In the equestrian world, every horse has their own story. Some are quiet and ordinary, while others stand out for the journeys they take and the lasting impression they leave.
Such is the case with Anaxarque, a thoroughbred ex-racehorse, now engaged in a complete transformation. This is more than a conversion project. It is a careful, patient quest led by a team who put genuine respect for the horse at its heart.
Anaxarque: a horse like no other
Arriving in winter, Anaxarque was introduced as a “gentle” thoroughbred, but it didn’t take long for his true complexity to show. Highly reactive, often in opposition, and brimming with a powerful urge to escape, he was far from the “easy” horse everyone expected.
His name, borrowed from the Greek philosopher, almost feels like a prophecy—this horse seemed destined to challenge the principles of those guiding him.
His first test was clear: unlearning the automatic behaviours ingrained in the racing world. Accustomed to running and galloping at full speed, Anaxarque now had to discover how to think, channel his energy, listen, and work in harmony with his handlers.
The Anaxarque project
The Anaxarque conversion project is a collective endeavour between Equi Clever H, Cheval Magazine, and Hilton Herbs.
This distinctive collaboration unites educational expertise, media reach, and natural equine health support. Together, they showcase both the challenges and rewards of retraining racehorses, while providing high-quality, transparent support that prioritises animal welfare.
It stands as a clear example of what passion, knowledge, and dedication can achieve when combined.
From sport to education
Transforming an ex-racehorse is a delicate, multi-step process that requires patience, understanding, and a combination of physical, mental and emotional training.
Christophe Bruyère, once a competitive show-jumping rider, began his career in a prestigious stable in the Rhône-Alpes region. As head of an establishment that combined a riding school with sport horses, he was soon confronted with an ethical dilemma.
The training methods imposed on him clashed with his own vision of the horse. Rejecting the dominant coercive practices, he chose instead to study ethology at the Haras de la Cense, where he trained in the Parelli method. This step marked the beginning of a career founded on attentive observation, mutual understanding, and the pursuit of harmony between horse and rider.
In 2011, together with his partner Emilie Defranoux, he co-founded Equi Clever H. Guided by a shared commitment, they set out to create an alternative model of equine education—one that integrates ethological principles, groundwork, and careful attention to both the physical and psychological well-being of horses.
An ethical and progressive approach
Equi Clever H's philosophy is based on a holistic, but flexible approach to the horse, where each individual is considered as an "equine person". The proposed framework is not a straitjacket, but a safe space where the horse can explore, express and learn.
The team stresses the importance of proposing rather than imposing. The work is built on nuance, without seeking to increase the pressure, especially with sensitive horses such as thoroughbreds.
The rider's role then becomes that of a clear but patient guide, capable of adapting his approach to each moment.
Implementing a tailored, adaptive approach
The first stages of Anaxarque's conversion were marked by a complete check-up: dentist, osteopath, physical and emotional assessment.
This was followed by free work, to observe his reactions without constraints and a foundation of work on foot: desensitisation, foot control, clicker training.
Thoughtful technical progression, learning to canter on the right, lateral mobilisation, long reins, exercises with ground bars.
The aim? To achieve a correct, relaxed posture, in which the horse stretches on its own, with voluntary participation and signs of well-being (chewing, resting, eye contact, etc.).
Progression and a bond forged
Since the start of the process, Anaxarque has shown significant changes: less flight, more reflection, a gentler gaze and better integrated body postures.
The bond with humans has been strengthened, to the point where a touching relationship has blossomed with the couple's daughter, who likes to sit in front of her cubicle to talk to Anaxarque and stroke him.
It's in these little everyday moments that the transformation takes on its full meaning.
Successful conversion of an ex-racehorse
Converting a racehorse is far from trivial. They are often horses that have been used from an early age, with a weakened physique and a burdened mind.
As the team points out, these are not 'cheap and easy' horses. They require a certain level of technique, rigour and a taste for sensitive, powerful equines - real Formula 1 racers.
But with the right methodology, time, listening and a sincere desire to understand, their potential can flourish in disciplines as varied as dressage, working in the wild, or simply walking with awareness.
Hilton Herbs as natural support for Anaxarque's well-being
A proud partner in this project, Hilton Herbs helped to gently support Anaxarque's transformation.
For over 30 years, we've aided horses through their physical and emotional transition with our expertly blended, all-natural animal supplements.
This partnership is perfectly in line with Equi Clever H's philosophy: a respectful, global and individualised approach, where health comes from nature and listening to the animal's real needs.
"We're never done learning," says the team. Each horse is a new mirror, a new challenge. Anaxarque, with his sensitivity and rigour, embodies this idea perfectly: it's often the most demanding horses that push us to become better.