Philippe Karl, former écuyer of the Cadre Noir in France, created The School of Légèreté (French for lightness) to pass on his experience and philosophy to committed riders and instructors. The School now runs teacher training courses and clinics in over 10 countries.
Because of the world-wide demand for lessons, most courses are now taught by one of Philippe Karl's master teachers, each of whom have many years experience with Philippe Karl in person as well as being established teachers and trainers in their own right. Courses in the UK are taught by master teacher Sylvia Stössel.
The founding principle of the School of Légèreté is absolute respect for horses. This approach avoids any use of forceful riding or coercive gadgets such as side reins, draw reins or tight nosebands.
The School offers understandable and reliable methods of riding and training that work for horses of all breeds and riders at all levels in all equestrian disciplines. By providing a logical and graduated pathway from establishing correct basics up to the most challenging of exercises, it opens the door to haute école for any seriously committed rider, even if you have only a very 'ordinary' horse.
Join us as a spectator or participant in courses and clinics of the School here in the UK and discover how you too can develop a deep relationship of trust and bring out the best in your horse through schooling based on empathy, skill and understanding.
Follow these links for information on:
- UK clinic dates and how to attend as a spectator
- Opportunities to receive a free lesson as a Guest Rider
- Making an application to join a course and become a "Licensed Teacher" of the School
- How to find a Licensed Teacher near you
Further information on the Ecole de Légèreté worldwide can be found on Philippe Karl's own website at www.philippe-karl.com