École d'Équitation
École d'Équitation is a unique riding school inspired by French riding and teaching methods. It is serving the Northfield and Faribault community, and is currently installed at Revels Ranch near Big Woods State Park in Nerstrand. Anyone is welcome to visit and witness some of the lessons or the training provided.
Christine Wehling
French native Christine Wehling moved to Northfield in 2002. She began teaching in France when she was 16, and training at age 18. Her experiences include eventing, working with vaulting and classical dressage horses at a major French horse circus, and extensive teaching of children and adults. Inspired by the old masters' writings, she enjoys teaching as much as training horses. She also finds inspiration working occasionally with Master Frank Grelo (www.cedarmillsridingschool.com), known for his beautifully trained horses, as well as his amazing teaching talents.
School of Riding
Christine offers group lessons for children and adults at all levels (from 8 to 88 years old). Following French teaching methods, a test allows each student to progress through 7 levels. Students learn riding, safety, daily horse care and health care. By the time they pass the last test, students should be able to care for and ride different horses safely and independently in dressage (1st level), jumping (3 feet high course), cross country and trail riding. The last level is not the end of the journey but the beginning of a passionate quest.
Christine is able to follow up with students who want to become real masters in the art of dressage, but for those who prefer jumping, the 7th gallop will give them a solid start and will allow them to go on learning with the best trainers. Christine offers private lessons for advanced riders who need a more intense one-on-one attention, for beginner students who need time to grow confidence before joining in a group, or for horse owners who need special help, with their special horse.
Christine doesn't believe that horseback riding should become a lifetime commitment for every single student, but she believes that good teaching is going to help everybody become a better person, more aware of their bodies and surroundings, and more in touch with the natural world. So whether you want to get back in the saddle now that the kids are off to college, satisfy a horse thirsty "I-want-a-pony" daughter, develop a more satisfying relationship with your horse, or become the next master of the century, École d'Équitation is the right place for you.
There are four wonderful horses available for lessons: Dakota, the big draft cross, is a master at making beginners feel at home on his back. Jesse and Hawk, the two Spanish Mustang ponies, are easy going and a great size for kids and adults. Josiah knows it all, but is for advanced riders only.
Education For Horses
Although Christine has special facility for working horses with a hot temperament, she has been trained to work with all types and breeds of horses. She has a preference for Hispanic breeds and loves working with stallions. She can offer to work a horse to help out on a special issue, continue on the horse's training, or take your baby from the first steps to the airs above the ground.
Christine uses the old French riding masters' techniques and philosophy. She has one favorite for each century: La Guerinière, L'Hotte and Nuno Oliveira who was so good at compiling them all. There is no pushing and pulling, just waiting for the horse to be ready before introducing the next move: calm first, then forward, then straight. She emphasizes calmness without sleepiness, energy without tension: ask for much, be content with little, reward often.
If you want somebody to "ride the bucks out of your horse," that's not the place for you. That wouldn't fix the problem the horse has with you. Instead, Christine can retrain your horse so he doesn't want to buck anymore. Josiah, the horse that was almost "put down or sent to the rodeo," is a perfect example of what Christine can do (he is now learning the haute école movements).
Fees
| With a school horse | With your horse | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lessons | Pay as You Go | Paid a Month in Advance | Pay as You Go | Paid a Month in Advance |
| Group | $27 per lesson/ person | $25 per lesson/ person | $17 per lesson/ person | $15 per lesson/ person |
| Two riders | $32 per lesson/ person | $30 per lesson/ person | $22 per lesson/ person | $20 per lesson/ person |
| Private | $47 per lesson | $45 per lesson | $37 per lesson | $35 per lesson |
| Summer camps | $375 | $225 | ||
NEW: special adult summer camps, call for details.
TRAINING $35 per session $500 per month (5 sessions/week)
| Lessons | |
|---|---|
| Group (4 to 8 riders) | $20 per lesson/ person |
| Private lesson or training | $45 per lesson |
Call for information about clinics and/or availability.
Where To Find Us
Revels Ranch (www.revelsranch.com) is located at 15983, Ibson Avenue.
Christine can be contacted by phone at: 651-343-0399, or 507-645-0046. Or by email at: wehling@bitstream.net.
Address:
508 Second Street West,
Northfield, MN 55057