Dominique Barbier cultivated his riding skills at a number of highly regarded facilities throughout Europe, following various disciplines, including show jumping, eventing, dressage, and steeplechasing. Barbier then based himself in Portugal for two years studying with the legendary Mestre Nuno Oliveira. This was the defining experience that inspired Barbier's belief in keeping a horse "light and happy." Since immigrating to the United States, Barbier's teaching and passion for the "Art of Dressage" has reached many thousands of people throughout the country, as well as North Africa, Europe, Asia, and Brazil. His avant– philosophy, focusing on the importance of mental communication and the understanding of the horse's nature, has been practiced now for over 40 years. Barbier is also the author of Dressage for the New Age, Meditation for Two with Keron Psillas, and The Alchemy of Lightness with Dr. Maria Katsamanis (dominiquebarbier.com).
Keron Psillas is a professional photographer and writer with an extensive background in the print and publishing industry. She lives in Portugal, in the land of her beloved Lusitano horses. Psillas often teaches in the United States and in Europe, and maintains a robust mentoring program that she credits as a source of continuing inspiration. She leads trips in Europe, the United States, and in South America, often with other internationally acclaimed photographers including Charlie Waite and Arthur Meyerson. In addition to Riding with Oliveira, her latest published works include Lusitano: Noble, Courageous, Eternal and the Fine Press Edition of Cavalo Lusitano: The Spirit Within, both with Veritas Editions (www.keronpsillas.com).
