Philippe Karl's School of Légèreté

Philippe Karl, classical rider, trainer and author of ’The Twisted Truths of Modern Dressage’, is one of the most highly respected guardians of lightness in the modern equestrian world. For 13 years an elite Ecuyer of the prestigious French classical school Le Cadre Noir de Saumur, he has dedicated his life to working with horses. During his time at Saumur, Philippe created two historical shows that included presentations on long reins in both jumping and high school and was part of the gala shows of the Cadre Noir touring in France and Europe until he left in 1998 to give his own clinics around the world. In 2004, Philippe founded ’L’école de Légèreté’ (The School of Lightness) in order to pass on his philosophy to committed and qualified riding teachers.

We are delighted to announce that Philippe is now accepting applications from prospective riders and auditors for a new School of Légèreté course based here with us at The Holistic Equitation Centre. On this page, you will find all the relevant information including instructions for applications for this new course, expected to start in mid 2011 (application deadline: 31 August 2010).

General information

The basic training course to become a riding instructor of The School of Légèreté lasts three years and comprises three four-day clinics per year. The final exam will be held during the tenth clinic at the beginning of the fourth year. Rider students, who will already be at least part-time instructors, attend each clinic with their own horses.

Riders must commit themselves for the whole programme (three clinics per year over three years) and Philippe strongly recommends that each rider works continuously with one of their horses over the whole duration of the course, in order to judge their progress in the best possible way.

Auditors who would like to follow the intensive three-year teachers' course from the basics all the way to the High School must also commit themselves for the whole three years. There is no requirement to be an instructor if you wish to attend as an auditor.

Auditors who wish to watch Philippe Karl at a single clinic may do so during an advanced training course of the licensed riding instructors of the School of Légèreté. At present these advanced clinics are held in mainland Europe. Information in English on possibilities for visiting the clinic in Fintel (near Hannover, Germany) is available here

Programme

Lessons will be given in English

• Individual dressage training
• Work in-hand, on the lunge and on long reins
• Jumping
• Quadrille
• Theory
• Teacher training
• Final Exam

Final exam

Students will be judged on their theoretical knowledge, the training level reached by their horses and their teaching competence.

Successful students will receive a certificate as "Riding Instructor of the School of Légèreté", which will allow them to officially teach this riding philosophy in the name of Philippe Karl. As this training concept is legally protected by patent against plagiarism, distortions or arbitrary, unauthorised use, no one may reference the School of Légèreté or the lessons of Philippe Karl without having received the corresponding certificate.

Please note that the certificate may be withdrawn on grounds of violations of the ethical principles of the School of Légèreté

More detailed information on the requirements for the final exam and the five obtainable levels can be found here.

Applications for the course starting in 2011

NB: The application deadline is 31 Aug 2010

Please email us to register your interest in following the teachers' course as an auditor.

To apply to participate as a rider on the teachers' course of the School of Légèreté, please email us to let us know of your interest and then send your application documents directly to Philippe Karl at the following address:

Philippe Karl
Hameau Le Mallein
Rue du Vieux Moulin
F - 38630 Corbelin
France

The names of the selected riders will be published both here and on Philippe Karl’s website.

Application documents:

(Please note: exclusively in English or French!)

• Curriculum Vitae including a passport photograph
• Letter explaining your motivation
• Completed questionnaire on your teaching experience (see below)
• DVD showing your work with your horses and demonstrating your riding skills.
• Please indicate clearly that you are applying for the course to be held in England

Please note that one of the conditions for a successful application is that you should already have some experience in teaching, even if only part-time. Please describe your teaching experience in detail by including your answers to the following questions:

• Are you a riding teacher? Since when?
• Do you give lessons regularly?
• How many riding students do you have per week? Per month?
• Are you teaching in a riding club? If yes, in which one?
• Are you salaried? Self-employed?
• Do you give clinics? If yes, where?
• Do you have owners' horses to ride?
• Do you train horses?
• Do you take riding lessons yourself? If yes, with whom? How often?

Ideally, you should have several horses at your disposal, in case one of them falls ill.

With the signature of the training contract, you commit yourself to following the teachers' course for the whole of its duration (i.e. three years).

Advanced training courses

Licensed instructors of the School of Légèreté can improve their knowledge beyond the basic training by participating in advanced training courses. These courses are currently held in mainland Europe and take place as three-day clinics, three times a year. We envisage holding these clinics in the UK from 2013.

While auditors on the three-year teachers' course have to commit themselves for the whole three years, just like the riders, advanced training courses for licensed instructors are open to auditors at any time.

Clinic fees

Riders and auditors must commit themselves for the whole duration of the course (three years, 10 clinics).

Riders: € 600 per 4-day clinic

Listeners: € 250 per 4-day clinic

NB: This is Philippe Karl’s fee for teaching and does not include accommodation for horses or riders. Please contact us for further details

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