Escola de Equitação -
The training

In this three-year intensive training program, based on the principles of the old masters of equitation, participants learn from the ground up how a horse must be trained and worked so that it can enjoy a long, healthy, and proud life. The Escola is led by Dr. Birgit Schock, a veterinarian, physiotherapist, and long-time student of Manuel Jorge de Oliveira.

Why learn at the Escola? (in the words of Dr. Birgit Schock)

"This is how riders become independent. Riders who know when and why they are performing which movement and how. Dressage for the horse!"

Prerequisites

An absolutely independent seat and a genuine willingness to discard existing concepts if necessary.
The Vertikal 1-3 book series reflects the 3 years of training and serves as preparation and guidance for every participant throughout the program.

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The Escola lasts 3 years and consists of 12 days per year, divided into 4 blocks of 3 days each. Each day of these blocks begins at 9:00 AM, with a lunch break from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM, and the instructional day concludes in the evening (around 6:00 PM). Each day includes theory and practice, as well as plenty of time for group discussion and reflection.

• Price per training block: €700
• Guest stall & full board: €60 per day (Arrival and departure days are each charged as a full day)
• School horse: €60 per day
• Auditor tickets (theory & practice): You can attend an entire block (€180) or one full training year for a specific group (€600). For spectators, each day also begins at 9:00 AM.

All prices include statutory VAT.

Just like our future, the survival of an equestrian culture that has evolved over millennia lies in the hands of our children and how they learn to train horses in an age-appropriate and humane way. Moving beyond widespread coercive practices, our goal is to make true horsemanship something children can feel, experience, and understand from an early age, resulting in healthy and motivated equine partners.

• Minimum age: From approx. 10 years old (depending on prior experience)
• School horse or own horse: You are welcome to bring your own horse, or you can use one of our school horses at the Escola as your mentor.
• Prerequisites: The books Vertikal für KIDS Volume 1 and Vertikal für KIDS Volume 2 describe the ground and saddle work taught during the program. Familiarizing yourself with this content is a great starting point. Generally, some prior riding experience is required (an independent seat in all three gaits).

The KIDS Escola program lasts 3 years and consists of 4 blocks of 2 days each per year. Each day includes practical sessions in small groups and theory. The day begins at 9:00 AM with the theory portion, followed by a lunch break between 1:00 PM and approximately 2:30 PM. The educational day concludes around 6:00 PM.

• Price per training block: €360
• Guest stall with full board: €60 per day (Arrival and departure days are each charged as full days)
• School horse: €60 per day
• Auditor tickets (theory & practice): You can attend a single block (€100) or a full training year, which includes 4 blocks (€500).

All prices include statutory VAT.