WHY X-EQUO ?

Ex-Aequo means: at the same level or rank. Which is equal.
Lightly transformed for the equestrian field, the Ex becomes an X.
Representing the X in the middle of an arena or the meeting point of 2 paths. Aequo becomes Equo, like in equus, horse in latin. A name which means that horses and men encounter, like two winning partners.

Ever since I was young, horses fascinated me by their nobility, strength and pride. At their contact, it seems that they are handing me their qualities. Learning to know them better each day, I also discover myself. When I take the time to observe their reactions, I notice that they are a mirror of mine.

WHO AM I?
Professionnal, passionate and devoted!

My name is Helene Perreault and since my teenage years, I have practiced horseback riding and I am close to horses. I started in gymkhana competitions. Afterwards, I got interested by many other classes in western discipline (western and english pleasure, shomanship, horsemanship, English equitation and western trail). In my youth, I had the chance to work as a trail riding guide and as a groom in a harness race stable. Recently, the driving and the reining have been added to my field of interests.

Since 1994, in addition to the learning I have done with my horse (the best teacher!), I took the time to persue my training by following many lessons and clinics. In 1995, I completed my QEF (Quebec Equestrian Federation) level 4 and obtained my instructor certification in 1997 as well as all my intermediate "cavalier" diplomas in 1999. In 2000, I was selected as a judge in western performance area.

In 1998, I discovered the natural horsemanship approach via the Parelli program and I had the opportunity to participate in many clinics from level 1, 2 and 3 in Canada, the United States and in Europe. It was with pleasure and devotion that I promoted this unique and marvellous method organising many clinics with PNH certified instructors between 1999 and 2004 in Quebec and translating a demo at the St-Tite Western Festival and articles in Le Courrier Hippique.  In 2004, I also had the honour as a Savvy Team member to be part, with my horse Mystery, of the Love Language Leadership Tour with Pat and Linda.  It was an incredible experience!

Since 2003, I have had the opportunity to discover other programs such as Andy Booth (Haras de la Cense), Ray Hunt, Leslie Desmond, Chris Irwin, Jean-François Pignon and Élizabeth de Corbigny's.  I hope that I will be able to pursue my journey for a long time for the benefit of the horses and the people that I meet.

In 2004, I am the first Canadian to be recognized and certified by the France Equitation Federation (FFE) as I had received my level 2 Certificat in Ethology Equitation (Brevet Fédéral d'Équitation Éthologique: BFEE 2). This new FFE program, launched at the « Salon du Cheval de Paris » in December 2003, conceive the Ethology Equitation as an natural horse approach based on TRUST and RESPECT, revalue the human/horse relationship and reintegrate the work on the ground. Therefore, more than training riders, this program aim at training “Horsemans”.

Interested for many years into Sally Swift’s program essentielly based on what she call the Four basics :  centering, breathing, soft eyes, building blocs, I obtain my instructor level in Centered Riding in 2007.  Associated today with a fifth element, grounding, these systems will open and allow harmony, impulsion and forward motion with fluidity.