Share a part of the life of our collaborators by discovering their hobbies! This month, let's talk about Sylvie David, director of the industry sector for the d²X Paris agency, and her passion for horse riding and ethology.

What is your double life?

I practice horse riding but I mostly use ethological riding to work with my horse. Equine ethology is a method that focuses on the animal's behavior and takes into account the work on foot, beside the horse and on the back of the horse. The goal is that we must become one with the horse.

When and how did you start?

I started traditional English riding when I was a teenager, but because I lacked leisure time, I've stopped practicing for many years. I got back to horse riding 6 years ago, thanks to my daughter who also is passionate about horses, this time using the equine ethology method.

What do you like about equine ethology?

Many things!

First of all, ethological riding allows you to earn the horse's trust and respect, both working on foot or riding on its back, the goal being education, not training. It requires to clear your mind in order to "be in tune" with the horse. Horses are animals that reflect our state of mind. I learned a lot about myself and I am still discovering myself.

Above all, it allows me to better understand the people I'm around. Moreover, I love spending time with my horse, we are "partner in crime", it helps me getting away from everyday life.

And in your daily life, how does your passion fit in?

Like any hobby, ethological riding takes time, I practice 2 to 4 times a week depending on the outdoor conditions and the season.

Have you acquired new skills thanks to equine ethology that you use in your professional life?

Most definitely. This discipline allowed me to get to know myself better and to be able to control my reactions better. I manage to better choose my words according to my interlocutor. It also helps me in the analysis of my interlocutor's body language.

Thank you Sylvie for your answers!