Philippe Karl mit High Noon –
only flying is more beautiful
Event article on the EdL Day in the Swiss horsemagazine «Passion» 3/2023
At the 4th Open Day of the Ecole de Légèrté (EdL) on June 25 at the Farmersplace Kleindöttingen, it was high noon. «Ethics and dressage – justice and correctness»: according to this principle, French riding Master Philippe Karl has been teaching and training horses in the riding instructor education of the EdL since 2004.
In a sold-out venue, the participants were able to listen to an instructive English theory lecture by Mr. Karl. Due to the slides translated into German, this was well understandable for all. The 76-year-old founder of the EdL showed the logic of his theory with his sympathetic manner and humor. It is based on the teachings of the old masters, but also includes current scientific evidence and studies.
Afterwards, commented, practical presentations showed and explained step by step how every horse, no matter if young or already older, can be trained in a species-appropriate way without coercion and resistance. The full day program included lungeing and handwork, ridden basics with lateral exercises, jumping was also presented. The higher level exercises were led and moderated by Philippe Karl him-self. Master Teacher Bea Borelle took time in the afternoon to answer questions from the audience.
But the great highlight of the day was the possibly last performance of Mr. Karl with his High Noon outside of France. The 10-minute music freestyle showed how he switched with ease from the highest exercises of dressage to jumps over flags and back to dressage exercises – all this in a jumping sa-ddle and the horse ridden on a simple snaffle without noseband.
Despite the almost 30° in the indoor arena, the day was a successful event with deep insights into the work of the Ecole de Légèreté and offered the opportunity to get to know the Swiss EdL teachers per-sonally.
All further information at: www.philippe-karl.com
