Bien souvent, j’ai cru apercevoir dans le regard de mon cheval les promesses d’un autre monde : une meilleure compréhension, partant plus de complicité. Et toujours eu envie de rencontrer quelqu'un pour m’aider à trouver les clés de ce royaume !
Pas quelqu’un pour m’apprendre à gérer mes angoisses, mes émotions, ma posture face à l’autre ; pas davantage quelqu’un pour résoudre des problèmes comportementaux de mon cheval. Non, je cherchais quelque chose de bien plus simple, mais tellement plus précieux et rare : quelqu’un capable de me guider vers ce monde dont je rêvais.
Et, après avoir attendu, espéré longtemps, la bonne personne, je t’ai rencontré. Jamais je ne pourrai oublier notre première séance et le bonheur qui fut alors le mien : je sentis tout un monde s’ouvrir à nous. Avec bienveillance et une patience infinie, tu nous guidas l’un vers l’autre, nous aidant à être à l’écoute l’un de l’autre et à comprendre nos langages si différents. Capable à la fois de nous laisser nous exprimer, ressentir mais aussi de rationaliser ce qu’il se passa, nous permettant ainsi de tirer un enseignement de chacun de nos échanges. Tu ne nous donnas pas le chemin mais nous aidas à trouver le nôtre. Tu parvins à créer un discours clair, précis, cohérent mais qui fut aussi ouvert de façon à ce que nous puissions nous en emparer. Et les résultats que nous obtînmes dès ce premier jour me prouvèrent alors combien ton discours, pour être humble, n’en est pas moins juste.
Depuis, tous les trois avons parcouru un bout du chemin ensemble. Bien sûr, il nous reste encore, à Poseido et moi, de nombreux territoires à explorer et c’est ce qui fait la beauté de ce monde merveilleux dont tu nous as ouvert les portes. Mais je ne regarde plus mon cheval avec les mêmes yeux et suis, chaque jour, encore plus émerveillée par lui.
Enfin, ironie du sort puisque ce n’était pas ce que je cherchais : ce travail m’a aussi enrichi personnellement, profondément... et des petits détails de la vie quotidienne avec mon cheval sont devenus plus simples !
Alors Walter, un immense merci à Toi, pour tout et ... pour le reste !
Yanick
Michael B. Gard,J'arrive à mieux comprendre les réactions de mon cheval et ainsi à ne plus entrer en conflit avec lui! Les résultats en concours complet s'en ressentent d'ailleurs grandement!
Je voulais faire part de ma rencontre avec Walter qui m'a permis de mieux comprendre les chevaux ou du moins mes chevaux mais je pense que ses concepts s'appliquent à tous... En effet les conseils de Walter portent davantage sur la compréhension des chevaux en général que sur des recettes à appliquer à son propre cheval. Après quelques cours avec Walter, j'ai pu utiliser dans différentes situations ses concepts et à plusieurs reprises dans le travail de mes chevaux je me surprend à dire:" merci Walter!". J'arrive à mieux comprendre les réactions de mon cheval et ainsi à ne plus entrer en conflit avec lui! Les résultats en concours complet s'en ressentent d'ailleurs grandement... Walter ne remplace pas mes enseignants d'équitation classique mais il m'a permis de me mettre en accord avec mon cheval et pour cela je l'en remercie!!
Paul G, Saint Genies,Walter a su me mettre en confiance de manière à gérer les périodes agressives de ma jument et m 'a amené à résoudre petit à petit des moments délicats, tout en m' apprenant à "lire" ma jument , à discerner une attitude menaçante d' une attitude "bienveillante"etc...Walter nous fait prendre conscience de l' importance de l 'observation , de notre regard , de nos maladresses inconscientes qui souvent nous font accuser à tort notre cheval ,à le traiter parfois de tous les noms d' oiseaux quand ça ne va pas comme l’on aimerait !
"Jeune cavalier" propriétaire depuis 4 ans d' une jument Camargue âgée de 17 ans au caractère bien trempé,j 'ai expérimenté tant bien que mal le bonheur et les difficultés d' avoir son cheval et les 3 premières années furent une découverte empirique et souvent maladroite dans les "actions ".
C' est là qu 'intervient Walter qui fait prendre conscience de l 'importance du travail à pied dans le développement de son horsemanship....et c’est le cas de le dire.. c' est le "pied"!
Maya G, Saint Genies,Comme dirait Walter, avant de murmurer à l’oreille de nos chevaux, apprenons d’abord à les écouter. Petite phrase toute simple et pourtant… Apprendre à se poser, à observer, et à demander gentiment. La relation avec son cheval en est bouleversée. Accepter de se remettre en question, essayer, réfléchir, faire des erreurs, essayer encore et encore, recommencer à réfléchir… C’est un long voyage, enrichissant et prenant . Et au delà de son cheval, c’est soi même que l’on (re)découvre. Plus de demi tours possible tellement cela en devient passionnant. Merci pour ces deux dernieres annees.
Maya & Tibesti
Celine De C, Saint Bauzille,Je voudrais remercier Walter pour le partage de son expérience avec les chevaux et les portes qu'il nous ouvre à chaque séance !
Suite a un accident qui m'a "réveillée" et une mauvaise chute en extérieur, j'ai rencontré Walter lors d'un stage auquel je m'étais inscrite parce que je rencontrais des difficultés avec mon cheval, Rimbaud.
Je perdais tous mes moyens à cheval au moindre problème et je n'arrivais plus à avoir confiance en lui ni en moi, malgré une expérience de plus de trente ans en équitation classique. Mon cheval est devenu peureux et cherchait tout le temps à me mordre.
J'ai découvert quelqu'un de très patient et encourageant qui m'a aidé- et qui m'aide toujours- à me dépasser pour affronter mes difficultés. Il m'a en fait amené à travailler sur moi et comprendre la façon dont je me comportais avec mon cheval dans le but de mieux communiquer avec lui, et ce en cherchant toujours plus de légèreté. Aujourd'hui j'ai un cheval qui a retrouvé confiance et avec lequel je me sens beaucoup plus en sécurité que ce soit à pied ou à cheval, et je sais que nous avons encore un long chemin à parcourir et à découvrir.
Bises pleines de gratitude
JOHN BROWN Camp Verde , AZ,Walter,
I want to thank you for teaching me what horses are about. I thought i knew a lot, but found out i am on a journey here. I will enjoy every moments with them even more now. I have to say that by watching you a lot, your patience is without limits, and you taught me the meaning of this word. You have inspired me in so many different ways. Thanks for helping me understand my horses man!
I have personally watched the transformation of a couple of horses and people as a result of time spent with Walter. Sometimes this time has been months and years and others have been only brief moments. I consider myself a straightforward, often stern person and my horses and I have a relationship based on my personality. I adopted a 4 year old Mustang from the BLM and after a month of my personality vs. his, I still couldn't enter his stall. Although it took Walter an hour to finally gain the horses confidence to enter his stall, 15 minutes later Walter was lying under the horse and his Cowboy hat was on his head...they were actually playing!
It brought tears to my eyes....
Happy Trails Jill and Banjo AZ,I have learned so much about my horse Banjo in just a few lessons. Walter showed me how to communicate with my horse in such a loving way. It is just amazing the transformation that has taken place between Banjo and myself. My horse and I have just started bonding and the sky is the limit. It's so exciting I can't wait to get backout with him everyday. I have had the wonderful opportunity to have Walter Badet as my trainer. Walter you are fabulous many thanks...
Ellen Houston Cornville, AZ,I have had the honor and priviledge of knowing and watching Walter work with my mare for the past couple of months.The mare, Callie, was severley traumized physically and emotionally before she came to live with me. After treating Callie's injuries and giving her a chance to recover it was time to move on to the next step. Not feeling confident in my ability to take that step with Callie I called Walter. It has been an emotional journey for me to watch Callie gain confidence and trust. Walter has given her back her pride and dignity. Watching the two of them together is like watching a dance. I have never met anyone who truly understands the mind and spirit of a horse until I met Walter. Callie and I will be forever grateful.
Deborah Swanson, Sedona, AZ.,Walter is a modern day 'horse whisperer', it used to take almost an hour to get my horse into a trailer, after Walter spent 45 minutes with him and now 'Houston' walks right in without any hesitation at all! After my shoulder surgery I thought that I would have to sell my horse, Walter did his magic and now Houston bows his head down to get his fly mask on with a verbal command. Walter has definately opened my eyes to Natural Horsemanship, I highly recommend him.
Konnie Hocking, FL,In my mind I have thought of many ways to express how much our stay with you has meant to Chris and I, however it is difficult for me to get my thoughts from my brain to my pen. I really did not know what to expect during our stay. I could not have been more pleasantly surprised at its beauty even in the stark of winter. Nature cannot be outdone in any season. I was kind of nervous meeting you since I am really not yet a horse owner and kind of ignorant about many things. Never once did you make me feel uncomfortable or inadequate. You so eagerly share your knowledge, experiences and really..yourself.
Most of all, in addition to the time spent with horses and dogs , we enjoyed sharing the evening meal with you, sharing stories and laughter and of course, Walter’s magnificent cooking.
Needless to say, we are hoping to be able to come back and visit soon. Can’t wait to learn some more horse “etiquette” from Walter. He is such a wonderful teacher and good person all around. I am truly blessed to have met him.
Grant W. Johnson Ph.D.,I have been around horses my entire life, watched my father as an expert trainer of draft horses, and have seen a number of knowledgeable trainers in action, but Walter is the best I have observed. There are many reasons for his excellence including a fine personal demeanor, an easy confidence that puts both horses and owners at ease and extensive knowledge regarding communication between man and horse. Walter is so impressive that I used a number of his techniques in a book I'm writing concerning the psychology of raising children {I am a retired Clinical and School Psychologist}. It is apparent that in the successful training of both children and horses, necessary for optimal functioning of both species, a great deal of common sense must be used. Walter is a master at this and I would highly recommend him to anyone who has a horse to train. Please contact me if I can be of further help.
CONNIE ALLBRIGHT Flagstaff, AZ ,Hi Walter, I had a great day with Clam yesterday. I focused on being very present and relating to him from my heart and I think we did pretty well. I have to say I have a different horse and I also think I am a different person, both in a very good way. I am not exactly sure how you managed that but, I thank you, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you. You are an incredible and unique person. Definitely an amazing horseman!
Linda Schneerer - Phoenix AZ,Walter,
Let me start out by saying, I've owned horses for 22 years, have had exposure to natural trainers for about the last 10 years and have learned a lot from them all. But to my amazement, I have never met anyone who could connect with a horse like Walter can. And I'm realizing that not much else can be accomplished with a horse if we aren't connected first. There is something different in the way Walter gets that connection. It's not.......do A,B and C and then you have it...........it's........ "This horse is one of a kind, there's no other horse on this planet quite like this one, and I will adjust my ways by listening to what the horse is telling me." That is why Walter can then accomplish so much more in a very short period of time. I had Walter come to my home after hearing rave reviews from a friend of mine about him, as I just got a 22 year old Arab mare to keep my 24 year old mare company. But Katie, the new horse, was very disconnected and didn't want anything to do with me. She paced the property for two weeks, and I used up all my ideas on working with her to stop. She finally did, but she still didn't care to even have me come close to her at all. I knew Katie needed more help then I was able to give her, when she lunged at me one day when I was trying to work with her. So I jumped at the chance to try Walter out. In one three hour session, Katie has become a different horse!! I'm happy I wasn't the one who had to deal with Katie's attitude. She kicked, bucked and tried to rear initially with Walter, but that didn't last long. With Walter's gentle but firm ways, Katie knew she was in capable hands. Hands that weren't out to hurt her. She soon learned she even liked Walter! In fact, Walter had to stay on his toes as Katie was talking to Walter as if he were someone she liked a lot! After Walter left, I knew I'd have to work with Katie by myself and you better believe I was a bit afraid. But Katie never did anything that scared me. She was willing to work with me, and it looks like she's enjoying it too. And why wouldn't she? I know she's much happier when she knows she can trust me and she can let her guard down. We are connecting with each other! And what a feeling that is! I am so much more confident with Katie and not afraid of her anymore. Walter works with me, explaining and helping me see just what it is that's working with that particular horse. And if something isn't working, he shows me how to come up with another idea as each horse is entirely different. Walter works with me just as much as he does with the horse, to give me back my confidence. So I had to have Walter come again as I have three horses now and I want to continue working with Katie and the other two. My other mare, Catrin, is a 24 year old, 16.2 hand Holsteiner who I've owned since she was 6 years old. She's always been a handful, but I've enjoyed my years with her so much. We've done it all, from dressage, to a little jumping and trail riding, and adding the natural horsemanship in her later years. (I wish I would have found the natural training sooner!) But lately, I couldn't ride or walk Catrin on our trails around my home as she would act up so badly, wanting to go home, that I just lost my nerve and Catrin won. I worked with two other natural trainers and tried their techniques, which worked, but my mare was so emotional and "up" that my heart was in my throat every time. She never did well, but we would manage to get home without dying that day! So I explained to Walter the situation, and he said he wants to take her out. Now, mind you, he's never even worked with Catrin yet! So he put her in the roundpen and made sure she was listening to him, and down the street we go! I couldn't believe he didn't even want a whip. Long story short.............Catrin never reached her "wigging out" level!!!! She stayed reasonably calm as Walter's ways were so calm and fair. She did it!!! And it's something I can do too! I have only had Walter here twice and I can't wait for him to come again! Now my neighbors want to use him too! Walter is a kind, gentle, caring man who will go above and beyond with me and my horses, every time! I truly am blessed to have found him and I will tell the world! On second thought, maybe I better not............I still want him to come to my house!! I can't say enough wonderful things about Walter!
From a very grateful friend,
Jeanne Ricks New-York,Fundamentally Walter you're a people trainer, as much as a horse whisperer - with your unique psychological insights and solutions to the larger question of 'Who am I with my horse?" You highlight the immediate, one to one response of the horse to that question in its behaviour and ultimately its health.
Barbara K. Rector TUCSON AZ,Dear Walter,
Thank you for the most amazing clinic experience I have had in a long time. I have been to many demonstrations on "how to" and come away so discouraged at how the horse was not heard.
Walter, you have a GIFT! Thank you for so congruently listening and allowing the horses to express along with their humans. I honor your compassion, patience and persistence with the two legged and four leggeds.
I look forward to how we organize your next visit here. I know I want to play with you and Brownie. Sherry and Tim, thank you for your gracious hospitality.
Heart Hugs,
Orianne Beuret - France,This is a special article. Because of this clinic, i am where i am with my horses today.
It is because of Walter Badet an exceptional "whisperer", that i have this relationship with my two babies. A true teacher and a true Horseman who shared some of his knowledge..I truly want to thank him...
In october i attended a 3 day clinic with Walter Badet, Horse whisperer from Arizona.
It is there that i found my way of being with horses, and that a "click" truly happened with Priska and Comete.
I have to speak about these few days, that have been an immense education, gave me so much and made me go forward with giant steps.
Thanks to Walter, who is really a "super" person with so much knowledge for horses.
Thanks to Frank and Gisele our hosts for the night, and the horses that i played with during the clinic. Daudet, a sweet Camargue with a definite temper and Faddo, a moving Portuguese trained to perfection.
Teresa Lee of WA,If you are looking for a teacher who is so patient, compassionate, and able to clearly convey what is needed -- Walter is the trainer for you. Walter deeply loves horses and that is so important to us. It is a challenge to put into words what Walter's clinic and private lessons have done for my husband, myself and our horse-friends. Walter is helping us attain the mutually symbiotic relationship-companionship that we have desired since our beginning with horses 2 years ago. His teaching is so practical , covering all the fine details we were missing somehow with our horses.
Teaching how to step-by-step become our horses "leaders" with mutual respect, honor and love. Having our horses desire to be with us and join up with us, not only one horse but even several at a time. Developing our own horsemanship with our horse as we learn how to let the horse teach us. Beginning with the basics until they become a natural part of both horse and human. Deep breathing, being in the present moment with greater relaxation, and understanding the flow of energy is so important in being with horses. Walter is patiently leading us into a better understanding of these vitally important things so often unnoticed and never even covered. Our horse-human partnership is now becoming a "dance from the heart".
Walter, we take our hats off to you! You are truly a "Master Horse Whisperer", and it is a privilege to know you. Our lives are forever changed. Thank you Walter!
Anita Meyer , JERSEY ISLAND.,'I have just had the most amazing 7 day private clinic with Walter in Ireland...
What a natural horseman he is and how easily each horse understands what he wants to communicate to them!
I was so drawn by his calming energy and his loving and patient approach and at the same time the strength in his leadership around horses. We had a handful of troubled horses to work on and often I was astounded as one by one they gained a new trust and confidence in us humans through Walter's help and love.
I was there to learn and I brought home a wealth of new ideas and knowledge of natural horsemanship. It was incredible that with Walters guidance I could take over a herd, get a horse to join up with me and then follow me away from its field companions; a horse that would previously have run in the other direction at the sight of humans.
Walter has left me wanting to learn more from him and I am already looking forward to my return visit to his next clinic in Ireland.'
Anne Nally , IRELAND.,Walter,
a note from Ireland to truly thank you from the bottom of my heart. It was the most amazing week of our lives.
We spent 7 full days together and we all learned so much. My horses will be truly thankful for all this. Owning large pastures, not being able to connect with my horses, my lack of confidence were major points i asked you to come to Ireland for, and was hoping you would help me with these problems.
Now i am able to enjoy my horses and most importantly, they are able to enjoy me.
Missy in particular was in dire need of understanding after all she has been through, and you helped us understand what it was she needed..Her mind is at peace now. I feel so much more confident and i will make every day, a better one for my horses and myself.
You are an amazing horseman, a patient teacher and your kindness to the horses and us will stay forever. It was an absolute pleasure to see a master ply his craft.
We cannot wait for your return in August.
Our journey has begun... Thank you Walter.
Terri Foley. Phoenix, AZ,I was looking for a a person to help me help my horse. How do you look for someone that is not a horse trainer but a horse educator. I knew the problem was not my horse it was me. The second worse thing that I could image was going on between my mare and I. I was afraid of my horse. Over 40 years around horses and this one sacred me. One day I watched Walter with a mare that had issues, I felt the connection, I felt the merging, I felt the love between Walter and this mare and that day I knew Walter was the one for Belle and I. In the brief time that we have been working together Walter has taught me how to be Belle's leader, how to earn her respect, how to trust not only her but myself. He has never said Oh, you have nothing to be afraid, he has worked with me to gain confidence on a daily basis. He has praised me for my courage. His teachings are simple, his teachings are equine, his insight with the horse is amazing. After he leaves I can take his wisdom and apply it to my myself and my horses. I can build a union with my horses because of Walters teachings. Walter is not a horse trainer, he is so much more. I haven't yet found the words to label what he does, but maybe that is as it should be. All I know is that I am a better caretaker for my horses and myself because Walter is in our lives.
Ember,Hello Walter,
I want you to know I am having the most wonderful time with my horses and my friends horse that I have been working with for 2 years.
The last workshop with you brought everything together for me. After 2 sessions with my horses, I go out into the herd and they know what I am asking and I know what they are telling me. I love the magic.
I went over to my friends house to work with her horse and she has a set up like the one Brandy is in, Pepper (my friends horse) isn't one to come up to you. I followed what I learned with you and then... the magic happened! She stopped, she turned and walked up to me. Then the rub and I found her happy spot. the second day I went to spend time with Pepper her person said she'd never seen her horse react like that, what a compliment. I am so happy.
I have been working with my pony filly for 2 weeks now, she was unconfident and wouldn't come up to me like she was a few months ago so I have been spending time with her and today I was able to halter her without a fuss and as I was stroking her face after haltering her she was calm after that she was following me around.
I am a whole new horsewoman.
Our Mare Candy Kisses whom you have schooled me about, I go out during feeding and spend time with her and the herd. I love the gentleness and right now, her turning to face me is progress. I know she will gain confidence and come to trust she is really trying.
I am looking forward to the next lesson.
Thank you for all of your help it has really changed me and been an amazing help in my relationship with not only the horses but all the animals I work with.
Yours Truly