Alsace is a land of horses, everyone knows that!
Many villages see a number of their meadows occupied by all types of horses.
This passion for horse riding inevitably gives ideas to some female practitioners.
We have already talked about horse riding in our blog articles but thanks to Joëlle Werner, today will be a first because we are going to talk about equicoaching.
Horses have long been used for work, transportation, and more recently for leisure and sport. Joëlle decided to live with her horses and, with their invaluable help, to share and thrive.
We spent a little time in her company, in Steige where she lives, to discover her vision of riding, her love of horses but also the why and how, she became a personal development coach.
On our bikes, we set off to meet Joëlle.
-Hello Joëlle,
Could you start by introducing yourself?
I am Joëlle Werner, coach, equine coach, and riding instructor. I practice my profession(s) primarily at the Chauffour equestrian farm in Stampoumont. (Click on the village name to find it on a map)
I was previously employed in a large pharmaceutical factory in Strasbourg for over 22 years. Last year I decided to change direction; I wanted to combine my passion for horses and nature with my desire to support people who want to change something in their lives and my desire to teach outdoor riding.
I am also vice-president of the Cavaliers du Rêve association, whose headquarters are in Triembach-au-Val. I think we are known in the valley for our horse festival, which we have been organizing with the Triembach football club since 2009. From 2022, the festival will become a nighttime show (the Nights of St. Gilles), and the venue will be moved to Saint-Pierre-Bois, to the site where the Midsummer Night's Dream festival used to be held.
Incidentally, I am a mother of two boys, aged 16 and 8.
-There she is… faithfully waiting for a hopefully positive answer, our famous and traditional question: “Are you from the valley?” (And if not, where are you from?)
Well no, not really. But after 20 years of living in the valley, I really feel like I'm from the valley.
I was born in Karlsruhe, Germany, to a German father and an Alsatian mother from Zellenberg in the Haut-Rhin. I completed all my schooling in Germany, and I came to France at the age of 20 to study biology and chemistry.
I chose to live in Triembach-au-Val in 2002, and since then I have stayed in the valley, the prettiest in Alsace.
-Joëlle, where does your passion for horse riding come from?
No idea…I grew up in the city, my parents weren’t riders, but I started “bothering” my parents very early on with my interest in horses.
Perhaps that's my origin, my "Mamama" (maternal grandmother) having come from Ukraine in 1929; perhaps I have Cossack ancestors???
In any case, I've loved horses since I was very young, and I've been lucky enough to discover different "versions" of riding: first at a riding club in Germany, where I was trained in a strict, technical, almost military-style riding school. There I learned discipline, cleanliness of the facilities and equipment, and equestrian technique up to about level 6.
Then I discovered outdoor riding, trekking, raising horses at liberty, farm life; it was at my uncle's who had an equestrian farm in Oberhaslach, in the Bas-Rhin (and which still exists, managed by his grandson): it was the beginning of a long story for me, because there I learned to observe horses, understand them, train them by taking into account their functioning, care for them, and manage the pastures, the hay harvest, the manure… I really discovered life in the countryside, with its pleasures and its difficulties, I embraced it, much to the despair of my mother who didn't really like seeing me in boots!
-Today, the riding you practice and offer is focused on nature, listening to and interacting with, and through, the horse. Has it always been like this, or did you come from a classical riding background?
I think I need to clarify: I offer trail riding and equine-assisted coaching (where we don't ride). Let me explain:
* Outdoor Horse Riding:
I'm a riding instructor, and I primarily teach trail riding. This means I want to train young people (and not-so-young people :-)) to ride safely, respecting both the horse and nature. I introduce and train riders in TREC (Competitive Trail Riding Techniques), vaulting, groundwork (long reins, lungeing, liberty work), and I prepare my riders for the Outdoor Riding Proficiency Levels (Galops Pleine Nature). This covers both the "classical" and "nature" aspects of my teaching. I teach all of this with respect for the horses' needs; there's a lot of ethology and information about equine behavior and communication incorporated into everything I share.
* Equicoach:
-JI am a personal and business development coach (it is a Bac +5 level diploma), as well as an equicoach, I support people in their personal development with the help (or not) of horses.
My clients are either private individuals seeking to improve their inner well-being. That is to say, those who want to get out of a dead end or who have a problem that exhausts them daily: lack of self-confidence (difficulty saying no, lack of assertiveness, time management, stress, burnout, anxiety, etc.)
Either companies or organizations (colleges, high schools, detention centers, daycare centers, hospitals, etc.) contact me to support them in building their teams, so that people who work together every day can respect each other, understand each other, communicate non-violently, and thus move in the same direction. People often feel anxious when they think about their colleagues, their boss, their job. I help people find their own solutions, with or without the horse.
-What should we call this type of riding?
It's Joëlle-style riding
Seriously, it doesn't have a special name; I'm simply trying to share my knowledge and passion with children and adults who love nature, want to reconnect with animals, and not just see horses as tools or pieces of sports equipment. I want children and adults to learn to listen to their hearts, become more intuitive, simpler in their relationships with others, and more open-minded—all without trying to interpret a horse's reactions like a human.
When I teach, I transmit the riding technique as it exists, but in my own way (in a kind way, without putting pressure on, with humor, humility, respect because I cannot stand it when an instructor yells at me) and I always add the link to ethology, respect for the horse, its needs and respect for nature.
Hence the name of my company, which is called "Pleine Nature Equicoaching", to bring together outdoor riding and equicoaching ;-).
Joëlle, your business card reads: "The horse is a mirror of our behavior: an expert in non-verbal communication, the horse observes us and reacts frankly and directly to the slightest stimulus. It leads us to the truth, to the present moment; the mask falls away."
Can you explain this quote to us?
The horse, by nature, is prey. In order to survive, it has had to develop an extremely keen sense of observation of the living beings it encounters. Knowing how to read whether a living being intends to hunt or not became essential to its survival. The horse, as well as other prey animals of course, has learned to connect with the being before it and to read its mind.
The simplest example is this: in Africa, lions and other predators have often been photographed drinking peacefully next to zebras or antelopes, without the latter showing any sign of fear. This is because the lion, at that precise moment, had no intention of hunting; it was simply thirsty.
There have also been various studies that prove that a horse can interpret facial features, and it will be more attracted to a relaxed, smiling person than to an angry and tense one.
The horse is therefore the perfect animal to reproduce the behavior or state of mind of the human it is facing, or at least to highlight it.
He will react for his well-being and safety, with complete honesty, because the horse does not know how to be hypocritical or false; he is always neutral, without judgment, without strategy.
-So the horse can play a role in analyzing human behavior and emotions?
Absolutely, everyone knows that if you're scared, the horse will be scared :-)
This is true in the sense that the horse will sense the anxiety, hesitation, and resistance, and will feel uncomfortable around that person. Then, depending on its personality, the horse will react in one way or another: either it's an extremely sensitive horse and might become agitated, wanting to bolt, or it's a playful horse that will try to dominate the human by pushing or biting them. Or perhaps the horse is rather introverted and might become rigid, losing its composure and exploding after freezing up. And the last personality type is the dominant, cunning horse, which will give us a hard time until we correct our inner balance.
Now, be aware that horses can't be categorized into these four boxes, but this is just an example to show you that one horse is already different from another, and that there are several "equine" responses to the same human behavior. The equine coach must be able to observe this and, above all, choose the right horse suited to this emotional work, so that the session takes place safely.
-How and why can they help humans find themselves in their personal fulfillment.
As I explained in the previous answer, the horse reacts to our behavior and emotions. So, I use the horse first and foremost as a mirror to show people how they truly are (there's often a big difference between what we show others and what we really feel!). Once they've grasped this, because you can't argue with a horse's feelings—it's not pretending—then there's the second stage.
Here, I utilize the goodwill, empathy, patience, and profound kindness, or rather benevolence, of the horse: the person clearly sees what is wrong. I give them the opportunity to change something in their behavior or inner energy by having them repeat an action with the horse; it's a kind of test, the person experiences different postures (internal or external) to arrive, with the horse listening to them, at the objective I set for them at the beginning.
Little by little, the person will be able to explore all the possibilities available to them in order to achieve the set objective.
A concrete example that is easy to understand, bearing in mind that there are an infinite number of possible cases:
A person lacking in self-confidence will be pushed around or simply ignored by the horse. They will have to find their own solutions to communicate with the horse and also to gain its respect. All these solutions can be applied to everyday life, at work, at home, in leisure activities… That's what's so magical! And the horse will respond to every request according to what it has understood, without compromise, unwavering, without judgment.
You really have to see it to believe it; it works incredibly well, but it requires a great deal of sensitivity, intuition, and love from the coach. The person shouldn't feel any pressure; they should feel free to be themselves and express whatever they want. They also need to be ready to accept one or more "setbacks" during their progress. That's part of the process.
Of course, the coach has a duty of confidentiality!
-Is this ability unique to horses or do you think other animals can provide the same type of "well-being"?
All animals can read our moods, our emotions, our leadership. They can therefore provide us with many answers about ourselves. But the horse is the animal best suited to working with humans for several reasons:
- First and foremost, it is beautiful and noble, large and strong. It embodies freedom. It is therefore an animal that inspires dreams, that humans admire, and that is imposing. It is a privilege to be near it and to be able to handle it.
- The horse is also part of our history. It has always been a symbol of connection. It has played many roles in our society, from prey to companion, even therapist, as well as a means of transport and a source of labor. All cultures, all civilizations, speak of the horse.
- In its natural habitat, a horse doesn't seek a master like a dog, for example. It's a herd animal with a complex hierarchy, unlike the pyramidal structure of wolves. There isn't just one leader; each horse in the group can become a leader, depending on the situation and its own behavior. The herd's dynamic is characterized by a network-like structure, where each member watches over the others. This coherent system (even though no one directs the activities of the others) is based on imitation, the instinct to stay within the group, and respect for dominance.
-Has a horse ever helped you to discover these benefits?
Of course!! And several times!
Simple examples: at the beginning of my career with horses, at my uncle Marcel's farm in Oberhaslach, I was around many horses and took charge of training the foals. Since I was young and inexperienced, I used sweets to coax them, and in no time they followed me like little dogs. I was very proud of this success. But I quickly had to change my approach because they were starting to push me around and disrespect me. This was due to my excessive kindness and lack of assertiveness. So I imitated them, the way they behaved among themselves, and when I disagreed, I asserted myself by standing taller and gathering all my energy within myself. And it worked!
I also learned to calm myself, to avoid asking anything of the horse when stressed, because it cost me a few bucks and some crushed hooves. My reflex was therefore to breathe deeply when I felt stressed, and sometimes to accept canceling or changing my session's objective. I had to control myself, almost meditate, to become more receptive to the horse.
I also experienced the unconditional love and trust that existed between my first horse and me. This reassured and strengthened the sensitive little girl I was (and still am ;-)).
I've managed to do so many crazy things with certain horses, and experienced so many beautiful signs of love and trust, so many situations where the horse seemed to become one with me, that I believe if we can understand how a horse works, if we respect it as a horse (and especially avoid trying to turn it into a show horse or anthropomorphizing it by interpreting its reactions as we please), the relationship develops little by little, and the horse enjoys being in our presence. It's so beautiful to feel that; it truly moves me. And I'm not talking about grand feats, like going through fire, but the smallest signs, like its ears when you approach, its behavior on a ride, its composure during incidents, its eyes constantly searching for you to see how you're feeling inside…
-How many horses do you have and can you tell us about each of them?
I own 5 horses, and I also take care of 10 more. Let me explain:
- Leny15 years old, given to me at the age of 1 by friends. She's my perfect mare, the one with whom I've shared the most adventures. Sturdy, lively, kind, and sensitive, but she handles it well ;-), she's a mare who adapts to any rider, from a beginner child to an experienced adult. Always ready to work, with a strong character in the herd, she accompanies me in all my activities: shows, parades, equestrian sledding, TREC, endurance riding, Cossack vaulting, multi-day treks, hospital visits… I'm very proud of her; she has the strength of a draft horse (1/4 Comtois), the sensitivity of an Arabian (according to Ken Poste, three-time world champion in team TREC with whom I've done some training) (1/4 Spanish), the relaxed nature of a Selle Français (1/4), and the coat, hooves, and temperament of an Appaloosa (1/4)!
- Flicka 6 years old, Leny's daughter, affectionate, sweet, mischievous, and well-balanced. Although still young at heart, she shows great promise because she is a good listener, courageous, and determined. She is a delight for the residents of the nursing home because she is very affectionate and calm, always seeking contact. She participated in the Bastille Day parades in Villé and the Pfifferdaj in Ribeauvillé at a very young age (3 months).
- Iltschi: 1 year old, daughter of Flicka. A real ball of love, she seeks play and attention. She accompanied her mother on several hikes from the age of 3 months, much to the delight of the children.
- Tundra Double pony Tarpan, a 14-year-old gelding, a real gem of a horse! Ideal for children due to his small size (1,40m), but also suitable for lighter adults, he adapts to any rider. Very versatile with a bit of a stubborn streak, but adorable. He's a great help to me in the nursing home. I bought him 3 years ago and from the very first day I knew he would never leave my side.
- Halekum von MadlenA 9-year-old Arabian thoroughbred gelding, purchased green a year ago. Inexperienced (broken in or rebroken in a year ago), he is nevertheless very gentle, but extremely sensitive. He is currently my top horse and I plan to use him in the "Nuits du St Gilles" show in 2022. It's a bit of a crazy project, but I love challenges, and I'm quite confident, even though I know it won't be easy.
- Knut14-year-old Spanish/Barb/Pottiok cross gelding. A handsome, proud, and energetic horse, a bit challenging for beginners (especially at the canter) due to his boundless energy. Ideal for calm, experienced trail riders. Unsuitable for liberty work (he's aggressive). Making progress in dressage, obstacle work, and jumping.
- Christobal16-year-old Spanish/Barb/Pottiok cross gelding. Handsome horse, calmer and more manageable than his brother Knut. Good horse for beginners, but doesn't like working in a group or on the lunge line; he prefers trail rides and nothing else. Very attached to his family.
- babouche 16-year-old Spanish/Barb/Pottiok cross mare. Beautiful mare with a strong character, comfortable and safe outdoors. Calm and cautious on all terrains, Babouche safely guides both beginners and experienced riders to their destination.
- Hilary Ten-year-old Pottiok/Quarter Horse cross mare. Very energetic and willing, she is a sensitive and responsive mount. On the ground, she may nip if she senses tension from her rider. She was unfortunately terrified by people who hit her and burned her with cigarettes before she ended up at Chauffour.
- Sisco, Chaman and PepitaOur retired horses are 28-29 years old. Pepita gave us beautiful foals (Knut and Christobal). Sisco and Pepita have been ridden by children on rare occasions, for short periods, without any strain. I've already used Sisco for equine-assisted coaching sessions. Chaman is a survivor; he nearly died after spending a night in a swamp, unable to get out on his own. Thanks to our neighbor who came with his tractor to lift him out and help him back to his feet, he was able to recover, but he still has some lasting effects and limps very easily, even after slight exertion.
- River Boy : 16-year-old French Saddlebred/Arabian gelding, boarded with us. He is only ridden by his 15-year-old owner. He has a very good foundation in dressage and jumping, but struggles to find his place in a herd, likely due to his previous life in a stall or only with one other horse in a paddock.
- Ginga and TequilaTwo black and white pinto horses are also boarded there. The owner is also a founding member of the Riders of Dreams. Ginga can go anywhere; I always say he'd jump through a wall for his rider!
-Do they all bring something different to this search for fulfillment?
Yes, I have to consider the client's requests on the one hand, their apprehension about horses on the other, and I also have to choose the horse based on its temperament and what it could safely offer the person. There's no way I'd put an emotional, hypersensitive horse in contact with someone who has difficulty managing their emotions; it would be explosive! I would choose a calmer horse, one that will also express its emotions, but in a way that's safer for the person.
-I saw some photos with a lady, Maryse.
May I ask who she is?
Maryse is a longtime friend. We met at my uncle's horse farm in Oberhaslach, and she immediately took me under her wing. I was only 16, and she was 55. But we got along wonderfully and complemented each other in every way. I had the strength and energy, she had the experience and organizational skills. She had the confidence and courage, I had the caution, the shyness, and the gentleness. She had the riding technique, I had my keen observation skills. But together we shared a love for horses, a desire to share that love, and the pride of caring for a beautiful herd and a fine tack room (80 horses grazing, and 30 saddles to clean, oil, and repair).
She is now 85 years old and has Alzheimer's. I decided to bring some horses to the CDRS in Colmar where she lives.
-From these photos, I gathered that your horses had allowed Maryse to rediscover gestures she had forgotten.
Can horses, or contact with them, be a substitute for certain treatments or other medications?
I'm not a doctor, but what I know, what I see, is her progress. The first time I came with my horses this spring, I gave Maryse a brush and said, "Here, take this and do, you know what!" She looked at me wide-eyed and said, "What's this, and how am I supposed to do it?" I replied, a little surprised, "But you, Maryse, taught me everything. Now you take this brush, you don't ask questions, and you just follow your heart. Don't think, just let your hands do it, they'll do it all by themselves." And Maryse did it! With so much energy, her movements precise and deliberate, not hesitant at all. I found her just like before, when she used to brush her horse before a ride. And from session to session, she took the initiative: brushing the tail, with the right brush so as not to pull out the mane! Cleaning the hooves! She even removed small pieces of leaves stuck in Toundra's tail, which helped her develop her fine motor skills. What's more, her face lit up; she became more lively, active, and full of humor… just like before! Once she was in action, Maryse even kept a close eye on me to make sure nothing happened: "Watch your feet! Don't go behind her! Look at his ears, he's not happy!" And so on…
These observations confirm that horses allow people to reconnect with the outside world, to work on their motor skills, reactions, and memory, and in addition, they experience a wonderful sense of tenderness and calm thanks to the horses.
-In this exchange, what do you enjoy most, the interaction with the animal, or seeing people open up and reconnect?
I imagine it's all connected!
Would you be willing to talk to us about that?
Oh yes… With pleasure!
Indeed, it's all connected!
I love observing the reactions of my horses (who are actually my therapy colleagues in this case!), I analyze, I record. I'm very proud of them; they do their job perfectly. They remain stoic when people approach in wheelchairs, when some people make slightly erratic movements and shout, and even when they're afraid.
They constantly seek contact; they are both gentle and retain their personalities (Tundra will pull on the lead to seek LE A blade of grass right there, and Flicka will know how to grab the pom-pom from the hat and tear it off with her teeth, or gently take the ear between her lips, without hurting her. Real clowns!
Besides that, I love observing the residents' reactions (because even though I come for my Maryse, there are already regulars who are there every time I come). For example, what really pleased me was that one resident "escaped" from her residence (she's independent) to wait for me and, above all, not miss a single second of this event. She welcomed me, in the cold, to help unload the horses, to walk them, to brush them a little before Maryse arrived. So, so sweet, plus everyone was looking for her inside (hehe, she's getting rebellious).
Last time, something magnificent happened in my eyes, which I am happy to recount:
A woman joined us with her mother in a wheelchair. The old woman was hunched over, listless, her head drooping to one side. The young woman asked if the horses were friendly and if she could approach them. I readily agreed and guided Flicka so she was standing in front of the old woman. I then asked if the old woman wanted to pet them. The young woman replied, "No, I don't think so, she's afraid!" I then took the old woman's hand, with its clenched fingers, and said I would help her touch the horse. The woman raised her head and nodded her approval. I guided her closed hand towards Flicka's nostrils, and the back of my hand felt the softness of the mare's skin. She withdrew her hand, surprised. She then extended her hand again all by herself, without my help, and this time her fingers opened, her hand was almost flat to better caress Flicka's nostrils, which was exactly what she was waiting for. That's when the young lady exclaimed: "But she opened her hand! She's moving her fingers! Mommy, what's wrong? That's wonderful!"
What more could you want? It's so beautiful and moving that it brought tears to my eyes.
-Could we almost call it ethno-psycho-equine therapy?
Yes, that's it, this therapy is very versatile. With a horse, we can treat or support people in various ways, always adapting to their needs. So, we're talking about coaching (for people who want to overcome something that's holding them back in their lives), or we're talking about therapy (when we're treating them physically and psychologically), equine-assisted therapy as well (contact with a horse is good for troubled teenagers), and for many riders who come to me regularly, it's their breath of fresh air during which (they don't realize it, but that's what it is) they do a kind of meditation, they leave aside their daily problems and immerse themselves in the present moment, in the middle of the forest, under the trees, soothed by the hooves of their mount.
-Joëlle, looking at your photos, I saw many group photos, horses in the middle of the forest, bivouacs. Riding instructor… equine coach… And cowboy?
Freedom seems to be important in your life.
Does horse riding liberate and soothe you?
Yes, for me, horseback riding is freedom. I'm a riding instructor, certainly, but I teach trail riding, the kind cowboys do, riding that's respectful of the horse and nature. At my place, the horses don't wear bits, except for some occasionally, when I'm working them on long reins or when I want to teach them something special. But out on the trails, none of them will have a bit in their mouth, and they listen very well, perhaps even better, because they're less nervous without that thing in their mouth that riders are constantly pulling on… My priority, so that I feel aligned with my philosophy, is having happy, relaxed horses. Only then can I say that I'm riding respectfully, and I often ride bareback in just a halter when I'm riding alone.
My clothing also conveys that I'll never be a follower of the latest equestrian fashion; on the contrary, I'm perfectly happy in jeans or 20-year-old riding breeches. With work boots, not riding boots, or riding boots. That's also what freedom is about: not being addicted to this consumer society. And the young children who start riding with me feel comfortable; there's no criticism of their appearance from other children because I make sure of it, and everyone comes as they are, with what they have. The children learn that there are things more important than appearances, and they learn to be happy simply. So, in the summer, I take my regular young riders (or some adults) on multi-day treks, camping overnight. We live in the wilderness, making do with little, setting up camp together, everyone helping each other, the more experienced riders helping the newcomers. We go through some difficulties, sometimes there are tears of fear and anxiety, but I'm always there, or the older children are, to help. And in the end, the stress passes, the horse has made it through the steep section without any problem, and the child is enjoying themselves again. Sometimes it's good that the parents don't see all the places I take their children riding, but I teach them to face their fears, accept them, and manage them.
Setting off on an adventure with riders like this (I know the evening's stopping points but never all the routes to get there), with a map, saddlebags, stopping at midday wherever we want (always prioritizing the horses' comfort), is the culmination of my year-long riding lessons. And I'm so proud of my budding young riders who have been coming regularly for over two years.
-What is your dream as a horse rider?
I don't need much: my dream is to go on a self-supported hiking trip with my boys, taking my mare and a packhorse. Actually, I've already done it several times, but it's really what I need to disconnect. I don't need anything more.
I would also like to gallop with my horses on the beach once.
My dream before was to work on a ranch in the United States. I did it! I was immersed with other tourists on a ranch on the border between Montana and Wyoming. We rounded up the cattle, and we even had to pin the calves to the ground to deworm them, vaccinate them, and brand them! Real cowboys! It was an unforgettable experience, but I also learned to appreciate the Vosges Mountains, where we are much more respectful of nature and horses than in the United States, where they have so much land that they don't take care of it… And everything is so excessive there… We don't need all that…
As someone who isn't a very good rider, I dream of spending several days in the Rockies or the Appalachians, completely self-sufficient and on horseback. What image of a horse evokes that feeling for you?
Completely independent, but right here in our Vosges mountains. I like choosing my own destination. If I book a trek elsewhere, I'll need a guide, and then I'll be tied down again and have to listen to the leader, etc. I want to be able to go wherever the wind takes me, so I choose to go with my horses, which I know, and to an area where I know the local flora and fauna, to avoid any unpleasant surprises. I feel very much at home here, and we have breathtaking scenery!
-When I talk about you to a rider from the valley, the response often begins with "ah yes, Joëlle!…"
Is it because you are very involved in the equestrian world of the valley?
You might know me in different ways: either through the "Riders of the Dream" association, of which I am the vice-president; or because I've had horses since 2002 in Triembach-au-Val, and riders might see me bareback and in a halter, galloping around a bend in the path, with a foal loose (oops! sorry!); or perhaps because I sometimes lend a hand to people in need (breaking in horses, training, groundwork, post-injury care, etc.); or maybe you know me from the Chauffour Equestrian Farm in Stampoumont (Ranrupt)?
I was also a BPJEPS student at Equivallée in Albé, for 6 months in 2018, and I also do TREC, internships and competitions around the valley (Sélestat, Climont, Urmatt).
-Speaking of the Valley, what is your favorite spot, the one where you feel good and the one you prefer for your horseback rides.
I love climbing above Albé; the view is magnificent. I particularly like the Altenberg with the Franckenbourg, the Cuckoo Rock, and the Fairy Rock… But in winter, it's on the north face, so I avoid it. I love hiking around Saint-Gilles and sometimes meet up with friends for a short walk together. The Stampoumont side, which I know now, is also very beautiful and wild.
There are so many possibilities in the valley! Either you want to do some nice gallops, and you can ride around St Gilles and above Albé, or you prefer a bit of technique and scenery, you can ride up to Ungersberg or Franckenbourg…Or for a good trot there is the path to the aviator's memorial in Hohwarth.
-I only recently learned the exact location of the stable where you are based. The setting is simply incredible. A sort of little Canada.
What kind of tour can you offer?
- One-hour walk or lesson, for children or adults, beginners or not.
- aerobatics course (introductory level)
- 2-hour walk, same as above
- 3-hour walk, same as above
- A day trip with a picnic lunch. More suitable for experienced hikers or athletic individuals.
- Multi-day hikes, point-to-point or star-shaped, with accommodation in guesthouses or bivouacs
- Day courses to access outdoor riding levels
- Performance workshops
- Private lessons, with or without your own horse (I travel to you)
- On-the-job training internships
- Breaking in or training a horse for trail riding
- Equestrian gîte to accommodate horseback riders
-Joëlle, what is your best memory on horseback?
My week-long hike in 2018 with my boys, my dog, my 3 horses, completely self-sufficient.
-What's your favorite color?
Red
-Your favorite tree?
I love them all
-Your favorite animal?
guess
-Your favorite song?
The child and the bird, when my boys used to sing it during our rides, from atop their horses. The carefree joy, the happiness, it all comes back to me when I hear this song.
Joëlle, before we leave, what would you like to say to encourage some people to come and meet you?
If you want to move forward in your life and need a little boost, or if you think your team should improve its cohesion and communication; if you want to make progress in riding and feel confident outdoors, if you want me to travel with my horses to brighten up an institution, or if you perhaps want to better train your horse…
I'm flexible and can accommodate your request, so please don't hesitate to ask me any questions. Call me or send me an email. I'll take the time to consider your request.
Thank you for all the time you have given us. We wish you all the best and hope that our readers will come and meet you.
To contact Joelle:
+06 79 34 63 59 XNUMX
pn.equicoaching@gmail.com