BECOME A SYMBIOSIS COACH
A training programme for professionals who want to go beyond techniques and truly understand the horse in all its complexity.
The equestrian world is undergoing a profound transformation.
More and more professionals, horse owners, and institutions recognise that traditional models, focused exclusively on performance or the isolated resolution of problems, are often insufficient to address today’s challenges related to animal welfare, sustainability, and the quality of human-horse relationships. For decades, the equestrian industry has accumulated an enormous amount of technical knowledge. However, many of the difficulties we encounter daily — behavioural issues, training tensions, recurring injuries, chronic stress, or lack of cooperation — are not caused by a lack of technique, but by a lack of understanding. Understanding the horse. Understanding its physical, emotional, and social needs. And equally, understanding ourselves and the way we influence the animals with whom we live and work. It is precisely from this need that the Symbiosis Methodology was born.
WHAT IS SYMBIOSIS?
Symbiosis is far more than a training methodology.
It is a philosophy of life and a way of understanding the relationship between humans and horses, based on respect, coherence, knowledge, and responsibility. Developed by Iris Ferré after more than twenty years working with horses around the world, Symbiosis integrates principles from modern ethology, learning theory, biomechanics, polyvagal theory, physical and emotional rehabilitation, and the teachings of the great masters of classical horsemanship.
The methodology is founded on a simple yet transformative idea:
Most of the problems we encounter in horses are not horse problems. They are the result of the relationship we have built with them. When we learn to listen, observe, and understand, the need for control diminishes. When communication becomes clear, cooperation emerges naturally. When a horse feels safe, understood, and respected, it becomes capable of expressing its full potential.
A NEW GENERATION OF EQUESTRIAN PROFESSIONALS
The Symbiosis Coach Certification has been designed to train professionals capable of working with horses from a holistic perspective.
Professionals who understand that behaviour, physical health, emotions, environment, and the quality of the relationship are all part of the same system. Professionals who can observe before intervening. To listen before correcting. And to guide before imposing. Our goal is not to produce technicians who repeat protocols. We aim to develop professionals with independent judgement, analytical thinking, and the tools necessary to adapt to the needs of each horse and person.
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?
Throughout the programme, you will explore the fundamental pillars of the Symbiosis Methodology. You will learn to interpret equine behaviour from both a scientific and practical perspective. You will gain a deeper understanding of how horses learn and how our decisions directly influence their motivation, confidence, and ability to learn. You will develop advanced observation skills that will allow you to identify tensions, conflicts, movement patterns, and individual needs that often go unnoticed.
In addition to technical knowledge, you will study concepts such as:
• Equine Ethology
• Learning Theory
• The Five Domains of Animal Welfare
• Applied Biomechanics
• Groundwork Communication
• Building Trust and Connection
• Emotional Regulation and Self-Regulation
• Polyvagal Theory
• Conscious Leadership
• Human-Horse Relationship Development
Above all, you will learn to cultivate a new level of sensitivity and presence in your relationship with horses. A new way of understanding them, seeing them, and working with them.
BEYOND TRAINING
One of the most distinctive aspects of Symbiosis is that it does not separate the development of the horse from the development of the person. Horses constantly respond to our internal state. To our coherence. To our emotional regulation. To our ability to remain present. For this reason, the programme includes tools that enable future professionals to develop personal skills that directly impact the quality of their interactions with animals. This work is not considered an end in itself, but rather an essential professional competency for anyone who wishes to lead, train or support horses with excellence.
ABOUT IRIS FERRÉ
Iris Ferré is the founder of the Symbiosis Methodology.
She holds a British Horse Society (BHS IV) qualification, is an Equine Sports Therapist, a specialist in equine behaviour, complementary equine therapies and a Mindfulness Instructor. For more than two decades, she has worked with horses across different countries and cultures, including England, Germany, the Netherlands, Sudan, and Dubai. Her experience includes rehabilitation of horses with physical and behavioural challenges, as well as working with competition horses, racehorses, dressage horses, eventers and horses trained in the High School tradition. Her professional journey, combined with the influence of some of the greatest figures in both classical and contemporary horsemanship, has led to the development of a unique methodology now taught at Pikdame through the Symbiosis Coach Certification.
TRAINING OPTIONS
IN-PERSON TRAINING AT PIKDAME
An immersive learning experience where education takes place directly with horses under the guidance and supervision of the teaching team.
No horse ownership is required.
ONLINE TRAINING
For individuals who wish to integrate the Symbiosis Methodology into their daily lives and apply it directly with the horses they work with.
Regular access to a horse is recommended throughout the programme.
PROGRAMME INFORMATION
Start Date: 5th October
Completion Date: 31st July
Monthly Fee: €750 + VAT
MODULAR ONLINE TRAINING
Price per Module: €1,900 + VAT
Each module includes theoretical content, personalised mentoring, and practical sessions at Pikdame.
THE FUTURE OF HORSEMANSHIP NEEDS PROFESSIONALS WHO TRULY UNDERSTAND THE HORSE
The best results are not achieved through force or control. They are achieved through understanding, trust, and cooperation. If you share this vision and would like to explore a different way of understanding horses, we invite you to discover the Symbiosis Coach Certification.
Request the full curriculum and an admission interview at info@pikdame.io