Equestrianism is at a time when it is evolving towards an understanding of the horse as an emotional and social being, with initiatives such as the one promoted by Collserola Active Paddock which gain relevance in this context. This centre, located in the heart of nature in Molins de Rei (Barcelona), is once again offering its course in groundwork, in-hand training and horse care. It is comprehensive training that focuses on the understanding, respect and quality of life of the domestic horse.
The 5th edition of the course, which will run between September and December 2025, is aimed both at people who already live with horses and those who wish to get started. Do you have a foal and want to do things right from the start? Are you considering getting your own horse and want to be prepared? Do you want to improve your relationship with your companion and understand how to help them on a physical, emotional and postural level? This course answers those questions with very interesting content and a thoroughly practical methodology.
The dates are: 13th and 27th September, 11th and 25th October, 8th and 22nd November, 13th and 20th December. Participants will work both in the classroom and in the arena with the centre's horses, from 9:30 to 13:00. The aim is not only to acquire theoretical knowledge, but to apply it with real animals, in real situations.
The course content is summarised as follows:
• Equine ethology: understanding how a horse lives in the wild, how it communicates, how it perceives the world and how it feels emotionally. Concepts such as calming or stress signals, body language and the neurobiology of behaviour are addressed here.
• Learning theories: understanding how horses learn enables them to be trained ethically, effectively and safely. The course reviews tools such as positive reinforcement, and above all, teaches when and how to use them.
• Anatomy, biomechanics and movement observation: knowing how to identify tension, blockages or postural imbalances is important for training without causing harm. You are taught to touch, observe and analyse the horse's body with respect and judgement.
• Healthcare and first aid: from basic wound care to emergency bandages, including common skin conditions, nutrition and applied chiropody (led by expert Jordi Crusellas).
• Stretches and physical exercises: both passive and active stretches are worked on, with specific applications for the horse's muscle recovery, mobility and body awareness.
• Groundwork and human body awareness: from lungeing to long reins, via liberty work, obstacles and proprioception, the course teaches how to train the horse's body and mind from the ground. At the same time, it focuses on human body language, consistency in our movements and the ability to “speak without words” to achieve a cleaner, clearer connection with the animal.
What sets this training apart from the rest is its respectful and inclusive approach, which recognises the horse as a sentient individual with specific species-specific needs. It is not just about teaching the horse, but about learning to listen to it.
Although there is room for theory (essential for establishing the concepts), the philosophy of the course is experiential: you learn by doing, feeling, observing. Everything revolves around the question: how can we better care for horses so that they live healthier, more balanced and happier lives in the world we offer them?
On completing the course, participants receive a certificate of attendance.
Places are limited and the booking must be completed by writing to info@paddockactivocollserola.com, from where the registration form will be sent. The price of the course is €600 (VAT included).
