The EquiLightenment Experience™

We are excited that you are excited about learning with us!  Every time we’re with a horse, he is learning and so are we, therefore each interaction is a moment-by-moment training opportunity for everyone involved.  Your week-long EquiLightenment Experience™ is custom-tailored for YOU, the Learner.  We’ll structure activities to focus on YOUR areas of interest.  You’ll be immersed in the daily  workings of a real-world breeding and training farm that is anything but ordinary.  In everything we do, we strive to apply the latest evidence-based understanding of equine ethology, learning theory, behavioral science and best-practices for equine well-being.  We are passionate about education – for ourselves, for our horses, and for you. 

One-of-a-Kind Learning Opportunity

• Unparalleled Hands-on Time: No other week-long science-based program gives you this much daily direct animal contact, handling and training time
• Our Horses: 15 or so including foals, youngsters, broodmares, geldings & stallions
• Real World Application: We talk the talk & walk the walk – behavioral science, learning theory and ethology-based training and welfare
• Available year round to fit YOUR schedule
• CEU Credits with IAABC, KPA, CCPDT (others may be possible upon request)

Who We Are

• Sharon Madere, CHBC: Over 50 years with horses including riding, training, breeding, competing and coaching; IAABC Certified Horse Behavior Consultant

• Jessica Ward, MS: Life-long equestrian with a passion for animals and training, including a decade of dog behavior consulting; Master’s Degree in Behavior Analysis

Choose your area of FOCUS:   You tell us what YOU want to learn more about!

• Positive Reinforcement Skills: Techniques, Timing, Shaping Plans
• Cooperative Care (vet, farrier, trailer training, day-to-day, etc.)
• Meaningful Management (applied ethology & welfare science)
• Learning Theory, Behavior Modification, Problem Solving
• Preparing a Horse for Riding and Starting Under Saddle
• Early Education for Foals and Youngsters
• Interested in something else? Just let us know!

Choose your LEVEL of PROGRAM

Basic – Tuition:  $500/week (5 days)     As you work alongside us in the day-to-day handling and care of the horses, we’ll engage in real-time discussion – pointing out what we are observing, why we decide to do or not do something, and what techniques we can use to bring about desired changes in behavior or improved welfare.  You will shadow and assist us in training sessions organized for that week according to your particular area of focus.  We’ll also set aside time to discuss specifics of learning theory, principles and practices as they relate to your individual interests, and opportunities to learn with the PORTL* game.  Eligible for 36 CEUs with IAABC, KPA, CCPDT.   10% discount for small groups of 2-3 people who register together for the same week;  20% discount for individuals who attend for additional consecutive weeks.

Average “Basic” Day: 

• 3 to 4 hours general horse handling, care, management, chores, etc.
• 3 to 4 hours observe & assist with general training sessions
• 1 hour focused discussion and/or Q&A and/or PORTL* session

Plus One – Tuition:  $1,125/week (5 days)     Includes same personalized approach as Basic, with additional ONE hour daily of personal coaching to build and refine your skills.   Eligible for 36 CEUs with IAABC, KPA, CCPDT.   10% discount for small groups of 2-3 people who register together for the same week;  20% discount for individuals who attend for additional consecutive weeks.

Average “Plus One” Day:

• 3 to 4 hours general horse handling, care, management, chores, etc.
• 2 to 3 hours observe & assist with general training sessions
• 1 hour focused discussion and/or Q&A and/or PORTL* session
• 1 hour personalized direct coaching

Plus Two – Tuition:  $1,500/week (5 days)  Includes same personalized approach as Basic, with additional TWO hours daily of personal coaching to build and refine your skills.  Eligible for 36 CEUs with IAABC, KPA, CCPDT.    20% discount for individuals who attend for additional consecutive weeks.  

Average “Plus Two” Day:

• 3 to 4 hours general horse handling, care, management, chores, etc.
• 1 to 2 hours observe & assist with general training sessions
• 1 hour focused discussion and/or Q&A and/or PORTL* session
• 2 hours personalized direct coaching

Bring Your Own Horse – Tuition: $1,750/week (5 days learning program, 7 nights board for your horse)    Includes everything in Plus Two, along with one week of board for your horse.   Board includes stall and/or turnout as best suits the needs of each horse.  Your two hours of personalized coaching can be with your own horse, or split to include working with one of ours.  Sessions with your own horse can be on the ground and/or under saddle as you prefer. Eligible for 36 CEUs with IAABC, KPA, CCPDT.    10% discount for individuals who attend for additional consecutive weeks.  

Average “BYO Horse” Day:

• 3 to 4 hours general horse handling, care, management, chores, etc.
• 1 to 2 hours observe & assist with general training sessions
• 1 hour focused discussion and/or Q&A and/or PORTL* session
• 2 hours personalized direct coaching (your horse and/or ours)

*PORTL stands for Portable Operant Research and Teaching Lab.  A guided, interactive table-top game that allows you to experience a range of learning principles and behavioral discoveries.  You’ll be amazed at how this simple game helps you become a much better trainer!  (Learn more about PORTL:  www.behaviorexplorer.com)

The Nitty Gritty Stuff

• Location:  Silver Moon Iberian Farm, 45 NW 125th Ave, Ocala, FL 34482.  Marion County is known as “The Horse Capital of the World,” and we are located 8 minutes from the astounding new World Equestrian Center.  
• Facility:  14-stall barn, 39 peaceful acres including pastures, large covered arena, 2 round pens, open riding areas, farm trails, obstacle playground, and classroom. 
• Weather:  Florida is delightfully sunny in the winter, warm in spring and fall, and hot and humid in the summertime.  Our barn is an open design with maximum airflow, our covered arena provides shade and protection from occasional rain, and our classroom is air-conditioned with a full kitchen for discussion time and lunch breaks.
• Air Transportation:  Orlando MCO offers the most non-stop flights and is about 1:45 hour drive from the farm.  Alternate airports include Orlando Sanford (2:00 hours) and Gainesville, FL (1:00 hour).  Options for getting to the farm include renting a car, or individual door-to-door car service for approximately $110 each way.
• Housing:  On-farm shared housing is occasionally available at $200/week.  There are numerous nearby hotels within 10 to 20 minutes of the farm, and we’d be happy to make recommendations based on your budget.
• Meals:  You are responsible for your own meals.  If staying on-farm, you will have use of the bunkhouse kitchen.  There is also a full kitchen in our classroom next to the barn.  If you do not have a rental car, we can coordinate a trip to the grocery store with you so that you can stock up.  There are several restaurants and fast-food options within 5 – 10 minutes of the farm.
• Bringing Your Horse:  We require current negative Coggins test, and recent (within 6 months) core vaccinations (E,W,T,WN,Rh,Flu).  The State of Florida requires a veterinary health certificate within 30 days of transport in and out of the state.