX Classical Series this coming weekend, due to COVID-19 safety concerns we have decided to postpone until further notice. Our thoughts are with each and every one of you, near and far, and we hope that you are safe and healthy in this most unprecedented of times. 

However; we are pleased to still offer our full range of books and videos as seen on the website, including reprints of Alchemy of Lightness!  Continue your Classical Education from the safety and comfort of your own home, let the Mestre come to you. As a special offering, any purchase over $95 will receive a free Barbier Training Manual, and any purchase over $175 will receive a free Symposium DVD!

The Classical Series – Symposium XX in March 2020

Make your plans for the spring, and join us in beautiful Dry Creek Valley for the 20th Classical Series, hosted by Dominique and Debra Barbier.

Symposiums are designed for auditors’ learning benefit, with the addition of twice daily lectures delivered by the Mestre himself. This is a fantastic introduction to the principles of French Classical Training, with the opportunity to have questions answered by Dominique personally.

If high hotel prices have you hesitating to book your trip, get in contact with Debra and she will help you find more economical options. Send your inquiries to barbierfarm@aol.com.

Space is limited, do not delay! We look forward to seeing you.