Donna Condrey-Miller FAQ Page

How can I learn NHE? Do I need to travel to Russia to become a student of Nevzorov Haute Ecole?

No, you don't have to go to Russia to be a student. The NHE education is offered free online through the International Forum and School. Each student follows a self-motivated exploration and practice of the principles of the School with his or her own horse(s) with the support of representatives, active students and other new forum members. An orientation guides you to pertinent discussion topics and personal diaries cover the necessary information you need to develop a relationship with your horse in freedom and discipline.

Additionally, you may attend paid seminars conducted by NHE Representatives for a live educational and social experience.

How did you become a representative for NHE?

After participating in the forum and formally entering the School, other representatives nominated me based on my full understanding of the principles of the School and my ability to contribute as a counselor and educator to other students, new members and the general public.

Do you accept students or apprentices for private instruction?

At this time I do not have an apprenticeship or private education program. If you study and practice NHE and happen to have me as your hoof trimmer, I'm happy to talk about NHE with you during our appointment hour.
I do respond to initial inquiries of interest via email to help clarify some basic questions about NHE to help those interested decide how to proceed with their exploration.

As my educational programs develop any new options and opportunities will be posted on this site.

Are there instructional DVDs and books?

There is no step-by-step instructional manual, per se. The NHE publications and productions offer historical background, insight and examples that illuminate this progressive attitude toward horses acknowledging them as intelligent and sentient beings capable of mutual, communicative and cooperative relationships with humans without the use of coercion.

The student must realize that self-development and critical thinking are the main points of practicing NHE. Participation on the forum provides the most immediate instruction through discussions and evaluation of videos and photographs of the student with his or her horse.

Can I practice NHE if I still ride my horse?

Ultimately, no, because mounted exercises are no longer a part of the NHE way. However, if you are still attached to the idea of riding now, we encourage you to explore NHE and look into the reasons that we do not ride, while you consider the overall principles and commitments of the School. We will guide you to analyze the physical and psychological effects of getting on the horse's back from the horse's perspective and the rider's.

I suggest that any current riders drawn to the images and concepts of NHE follow the old School tenet in which all students stopped mounted work for at least one year while developing the relationship and natural collection from the ground. If by then you were not convinced that you shouldn't ride, then NHE is not the right path for you.

Do I need much experience with horses to learn or practice NHE?

No extensive experience with horses is necessary. In fact, not having traditional equestrian experience can be a bonus because you do not have to unlearn many conventional attitudes and expectations toward horses.

Can I join the NHE forum and school or attend a seminar even though I don't have a horse right now?

Yes! We have a number of students who do not currently have responsibility for a horse. If you have an idea that you may have a horse some day and like the NHE School philosophy, it is a valuable investment of your time to study hippology from our perspective in advance of your bringing a horse into your life.

Do I bring my horse to a seminar?

No. At the seminars we invite horses who live at or near the host venue to interact with us for practical demonstrations.

Are there volunteer opportunities at seminars in lieu of payment or to receive a discount?

There is not an official volunteer exchange program. Generally, there is a reduced rate for early registration announced for each seminar.

Will you be having a seminar in my area?

I am open to conducting seminars throughout the United States and British Columbia, Canada. The locations depend largely on a hosting venue that meets certain criteria and the number of interested people who could or would attend at that location.

Please let me know where you live and other locations to which you would consider traveling. If you are interested in hosting a seminar we can talk about the requirements and logistics and see if your place is a good fit. Seminars are planned at least one year in advance.