Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know
Here you’ll find answers to the most common questions about our programmes, memberships, applications and daily life at Alterreno.
May I visit Alterreno before enrolling or applying for my horse?
Yes, visits are arranged exclusively by appointment. You may reserve an assessment or an introductory meeting, as each horse–rider partnership is thoughtfully selected.
What is the difference between the BHS and Alterreno certifications?
BHS Certification is an internationally recognised qualification from the British Horse Society, established 1947. Alterreno is one of only two centres in Italy authorized to examine for BHS credentials. This certification demonstrates competence in standardized equestrian knowledge, riding proficiency, teaching methodology and stable management according to British protocols. It is globally respected and professionally valuable. Think of it as your undergraduate degree from a reputable university—solid, recognised, foundational.
Alterreno Certification represents something categorically different: mastery rather than competence.
This is our own credential, awarded exclusively to graduates demonstrating exceptional synthesis of classical riding principles, natural horsemanship understanding, biomechanical knowledge and—critically—capacity to communicate this expertise effectively to horses and humans.
Alterreno Certification requires philosophical alignment with conscious horsemanship, evidenced capability in starting young horses or rehabilitating troubled cases and proven teaching ability producing genuine transformation rather than mechanical replication. Candidates undergo rigorous evaluation by Angelika Schneider herself, whose standards reflect five decades of international study.
To be precise: BHS confirms you meet international professional standards. Alterreno Certification confirms you embody the highest level of horsemanship education currently available—classical tradition integrated with modern evidence, taught by world experts, within Europe’s most selective equestrian institution.
Can I enrol my child even if they are a beginner?
Absolutely. Alterreno welcomes children and adolescents with tailored programmes that emphasise personal growth, confidence and relational development—not merely technical ability.
How is horse boarding managed at Alterreno?
We offer various membership tiers: Classic™, Heritage™, Custom™ and Old Souls™. Each provides individualised care protocols, daily turnout, personalised observation and transparent updates. Boarding is available solely to selected club members.
What does the initial assessment entail?
The assessment is an in-depth meeting with one of our trainers to evaluate your current level, your relationship with your horse and your goals. This helps us guide you to the most suitable course or service.
What are the requirements for applying to certified courses?
All applications are reviewed by Jo, our manager. We seek individuals whose values align deeply with our own. Admission is highly selective and based on a comprehensive screening process.
What are the criteria for employment at Alterreno?
We consider only those whose professional background and personal vision resonate with Alterreno’s philosophy. Active openings are published on our Careers page.
Is it possible to offer an Alterreno experience as a gift?
Yes, transformative experiences such as the Daimon™ can be gifted through our dedicated application form. Each request is carefully reviewed.
May I retire my horse at Alterreno?
Yes. Through the Old Souls™ programme, we welcome horses who have given their all and now deserve a peaceful, dignified life in attentive care and freedom.
Is Alterreno accessible to international clients?
Indeed. We welcome riders and owners from all over Europe and beyond. English-speaking support is provided and we can assist with travel, lodging and logistics.
Do I need membership to attend programmes?
Essentials Courses (1, 2, 3) require Alterreno Alumni™ membership—either Student or Professional level. These foundational courses are designed for our community members who’ve been evaluated and accepted through our selection process.
Pro Programs (Foundation™, Roundness™, Artistry™, Evolution™) do not require membership. These intensive residential programmes are open to anyone with basic riding experience who seeks advanced development, regardless of membership status. They’re designed as standalone educational experiences.
Experience programmes (Daimon™, Horse Power Team™, Family Daimon™) do not require membership. These transformative encounters are available to anyone interested, can be gifted and focus on personal or team growth through horse interaction rather than technical riding instruction.
Custom One-on-One lessons require Alumni membership, as they’re personalised instruction within our ongoing educational framework.
In summary: Essentials require membership. Pro Programs and Experiences do not.
How does the selection process work?
The process involves four straightforward steps, typically completed within two to three weeks.
Step One: You submit an evaluation request through our website, providing information about your equestrian background, experience level and what attracts you to Alterreno’s approach.
Step Two: Upon submitting your evaluation request, you automatically receive a calendar link enabling you to book a preliminary video assessment directly with Juanita. During this conversation—usually 30 minutes—she’ll understand your goals, experience, philosophical orientation toward horses and readiness for our approach.
Step Three: If the preliminary assessment indicates alignment, Juanita prepares a comprehensive profile and forwards it to Angelika Schneider for final review.
Step Four: You receive a decision, typically within two to three weeks of your initial request. If accepted, you gain access to all programmes and become part of our community. If not accepted, it’s not a reflection of your riding ability—it indicates philosophical misalignment that would frustrate both parties.
This process exists to protect the learning environment’s integrity. When all participants share foundational commitment to partnership-based horsemanship, education accelerates. When they don’t, energy dissipates through debate rather than learning.
Where do I stay during residential programmes?
Pro Programs include on-site accommodation in our facility. You’ll stay at Alterreno throughout the intensive, typically five to ten days depending on programme level. Accommodation is included in programme fees—you don’t arrange this separately. Meals are provided, enabling complete immersion in equestrian life without logistical distractions.
Children Camps (Camp Tuscany, Camp Austria) include accommodation as integral to the residential immersion experience. Details about facilities are provided upon enrolment confirmation.
Essentials Courses and Custom One-on-One do not include accommodation, as these aren’t residential formats. Lessons occur during scheduled sessions and you arrange your own lodging if traveling from distance. We can recommend nearby options in Tuscany if needed.
Experience programmes (Individual Daimon™, Family Diamon ™, Horse Power Team™) typically don’t require overnight stays, as they’re shorter-duration encounters. However, if you’re traveling internationally for these experiences, we can suggest local accommodation.
In summary: residential programmes include on-site accommodation; non-residential programmes require you arranging your own if needed.
How do I get pricing information?
Contact Jo, our programme manager, to discuss specific costs.
Pricing varies significantly by programme type, duration and format. Essentials Courses differ from Pro Programs’ intensive residential structure. Custom One-on-One depends on frequency and focus. Experience programmes have different fee structures than Academy education.
Rather than publishing generic price lists creating more confusion than clarity, we prefer conversations. When you speak with Jo, she’ll understand which programmes interest you, your timeline and any specific circumstances—then provide precise pricing relevant to your situation.
Request a call through our website contact form, specifying you’d like pricing information from Jo.
Why is the membership process so selective?
Because learning environment quality depends entirely on philosophical alignment among all participants.
When everyone shares commitment to partnership-based horsemanship, education accelerates through mutual support, shared vocabulary and collective reinforcement of principles. Energy focuses on deepening practice rather than defending approach.
When participants hold conflicting philosophies—some believing in dominance-based control, others in partnership; some prioritizing performance over welfare, others balancing both—energy dissipates through debate. Horses receive mixed messages from inconsistent handling across different riders. The learning environment degrades.
Selection also protects your interests. If Alterreno’s philosophy doesn’t align with your beliefs about how horses should be trained, membership wastes your time and money. You’d be frustrated paying for education teaching methods you fundamentally disagree with. Better to discover misalignment before enrolment than after significant investment.
Can I attend Open Day without committing to membership?
Yes, absolutely—that’s precisely Open Day’s purpose.
Open Days welcome anyone curious about Alterreno with zero commitment or obligation. You’ll tour our facility, meet team members including Angelika and Juanita, observe horses and demonstrations showing our methodology, participate in Q&A sessions addressing all questions and potentially try brief introductory experience working with horses (by reservation).