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.
