Yves Awouters trains horses, mostly from owners, varying from young horses to GP horses. He works closely with breeders in this. A win-win situation, he explains: 'Breeders are rarely riders, although they do look for a way to train their young horses. Every horse deserves a chance and that's what I want to offer. I have ridden in several stables with a wide variety of horses. Thanks to that learning process I know what a young horse needs and how to train it in a correct and respectful way. The starting point is trust, between me and the horses, the breeders, the owners and the clients. In my collaborative model, breeder and rider share in the costs and in the profits. That gives both parties a sense of responsibility.' Riders like Yves Awouters often work under the radar. However, that doesn't make their work, effort and commitment any less important. On the contrary, it is like a good foundation. You can build on it.
'In my collaborative model, breeder and rider share in the costs and in the profits. That gives both parties a sense of responsibility.'
À la carte
Awouters Stables has horses from four to nine years old. Together, we work out an à la carte plan for each horse, based on the wishes of the customer and the possibilities of the horse. Honesty is the key word for a lasting cooperation.
A personalized approach tailored to the horse
Yves Awouters knows all his horses through and through, a rewarding consequence of keeping it small-scale. 'A conscious choice: I know all the horses. I know what they eat and how they behave. Horses deserve that attention and I want to take care of that. For me, horses are not utensils. They have their own personalities. It is my job to develop each horse's talent, taking into account his pace and personality. I give horses the time they need, because time pays off in the long run. I look beyond tomorrow. That is my approach. I am not a trader per se, although trading is part of the profession. I am first and foremost a rider who wants to explore and exploit all the talents of a horse, whilst making sure that it is comfortable at every stage. Only then will it reach its full potential.
'I look beyond tomorrow.'
Lessons
Yves Awouters is a much sought-after teacher. He approaches his students like his horses: with patience and respect. And just like with his horses, he also wants to develop the talents of his pupils. You also have the possibility to bring your horse and have it trained by Yves. Again, everything is negotiable according to the wishes and goals of the student/client.
