Our Return to Happy Dog Ranch!
April 30-May 4, 2026
Sedalia, Colorado
Frederic Pignon, Magali Delgado
& Barbara Alexander
Is This Workshop For You?
Have you been searching for something different—something beyond words, yet deeply familiar to your heart? Perhaps you feel a quiet calling, an inner yearning for a co-creation of joy that transcends the ordinary and opens into the magical world we can only share with horses.
These workshops are not simply about horsemanship; they are a sacred invitation into right relationship—with yourself, with horses, with all of nature, and with each other.
Across these arenas, you will deepen your understanding of communication while gaining practical tools and profound insights that expand awareness, strengthen presence, and nurture a reciprocal, heart-centered relationship with horses.
This is a truly unparalleled opportunity—a rare chance to witness world-class horsemanship while personally stepping into the transformative field of energy sensitivity, where right relationship is restored and the timeless dance between horse and human comes alive.
Here, horses become profound partners in self-discovery, guiding you toward presence, harmony, and authenticity, opening the path to a regenerative relationship that restores balance and mutual respect between species. This is an experience most people only dream of, yet it is waiting here for you.
The program unfolds across three dynamic arenas of training, each designed to integrate technical mastery with soulful connection. Every segment is devoted to cultivating proficiency in the subtle, non-verbal world of energy between horses and humans.
Working with Frédéric Pignon, Magali Delgado, and Barbara Alexander is nothing short of life-changing. Their workshops go far beyond techniques or training tips. They touch the very heart of what it means to be in relationship with horses. Mind, body, and spirit come together in a way that awakens something deep inside you.
This isn’t just horsemanship. It’s transformation. You walk away not only seeing your horse differently, but seeing yourself differently. The lessons ripple far beyond the arena, shaping how you show up in your life, your relationships, and your own inner world.
For any horse person, enthusiast, or professional, their work is a gift. One that leaves you more open, more connected, and forever changed.
A Rare Invitation
For over a decade, Barbara Alexander has welcomed participants to Provence and the US for a one-of-a-kind retreat experience, born from her fated meeting with internationally renowned horsemen Frédéric Pignon and Magali Delgado.
This collaboration brings together two worlds: Barbara’s experiential, horse-facilitated approach to intuitive and personal development, and Frédéric and Magali’s heart-centered technical mastery. The result is a truly transformative program—where participants learn not only the artistry of horsemanship, but also the deeper inner awareness that creates harmony with horses, with others, and within themselves.
Unlike traditional training, this intensive is designed to awaken both skill and soul. Each participant is invited into a rare environment of world-class expertise, authentic connection, and profound self-development. What emerges is more than refined technique: it is a lasting shift in how you relate, communicate, and create—with horses and in life.
Happy Dog Ranch
Two Ways To Participate!
1) Horses With Their Human
Participants are invited to explore the balance of technical mastery and intuitive connection—two essential dimensions of a meaningful relationship with their horse.
Liberty with Frédéric — In the liberty arena, Frédéric unveils the grace of pure movement and the art of co-creation, guiding each horse-and-human partnership through progressive layers building deeper trust and refinement. His work reveals the subtle dialogue of freedom, presence, and partnership that makes liberty such a breathtaking expression of connection.
Riding with Magali — In the riding arena, Magali brings her mastery of classical principles and softness under saddle, and for those with young horses, she shares the techniques to build a joyful life together in partnership. Magali uncovers blocks to relaxation and ease for both the horse and the human that elevate every discipline, from the novice rider to the Olympic competitor.
Intuitive Energy Development with Barbara — In the third arena, Barbara invites participants into the subtle, non-verbal dimensions of awareness, where connection is felt rather than forced, and communication arises from presence rather than technique. Barbara’s approach reveals the hidden language of energy that shapes genuine harmony, and trust.
2) VIP Auditor Intensive With Horses From The Ranch
Personal Development with Barbara — Participants embark on an immersive journey of self-discovery as Barbara welcomes them into the world of somatic communication. Through hands-on sessions with multiple horses, you will move far beyond technique into a profound inner experience—one that awakens instinctual wisdom, heightens energetic sensitivity, and restores your natural capacity for intuitive, soul-level connection.
Within the beautiful and natural setting of Happy Dog Ranch, you will discover how subtle shifts in energy can transform not only the way you relate to horses, but the very way you experience life. By attuning to the language beneath words—the non-verbal flow of energy—you will unlock the keys to joyful co-creation. This embodied way of being extends far beyond the arena, bringing greater clarity, balance, presence, and resonance into every aspect of life.
Auditing with Frédéric & Magali — Step into the rare opportunity to audit the brilliance of Frédéric and Magali—masters of artistry in both liberty and under saddle—through an entirely new lens of awareness and sensitivity. Grounded in the foundation built with Barbara’s training, what may once have seemed like effortless beauty is revealed as the subtle dialogue of energy—the invisible thread that gives rise to true mastery. As you witness their work, you will not only see but also feel the shifts—how trust, softness, and joy form the foundation of every movement—offering an unparalleled opportunity to learn from two of the most gifted horsemen in the world.
Roundtable Discussion — Intimate roundtable discussion with all three facilitators—a rare space of wisdom-sharing and reflection. Together, Barbara, Frédéric, and Magali explore the soul level of connection, training philosophy, inner balance, and the artistry of working with horses across different ages, breeds, and disciplines. These exchanges invite you to weave together technical skill and intuitive awareness, integrating the outer art of horsemanship with the inner journey of connection—a synthesis that transforms both horse and human.
FREDERIC PIGNON AND MAGALI DELGADO
THE ORIGINAL STARS OF CAVALIA!
Most people know Magali Delgado and Frédéric Pignon as the visionary co-creators of the world-renowned equine theatrical sensation Cavalia.
Now, for a rare and limited engagement in the United States, these internationally celebrated stars will step out of the spotlight and into an intimate learning environment. In this exclusive workshop, they will share not only their unparalleled skills and artistry, but also the depth of their vision, compassion, and training philosophy—offering participants a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn directly from two of the most inspiring horsemen of our time.
Here is a short video clip from their most recent equine theater production in Europe. EQI carries a powerful message of tenderness, harmony, and hope for our earth.
Through their artistry, Frédéric and Magali reveal a vision of what is possible when training arises from the heart of connection.
Their insight and approach are truly unparalleled—offering not only breathtaking performance, but also a living demonstration of compassion, trust, and co-creation with horses.
LOCATION, SCHEDULE, FEES
In this immersive experience, three arenas unfold simultaneously, each offering a unique doorway into the art of connection. Frédéric will guide liberty work through progressive technical training, deepening the relationship between each horse and owner. Magali will bring her mastery to the riding arena, illuminating the technical aspects of creating ease, flow, and precision for humans and horses. In the third arena, Barbara will open the space for intuitive development and personal energy awareness, helping participants access the subtle, non-verbal dimensions of communication that create true harmony.
Together, these three streams form our new Training and VIP Intensive — a rare opportunity to experience technical excellence, energetic awareness, and soul-level connection in one integrated program.
LOCATION:
Happy Dog Ranch Horse Sanctuary at Jarre Creek, Sedalia, CO
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS APRIL 30 – MAY 4, 2026
Day 1) 2:00 – 5:00 Orientation Begins at 2:00
Day 1) 6:00 – 8:00 Welcome Dinner Participants and VIP/Auditors
Day 2) 9:00 – 5:00 Participants and VIP/Auditors
Day 3) 9:00 – 5:00 Participants and VIP/Auditors
Day 4) 9:00 – 5:00 Participants and VIP/Auditors
Day 5) 9:00 – 4:00 Participants and VIP/Auditors
The program will close with a maximum of 12 participants and 12 Intensive Auditors
FEES:
- 5-DAY HORSES WITH THEIR HUMAN – $3695 (Limited to 12 per session)
- 5-DAY VIP INTENSIVE AUDITOR/TRAINING – $1995 (Limited to 12 per session)
Excludes: Travel, accommodations, and horse boarding.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations are not accepted within 60 days of the program start date.
It looked different. As I approached, it FELT different.
Her session with the small group and onlookers had already begun when I slogged through the mud and slush to have a look-see at what Barbara and this horse in the round pen were up to. It looked different. As I approached, it felt different. Something was going on in that pen between them, and I needed to know more.
I’d gone to Littleton in the spring to audit the three phases of the experiential learning program that Barbara, Magali, and Frederic were presenting for the second year. Good friends had attended the year before and encouraged a troupe of us to go check it out. I was looking forward, mostly, to learning more about the Real Horse Stuff—obviously from Frederic and Magali (The International stars and originators of Cavalia). But what Barbara did in that round pen was more than just between a horse and a person.
I was transfixed and needed to know MORE. I hung out for a while, and she invited me to have a few minutes with a rather cheeky gelding who put me in my place toot-sweet! In the rather short time I spent with Barbara, the others, and the horses, I knew I needed to know more about this different way of communicating—not just with the horses, but with any sentient being.
So about that different way of communicating . . . I had plenty of pride in knowing that I’m an effective communicator. That goes for people as well as horses, dogs, cats, etc. After all, I had studied it in college, and I’ve applied it in my businesses for a quarter of a century!
Well, that gelding told on me in a split second. I got too close too quick, and he pushed back in no uncertain terms (safely, mind you!). With Barbara’s guidance I was able to approach him on his terms, and I was able to convey my boundary to him when he approached me. A conversation had begun, and a spark of curiosity was borne in my spirit.
What was this magic she dispensed? The horses and the people in and around that pen were radiating an energy that I’d never experienced before, and Barbara was the guiding light for my seeing it. I was experiencing a different way of communicating. I became aware of what kind of energy I was putting out and what kind of energy was coming back to me.
My assertive nature and behavior might not be particularly well suited to beginning a new relationship! My energy going toward that horse was Too Much for him. Gosh, I wonder if some people might feel the same way? The wheels were turning in those few minutes, and I still needed to know MORE.
Visiting Magali’s and Frederic’s sessions after a baptism in Barbara’s session gave me new eyes and opened my whole being into better understanding what they were doing with the horses, riders, and handlers. It wasn’t “magic”. It was simple. I quickly learned—through the horse—that I can modulate my energy output to accommodate the other being, and that agreement initiates honest communication between us. Barbara’s insight and guidance helped me quickly see and internalize this energy management.
After that day in and around that pen, I’ve had the pleasure of working with Barbara, Frederic, and Magali at a special retreat in Ft. Collins, then a 5-day retreat in France. The other participants and I quickly become comfortable with each other and shared intimate experiences together, often revealing things about ourselves that we’ve kept hidden. Those experiences, for me, were cleansing at the very least. At the most, I’ve learned so much more about how I present myself to others including my horse. I’m more patient with him, and our relationship (and our work) has improved immensely. At work I’ve “rocked back” (a Barbara-ism) and have been rewarded with even richer and healthier (read profitable) relationships.
I’ve worked with Barbara via Zoom over the summer to help me further define and refine the tools she’s helped me discover within myself. Her guidance has helped me through some life challenges and has provided me with different perspectives from which to view those challenges. The opportunities that were created out of those challenges have been rich and rewarding.
My life is filled with much more joy, and I’m finding it much easier to define a “problem” emotion and more quickly navigate into healthier territory.
In closing, I will continue working to hone my skills to further improve my life and those around me. I look forward to working again with Frederic and Magali. I will say that if it were “just” those two, there would be a huge piece missing. Barbara is the conduit for a greater understanding of the “magic” you see when Frederic and Magali work with the horses.
