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work training ponies and saddle horses, which has now become more of a“ leisure” activity.
G. Horses arrive at your facility young, at an age when they’ re still growing. We assume this is a key factor in how you work?
J. P. Yes, absolutely. We prioritize short work sessions and lots of repetition. We follow a general framework, but we often adapt case by case. We can quickly tell whether a horse is ready to handle the work or not— in which case, we’ ll advise the owner to give the horse a rest. The animal really dictates the pace. If we’ d initially planned to do two laps and the horse is only up for one, then we’ ll just do one. It’ s important that the horses want to work. We mustn’ t harm them physically or mentally. The goal is always to do what’ s best for the horse.
G. You’ re known for being very attentive to your horses. Do you use alternative practices such as osteopathy or physiotherapy?
J. P. Yes. In addition to the dentist who sees all our youngsters during the breaking-in process, we work very regularly with two osteopaths— Christophe Gaillard or Eva Jonville— depending on the owners. Both are also trained in acupuncture, which they use before any manipulation to relieve tension and ensure optimal conditions. We’ ve also worked with a magnetizer, Jérôme Chalard, for years. He’ s been a great help with growth pains, stress, behavioral issues, and even ovarian discomfort in mares. It’ s a unique approach— some owners can be skeptical, but most trust me to decide whether the horses need it. Showing horses to the magnetizer has brought us real benefits. If we sense a mechanical issue, the horse sees the osteopath as soon as possible. If it seems emotional or behavioral, then we consult the magnetizer. Our horses eat clay every evening. Fillies, who are sometimes more prone to stress, get Kéal( a suspension for ulcer prevention) before each feed. For mares with ovarian pain, we give them a non-doping treatment to relieve discomfort. We also use equipment like back warmers. I try to consult the osteopath or magnetizer before involving the vet.
G. Do you implement specific protocols after these professionals intervene? Do they vary depending on the specialty?
J. P. Yes, for example, in cases of pelvic, back, or sacroiliac issues, we do straight-line work for a few days after giving the horse two days of rest. After a session with the magnetizer, the horses are often sore, so we give them 48 hours“ off”— either turned out in the paddock or doing light walker work.
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MASSAGE THERAPY“ We work with the horse throughout its career, from its very first gallops, just like a high-level human athlete, and the benefits are both physical and mental.”
— Clélia Pradeilles
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CLÉLIA PRADEILLES
By Mégane Martins
An iron hand in a velvet glove, where gentleness, well-being, and passion come together. A rider recognized for the quality of her riding, Clélia Pradeilles initially joined Yann Barberot’ s stable as a rider, before becoming one of the first salaried massage therapists within a racehorse training yard.
“ I was a training rider and wanted to deepen my knowledge in care. I chose to train as an equine massage therapist, and Yann and Florence Barberot, whom I thank for their trust, allowed me to practice on the stable’ s horses. For a while, I held both positions: rider and massage therapist. For the past three years, I’ ve been working part-time exclusively on the massage side,” she explains. Dedicated daily to the horses’ well-being, she provides
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