Christine
Equiberique's creator, Christine Grass has been passioned by horses since her early childhood. Raised in a relatively modest family who did not shared her passion for horses, she had to find her way to learn how to ride by offering her services at the nearby stables in exchange for riding lessons. Mainly self-taught, Christine improves her skills years after years, riding all types of horses. At the age of 27, she can afford to purchase her first horse : Résille, a Haflinger mare. At 30 years old, she starts to perform in shows with a tiny Camargue horse and introduces herself to Cossack acrobatics. At the same time she has the opportunity to take care of a Lusitanian horse perfectly trained so she can progress in High Levels. After a course at Hasta Luego's, she buys herself her first Lusitanian, a beautiful grey stalion : Héroï. With him, things are going faster and the possibilites are becoming wider : acrobatics but also dressage in liberty and High Levels. Christine attends courses with different famous professionals and keeps learning with readings. The duo takes part to numerous equestrian events around the region during several years. Her progression with this exceptional horse gives her the will to train other horses and this is how she starts her career in the horse business. At the age of 36, she sets her stable up and starts her import and sales business. From a small piece of meadow with a tiny stable came out the current estate where Christine keeps running the stables with her daughter Vanessa.
Vanessa
Immersed in the fascinating world of horses from a young age, Vanessa shares the same passion as her mother. Her professional activity allowed Vanessa to learn with exceptional horses.
At 24, she bought her first personal horse, a Lusitano, with whom she would undergo numerous training sessions and discover several disciplines, such as the art of garrocha and working equitation.
On the professional side, she initially chose a different activity, that of a teacher, which she practiced for 12 years before deciding to take over the family business.
In 2017, she undertook a one-year training course with Mr. Carlos Perreira to expand her knowledge of traditional and Portuguese equestrian arts.
In 2018 and 2019, she also participated in numerous workshops in France and Portugal to deepen her knowledge of classical dressage and working equitation.
Since the end of 2018, she has gradually taken the reins of Equiberique, under the benevolent guidance of her mother.
In 2021, Vanessa simultaneously completed her BPJEPS in equestrian activities, with a specialization in technical deepening, and continued her training in the following years thru numerous workshops in France and Portugal in classical dressage and Working Equitation.
In 2024, she took a course on equine training techniques in Working Equitation to improve her skills in working with the horses entrusted to her, as well as in teaching this discipline to her students.
In 2025, she continues the development work initiated in 2024 within her facility (creation of outdoor stables and a large arena) in order to be able to organize shows and competitions on the premises starting next season!