A Ribbleton Horse-led Adventure

with

Magali Delgado & Frédéric Pignon

11th to 17th November 2015

Frédéric Pignon and Magali Delgado were both born to horse-loving parents in the south of France. They both independently developed quite profound ideas about working with horses and when they married in 2003 it was as if they had been made for one another. Horses became their passion and their family.

An extraordinary Lusitano stallion, Templado, entered their lives and showed them that they had not only much to learn about horses but much to “unlearn.” The only way to tame this uncompromising but beautiful and talented horse was to go along with his wishes. This “reversal of roles” is now the key to their approach, the success of which has been illustrated by Frédéric’s ability to perform in front of huge audiences with free stallions, and by Magali, who, with her horse Dao, has reached the summit of European dressage competition.

These learning’s have taken Magali and Frédéric to the world stage in both artistic performing and world-class dressage competition. They were the co-creators of Cavalia (amongst many other shows) which they toured with across the United States and European capitals from 2004 to 2009 playing to more than two million spectators. Magali competed in International Level Grand Prix Dressage. In 2002 at the Grand Prix in Essen, Magali was runner-up. The judges commented how wonderful it was to see a horse that appeared calm and unstressed after such a demanding a test. At Essen in 2004, after Magali stunned the competition for a second time, the organiser asked her if they would do a liberty demonstration at the evening gala!

I am always captivated by the beauty and freedom that the horses display when working at liberty with Frédéric. I believe that Frédéric is one of the few people in the world that is performing true liberty. The definition of liberty is freedom of choice. The freedom and fun that horses feel with Frédéric is astonishing to observe. The horses have a strong desire to be with Frédéric and yet they have the freedom of the mind to be able to leave, gallop, buck and feel good in their bodies before returning to Frédéric. If this is not amazing enough, the fact that Frédéric does this with his horses in front of crowds of thousands is simply breathtaking.

Magali’s approach to riding is equally beautiful. She is passionate about finding harmony with the horse and she does this partly by her focus on relaxation of the horses mind and body. Her horses are not driven or pushed through tension, more than often the horses are slowed down to allow them to relax and let go of the tension. The result is very happy, calm horses that are willing to give so much more. People often remark to Magali that it’s unusual to work a dressage horse in high school movements like piaffe and passage without a bit in its mouth. But to Magali, it’s natural and easy – no tricks. If the horse has had clear, progressive learning, and is not frightened or confused, and it trusts her, then there is actually no need for tack or equipment to enable the horse to perform these movements.

I feel a very strong connection to this way of training and having worked with Frédéric and Magali for a number years now I am pleased to be able to give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in their captivating world for 5 glorious days of training horses with a daily lesson and 6 nights in the South of France. You will experience lessons in horse behaviour, liberty, on-line, riding from the ground (in-hand) and on the horses back.

• Details
  * Arrival date is Wed 11th November 2015.
  * Departure date is Tue 17th November 2015.
  * The week includes five daily sessions with Frédéric and/or Magali, accommodation, meals and local travel. You need to make your way to Avignon, France.
• * Price $9000 AUD payable as follows:
• Via direct debit or wire: $3000 payable now, $3000 due by 10th Sep 2015, $3000 due by 10th Oct 2015
• Account Name: Ribbleton
  Home Address: 3 San Remo Place, Dural, NSW, 2158, Australia
  Bank name: Westpac
  Bank Address: 4 Kenthurst Rd, Dural, NSW, 2158, Australia +61296510000
  BSB – Branch number : 032376
  Account number: 170725
  International Codes:
  IBAN: 032376170725
  Swift CODE:WPACAU2S* Via PayPal (fees added): $3115 payable now, $3115 due by 10th Sep 2015, $3115 due by 10th Oct 2015
  * If you would like to pay via PayPal please advise and I will send you a payment request.
• As per all our trips, you will need to provide travel insurance and we encourage you to include trip cancellation in your policy and ensure it doesn’t exclude horse riding.
• At present we have 4 people booked in, with 2 places left. If you are interested in joining us, please contact Paulette at ribbleton@ribbletonwarmbloods.com to organise a time for a phone call to discuss the trip.

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