ENGLISH TEXTS
“ WE , AS HUMANS , ADAPT AROUND THEM TO MOVE IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION AND ACHIEVE OUR GOAL OF SENDING THEM INTO TRAINING .”
Diane Lybeck
� PAGE 57
BACK TO THE ARTICLE �
By Mégane Martins
ÉCURIE DE LA DENTELLE
“ We compare ourselves a bit to a kindergarten for horses — we have to teach them how to read and write in a relatively short amount of time .“ After gaining experience in France and internationally , Pauline Bottin and Nicolas Martineau founded Ecurie de la Dentelle in 2018 . Since then , they have broken-in and pre-trained over 800 horses . Their professional satisfaction comes from “ taking a raw juvenile and sending it off ready to go .” This reflects an educational process based on respect for the horse , taking the time to tailor their approach and ensuring it aligns with the expectations of the trainers .
“ WE COMPARE OURSELVES A BIT TO A HORSE ’ S KINDERGARTEN ; WE HAVE TO TEACH THEM TO READ AND WRITE IN A FAIRLY SHORT TIME .”
BACK TO THE ARTICLE �
� PAGE 58
THE BLONDEAU METHOD
By Serge Okey
Focused on a “ relationship of trust “ between humans and horses , the Blondeau method is widespread in training centers and remains the written reference on the subject . An interview with its author , Nicolas Blondeau .
Galorama . What are the main characteristics of horses ?
Nicolas Blondeau . They are social animals whose organization is based on two fundamental types of relationships : hierarchy and affiliative bonds . They are true negotiators in their interactions , capable of forming strong and lasting emotional bonds . Horses are beings of exceptional sensitivity , with a structured intellect and great adaptability .
G . Are horses made to work ? N . B . The foundation of their relationship with humans lies in having a task to fulfill . Breaking this working relationship with horses would lead to their disappearance . They are capable of engaging in cooperative relationships , forming strong bonds with humans and the work they perform . As long as they understand what is expected of them and find motivation , work becomes a structuring element of their individuality .
G . What is the philosophy of the Blondeau method , and what does it involve ?
N . B . It promotes a relationship of trust and cooperation between humans and horses , regardless of the discipline . By analyzing both the mental and physical aspects of each horse , it preserves their potential and ensures lasting learning . The method involves entering directly into the horse ’ s education , addressing them as one would a person . The goal is to have the horse fully participate in everything they are asked to do . It is applicable to all horses , as it takes into account each individual ’ s personality at every stage .
G . What are the different stages of training according to your method ?
N . B . The Blondeau method involves 20 progressive stages , allowing the foal to approach each new situation with confidence . Among these essential steps are : the first handling sessions inside the stall , loading and unloading from a van , the first mounting session inside the stall , and the first mounted steps taken outside the stall .
G . What must be done and what should be avoided with a horse ?
N . B . First , make the horse feel confident . One should not try to push them from behind to initiate movement . Instead , apply the Baucherian approach , which involves encouraging forward motion by using a stick on the forehand . The only real challenge for the horse is overcoming the fear of humans or what they might ask . The goal is to become their primary point of reference as early as possible . It is also essential not to sedate a horse , as a sedated animal cannot learn anything .
G . You train flat racing , trotting , and sport horses — how does your approach differ ?
N . B . It doesn ’ t .
G . How many people do you train on average ?
N . B . Between one-day corporate training sessions and year-long
163