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.
Join Debra and Dominique at the end of June for what is sure to be an unforgettable experience in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain.
The highlight of the trip is a special anniversary performance featuring all four of the equestrian schools: Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art Cadre Noir Spanish Riding School Portuguese School of Equestrian Art
AND presenting a new fifth school, Abu Dhabi Royal Equestrian Art (ADREA), that will be performing for the first time!
When traveling with the Barbiers, you are sure to travel in style; luxury accommodations, fantastic food and wine, and will see the best the country has to offer in terms of equestrian attractions. Debra and Dominique have already put together a list of excursions that are sure to delight, from flamenco dancing and sherry cave tours to Carthusian Horse Tours and Alvaro Domecq horses and Brave Bulls in Freedom.
Join us! Trip dates are June 28 – July 6.
Email Debra Barbier at barbierfarm@aol.com and reserve your place!
Trip prices – includes hotel, transport once in Spain and all attractions. Travelers will be responsible for lunches, dinners, and airfare to and from Spain.
The FEI has failed to comply with the dressage rule book in deciding against eliminating a rider using an illegal bit in competition.
While it is a tragedy, it is about time that attention is called to blatant disregard of the rules that has been happening for far too long. The rules are in place for the protection and well-being of the horse and the FEI is duty-bound to uphold them without exception.
To learn more about the FEI rules and how the history of dressage has changed into what we see as modern competition, order your copy of Broken or Beautiful: The Struggle of Modern Dressage (written by Dominique Barbier and Liz Conrod).
