Testimonials from our clients

Centro Ecuestre La Luz has received many satisfied visitors. Some of them have shared their stories with us for this website.

Thanks a lot, I have learned so much this week and really enjoyed this lovely place.
Viva Andalucia !!

Marike van Deventer, Holland May 2010

I came to Centro Ecuestre La Luz with the desire to recover my childhood joy in riding, which I’d lost for 29 years ! Your excellent guidance, your calm presence and your patience helped me gain confidence and within days I was riding happily and safely through the countryside. This week exceeded my expectations. I enjoyed the stay in your simple but very comfortable accommodation. The home cooked meals were excellent and being able to walk out to the stables at anytime made it truly an experience of “ living and breathing horses “ . I already look forward to coming back.
Thankyou.

Elke Mastwijk, Holland May 2010

Susan’s gentle and integrative approach relaxes both horse and rider when needed and encourages the emergence of confidence. I began to take pleasure again in being on and with a horse.

Em Farrell, London. April 2010

When me and my family were in Spain last summer, my mom and I went out for a ride with Susan, recommended by the people we were staying with. I started talking about how I would like to have a foal and train it myself after a few years but that I wasn't confident enough in my knowledge and that's how I ended up there in March for a whole month.
Where do I start ? It was the best experience of my life.
Susan and her family were very welcoming and I , being a shy person normally, was comfortable being there right away. The first week was quit calm and Susan gave me the time to settle in and I loved the daily work , like feeding the horses, cleaning out stables and watch her take the first steps with Morisco ,3year old stallion.
The following weeks we did more serious work like starting Morisco on the lunge , bio energetics and breathing exercises followed by a riding lesson. The bio energetics made me very aware of how I neglected my body for a long period of time and a lot of emotional things came to the surface. I never felt pushed to do better or to feel things I wasn't ready for , still they always happened. Susan has a gift to guide people in subtle and kind way.
It's been years since I lost interest in riding dressage .I always felt like I had to achieve something and got frustrated and so would the horse I was riding. With Susan I learned how to enjoy riding dressage again and I learned how to relax. My whole posture changed on the horse and also on the ground.
I’ve always been convinced that riding should be about cooperation between horse and rider but it’s only since my lessons with Susan that I felt it again and I now understand the true meaning of ‘less is more’.

This experience not only changed my riding skills, it has changed me as a person and what I want from life. I felt a great deal of freedom there , because of the beautiful surroundings, Susan’s friendship and a lot of horse-friends.

Love,
Aglaia Andersen, Belgium. March 2010

I was only at La Luz for 5 very intense and positive days. Susan has created a space of learning, in a warm welcoming environment. There is a sense of purpose without haste or stress in her teaching. She is a wise and skilfull therapist and teacher - she brings you on in your riding abilities – for sure - by focusing on strengths and weaknesses and finding helpful imaginative solutions to make you more independent and sure of yourself.

But in learning how to sit, breathe, relax and move with the horse, something more important and more interesting happens. Because her teaching and the riding unfolds into an exercise in meditation, softness, and concentration in the movement of energy in – and hopefully between! - horse and rider. It is hugely useful because it touches the essence of what I believe riding – or, perhaps, really being on and with a horse - should feel like and should be – and Susan is the perfect teacher to get you there. When connection happens it is quite breathtaking and, in my case, not only increased my confidence in what I could do and aspire to do but made me very aware of being in and enjoying “the moment” to the full. It becomes so exciting to start that journey and know that it can happen, you just want more.

This was without a doubt one of the best things I have ever done for myself. Also hugely recommended if you want to lengthen your legs! Thankyou, Susan!

Angie de Birch, Madrid, January 2010

I have been to Centro Ecuestre La Luz twice now and I am so happy how both of the courses turned out. Atmosphere at Susan's place is so relaxed and I have really enjoyed coming over every morning. Susan's teaching methods are very inspiring and she has such a positive attitude.

I have had a great opportunity to experiment different things while I’ve been here such as working from the ground. When it comes to riding, we have really focussed on those things I needed to improve. Susan has been a great motivator and I would truly recommend her courses to anyone who’s looking for new experiences and great riding !

Hanna Valkonen, Finland. December 2009

I am very pleased with the big progress I made in 5 days. From being a complete beginner I learned how to ride and control the horse, how to communicate and to take care of horses. The atmosphere was very relaxed and friendly, the horses very gentle and a special way of teaching achieves great results.

Sujuan Feng, China. November 2009

Having tried and largely failed to learn to ride in UK schools, I took a week intensive course with Susan. I was thoroughly astonished by how far we got – I had only wanted to be comfortable in trot by the end of the week, but in the end not only managed this but also to canter, hack out and even take my first jumps !

I had an amazing time and would love to come back again and see what other miracles can be worked.

Mark Dyson, England, November 2009

I felt that the riding week exceeded my expectations. From being a total novice I feel I am much more competent riding and handling horses. Although there is still much for me to learn, I feel I have achieved solid foundations to build on.
I would thoroughly recommend Centro Ecuestre La Luz with it’s relaxed and welcoming atmosphere to anyone who is looking to take their riding up to a new level.
Georgina Bee. England, November 2009

I really appreciated how the various goals I mentioned at the start of the course are automatically and playfully interwoven in the course.
Susan sets a clear course without losing sight of the clients goals and wishes.
It is obvious she loves teaching / riding as much I loved being taught.

Thank you

Joke Alberts, Holland October 2009

I came to Centro Ecuestre La Luz more than a year ago and since then I haven't stopped this wonderful journey of learning experience that influenced my whole life. I came looking for a place where I could learn and grow as a horseman as well as person and I found just that.

My friend from the coast told me she knows this amazing horsewoman that lives in the middle of country close to Alora and is amazing with horses and people... as I said, I found just that..and more - a wonderful friend.

I could say that I came little bit "damaged" from pervious experiences with people and horses from various places. I knew I needed something different for myself and for my (at that time) one horse, purebred Arabian Perseus who was recovering from injury. The moment we moved to Susan's stable our path to recovery began. Now, more than a year after, I can say I made a choice that changed the way I live, the way I look at things and the way I am in general. Shortly after we moved to the stable I experienced an unpleasant fall from a horse that exposed my inner side and mostly the fear I was living in and I didn't even realize it.

I am quite a sporty person and I can say that I can stay on the horse when it makes "fun stuff"... but this fall was different, I choose to fell off and because I wasn't able to get back on and the bruising of pelvis area prevented me to get back on for more than month I developed even bigger fear that was growing inside more and more. I was going through panic attacks when the horse moved faster, I was feeling sick just thinking about riding, something I love so much. Many times I got off feeling beaten and as an absolute loser.

It was time to take action and Susan helped me to go through this long process in such a loving way that now when I look back I have tears in my eyes. Thanks to her I was also able to go through a hypnosis therapy with her friend Anders. They both worked together in certain parts of my recovery and helped me in the process.

Also I can't forget about Talisman, whom we found with Susan and I fell in love with him I moment I saw him. We were looking for a quiet horse that would help me to gain back my confidence and could be used as well for lessons. Well, Tali wasn't quite a quiet horse to start with. He wasn't a super wild and dangerous animal, but full off energy and spunk. Looking back I am glad we made this choice. I learnt more with him than I would with some quiet animal... The process was longer but absolutely worth every second.

My journey still continues and I am learning every day what I love the most - horseback riding. After slow beginning when I had to deal with my fears and anxiety I am finally able to become a student of the art of horseback riding and with Susan's guidance we are making careful steps. I admire her for her individual approach to each horse and rider. I never met anybody in my life that would have such a sense for both. All her horses are used in a way that their dignity stays untouched and they never show signs of disgust. And the same I feel when having lessons with her and I am sure my horse feels the same. We both are having fun learning and growing together.

Another thing I admire in Susan is her drive to keep learning and growing as a person. She keeps studying and learning every day with open eyes and mind, welcomes new ideas, opinions, and views. The environment of La Luz can be described as therapeutic in all aspects - for both horses and people. Definitely worked for me and my animals.

Linda Welsch, Czech Republic, August 2009

We are proud to print below a testimonial from Saskia Mesdag , shown here receiving the prestigious “ Breeder of Honour Award 2002” from ANCCE President Adolfo Sanchez De Movellan.

“Susan Harden has been involved with preparing, backing, riding and training three generations of Mesdag horses. This fact alone is proof of our trust in her knowledge and ability. She has lived on the stud and been responsible for all the horse management here. Starting her own training centre, gives us the possibility to send young stock over for further training. We are sending her two fillies this summer, with the knowledge that they will be classically schooled and thoroughly taken care of.”

Susan Harden in February 2007 attending a dressage clinic with Raphael Soto 2004
Olympic Silver Medallist.

Dear Susan,
The way you trained my unrideable horse with me on top, has given me a satisfaction, I can't explain with words. So, thanks for your special approach, your all comprehensive horse and rider understanding; you turned my little nervous Arab into a dream-to-ride!

Thanks, Domien Doms, Belgium

Susan,
I’m so glad that you will share your special horsy talent with other people. I am sure that everyone who has training with you will be a much happier rider afterwards. And so will their horses!

All the luck, Cynthia Meeus, Spain

Susan Harden is one of those rare people who really understands horses. As a teacher she instils confidence in the beginner and inspires the experienced rider. My niece learns with her and my son went on to be a successful stunt rider. Whether for pleasure or professionally Susan Harden is a wonderful rider, teacher and friend of the horse in Spain.
Sally Lines, Alora

Dear Sue and Virginia,
Thank you so much for the second wonderful time with you both. I arrived feeling a bit fed-up with the rush and demands of everyday life,and yet left a few hours later full of energy, and new ideas. It seems to me that you both really compliment each other with what you are creating - you both have a very calm and concise way of explaining things that make sense to me - that coupled with the lovely surroundings, and very importantly happy contented and well looked after horses.

That evening I rode my mare, practiced the before-hand body scan, then worked on breathing slowly, and thinking of what I wanted to do and where I wanted to go before actually giving the aids, it was incredible how much easier it all felt.

Xenia is quite a forward going horse, and can get easily excited, but with trying to lower my energy centre and breathing more slowly, she responded by practically falling asleep! I have ridden for years quite happily, but to learn something new that benefits both horse and rider, and that is enjoyable in the process is really a good feeling, and one that I would like to continue.

Looking forward to the next lessons!
Emma (Baverstock) 27/09/07

We were looking for a sport for our disabled son to help him develop his capacities. This task turned out to be complicated because we couldn’t place him in any of the sports offered in Älora all aimed at “normal” children without thought for those who are different. When we heard of Centro Ecuestre La Luz we thought riding could be a possibility, though we had many doubts as we knew nothing about equine therapy and our son was against any type of physical activity as it highlights his disabilities.

After a year at the afore mentioned centre, Susan with her patience, tenderness and dedication has been instrumental in the improvement of our son’s condition; she has gained our confidence and he goes to each lesson full of enthusiasm . Here I must also mention Virginia who collaborates with Susan in all therapeutic work.

Juan Jose Aranda & Fina Rengal

Hello my name is Maria Jesus Moreno but everyone knows me as Mari.
I first knew of Susan when I heard talk of a woman who rode well and even trained horses which is a surprising thing in the very macho horse world here. I was keen to meet this person and that moment came during rehersals for one of the Pura Pasion shows which Miguel Barrionuevo puts on in Spain and further afield. We talked and I arranged for some lessons as I have a problem with the canter.

Susan quickly established the cause of the problem and we started with solutions. I know go every week for continuing tuition and help.

Susan is a woman with a great sensitivity as much for people as horses, she sees your state of mind and finds where the problems lie.
She has a good hand, patience, knowledge and experience but the best is she knows how to pass that on. Often people know but can’t transmit that knowledge.

I sincerely recommend to anyone who wants to learn about the marvellous world of the horse to visit Centro Ecuestre La Luz, it is a beautiful place, tranquil and ideal to enjoy horses.

I have known Susan since my early teens, when I was a pony club girl only interested in horses, horses and more horses. I started taking lessons from her at a time when I had a pony which wasn’t that fond of jumping or anything too stressful, and I used to just do hacking out, so I decided that dressage was the thing to try.

We worked regularly on different aspects of riding and schooling taking special care on the softness, balance, communication and fitness of the horse and rider.
All the work came to success when we started storing a few red rosettes up, even beating imported horses and very experienced riders on the ring.

Susan was the person that made me find in dressage a delightful world and to think of it as an art rather than a competition, her understanding of riding could be described as a magical meeting between horse and rider. All this knowledge came to use a few years later, when I started show jumping at a bigger level and I found out I could bond with almost every horse I took in my hands and school them to a point where they were happy, balanced (physically and mentally) and ready to give me what I asked them for in competitions, I know her teaching had a great deal to do with it.

Sandra

Susan has a genuine gift to gain the trust and confidence of horses. With an uncomplicated and commonsense based approach she leaves the rider and viewer with a feeling of completion in the horse-man relationship. I've had the pleasure of knowing this very talented rider for nearly 20 years and congratulate any horse loving person for making her acquaintance and benefiting from her knowledge.

Anna - Sweden

WORKING PUPILS - SUMMER 2008

This summer we were delighted to have 3 students from Hadlow College in England as working pupils on a 2 month program.

Their experience included all the usual stable duties, ground work and riding lessons, but with some alternative therapies to improve their body awareness and, therefore, their feel for riding. They undertook preparation and execution of a “ pase de tres “ and also had experience teaching children. Away from the Centre we enjoyed a trip to the Royal Andalucian School of Equestrian Art in Jerez, A visit to Centro Ecuestre Artequus and the Military Stud Farm. Away from horses they enjoyed experiences of Andalucia with outings to several local Fairs and the Malaga Feria, a Flamenco night, the lakes in Ardales and the costa del sol with it’s beaches.

We greatly enjoyed having them here and were impressed with the way they immersed themselves in Andalucian life (and the pool!)

Work experience July- September 2008

When we first saw the website of la Luz back in January of this year, we got the impression of a calm, warm and welcoming establishment. On arrival we got exactly what we had expected six months before.
We were first shown around the house; yard and had our first meeting with the Spanish horses. There were a variety of different horses from large to small. As we progressed through the week, getting to know each individual horse, we learnt about their past and treatment by their previous owners, compared to the life of Susan’s own horses. We rode all the horses, each one giving us a new experience and understanding of each horse’s individual needs. We also learnt many new things such as, getting more in touch with the horse and developing a more insightful form of body language.

Susan taught us a way of riding in which, not only does the horse work better and become more relaxed, but the horse and rider become more like one.Susan’s methods of training and teaching included sessions of yoga, visualisation, bio-energetic exercises, breathing techniques, work from the ground and of course riding.

Susan has brought out so much in each of us and our ways of riding, such as our positions. Susan managed to lengthen each of our stirrup lengths down 3 to 4 holes within two weeks and also our way of life as well as our physical, mental and social health.

Our work experience has taught us many new things; we have learnt some Spanish language and about the Spanish lifestyle and we have also become fitter and will be leaving with a tan.

If we were asked for a recommendation we would advise anyone looking for experience, their horse training or even a place to help them relax and come to terms with their emotions, to go to La Luz.

Our work experience has been such a memorable and unforgettable journey, we will all be very sad to leave Susan and her family who have treated us as one of their own and welcomed us so graciously into their home.

We would like to say a big thank you to Susan, for letting us stay, not only letting us work with the horses and learn new things but also for taking us to some of the most beautiful places we have ever seen, such as the lakes and the Royal School of Jerez and we cannot forget all the ferias. So thank you! We will be looking forward to hopefully seeing you in the not far future.

Lots of love
Las Tres Chicas
Verity, Michelle and Laurel