Estelle “whispers” in the ears of the horses in her new equestrian center

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This method is not necessarily known to the general public despite the film's success. The Man Who Whispered in the Ear of Horses released in 1998. At the end of summer, a new equestrian center opened its doors in Pas-de-Calais, Bavincourt. At its head, we find Estelle Lebrun. Its objective is to develop ethological horse riding by “whispering” in the ears of horses.

A “more ethical and respectful” method

But what does this consist of? “It's about ensuring that real communication is established between the rider and the horse without the use of any tool other than the rider's body,” explains Estelle. For example, the rider can taller himself to make his horse move backwards or even move his shoulders back to “suck” the animal towards him.

“It’s a more ethical and more respectful education. In classic horse riding, we tend to make the horse do something. This is a real partnership, we both have to be winners. The horse must find a real interest in jumping an obstacle. »

The educator had the spark when she was a young instructor. “I stopped partly because I was having problems with the same ponies or horses. They weren't jumping or wanting to go for a ride. There was no lasting solution and so we categorized them. I realized that we had missed a step somewhere. You have to make outings or actions pleasant for the horse. Any horse can do any action as long as it has interest and is safe. »

“Equestrian education is learned and requires time, patience and constant questioning on our part. Our horses are not born with the riding manual: it is our responsibility to explain it to them, step by step. »

This method has existed for many years abroad, particularly in the United States. “There, hair is a working tool. They have no choice but to educate their horses like this. In France, we don't have the same traditions. They were used in war and then for equestrian sports,” explains Estelle.

She adds: “The practice is developing in France, it is making progress. It is used much less because it is less known. It's complicated to explain that we can do otherwise. It's longer, more difficult but more effective over time. »

Ethological education can be taught to both beginners and more experienced riders. “Any club should teach its riders how to work like this, how to handle a horse on foot, and learn with the horse. When we start riding, we put you on the pony or horse straight away. Handling next to the animal is the base of the base. »

Estelle therefore opened her center in Bavincourt after having trained in Bordeaux, with Andy Booth, a specialist in ethology applied to horses. The educator offers courses on request and internships will be organized this summer. For more information click here.

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