This is a hands-on clinic where participants work with their own horses. If you don't have a horse of your own, it is also possible to participate with one of our horses at Terra Bravo (loan horse).

Elsa structures the days to allow for a balance of theory, observation, discussion, and practical work with the horses.

A typical day looks like this:

Morning: We start with approximately one hour of lecture and an introduction to the day's topic.

Before lunch: Practical work with the horses.

After lunch: We continue working with the horses, exploring and deepening what we have learned.

Three hours is generally the amount of time people can comfortably concentrate and work in one stretch. Sometimes sessions may run a little longer, but Elsa usually tries to keep them within that time frame.

There will be plenty of opportunities for questions, conversations, and sharing experiences throughout the day. Learning from each other is an important part of the process!

A note for auditors: Auditing does not mean simply standing back and watching! Auditors are actively included in the lectures, conversations, and discussions throughout the clinic. You are encouraged to ask questions, share your observations, exchange experiences, and be part of the learning process. There is a lot to discover even when you are not working directly with a horse. In fact, observing other horse-and-human combinations can be a wonderful way to deepen your own understanding.

Clinic rates

€900 – Full participation with a horse (all four days).

€450 – Full auditing for all four days, including active participation in all lectures and conversations.

€200 per day – Daily auditing, including active participation in all lectures and conversations.

Additional horse-related costs:

Participants bringing their own horses or a loan horse may be asked to contribute towards hay costs.

Everyone is responsible for feeding, providing water, and cleaning their horse's paddock during the clinic.

Places for active participants with horses are limited. We can accommodate a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 12 horse-and-human combinations.

There is no fixed limit for auditors, so everyone interested in observing and learning is welcome! 

Food and accommodation

Lunch and dinner are not included in the clinic price. However, we have an open kitchen at the ranch, and we enjoy cooking and sharing meals together.

Accommodation options include:

RV hookups at the ranch if you are bringing your own camper. Unless you use an A/C unit in your camper, your stay is free.

Private dome tents at the ranch.

Showers, restrooms, and laundry facilities.

Several bed-and-breakfast options in the surrounding area.

Getting here

The closest international airport is Porto. Terra Bravo is located in the mountains, approximately one hour northeast of Porto, in the direction of Braga.

The end of May is a beautiful time of year here, with warm days and pleasantly cool nights.

Language

Elsa teaches in English. Although I don't speak Portuguese myself, we can arrange a translator if needed. Elsa is very comfortable and used to teaching with the help of a translator.

A few things to keep in mind

This is a wonderful opportunity to spend four days exploring Freedom Based Training, learning to communicate with your horse in a different way, and discovering what becomes possible when we give our horses a choice.

Whether you come with your own horse or as an auditor, there is a lot to observe, experience, question, and take home with you.

Spaces for participants with horses are limited, so please get in touch if you are interested! 

Auditors are very welcome, too. You don't need to bring a horse to be an active part of this learning experience!