Philippe Karl's School of Légèreté UK

15/04/2025

Another great testimonial from a guest rider at the most recent advanced teacher training clinic. Thanks to Emma Curwood for coming along with your horse and so enthusiastically giving trying something new. This is what Emma has to say.

"I'’ve ben curious about the Ecole de Légèreté for a while and never thought for a minute when I applied to be a guest rider that the opportunity would come my way.

My lesson was with Liana Upton and we started with a ridden assessment where Liana observed how my Welsh D mare and I worked together. She quickly spotted the issues I was having with Rose preferring to shorten her neck, drop onto her left shoulder and use canter as an evasion to avoid lifting and carrying herself in trot on the left rein.

She then got on Rose to feel what she had seen and work through some exercises to help Rose become lighter and more mobile in her lower jaw, neck and shoulders. It was fascinating for me to see my pony ridden by someone else and how she engaged with Liana and really tried to do what was being asked.

Once back on board, I found Rose less heavy in my hands and starting to lift her shoulders to move her weight off the forehand. Liana showed me how to position my hands to ask for openness and relaxation of the poll and lower jaw. We also worked on neck rein turns to continue mobilising and controlling the shoulders to create lightness.

It was all over too quickly, but was a fantastic experience. It’s given me the start I was looking for to help me train Rose for her physical & mental benefit and longevity. I’ve continued riding using what I learnt and have a happy, willing pony who is now starting to offer me better balance and lightness.
I’m definitely hooked and coming back for more!'

Thanks Enma, we're looking forward to seeing you again!

11/04/2025

Here are some video highlights from the most recent clinic with Sylvia Stossel. Thank you Liana Upton for this video. Our next foundation clinic is from 29th May - 1st June and Sylvia will be back to teach our licensed teachers from 11th -13th July. Head over to the website to book your spectator tickets.

10/04/2025

We are always so grateful to guest riders who bring themselves and their horses along for a lesson at one of the Teacher Training clinics.

Here is some lovey feedback from the recent clinic with Sylvia Stossel and the Advanced teachers. Thank you to Sarah Vousden for being so open to learning.

'I had the privilege of attending one of Philippe Karl's school of Légèreté teacher training clinics as a guest Rider for a lesson with one of their advanced teachers, Catherine Marshall - and the experience was truly eye opening.

In just one session, I felt a remarkable difference in my horse, Paddy. His movement became noticeably freer and lighter.
The lesson challenge me to rethink the traditional training methods we often take for granted, especially when it comes to starting and developing horses. It's clear that this approach requires time, patience and a deep understanding to apply effectively, but the potential benefits are undeniable.

This experience has left me eager to learn more so that I can implement these principles in a more educated and thoughtful way. I'm looking forward to further study and practice, allowing my horses to proflgress at their own pace rather than rushing for an outcome.

Thank you to the team at the school of Légèreté for welcoming me to the clinic and providing an inspiring and insightful introduction to this approach.'

Thank so much for joining us Sarah!

If you would like to be put on the waiting list for the upcoming Foundation or Advanced teacher training please do contact us on [email protected]

06/04/2025

We are delighted to welcome a new instructor to the U.K Légèreté teacher program - Karen Forsyth.

Here is a little bit about Karen and her life with horses."

I always had a passion for horses from a very young age. A friend at primary school took me to the local riding school and I was hooked! I decided I was going to work with horses and at 16 I started as a working pupil in a riding school.

I have worked with horses in many different settings, competed eventing, point-point, WE and dressage. I eventually gained my BHSI in my late twenties and started doing a lot more teaching. I really began to enjoy training people.

I had heard of Philippe Karl but was unaware of Légèreté until last year when it appeared on my FB. I read the post and took myself off to spectate with an open mind. I had always wanted to train in a French Classical system and when I saw Légèreté was such a clear system to both horse and rider I went home and tried some of it out on my horses, I was then convinced.

No stressed out horses!

I applied to become a trainee teacher and when I heard I had been accepted I felt very privileged. I hope to be able to deliver a clear concise system to both horse and rider with empathy.

I have 2 horses. Tenaz 8 yr old pre who I have owned since a 4yr old and Faffa a 15 yr old Lusitano owned since he was a 6 yr old. Both horses were on the GB WE squad until it disbanded and Tenaz was Novice champion in 2023. Faffa has competed to Int 1 dressage.

I have now found my passion - Légèreté'

If you would like to see Karen in action she will be joining the Advanced teacher training group with Sylvia Stössel this July.

03/04/2025

Thank you so much to everyone who joined us at last weekends Advanced Instructor teaching training with Master teacher Sylvia Stössel.

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As always, Sylvia was on top form, helping all partnerships with her incredible teaching abilities. Sylvia's depth of knowledge and her passion to teach is outstanding! Her dedication to the school gives us a buzzy feeling and we never want the clinics to end!

There were lots of new exercises, patterns and cool ideas in all of the lessons.

This time there were some open rider places, filled by students of the Advanced teachers. I think I can can speak for them when I say they thoroughly enjoyed the experience of having lessons with Sylvia.

Thank you to our wonderful hosts Naturally Light Equitation. You can join the next Advanced Instructor training, July 11-13th.,

Post by clinic organiser and licensed instuctor Josh Daly.

27/03/2025

A very rare thing has happened and a rider space with Master Légèreté teacher Sylvia Stossel has suddenly become available for this weekend's clinic.

Sylvia is an extraordinary teacher, with a huge breadth and depth of knowledge about horses, and training in the French school. She has taken horses from the very beginning of their ridden life, all the way to the highest levels. She has also taught hundreds of riders and is renowned for her compassionate, clear approach.

She understands the principles of Légèreté in amazing detail, having spent two decades training directly with Philippe Karl. This sits alongside many years of training in Portugal with other masters of the French school.

This slot is open to any partnership with basic ridden work established (ideally all 3 gaits) and if you are interested in learning more about the application of Légèreté from a teacher of extraordinary quality.

Please contact Josh Daly for further details. You will need to get yourself and your horse to Naturally Light Equitation from the 28th -30th (this weekend!)

Email - [email protected]

19/03/2025

This week Josh Daly is writing about why we place such importance on continual 'practice of teaching' in this school and what you can expect if you come to watch one of the instructor training clinics.

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'The School of Légèreté and their guest riders.

At each clinic we invite riders and their horses - with either little or no experience of Philippe Karl's School of Légèreté - for a lesson. The lesson is given by one of the School of Légèreté's trainee or licensed instructors, under the watchful eye of their master teacher. This is an extremely useful way of learning. It teaches us all to be better.

The lessons are broken down into three parts. First the instructor evaluates the partnership; we watch the rider and their horse and see what they already do, asking them to walk, trot and canter on both reins. This allows us to check many things - such as the symmetry of the horse and rider, the riders balance, the horse’s balance and does the horse have more go or more whoa.

Secondly, we get on the horse and have a feel for ourselves of what we think we need to work on in the session to make the most difference. We usually have a good idea of what is needed from watching the horse and rider in the first section of the lesson, but sometimes what we feel when we ride the horses can be different to those first impressions.



Thirdly, having assessed what would be most beneficial for the horse and rider , we teach the rider how to do what we have been doing - so they can continue that work when they get home.

This approach to training is 'for' the horse, rather than 'to' the horse. The Légèreté system is very consistent for the horse so they understand it easily. Guest riders feel the difference in that first session. They see their horse enjoying the work, becoming lighter and with better balance. Of course there are limits to what we can achieve in one lesson, but there are School of Légèreté instructors throughout the country if the rider wishes to continue down the Légèreté path.



Teaching an unknown student is part of the School of Légèreté exam process and once licenced, instructors have to teach in front of their master instructor at least once a year as part of the continuing professional development to ensure the principles of the School are maintained.'

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If you would like to come along to the next Teacher Training clinic and see this process for yourself, you can buy tickets here

https://legerete.co.uk/index.php/uk-clinics-and-tickets/

15/03/2025

15/03/2025

Shoulder-In, you don't begin at the end.

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In the Ecole de Légèreté we teach shoulder-in relatively early in a horse’s education. It is a useful, interesting and important (vital?) thing for many horses, and we don’t need to wait until they are being ridden at a higher level to introduce it. It can be something to teach a young horse before they are even ridden. And once we are on board, it may be that introducing it sooner rather than later is truly in the horse’s favour.

There are many historical and current proponents of the benefits of shoulder-in, with in-depth descriptions of how it should be executed, and with what purpose. In the second part of these posts, I will discuss this from the perspective of the Ecole de Légèreté.

However, one of the reasons riders baulk at the thought of introducing it is that it can:

a) Be seen as the domain of ‘dressage’ riders and;
b) Not something my horses understands - so where do we even begin?

Often, (and I have experienced this previously under other classical instructors) we are told to just ‘ride shoulder-in’; even when our horses doesn’t understand the aids, and neither do we. We may be able to manhandle a horse into something which looks a little like a shoulder-in, but with no idea of that what and the why.

Because, the shoulder-in we begin with is not the shoulder-in which we end up with. And one of the challenges faced by non-professionals is reading books or watching riders executing shoulder-in on what might be called a more ‘finished horse’. One who knows a great deal, is physically capable, and understands very light aids. Whereas, when we first start checking out whether our horse understands the aids for shoulder-in, it may feel messy and clunky. We may be expecting the horse the horse to offer things we have read about - greater balance and lifting of the thoracic sling, improved holding and engaging on respective hind legs, a greater suppleness and connected feeling between us. And when this doesn’t happen, a rider may give up - assuming that they’re doing the wrong thing.

Whereas, this is all normal and the beginning of the progression – you are both in the very early learning phase. This is just the first rung in the ladder. It’s where we work with a broad brush, using the independent aids we have taught the horse previously (in simple situations) and starting to combine them in this first lateral exercise. This is not the place for ‘fine pen detail’ but instead,‘That’s good enough, it’s in the right direction’. And we also use it as an opportunity to learn more about our horse - what do they understand well already in terms of the basic aids? Where are some miscommunications or holes in their education, which the initial attempts at shoulder-in reveal? What do they find physically easy and what is trickier, and how can this guide our next steps?

We may discover that our horse doesn’t fully understand how to mobilise their shoulders laterally, so we return to exercises which teach a horse how to keep their shoulders in the corridor of the reins. We may see this exercise reveal how your horse likes to overload their shoulders, so have to combine it with a Demi arret, or move in and out of neck rein turns.

It makes sense to begin with counter shoulder-in, where the wall does a lot of the work in terms of balancing your horse and guiding them sideways. Over time you will utilise this exercise in its own right - according to the needs of your horse - but initially it makes it easy to 'show your horse the way'.

It is possible to educate a horse in-hand in all elements of the shoulder-in family, in order your horse gains the gymnastic benefit even if it cannot be executed under saddle yet. Initially we teach it with a more lateral effect, and then over time with a more diagonal one.

Most of us don’t ‘start with a finished’ horse; and our first attempts at shoulder-in may feel less elegant and more functional. However, with a logical, ethical approach to horse training you can ‘teach’ your horse the aids in order that the movement itself makes sense at a cognitive level. And over time the physical benefits and elegant beauty will reveal itself to you both.

All photos are of partnerships learning, they are not showing a polished or finished shoulder-in. But it is in the learning that we really make knowledge our own; it is not to be denigrated or looked down on.

By Kate Sandel.

07/03/2025

Activity and Impulsion
By Catherine Marshall - Master Teacher

When starting out on this journey many years ago one of the things which struck me most was how forward we were expected to ride the trot. “More forward – in his best trot”. It was clear that classical riding with Philippe Karl was definitely not going to compromise on activity! Reflecting on it now, it is of course an essential component of lengthening, ‘decontracting’ to the point where horses start to naturally offer neck extension
It is useful to talk a little about these two terms, activity and impulsion, as they are often used interchangeably.
Impulsion can be described as the ‘desire to go forward’ or as
‘reactivity’ to the rider’s leg. ACTIVITY is the energy required by a
horse to complete a specific movement to the best of its ability. A
horse could have the same level of activity in a good collected trot or canter, for example, as he could in a magnificent extended trot. The ability to move effortlessly from a collected trot to an extended trot requires IMPULSION.

Horses lacking impulsion could be said to be ‘behind the leg’. They
are not moving freely forward but require frequent or constant leg or whip aids in order to maintain the same level of activity. There are many good reasons for horses not to respond to the leg. Some are physical: maybe the saddle doesn’t fit- it slips or pinches, maybe movement causes foot pain, maybe there is soft tissue damage somewhere or arthritic changes are causing discomfort.
Some are behavioural. Perhaps at one time the horse has been
ridden into an uncomfortable contact or by a nervous rider who held tight and just never let him go forward.

The problem is, if we don’t insist on good activity, the horse starts to offer less and less. His gaits start to lose their fluidity and cadence. He benefits less from propulsion generated in the hind limbs and tows more with the front ones. The muscles of the shoulders start to tighten under the increased workload. The strides become shorter as the range of movement decreases and his natural tendency to push more strongly with one hind leg becomes more predominant.

Here begins the vicious cycle that I see so often; the horse starts to look unlevel, feels increasingly unbalanced (particularly on a circle) and is less and less inclined to go forward because movement feels uncomfortable.

As a trainer of the School of Légèrete, when faced with a new
combination I feel it is my responsibility to offer the horse the best
chance possible of him moving efficiently under saddle. Often this
requires ‘opening him up’ by sending the horse forward, and this
applies particularly to the trot. To help understand why, here are
some words by La Gueriniere describing the use of the trot in
training:

“The horse’s body is equally supported on two legs, one in front and one behind; this ensures that the other two legs, which are off the ground, may be easily elevated, sustained and extended forward, thereby resulting in an initial degree of suppleness throughout the body.”

With this in mind we doing the horse an injustice if we accept a trot
that is not ample enough to have such suppling effects.
Sending a horse forward in good balance can miraculously stop
horses tripping for example. As the stride length increases the hind
limbs show increased engagement (and disengagement, of course) while the front legs extend fully to the end of the natural range of motion. In turn (my interpretation) the front foot lands more confidently, the toe being less inclined to touch the ground
unintentionally, buckling the knee.

Sometimes a lesson of the leg is required, sometimes it is enough to remove opposing aids, and often I have to persuade the rider that the horse has more to offer- that he will actually feel more balanced in a bigger trot. Often horses who appear stiff and unlevel can transform as a result of being ridden with good activity.

It is truly a joy to watch this happening, as if they are breaking free from shackles. If on the other hand a horse has some pathology, sending him forward will probably make the lameness more obvious. At this point, there are difficult but necessary decisions to be made by the rider in terms of treatment.

04/03/2025

Would you like a FREE lesson with one of the Advanced Légèreté Instructors at the March Teacher Training clinic?

This is a great way to get an introduction to, or further guidance in, the principles and practice of the Ecole de Légèreté. And you get the oversight of not one, but two teachers, one of whom is Master Teacher Sylvia Stössel!

This FREE lesson is available to anyone who is keen to know more about this work. Your horse will need to be aged over 5, without significant behavioral or physical challenges (Légèreté can of course be of great use to such horses, but this is not the most suitable way to get input for those kind of issues). Along with the free lesson, you also get 2 free days of auditing the clinic, and one or two nights free livery depending on where you live.

You will need to get your horse to Naturally Light Equitation which is near Daventry, on one of the clinic dates (28th- 30th March)

If you would like to know more please complete this form https://legerete.co.uk/index.php/uk-clinics-and-tickets/apply-to-be-a-guest-rider/

26/02/2025

Will you be going? Watch Philippe Karl riding High Noon with an international team of Legerete riders.
Get your ticket now..

Grab your ticket for the International Open Day now! More information: https://www.philippe-karl.com/international-open-day

26/02/2025

Our final student story for now; thank you so much to everyone who has contributed. We hope to see some of you spectating at the upcoming Légèreté Advanced Teacher Training this March.

Wendy Avery shares with us her Légèreté journey.

"I grew up with horses and have been riding for over 40 years, mainly hacking and schooling. I used to do the odd local dressage, xc and showjumping at very low level. My previous horse suffered a hock fracture and subsequent kissing spines, and my focus moved from simply "riding" to rehabilitation and wellbeing. During this time I bought 3 year old Spider, and more recently offered a home to 16 year old Henry who had enjoyed life mostly as a companion after being diagnosed with coffin joint arthritis age 7.

My friend had told me about Philippe Karl years ago, then arranged for Catherine Marshall to run a demo and clinic at my neighbouring livery yard. I really just went along to watch and support something right on my doorstep!

My eyes, ears, jaw and mind opened as I realised that this was the breathe of fresh air that I'd been looking for for years! Horses and riders observed and assessed together, and then horses separately before starting to teach. Logical methodology learned from the ground first. No nonsensical, worn out buzzwords and phrases. Horses allowed to think and give feedback. Happy horses beautifully and elegantly ridden. There was one slot available in the afternoon, so I ran home to get my horse out of the field!

When I began lessons, my main concern was that we weren't "posh enough" for such a high quality instructor and my challenge was to let go of everything that had been drummed into us for years (and had caused so many issues). What I learned was clear and consistent information given to students and horses that actually make sense. No conflicting and confusing aids.

And I began to see things really change for my horse. After years of getting progressively worse, Spider stopped tripping within weeks of starting lessons. His weak and wobbly quarters began to stabilise and strengthen. When my vet visited she walked straight to his quarters and said "Oh my goodness! Muscles!!"

Everything kept getting clearer and easier.

Spider is now stronger at 19 than he was at 10. He had been predicted to be retired to field by 12 before we found Légèreté. I've also brought retired Henry back into light hacking and schooling and he is so much fitter and balanced now. As Légèreté is taught in-hand as well as ridden, we have much more flexibility with our schooling which is especially useful when Henry needs a break from being ridden or I don't have much time and want to school without tacking up.

I think if my horses could talk they would say, 'Thank you for believing in us and for believing that there was a better way. Thank you for loving us and for loving Légèreté. We love dancing!'"

Thank you so much Wendy for taking the time to do this.

25/02/2025

Another share from an enthusiastic student of Légèreté. Don't forget, if you want to want to learn more, you can watch Master Teacher Sylvia Stossel teaching the Advanced students Naturally Light Equitation 28th - 30th March.

In the meantime, let's hear from Sophie Phillips about her life with Jesse.

⁠"I’m lucky to have a horsey mum so I started riding quite young. I think I was about 8 when I got my first pony. I had some lovely ponies as a child and enjoyed all the normal pony club activities. When I was 19 I got a gorgeous Anglo Arab who was injury plagued but very talented at dressage and sparked my interest in dressage.

I first heard about f Légèreté in 2016 - I had a lovely young warmblood, Jesse. I bought him unbacked and I wanted to bring him on in a sympathetic way without pulling his head in. I was so aware he was a pretty much blank canvas and I really wanted to do a good job with him.
So I was desperately searching for an instructor who could help me and I came across a lady near me who changed my way of riding forever. She had trained a little with Philippe Karl and some other famous classical trainers.

Initially I wasn’t drawn to the school itself - I just had a feeling I needed something different. This trainer was local to us and she offered this approach. However the more I learnt the more I loved it.

I did find it very challenging at first. The first lesson this instructor (who is lovely but very direct) told me I shouldn’t even be riding my horse. To hear this was a shock, Jesse was green but not doing anything he shouldn’t. It was totally new concept for me doing groundwork with him, thinking about his balance and understanding the different approach was tricky.

After the first lesson Mum and I chatted and we decided that I either fully embraced this different approach and went with what she advised, or just not bother at all. Thankfully, I decided to give it a try even if it felt odd and all my fellow livery yard friends thought I was mad! I’m so glad I decided to go with it - it’s made me by far a better horse person, I think Jesse is pleased too!

Early on I learnt so much about ground work, about using my hands and the bit in a different way, and I remember being encouraged to give breaks on a long rein at halt. There was a lot to learn! In the early days I wrote a diary after my lessons which was really useful, it made me reflect on what I had done, and it was useful to refer back to as well.

I can’t remember exactly when things changed, but I began to get the odd glimpse of Jesse’s natural athletic ability being unlocked. I could feel his lightness and balance improving. I enjoyed the variety of exercises we did and so did Jesse, no more endless circles!

After a few years of lessons with my local instructor she sadly moved away and I tried to carry on but I found it hard to do it by myself. I got a few books including 'The Twisted Truths' but it was nothing like having an instructor there.
Then in 2020 I came across Kate Sandel, she was due to run a clinic near us - I was so excited. Someone who could help me! Then Covid struck and the clinic was cancelled but Kate started the Soft and Sound group and I jumped at the chance to join and have been a member ever since. I found it invaluable to helping me and Jesse. I was also lucky enough to do a few clinics with Kate and I found my understanding really grow. I was getting better at applying the principles myself.

Now I’m lucky to have very regular lessons with - Liana Upton , who is incredible. Between her and Kate they have helped me hugely. Jesse is now 13 and is a wonderful riding horse, he has taught me so much but we still have lots to improve on. I absolutely love the way the Legerete way helps any horse or pony at whatever level use their body in a more beneficial way. "

Thank you so much Sophie. Photos show lessons with Liana Upton.

22/02/2025

Another student story of a rider inspired by Légèreté. Maybe you recognize yourself or your horse here. Thank you to Karen Butt for telling us about her and her horse.

"As a teenager and into my early twenties, I enjoyed riding with the local Pony Club and Riding Club, taking part in show jumping, cross-country, hunting and a bit of dressage. I then had a long break from riding, returning just before my 50th birthday!

This time I had a young horse, Elle, a North American Curly, who had been started by Ken Faulkner and his Australian Horsemanship training methods. I enjoyed learning these techniques and as a result I found I had a horse who was versatile, calm and responsive. I've enjoyed many years with her, mostly competing in TREC which involves ridden orienteering and skills tests.

After 10 years together I was still happily riding in a rope halter, however we had one big problem. We could canter anywhere in a straight line but cantering in an arena, circle, figure of eight or asking for left lead showed we had a hole in our training! I was also very reluctant to ride in a bit, afraid of what my hands might do.

Lucky for me, Ecole de Légèreté teacher Nikki Stephens lives very close and I began lessons to address both these issues. I didn't need to worry, from the start learning the flexions and neck extension, taught both my horse and myself the correct use of the bit and my hands. I loved the clear progression that was presented in a way that enabled both Elle and myself to understand what was being asked of us, with so many ways to achieve it. The understanding of the horse's body, psychology and emotions means that Elle's needs are always center of our sessions.

We are now working on lateral movements, poll flexion and towards collection and I'm loving learning movements that I never rode when younger. Elle has visibly changed shape and balance and my riding has improved beyond anything I could have imagined. I'm delighted to say our canter is now a joy and improving all the time. The feeling of lightness makes riding in the bit a subtle way to communicate and nothing to be afraid of!

My aim is simply to see how far we can go. I love that each week we learn more and enjoy more, long may that continue. My huge thanks to Nikki and the Légèreté community who are so encouraging and so willing to share their knowledge and love of all horses."

Thanks so much Karen and Ellie!