Riders from Europe, Canada, Great Britain and the US gathered in Healdsburg for our twelfth symposium. Though we had a bit of rain on Friday, the weather cleared and gave us beautiful California sunshine for the rest of the weekend.

We had good questions from the young riders, reinforcing our commitment to education. People want to know what good riding, what good partnership means. People want to know how to ride with compassion, with sustainable methods, with enlightenment and honor. This tells me that we are following the correct path for our students, for our horses, and for the people who want to find a better way to BE with their equestrian partners.

Our overall feeling that everyone wants to know more about the role of the horse in our growth and compassion was reinforced. They are seeking a greater understanding of partnership and relationship, as well as the relationship between the mental and spiritual connection that our horses offer us.

Of course we had fabulous food from Dancing Horse Vineyard Catering! Thank you, Tianna! Marvelous music from Ramana Vieira…took us right back to Portugal. And as always, a huge thank you to Debra and her tremendous staff in the barn for the organization and work to make it all happen so beautifully!

Join us next time for the fun, for the learning, and for the camaraderie. It’s a wonderful event filled with insights and revelations…with the added gift of our magical Lusitanos.

Coming up soon: A new clinic in Germany! I’ll be in Toppenstedt, GERMANY, with Mr. Heiner Putensen contact: phone +494173500144, email: deegenhoff-lehrgang@web.de on March 11, 12 & 13.  I’ll be offering a lecture (on the morning of Friday March 11) in addition to the clinic which will give all new attendees a deeper understanding of the methods and philosophy that have guided me this last 40 years. There is still space available for a rider and of course space for auditors! I hope to see you there!  Check the clinic schedule tab above for all the latest dates.

Thank you to Staci for the photos!

Amities,

Dominique

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