9–13 September 2026 · Roskilde, Denmark
Choose your participation below and complete your booking through secure online payment.
Lunch and drinks are included in all active participant tickets. Spectator tickets include lunch.
Christophe’s teaching will be interpreted from French into Danish and English.
Limited active places available.
LEARN IT. FEEL IT. TAKE IT HOME.
From free choice to refined performance
LEARN IT. FEEL IT. TAKE IT HOME.
A first-of-its-kind five-day equestrian experience in Denmark.
For the first time in Denmark, you can meet and train directly with Christophe Chaussy. At Beyond the Bit, he and Mia Lykke Nielsen bring their methods, experience and equestrian artistry together in one programme.
Beyond the Bit unites the When Horses Choose method with Christophe’s international work in liberty, bitless dressage and equestrian performance.
Mia creates the foundation of free choice, trust and two-way communication.
Christophe adds his deep understanding of biomechanics, precise timing and refined riding signals—taking bitless dressage further towards greater balance, expression and high-level performance.
Across two Open Days and a structured three-day Masterclass, you experience how these approaches support one another—from the horse’s first free choice to refined ridden work.
This is not about copying a fixed technique. It is about learning to observe more accurately, feel more clearly and guide with greater precision—without losing the horse’s trust, willingness or voice.
Active participants receive direct guidance from both Mia and Christophe every day. Bring your own horse or work with selected When Horses Choose and Christophe’s horses.
Join one Open Day, the three-day Masterclass or the complete five-day experience.
Active places are limited to keep the training personal and closely guided.
It is a rare opportunity to work, ride, feel and develop — with your own horse, with When Horses Choose horses, and through Christophe’s exceptional horses and experience.
Bring your own horse and let Christophe and Mia help you develop exactly where you are. Refine your dressage.
Deepen your liberty work. Improve your timing, balance, communication and feel. And then step onto another horse.
Experience a WHC horse that already understands work through freedom, dialogue and voluntary cooperation. Feel an exercise from the inside. Understand what you are looking for.
Then take that feeling back to your own horse.
At this event you can:
- bring your own horse and develop your partnership
- receive guidance in dressage and ridden work
- develop liberty and free work with your own horse
- experience riding with minimal or no traditional control
- work at liberty with WHC horses
- learn on an experienced horse and transfer to your own horse
Experience Christophe’s own horses and his approach to liberty and advanced bitless work. Explore working with several horses in liberty
Experience an exercise on an experienced horse — then take that feeling back to your own horse. Don't just watch what is possible. Feel it. Learn it. Create it with your own horse.
With Mia, you learn how to build a relationship strong enough that the horse can work with you through trust, communication, love and free choice.
With Christophe, you discover how that connection can be refined into greater balance, precision, dressage and high performance.
And throughout the event, you get the chance to move between understanding, observing, riding and doing. From the free horse to high performance.
Without losing the horse's voice along the way.
FOR HORSE PEOPLE WHO WANT MORE
Curiosity matters more than experience
You may already know what you want to achieve, yet feel that something is missing between the exercises. Perhaps you want more trust, greater clarity and lightness—or a way to develop performance without overriding the horse.
Beyond the Bit connects elements that are too often taught separately: relationship and direction, freedom and precision, love and professional skill.
This experience is for you if you want to understand your horse more deeply, improve communication, refine your riding, explore liberty and bitless work—or strengthen your foundation as a rider, trainer, instructor, therapist or performer.
You leave with practical experience, personal guidance and a clearer direction for how to continue the work with your horse at home.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Intensive days. Individual development.
LEARN IT. FEEL IT. TAKE IT HOME.
Every day at Beyond the Bit includes individual training sessions with both Christophe and Mia.
You will work directly on your own goals — whether that means dressage, liberty, communication, riding, refinement, confidence or performance.
The exact structure is adapted to the participants and the horses, but the foundation is the same every day: You train. You observe. You learn. You develop.
EVERY DAY
- individual sessions with Christophe Chaussy
- individual sessions with Mia Lykke Nielsen
- work with your own horse or selected event horses
- dressage, liberty, communication and ridden work
- shared learning from the other participants’ sessions
- time for questions, reflection
- adjustment of your individual plan
TWO EXCLUSIVE DEMONSTRATIONS
During the event, Christophe and Mia will each give their own dedicated demonstration.
Christophe will open up his work in dressage, liberty and high performance. Mia will demonstrate the When Horses Choose approach — from the horse completely free, through communication and liberty, into riding and performance. These are not simply shows.
They are demonstrations where the work is explained and shared, so you can understand the choices, communication and principles behind what you see.
TWO THEORY EVENINGS
On one evening, Christophe will take you deeper into the knowledge behind his work: dressage · balance · timing · feel · liberty · refinement · performance
On another evening, Mia will share the foundations of When Horses Choose: wild horses · horse language · behaviour · communication · free choice · relationship · cooperation.
There will be space for questions, discussion and connecting the theory directly to your own horse and your practical sessions.
YOUR DAYS ARE STRUCTURED — BUT NOT FIXED
- We begin by understanding your goals.
- Then we adapt the training as the event develops.
- Some days you may need more dressage.
- Another day, liberty may unlock something important.
- Sometimes working with another horse may give you the feeling you need before returning to your own.
THE PROGRAMME FOLLOWS YOUR DEVELOPMENT
Not the other way around.
Train with both. Learn from both.
Experience both worlds.
Every day.
It is a rare opportunity to work, ride, feel and develop — with your own horse, with When Horses Choose horses, and through Christophe’s exceptional horses and experience.
Bring your own horse and let Christophe and Mia help you develop exactly where you are. Refine your dressage.
Deepen your liberty work. Improve your timing, balance, communication and feel. And then step onto another horse.
Experience a WHC horse that already understands work through freedom, dialogue and voluntary cooperation. Feel an exercise from the inside. Understand what you are looking for.
Then take that feeling back to your own horse.
At this event you can:
- bring your own horse and develop your partnership
- receive guidance in dressage and ridden work
- develop liberty and free work with your own horse
- experience riding with minimal or no traditional control
- work at liberty with WHC horses
- learn on an experienced horse and transfer to your own horse
Experience Christophe’s own horses and his approach to liberty and advanced bitless work. Explore working with several horses in liberty
Experience an exercise on an experienced horse — then take that feeling back to your own horse. Don't just watch what is possible. Feel it. Learn it. Create it with your own horse.
With Mia, you learn how to build a relationship strong enough that the horse can work with you through trust, communication, love and free choice.
With Christophe, you discover how that connection can be refined into greater balance, precision, dressage and high performance.
And throughout the event, you get the chance to move between understanding, observing, riding and doing. From the free horse to high performance.
Without losing the horse's voice along the way.
9–13 September 2026 · Roskilde, Denmark
Lunch and drinks are included in all active participant tickets. Spectator tickets include lunch.
Christophe’s teaching will be interpreted from French
into Danish and English.
Limited active places available.
LEARN IT. FEEL IT. TAKE IT HOME.
From free choice to refined performance
A first-of-its-kind five-day equestrian experience in Denmark.
For the first time in Denmark, you can meet and train directly with Christophe Chaussy. At Beyond the Bit, he and Mia Lykke Nielsen bring their methods, experience and equestrian artistry together in one programme.
Beyond the Bit unites the When Horses Choose method with Christophe’s international work in liberty, bitless dressage and equestrian performance.
Mia creates the foundation of free choice, trust and two-way communication. Christophe adds his deep understanding of biomechanics, precise timing and refined riding signals—taking bitless dressage further towards greater balance, expression and high-level performance.
Across two Open Days and a structured three-day Masterclass, you experience how these approaches support one another—from the horse’s first free choice to refined ridden work.
This is not about copying a fixed technique. It is about learning to observe more accurately, feel more clearly and guide with greater precision—without losing the horse’s trust, willingness or voice.
Active participants receive direct guidance from both Mia and Christophe every day. Bring your own horse or work with selected When Horses Choose and Christophe’s horses.
Join one Open Day, the three-day Masterclass or the complete five-day experience.
Active places are limited to keep the training personal and closely guided.
FOR HORSE PEOPLE WHO WANT MORE
Curiosity matters more than experience
You do not need to be a professional. What matters is your curiosity, commitment and desire to develop.
You may already know what you want to achieve, yet feel that something is missing between the exercises. Perhaps you want more trust, greater clarity and lightness—or a way to develop performance without overriding the horse.
Beyond the Bit connects elements that are too often taught separately: relationship and direction, freedom and precision, love and professional skill.
This experience is for you if you want to understand your horse more deeply, improve communication, refine your riding, explore liberty and bitless work—or strengthen your foundation as a rider, trainer, instructor, therapist or performer.
You leave with practical experience, personal guidance and a clearer direction for how to continue the work with your horse at home.
You may already know what you want to achieve, yet feel that something is missing between the exercises. Perhaps you want more trust, greater clarity and lightness—or a way to develop performance without overriding the horse.
Beyond the Bit connects elements that are too often taught separately: relationship and direction, freedom and precision, love and professional skill.
This experience is for you if you want to understand your horse more deeply, improve communication, refine your riding, explore liberty and bitless work—or strengthen your foundation as a rider, trainer, instructor, therapist or performer.
You leave with practical experience, personal guidance and a clearer direction for how to continue the work with your horse at home.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Intensive days. Individual development.
Every day at Beyond the Bit includes individual training sessions with both Christophe and Mia.
You will work directly on your own goals — whether that means dressage, liberty, communication, riding, refinement, confidence or performance.
The exact structure is adapted to the participants and the horses, but the foundation is the same every day: You train. You observe. You learn. You develop.
EVERY DAY
- individual sessions with Christophe Chaussy
- individual sessions with Mia Lykke Nielsen
- work with your own horse or selected event horses
- dressage, liberty, communication and ridden work
- shared learning from the other participants’ sessions
- time for questions, reflection
- adjustment of your individual plan
TWO EXCLUSIVE DEMONSTRATIONS
During the event, Christophe and Mia will each give their own dedicated demonstration.
Christophe will open up his work in dressage, liberty and high performance. Mia will demonstrate the When Horses Choose approach — from the horse completely free, through communication and liberty, into riding and performance. These are not simply shows.
They are demonstrations where the work is explained and shared, so you can understand the choices, communication and principles behind what you see.
TWO THEORY EVENINGS
On one evening, Christophe will take you deeper into the knowledge behind his work: dressage · balance · timing · feel · liberty · refinement · performance
On another evening, Mia will share the foundations of When Horses Choose: wild horses · horse language · behaviour · communication · free choice · relationship · cooperation
There will be space for questions, discussion and connecting the theory directly to your own horse and your practical sessions.
YOUR DAYS ARE STRUCTURED — BUT NOT FIXED
- We begin by understanding your goals.
- Then we adapt the training as the event develops.
- Some days you may need more dressage.
- Another day, liberty may unlock something important.
- Sometimes working with another horse may give you the feeling you need before returning to your own.
THE PROGRAMME FOLLOWS YOUR DEVELOPMENT
Not the other way around.
Train with both. Learn from both.
Experience both worlds.
Every day.
Every day at Beyond the Bit includes individual training sessions with both Christophe and Mia.
You will work directly on your own goals — whether that means dressage, liberty, communication, riding, refinement, confidence or performance.
The exact structure is adapted to the participants and the horses, but the foundation is the same every day: You train. You observe. You learn. You develop.
EVERY DAY
- individual sessions with Christophe
- individual sessions with Mia
- work with your own horse or selected event horses
- dressage, liberty, communication and ridden work
- shared learning from the other participants’ sessions
- time for questions, reflection
- adjustment of your individual plan
TWO EXCLUSIVE DEMONSTRATIONS
During the event, Christophe and Mia will each give their own dedicated demonstration.
Christophe will open up his work in dressage, liberty and high performance. Mia will demonstrate the When Horses Choose approach — from the horse completely free, through communication and liberty, into riding and performance. These are not simply shows.
They are demonstrations where the work is explained and shared, so you can understand the choices, communication and principles behind what you see.
TWO THEORY EVENINGS
On one evening, Christophe will take you deeper into the knowledge behind his work: dressage · balance · timing · feel · liberty · refinement · performance
On another evening, Mia will share the foundations of When Horses Choose: wild horses · horse language · behaviour · communication · free choice · relationship · cooperation
There will be space for questions, discussion and connecting the theory directly to your own horse and your practical sessions.
YOUR DAYS ARE STRUCTURED
— BUT NOT FIXED
- We begin by understanding your goals.
- Then we adapt the training as the event develops.
- Some days you may need more dressage.
- Another day, liberty may unlock something important.
- Sometimes working with another horse may give you the feeling you need before returning to your own.
THE PROGRAMME FOLLOWS YOUR DEVELOPMENT
Not the other way around.
Train with both. Learn from both.
Experience both worlds.
Every day.
YOUR FIVE DAYS
One day builds on the next
WEDNESDAY, 9 SEPTEMBER
CONNECTION AND DIRECTION
Establish your starting point and personal goals. Explore free choice, communication and how clarity can move from groundwork into ridden work.
THURSDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER
FROM LIBERTY TO PERFORMANCE
Develop liberty, motivation and voluntary cooperation—and discover how these qualities can support balance and expression under saddle.
FRIDAY, 11 SEPTEMBER
BIOMECHANICS, TIMING AND SIGNALS
Work with biomechanics, precise timing and clearer signals as relationship-based training meets bitless dressage and refined performance.
SATURDAY, 12 SEPTEMBER
DEVELOPMENT AND EXPRESSION
Build on the previous days through individually tailored training, observation and shared learning based on the needs of each horse and rider.
SUNDAY, 13 SEPTEMBER
INTEGRATION AND YOUR PATH FORWARD
Bring the elements together and clarify how to continue the work at home. The programme concludes at approximately 16:00.
SMALL GROUPS.
BOTH TRAINERS.
Active participants work in small, closely guided groups and change instructor during the day, allowing focused guidance from both Mia and Christophe.
YOUR FIVE DAYS
One day builds on the next
WEDNESDAY, 9 SEPTEMBER
CONNECTION AND DIRECTION
Establish your starting point and personal goals. Explore free choice, communication and how clarity can move from groundwork into ridden work.
THURSDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER
FROM LIBERTY TO PERFORMANCE
Develop liberty, motivation and voluntary cooperation—and discover how these qualities can support balance and expression under saddle.
FRIDAY, 11 SEPTEMBER
BIOMECHANICS, TIMING AND SIGNALS
Work with biomechanics, precise timing and clearer signals as relationship-based training meets bitless dressage and refined performance.
SATURDAY, 12 SEPTEMBER
DEVELOPMENT AND EXPRESSION
Build on the previous days through individually tailored training, observation and shared learning based on the needs of each horse and rider.
SUNDAY, 13 SEPTEMBER
INTEGRATION AND YOUR PATH FORWARD
Bring the elements together and clarify how to continue the work at home. The programme concludes at approximately 16:00.
SMALL GROUPS.
BOTH TRAINERS.
Active participants work in small, closely guided groups and change instructor during the day, allowing focused guidance from both Mia and Christophe.
CHOOSE YOUR EXPERIENCE
5 days. 3 ways to join. Or join as a spectator.
COMPLETE FIVE-DAY EXPERIENCE — RECOMMENDED
9–13 September 2026 · 7,000 DKK
Save 2,000 DKK compared with booking all five days separately
Experience the complete journey from your individual starting point to greater connection, refinement and expression. Five consecutive days provide the continuity needed to explore, practise, adjust and develop your work in depth.
Five full active training days:
- Direct guidance from both Mia and Christophe every day
- Individual guidance tailored to your goals throughout all days
Two exclusive demonstrations and two theory evenings
Work with your own horse or selected When Horses Choose and Christophe’s horses.
OPEN DAY
9 or 10 September 2026 · 2,000 DKK per day
Choose one or both Open Days for a focused introduction
and an active day of training with Mia and Christophe.
One full active training day:
- Direct guidance from both Mia and Christophe
- Work with your horse or selected WHC and Christophe’s horses
- Practical training, observation and shared learning
SPECTATOR TICKET
350 DKK per day, including lunch
Follow the training, observe the horses and participants, and experience the teaching without taking an active place.
THREE-DAY MASTERCLASS
11–13 September 2026 · 5,000 DKK
A structured three-day progression for riders who want to explore the meeting point between relationship, bitless dressage, liberty and refined performance.
Three full active training days:
- Direct guidance from both Mia and Christophe every day
- Practical training, observation and shared learning
- Individual guidance tailored to your goals throughout all days
- Work with your horse or selected WHC and Christophe’s horses
- Follow the development of horses and riders across all three days
PRIVATE SESSIONS WITH CHRISTOPHE
7 or 8 September 2026 · 90 minutes · 2,000 DKK
A limited number of private sessions are available before the masterclass. Work intensively with Christophe on the area most relevant to you and your horse—riding art, bitless dressage, liberty, balance, precision, show work or a specific training challenge.
The session is tailored to your level, your goals and your horse. Interpretation from French into Danish or English is included in the price.
All participant tickets include lunch and drinks.
Christophe’s teaching is interpreted from French into Danish and English.
Camp-style accommodation is available for 250 DKK per night.
We can help you find nearby accommodation if you prefer another option.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Everything you need to plan your stay
LOCATION
The event takes place at Søster Svenstrup Byvej 2, 4130 Viby Sjælland, in the Roskilde area.
DAILY HOURS
Arrival is from 08:30. Training begins at 09:00 and normally concludes at 17:00. On Sunday, the programme concludes at approximately 16:00. The two theory evenings run from 19:00 to 21:00.
MEALS
All active participant tickets include lunch and drinks. Spectator tickets include lunch. Breakfast and evening meals are not included. Please tell us about any dietary requirements when booking.
INTERPRETATION
Christophe’s teaching will be interpreted from French into Danish and English throughout the programme.
HORSES
Bring your own horse or work with selected event horses. Allocation depends on suitability, welfare and availability, so a particular horse cannot be guaranteed.
ACCOMMODATION
Camp-style accommodation is available for 250 DKK per person per night.
Bring your own mattress and sleep on a raised straw-bale bed in a thoroughly cleaned and freshly limewashed stable box—or in our cosy heated riders’ lounge with a cooker and refrigerator.
NEARBY ACCOMMODATION
If you would prefer a private room, conventional bathroom facilities and a more traditional overnight stay, we can help you find suitable bed-and-breakfast accommodation nearby.
CHOOSE YOUR EXPERIENCE
5 days. 3 ways to join. Or join as a spectator
COMPLETE FIVE-DAY EXPERIENCE
— RECOMMENDED EXPERIENCE
9–13 September 2026 · 7,000 DKK
Save 2,000 DKK compared with booking all five days separately
Experience the complete journey from your individual starting point to greater connection, refinement and expression. Five consecutive days provide the continuity needed to explore, practise, adjust and develop your work in depth.
Five full active training days:
- Direct guidance from Christophe every day
- Direct guidance from Mia every day
- Individual guidance tailored to your goals
Two exclusive demonstrations and two theory evenings.
Work with your own horse or selected When Horses Choose and Christophe’s horses.
OPEN DAY
9 or 10 September 2026 · 2,000 DKK per day
Choose one or both Open Days for a focused introduction and an active day of training with Mia and Christophe.
One full active training day:
- Direct guidance from Mia and Christophe
- Work with your horse or selected WHC and Christophe’s horses
- Practical training, observation and shared learning
THREE-DAY MASTERCLASS
11–13 September 2026 · 5,000 DKK
A structured three-day progression for riders who want to explore the meeting point between relationship, bitless dressage, liberty and refined performance.
Three full active training days:
- Direct guidance from Mia and Christophe
- Individual guidance tailored to your goals
- Work with your horse or selected WHC and Christophe’s horses
- Follow the development of horses and riders across all three days
PRIVATE SESSIONS WITH CHRISTOPHE
7 or 8 September 2026 · 90 minutes · 2,000 DKK
A limited number of private sessions are available before the masterclass. Work intensively with Christophe on the area most relevant to you and your horse—riding art, bitless dressage, liberty, balance, precision, show work or a specific training challenge.
The session is tailored to your level, your goals and your horse. French–Interpretation from French into Danish or English is included in the price.
SPECTATOR TICKET
350 DKK per day, including lunch
Follow the training, observe the horses and participants, and experience the teaching without taking an active place.
All participant tickets include lunch and drinks.
Interpretation from French into Danish or English is included in the price.
Camp-style accommodation is available for 250 DKK per night.
We can help you find nearby accommodation if you prefer another option.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Everything you need to plan your stay
LOCATION
The event takes place at Søster Svenstrup Byvej 2, 4130 Viby Sjælland, in the Roskilde area.
DAILY HOURS
Arrival is from 08:30. Training begins at 09:00 and normally concludes at 17:00. On Sunday, the programme concludes at approximately 16:00. The two theory evenings run from 19:00 to 21:00.
MEALS
All active participant tickets include lunch and drinks. Spectator tickets include lunch.
INTERPRETATION
Christophe’s teaching will be interpreted from French into Danish and English throughout the programme.
HORSES
Bring your own horse or work with selected event horses. Allocation depends on suitability, welfare and availability, so a particular horse cannot be guaranteed.
ACCOMMODATION
Camp-style accommodation is available for 250 DKK per person per night.
Bring your own mattress and sleep on a raised straw-bale bed in a thoroughly cleaned and freshly limewashed stable box—or in our cosy heated riders’ lounge with a cooker and refrigerator.
NEARBY ACCOMMODATION
If you would prefer a private room, conventional bathroom facilities and a more traditional overnight stay, we can help you find suitable bed-and-breakfast accommodation nearby.
MEET CHRISTOPHE CHAUSSY
Dressage. Liberty. High performance
MEET MIA LYKKE NIELSEN
International clinician. Horse trainer
For more than 20 years, Christophe Chaussy has presented Cossack vaulting, Hungarian Post, tandems, dressage, liberty and multi-horse performances on major equestrian stages around the world.
His career has included the prestigious Gala des Crinières d’Or at Cheval Passion in Avignon. He has also been part of La Cinéscénie at Puy du Fou, one of the world’s largest outdoor productions, bringing together horses, riders, actors, music, water, fire and monumental staging.
Christophe’s work ranges from the refined details of dressage to liberty with several horses and large-scale performance.
After exploring bitless dressage in connection with Mia and When Horses Choose, Christophe continued developing the work with Corri. In January 2026, he won Cheval Passion’s Monte sans bride dressage competition while riding Corri without a bit. Cheval Passion is a major French equestrian event supported by the Fédération Française d’Équitation (FFE); the Monte sans bride competition itself was created by Cheval Passion.
Before meeting Mia, Christophe had not imagined that bitless riding could be developed all the way into dressage at a high level. Through their meeting, he discovered a new possibility. He learned the foundations, continued the work with Corri and made it part of his own daily practice. His victory at Cheval Passion became a visible demonstration of what that development could achieve.
At Beyond the Bit, participants work directly with Christophe and learn from the training behind the performance: balance, timing, precision, liberty, riding art, expression, positioning, transitions and choreography.
The performance is what the audience sees. The training, relationship and thousands of small decisions behind it are what Christophe shares.
At the heart of Mia Lykke Nielsen’s work is love. Not love as a sentimental idea, but as something the horse can feel: presence, safety, attention, understanding and a sincere willingness to listen.
Mia developed the When Horses Choose method through a lifetime with horses and formative years among large herds of free-roaming horses in California.
The method brings love and professional knowledge together through behaviour, nervous-system regulation, communication, motivation, boundaries and voluntary cooperation.
From this foundation, Mia helps horses and riders develop liberty, bitless riding, cordeo, balance and performance while allowing the horse to remain an active participant.
For more than ten years, Mia has created and presented equestrian performances at Store Hestedag, one of Denmark’s largest annual horse events. Together with her students, she has demonstrated riding without a bit, with a cordeo and completely free.
Mia has taught and demonstrated the When Horses Choose method internationally in Brazil, China, England, France, the United States and beyond.
Her teaching gives riders practical tools they can continue to develop at home, always keeping the horse’s physical and emotional experience at the centre.
At Beyond the Bit, she helps participants understand the horse, create safety and clarity, develop liberty and transfer genuine communication from the ground into riding and performance.
Love creates safety. Safety creates trust. Trust makes learning possible. And when the horse is free to choose connection, the relationship becomes real.
MIA & CHRISTOPHE
Three days of training together in France
During three inspiring days in France, Mia and Christophe trained together, exchanged ideas and learned from each other’s work.
Mia explored Christophe’s approach to liberty training, while Christophe discovered that he could bring his dressage work into bitless riding.
One year later, at Cheval Passion 2026 in Avignon, Christophe and his horse Corri won the festival’s Monte sans bride competition — riding bitless.
The competition combines compulsory movements, including transitions, lateral work and pivots, with a freestyle element, while rewarding the quality of the horse–rider partnership, the gaits and the level of dressage.
Their victory is a remarkable continuation of what began during those three days together — and a powerful example of how bitless riding and high-level dressage can go hand in hand.
Watch the full film below.
QUESTIONS BEFORE YOU BOOK?
The essentials answered
DO I NEED TO BRING MY OWN HORSE?
No. You can bring your own horse or work with selected event horses, depending on suitability and availability.
DO I NEED PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE?
No specific level of liberty or bitless experience is required. Teaching is adapted to each participant and horse.
WHAT IF MY HORSE NEEDS A BREAK?
The programme can be adjusted so you can pause, observe or focus on another part of the work. The horse’s welfare always comes first.
CAN I PARTICIPATE WITHOUT RIDING?
Yes. Active work can include groundwork, liberty, communication and observation as well as ridden exercises.
WILL I WORK WITH BOTH MIA AND CHRISTOPHE?
Yes. Active participants receive guidance from both trainers and change instructor during the day.
CAN I CHOOSE A PARTICULAR EVENT HORSE?
Event horses are allocated according to suitability and welfare; a particular horse cannot be guaranteed.
WHAT DO I NEED FOR SAFETY?
Participants are responsible for appropriate personal and horse insurance. An approved riding helmet and suitable footwear are required when riding.
CAN I CHOOSE ONLY ONE INSTRUCTOR?
Beyond the Bit is built around both instructors. You may share the areas you want to explore and we will consider in the final planning.
QUESTIONS BEFORE YOU BOOK?
The essentials answered
DO I NEED TO BRING MY OWN HORSE?
No. You can bring your own horse or work with selected event horses, depending on suitability and availability.
DO I NEED PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE?
No specific level of liberty or bitless experience is required. Teaching is adapted to each participant and horse.
WHAT IF MY HORSE NEEDS A BREAK?
The programme can be adjusted so you can pause, observe or focus on another part of the work. The horse’s welfare always comes first.
WILL I WORK WITH BOTH MIA AND CHRISTOPHE?
Yes. Active participants receive guidance from both trainers and change instructor during the day.
CAN I CHOOSE A PARTICULAR EVENT HORSE?
Event horses are allocated according to suitability and welfare; a particular horse cannot be guaranteed.
WHAT DO I NEED FOR SAFETY?
Participants are responsible for appropriate personal and horse insurance. An approved riding helmet and suitable footwear are required when riding.
CAN I PARTICIPATE WITHOUT RIDING?
Yes. Active work can include groundwork, liberty, communication and observation as well as ridden exercises.
CAN I CHOOSE ONLY ONE INSTRUCTOR?
Beyond the Bit is built around both instructors. You may share the areas you want to explore, but Mia and Christophe create the final daily schedule.
MEET CHRISTOPHE CHAUSSY
DRESSAGE. LIBERTY. HIGH PERFORMANCE.
For more than 20 years, Christophe Chaussy has presented Cossack vaulting, Hungarian Post, tandems, dressage, liberty and multi-horse performances on major equestrian stages around the world.
His career has included the prestigious Gala des Crinières d’Or at Cheval Passion in Avignon. He has also been part of La Cinéscénie at Puy du Fou, one of the world’s largest outdoor productions, bringing together horses, riders, actors, music, water, fire and monumental staging.
Christophe’s work ranges from the refined details of dressage to liberty with several horses and large-scale performance.
After exploring bitless dressage in connection with Mia and When Horses Choose, Christophe continued developing the work with Corri. In January 2026, he won Cheval Passion’s Monte sans bride dressage competition while riding Corri without a bit. Cheval Passion is a major French equestrian event supported by the Fédération Française d’Équitation (FFE); the Monte sans bride competition itself was created by Cheval Passion.
Before meeting Mia, Christophe had not imagined that bitless riding could be developed all the way into dressage at a high level. Through their meeting, he discovered a new possibility.
He learned the foundations, continued the work with Corri and made it part of his own daily practice. His victory at Cheval Passion became a visible demonstration of what that development could achieve.
At Beyond the Bit, participants work directly with Christophe and learn from the training behind the performance: balance, timing, precision, liberty, riding art, expression, positioning, transitions and choreography.
The performance is what the audience sees. The training, relationship and thousands of small decisions behind it are what Christophe shares.
MEET MIA LYKKE NIELSEN
International clinician. Horse trainer
At the heart of Mia Lykke Nielsen’s work is love. Not love as a sentimental idea, but as something the horse can feel: presence, safety, attention, understanding and a sincere willingness to listen.
Mia developed the When Horses Choose method through a lifetime with horses and formative years among large herds of free-roaming horses in California.
The method brings love and professional knowledge together through behaviour, nervous-system regulation, communication, motivation, boundaries and voluntary cooperation.
From this foundation, Mia helps horses and riders develop liberty, bitless riding, cordeo, balance and performance while allowing the horse to remain an active participant.
For more than ten years, Mia has created and presented equestrian performances at Store Hestedag, one of Denmark’s largest annual horse events. Together with her students, she has demonstrated riding without a bit, with a cordeo and completely free.
Mia has taught and demonstrated the When Horses Choose method internationally in Brazil, China, England, France, the United States and beyond.
Her teaching gives riders practical tools they can continue to develop at home, always keeping the horse’s physical and emotional experience at the centre.
At Beyond the Bit, she helps participants understand the horse, create safety and clarity, develop liberty and transfer genuine communication from the ground into riding and performance.
Love creates safety. Safety creates trust. Trust makes learning possible. And when the horse is free to choose connection, the relationship becomes real.
MIA & CHRISTOPHE
Three days of training together in France
During three inspiring days in France, Mia and Christophe trained together, exchanged ideas and learned from each other’s work.
Mia explored Christophe’s approach to liberty training, while Christophe discovered that he could bring his dressage work into bitless riding.
One year later, at Cheval Passion 2026 in Avignon, Christophe and his horse Corri won the festival’s Monte sans bride competition — riding bitless.
The competition combines compulsory movements, including transitions, lateral work and pivots, with a freestyle element, while rewarding the quality of the horse–rider partnership, the gaits and the level of dressage.
Their victory is a remarkable continuation of what began during those three days together — and a powerful example of how bitless riding and high-level dressage can go hand in hand.
Watch the full film below.
"WHC is guided by a hope — that together, we can create a shift in how we relate to horses"
When horses are free to choose, transformation begins — and there is a shift in their breath, posture, and especially their eyes. Tension gives way to trust. Resistance becomes relationship. This is the heart of When Horses Choose.
I teach clinics and courses in Denmark, the US, Brazil — and sometimes in other places like Iceland or China. I often welcome guests from many other countries in my stables I Denmark - just as I do one-one-one online video trainings with owners and horses all over the world.
Each year, I host youth camps in Denmark and Brazil. These are about much more than riding — they also focus on personal leadership and emotional awareness through connecting with horses.
Beyond training, I work to protect wild horses, especially American mustangs. I follow and document herds in the US and Brazil. They inspire everything I do.
Whether I’m working with a family horse, a wild stallion, or a young rider, the message is the same: When we listen more and connect better, the horse shows us the way...
Use the top menu to see WHC's current activities in either Denmark, US or Brazil - in each place we have different events through out the year.
Below I will share some of my more recent blog posts highlighting key aspects of how we work with horses — and why it matters
Visiting the mustang rescue 'Return to Freedom' in California
Visiting the mustang rescue 'Return to Freedom', where the real horse 'Spirit' resides. Beautiful place where amazing work is done for the Mustangs. Magic experience. I met the foal (now 12 years old)... ...more
Mustang, WIld horses, USA ,Mustangs, Wild horses, USA
August 19, 2025•3 min read
Epic's Story
Epic with her two freeze marks from being captured twice. One on her neck and one on her back. First time she ended up being a brutally abused rodeo horse, next time she ended up in an illegal slaught... ...more
Mustang, WIld horses, USA ,Mustangs, Wild horses, USA
August 19, 2025•2 min read
Visiting Florida Wild Horse Rescue in 2011
DescriptionIn the years leading up to 2011 I was following all the information about the federal round-ups of the mustangs. Many ugly stories and footage from the captures were available online and I ... ...more
Mustang, WIld horses, USA ,Mustangs, Wild horses, USA
August 19, 2025•4 min read
Galaxy - The Mustang with the blue eyes
Galaxy is one of the wild Mustangs captured in one of the federal round-ups in the wild dessert and now (luckily) ended up at the Mustang rescue 'Return Freedom'. He will have good life and freedom fo... ...more
Mustang, WIld horses, USA ,Mustangs, Wild horses, USA
August 19, 2025•2 min read
New Jersey: Moonlight - 18 years old gelding and had never been ridden
I was working with Moonlight for a few days in a NJ Clinic. He was already 18 years old and the owner would like to be able to ride him. ...more
Clinics US
August 12, 2025•1 min read
Philadelphia: Riesling - 3 year old sports horse
Riesling is a sweet and beautiful 3 years old mare. She lives in a stall most of the day, every day - besides a few hours alone in a paddock. ...more
Clinics US
August 12, 2025•2 min read
Step into Christophe Chaussy's world
Liberty, dressage, artistry and high performance
I always seek to collaborate with other horsemanship trainers – or skilled horse trainers in general. To me, it is not essential that we agree on every single detail or come from the exact same background.
What truly matters is that we all share the same purpose: improving horses’ welfare and health. And that we bring with us curiosity, knowledge, and a genuine interest in practicing and showcasing softer approaches — liberty, light equipment, and a no-force philosophy. I am always happy to invite other trainers – from both Denmark and abroad – to collaborate with me at events or in other contexts where it makes sense.
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit – in my eyes – one of the very best riders and horse trainers in the world, Christophe Chaussy in France. In my opinion, he is among a very small handful of the absolute top trainers worldwide. His skill is nothing short of extraordinary.
Visiting him at his place in France only confirmed to me how exceptionally talented he truly is. Although he has not previously explored or realised that it is possible to also ride dressage bitless he always had a wish to do so - he just didn't know it was actually possible. He is without doubt a horsemanship star through and through.
Watching him train his horses moved me deeply, and it was immediately clear that, to him, his horses are an essential part of the family. That shines through in every aspect of his work and life.
I couldn’t be more proud — seeing Christophe Chaussy ride in my bitless bridle. And once again it proves to me that if he could make this transition in just one week, then perhaps the transition to riding bitless is easier than many riders might imagine.
During my visit, I gave Christophe a few of my own bitless bridles. He told me that he would train with them the following week, leading up to a major horse show in France the next weekend. His plan was to train bitless all week – and then perform at the show in a bitless bridle.
I was very curious to see how it would turn out, especially considering the number of horses he usually rides at the same time in the arena. But of course, it went beautifully. The following week, Christophe performed his horse show both in a bitless bridle and even with cordeo.
I had sent a photographer to capture clips from the show and to get a comment from Christophe afterwards. Seeing it all come together filled me with nothing but admiration – for his great skill, his horsemanship talent, and the depth of his entire body of work.
We have already agreed to explore exciting ways of working together in the future, and several good ideas are already in motion. You will definitely hear more about this collaboration. I can hardly wait...
If other trainers out there is interested in collaboration, mail me at [email protected].
See clips from Christophe's show in France below. In a bitless bridle and in a cordeo. I am not surprised, but I am impressed!
Step into Christophe Chaussy's world
Liberty, dressage, artistry and high performance
I always seek to collaborate with other horsemanship trainers – or skilled horse trainers in general. To me, it is not essential that we agree on every single detail or come from the exact same background.
What truly matters is that we all share the same purpose: improving horses’ welfare and health. And that we bring with us curiosity, knowledge, and a genuine interest in practicing and showcasing softer approaches — liberty, light equipment, and a no-force philosophy. I am always happy to invite other trainers – from both Denmark and abroad – to collaborate with me at events or in other contexts where it makes sense.
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit – in my eyes – one of the very best riders and horse trainers in the world, Christophe Chaussy in France. In my opinion, he is among a very small handful of the absolute top trainers worldwide. His skill is nothing short of extraordinary.
Visiting him at his place in France only confirmed to me how exceptionally talented he truly is. Although he has not previously explored or realised that it is possible to also ride dressage bitless he always had a wish to do so - he just didn't know it was actually possible. He is without doubt a horsemanship star through and through.
Watching him train his horses moved me deeply, and it was immediately clear that, to him, his horses are an essential part of the family. That shines through in every aspect of his work and life.
I couldn’t be more proud — seeing Christophe Chaussy ride in my bitless bridle. And once again it proves to me that if he could make this transition in just one week, then perhaps the transition to riding bitless is easier than many riders might imagine.
During my visit, I gave Christophe a few of my own bitless bridles. He told me that he would train with them the following week, leading up to a major horse show in France the next weekend. His plan was to train bitless all week – and then perform at the show in a bitless bridle.
I was very curious to see how it would turn out, especially considering the number of horses he usually rides at the same time in the arena. But of course, it went beautifully. The following week, Christophe performed his horse show both in a bitless bridle and even with cordeo.
I had sent a photographer to capture clips from the show and to get a comment from Christophe afterwards. Seeing it all come together filled me with nothing but admiration – for his great skill, his horsemanship talent, and the depth of his entire body of work.
We have already agreed to explore exciting ways of working together in the future, and several good ideas are already in motion. You will definitely hear more about this collaboration. I can hardly wait...
If other trainers out there is interested in collaboration, mail me at [email protected].
See clips from Christophe's show in France below. In a bitless bridle and in a cordeo. I am not surprised, but I am impressed!
The future is bitless...
...and I encourage all my students and clients to go bitless. There is really no difference once you try and your horse will most likely appreciate it. We know from various studies that bits can damage the horses teeth, jaws, tongue bone etc.
In all my clinics or camps around the world, I haven't met one rider that wasn't able to ride bitless so after just 1-2 days of training - many never going back to riding with a bit again.
In my webshop you will find bitless bridles of my own design and production, all padded with a memory foam layer on all pressure points. And cordeos in all colors and styles.
My bitless bridles comes in a traditional vegan leather version and a new braided cord version. You'll find my webshop in the top menu above.
See my video about using bidless bridles in general
See my video about riding with a bitless bridle
See my video about riding with a cordeo
The future is bitless...
…and I encourage all my students and clients to go bitless. There is really no difference once you try – and your horse will likely appreciate it. It’s not just a trend — it’s a shift toward greater awareness and connection with our horses.
We now have solid scientific research showing that traditional bits can cause harm to sensitive structures in the horse’s mouth, including the teeth, jaw, tongue, and the delicate hyoid (tongue) bone. In addition, the bit exerts pressure against the hard palate and the underlying cranial bones, which can contribute to microtrauma within the skull itself. Equally important, the bit is in direct contact with the distribution area of the trigeminal nerve.
Repeated irritation of this nerve is believed to play a role in trigeminal neuralgia — the neurological condition underlying most cases of equine “headshaking syndrome.” This syndrome involves neuropathic sensitization of the trigeminal nerve, resulting in chronic pain responses and hypersensitivity in the facial region.
In all my clinics or camps around the world, I haven't met one rider that wasn't able to ride bitless after just 1–2 days of training with my method — most of them never going back to riding with a bit again. Even riders who are hesitant at first are surprised at how natural and intuitive it feels.
In my webshop you will find bitless bridles of my own design and production, all padded with a memory foam layer on all pressure points. And cordeos in all colors and styles. My bitless bridles come in a traditional vegan leather version and a new braided cord version. You can find my webshop in the top menu above.
If you're curious, I invite you to explore — and experience what happens when we listen more and connect better...
See my video about using bidless bridles
See my video about riding with a bitless bridle
See my video about riding with a cordeo
WHC is driven by a vision —
that together, we can create a shift in how we relate to horses
The heart of When Horses Choose is knowing that when horses are free to choose, transformation begins — and there is a sudden shift in their breath, posture, and especially their eyes. At the very center of this transformation is love — a universal energy that every living being recognizes and responds to, creating immediate trust and safety.
At WHC, we also look at all aspects of the horse’s life and well-being — its physical condition, living environment, herd and social needs, turnout opportunities, feeding and daily care. True connection can only grow when the horse’s basic needs for health and welfare are respected.
I teach clinics and courses in Denmark and abroad. I often welcome guests from many other countries in my stables I Denmark - just as I do one-one-one online video trainings with owners and horses all over the world.
Each year, I host youth and teens camps in Denmark and Brazil. The camps are about much more than riding — they also focus on personal leadership, emotional awareness and social intelligence through connecting with horses.
Beyond training, I am engaged in protecting wild horses, especially the American mustangs. I follow and document herds in the US and Brazil. They inspire everything I do.
Whether I’m working with a family horse, a wild stallion, or a young rider, the message is the same: When we listen more and connect better, the horse shows us the way...
Use the top menu to see WHC's current activities in either Denmark or Brazil - in each place we have different events through out the year.
To the right I will share some of my more recent blog posts highlighting key aspects of our work with horses — and why it matters...
Visiting the mustang rescue 'Return to Freedom' in California
Visiting the mustang rescue 'Return to Freedom', where the real horse 'Spirit' resides. Beautiful place where amazing work is done for the Mustangs. Magic experience. I met the foal (now 12 years old)... ...more
Mustang, WIld horses, USA ,Mustangs, Wild horses, USA
August 19, 2025•3 min read
Epic's Story
Epic with her two freeze marks from being captured twice. One on her neck and one on her back. First time she ended up being a brutally abused rodeo horse, next time she ended up in an illegal slaught... ...more
Mustang, WIld horses, USA ,Mustangs, Wild horses, USA
August 19, 2025•2 min read
Visiting Florida Wild Horse Rescue in 2011
DescriptionIn the years leading up to 2011 I was following all the information about the federal round-ups of the mustangs. Many ugly stories and footage from the captures were available online and I ... ...more
Mustang, WIld horses, USA ,Mustangs, Wild horses, USA
August 19, 2025•4 min read
Galaxy - The Mustang with the blue eyes
Galaxy is one of the wild Mustangs captured in one of the federal round-ups in the wild dessert and now (luckily) ended up at the Mustang rescue 'Return Freedom'. He will have good life and freedom fo... ...more
Mustang, WIld horses, USA ,Mustangs, Wild horses, USA
August 19, 2025•2 min read
WHC is driven by a vision — that together, we can create a shift in how we relate to horses
When horses are free to choose, transformation begins — and there is a shift in their breath, posture, and especially their eyes. Tension gives way to trust. Resistance becomes relationship. This is the heart of When Horses Choose.
I teach clinics and courses in Denmark, the US, Brazil — and sometimes in other places like Iceland or China. I often welcome guests from many other countries in my stables I Denmark - just as I do one-one-one online video trainings with owners and horses all over the world.
Each year, I host youth camps in Denmark and Brazil. These are about much more than riding — they also focus on personal leadership and emotional awareness through connecting with horses.
Beyond training, I work to protect wild horses, especially American mustangs. I follow and document herds in the US and Brazil. They inspire everything I do.
Whether I’m working with a family horse, a wild stallion, or a young rider, the message is the same: When we listen more and connect better, the horse shows us the way...
Use the top menu to see WHC's current activities in either Denmark, US or Brazil - in each place we have different events through out the year.
Below I will share some of my more recent blog posts highlighting key aspects of how we work with horses — and why it matters
The heart of When Horses Choose is knowing that when horses are free to choose, transformation begins — and there is a sudden shift in their breath, posture, and especially their eyes. At the very center of this transformation is love — a universal energy that every living being recognizes and responds to, creating immediate trust and safety.
At WHC, we also look at all aspects of the horse’s life and well-being — its physical condition, living environment, herd and social needs, turnout opportunities, feeding and daily care. True connection can only grow when the horse’s basic needs for health and welfare are respected.
I teach clinics and courses in Denmark and abroad. I often welcome guests from many other countries in my stables I Denmark - just as I do one-one-one online video trainings with owners and horses all over the world.
Each year, I host youth and teens camps in Denmark and Brazil. The camps are about much more than riding — they also focus on personal leadership, emotional awareness and social intelligence through connecting with horses.
Beyond training, I am engaged in protecting wild horses, especially the American mustangs. I follow and document herds in the US and Brazil. They inspire everything I do.
Whether I’m working with a family horse, a wild stallion, or a young rider, the message is the same: When we listen more and connect better, the horse shows us the way...
Use the top menu to see WHC's current activities in either Denmark, US or Brazil - in each place we have different events through out the year.
Below I will share some of my more recent blog posts highlighting key aspects of our work with horses — and why it matters...
Visiting the mustang rescue 'Return to Freedom' in California
Visiting the mustang rescue 'Return to Freedom', where the real horse 'Spirit' resides. Beautiful place where amazing work is done for the Mustangs. Magic experience. I met the foal (now 12 years old)... ...more
Mustang, WIld horses, USA ,Mustangs, Wild horses, USA
August 19, 2025•3 min read
Epic's Story
Epic with her two freeze marks from being captured twice. One on her neck and one on her back. First time she ended up being a brutally abused rodeo horse, next time she ended up in an illegal slaught... ...more
Mustang, WIld horses, USA ,Mustangs, Wild horses, USA
August 19, 2025•2 min read
Visiting Florida Wild Horse Rescue in 2011
DescriptionIn the years leading up to 2011 I was following all the information about the federal round-ups of the mustangs. Many ugly stories and footage from the captures were available online and I ... ...more
Mustang, WIld horses, USA ,Mustangs, Wild horses, USA
August 19, 2025•4 min read
Galaxy - The Mustang with the blue eyes
Galaxy is one of the wild Mustangs captured in one of the federal round-ups in the wild dessert and now (luckily) ended up at the Mustang rescue 'Return Freedom'. He will have good life and freedom fo... ...more
Mustang, WIld horses, USA ,Mustangs, Wild horses, USA
August 19, 2025•2 min read
