Reiten mit Philippe Karl

07/06/2026

Ich glaube es gibt kein anderes Tier, das die Kraft hat Dich so vehement, in das Land der Träume zu katapultieren wie das Pferd.
Dort befindest Du Dich dann als Trampolinspringer permanent in Wechsel zwischen Hoffnung und Realität

stets bereit, Dich mit einem Minimum deiner Träume zu begnügen

und daraus eine riesige Freude zuzulassen. (Bea Borelle)

07/06/2026

June 26th-28th is the Légèreté Advanced instructor course, and we have some extra special things for spectators!

One of these is a demonstration on the Friday, with licensed instructor Becky Holden Riding from the ground. UP. This will be a free addition for all spectators.

"In-hand demonstration. For the Sake of the Horse and the Rider"

The benefits of in-hand work for the horse are well documented, but it can be equally valuable for the rider. In this demonstration, Becky will show how working from the ground can improve the rider’s timing, posture, and awareness of the conversation taking place through the hands.

By refining these skills on the ground, riders can develop clearer intentions and more effective communication when planning and riding schooling exercises.

Becky will be working with a student’s Lusitano stallion who has previously found new environments stressful. The horse-focused aspect of the demonstration will explore how in-hand work can help a horse relax, build confidence, and stay connected in unfamiliar situations.

This demonstration will highlight how in-hand work benefits both horse and rider, creating a stronger partnership and a clearer dialogue between them."

Don't forget to get your tickets before June 10th, with a discount for day tickets using code 'earlybirdjune26'. Book all 3 days at an already discounted price.

07/06/2026

07/06/2026

07/06/2026

Was für ein schönes Bild, schon etwas älter, aber ….

Grâce à la force des chevaux, nous avons des rêves

ces rêves mènent à des objectifs

ces objectifs à une passion profonde

à de nombreux moments de bonheur

aux chutes nécessaires qui nous rendent plus forts

pour vivre des rencontres émouvantes.

Tout cela pour une
vie professionnelle épanouissante et sécurisante

avec la grande chance de vivre tout cela au meilleur moment

Cheval
Rêve
Objectif
Passion
Force
Persévérance
Bonheur
meilleur Moment
quel merveilleux metier

Grâce au cheval

11/05/2026

LITTLE TRAINING TIP NO 24.
- STOP HOLDING YOUR HORSE BACK

Finding your horse's natural rhythm is important if you want healthy gymnastic training. Often we hold our horses back aiming to make them 'round' instead of letting them go to express their natural movement to become 'round' through their own good balance and posture.

~ When there is a lot of energy - make use of it (ride forward)
~ When there is too much energy - shape it. (eg. make a circle, use counter bend or shoulder-in to slow the legs )
~ When there is too little energy - forward is the priority. (go straight ahead, take a light seat, give the leg lesson, go bush!)

A free forward trot in a light seat, and with neck extension, (to lengthen stride and seek contact) will cure many 'ailments'.

From this posture you can raise the base of the neck to ask for higher balance or cadence and collection. Transitions within the gaits help refresh and motivate your horse.

Horses were designed to go freely forward, and can get frustrated when they are physically restrained and not allowed to express their natural paces. Forward Impulsion enables collection. But keep it clear for your horse - legs without hands and hands without legs.

As Philippe Karl often says: "Let him do”. Open your fingers, soften your arms, and really go. If you are to convince your horse, you too must be convinced that you really want to go! Too many riders are confusing and dulling their horses, lacking confidence to ease off the reins, holding them back with contradictory aids.

> Impulsion = reactivity to light leg aids
> Without impulsion there can be no equitation.
> You cannot collect what is not first energised.
> You cannot elevate what is not first long.

And for efficient impulsion, the horse’s poll the highest point, and the nose... in front of the vertical, in all positions of the neck.

Collection is the result of a collection of whole body movements, in balance, in lightness, in self-carriage. It has nothing to do with tucking in, pulling in, holding in or restraining the horse’s head. Further, if your horse is blessed with good gaits - don’t stifle them… use them!

Inspiration & illustration : Philippe Karl 🙂

15/04/2026

der perfektion recht nahe

I often see riders constantly ‘doing’, pushing, holding, carrying their horse.

To me, that isn’t a horse in self-carriage. It isn’t lightness. And it’s probably not a horse that feels happy or proud in his movement.

“Let him do” is one of my favourite sayings and one I’ve heard Philippe Karl say on numerous occasions. When everything is going well, do nothing. Take the aids away. Let the horse just do.

It keeps them sensitive, willing, and happy. It gives them a moment to enjoy the feeling of not being asked for anything, of carrying themselves without interference. It becomes a reward. That’s when the horse becomes a joy to watch and the ride starts to feel effortless.

Learning the timing of doing less is key to happy, harmonious riding.

Picture of PK riding piaffe and ‘letting the horse do’ - soft reins and relaxed legs.

02/03/2026

16/02/2026