Balance
Learn how to educate your horse through thoughtful exercises. As you become a teacher to your horse you will discover a clear language not just a means of control, but a path to mutual understanding and partnership.
Lightness
Discover beauty in the principles of légèreté where lightness, balance and connection define the relationship between horse and rider. Learn to speak a language with your aids-one your horse will understand.
Progressive
Whether you are new to classical methods or seeking a more in-depth way to train, this course offers a progressive path through groundwork and ridden techniques, You'll learn to ride with clarity and build a lasting partnership rooted in trust.
About the course
This course offers a progressive journey through the principles of légèreté (lightness) as taught by Philippe Karls school of légèreté, blending both in-hand and work under saddle to educate the horse and rider in the art of french classical equitation. Focusing on lightness, balance and respectful communication, you will learn how to build a true partnership with your horse from the ground up. Through carefully structured exercises, the course develops your understanding of biomechanics, the aids and the importance of posture, for both you and your horse. From groundwork that refines responsiveness and understanding, to riding techniques that promote self-carriage and suppleness, every element supports the goal of riding with minimal effort and maximum harmony. Rooted in classical ideals but adapted for the modern horse and rider this course empowers you to think independently, and ride and train with clarity. Ideal for all levels of riders and all breeds of horse, this course is your foundation for lightness, precision and hallmarks of true classical riding.
Becky Holden
I've loved horses for as long as i can remember. At 11 years old i began working for Asoka Stud and Kennels-a truly unique place that shaped my path. It was home to an extraordinary mix of breeds; lipizzaners lusitano's, Andalusians, Arabians, Morgans, Friesians and a Welsh pony mascot. There i spent hours observing Sue Rosenthal, the studs trainer whose flair for circus tricks and circus high school opened my eyes to what was possible. I wasn't just a child with one pony-i was in a different world. When Sue retired i stepped in as main trainer and that's when i met Condor a black Lipizzaner stallion who became one of my greatest teachers. Sharp, sensitive and intolerant of confusion, Condor challenged me at every step. He taught me that true communication starts on the ground and initiated me into the art of working the horse in-hand. My love for training extended beyond horses; i also enjoyed competing in dog obedience and was running my own dog training club when i was just 16 years old. This laid the foundation to a life time of teaching. I later moved to Devon to work on Heather Moffett's yard. Heather recognised my skills for in-hand work and gave me the opportunity to teach workshops using her horses. This was the beginning of formally sharing what i had learned-helping riders discover the power of groundwork. Another pivotal teacher was Jen, a strong-minded Irish Sports horse mare who turned everything what i thought i new upside down. Sensitive and easily stressed, she resisted every type of bit i tried i even tried bitless. Nothing felt right-until i discovered the School of Légèreté and the teaching of Philippe Karl. In 2011 i was honoured to be selected as one of the first UK riders on the course. That first year was transformational, especially for Jen. As my hands changed, she changed and she finally felt heard. i began to educate my hands to not only speak but also listen. Ironically she settled into an inexpensive single joint fulmer bit, something i wouldn't have tried before. Though i lost Jen far to young she holds a special place in my heart. She lead me to the School of Légèreté. I continued the course with My horse Espirito, earning my full teaching licence in 2015. Today i'm passionate about helping riders and their horses reach their full potential. This course brings together decades of experience, distilled into practical lessons designed to bring out the best in both you and your horse.
What people are saying
Discover how 'Riding From the Ground Up' is transforming riders.
I first came across Légèreté a couple of years ago but with no local teacher i spent hours researching and watching videos online trying to teach myself. Then i found Becky's online course. What an absolute game changer! The clear structure, detailed explanations, and step-by-step guidance finally gave me the understanding i was missing. I love how Becky explains how to resolve issues which may arise depending on the type of horse you have. My horse and i are now finding softness and balance without confusion and tension. The course has given me direction, clarity and a renewed sense of partnership with my horse. I can not recommend it more highly.
New Zealand
Becky training from the Ground Up online training is simply outstanding. Each lesson clearly explains the theory and demonstrates the exercises including problem solving. The videos are so well thought out and presented. Most importantly I've got a much better understanding of how to help-my horse improve physically and emotionally.
UK
Becky has a remarkable ability to help both horse and rider by simplifying exercises that can often feel complex or overwhelming. Ive experienced countless "aha" moments during the two clinics ive attended with both my horses. Her online instructional videos are delivered with the same clarity and practicality-everything is explained in a way that makes perfect sense without ever feeling complicated. The videos are also produced to a very high standard, clearly reflecting the time, effort and expertise Becky invests in them.
UK
I love the introduction to this course. It has given me so much more understanding and clarity on what we are doing and why this is so different to 'normal' dressage. I have also found it very useful to learn about common mistakes and how to fix them. Im very excited to be on this journey.
Wales UK
I was fortunate to have met Becky seven years ago when we kept our horses on the same yard. I remember watching her ride Espirito and immediately knowing this was different; this was when my love for légèreté began. I faced many issues with my horse, and to be honest, we were an accident waiting to happen before Becky showed us a different path. I find the course to be an invaluable resource, and the video library is very helpful. Although I had regular lessons in the past, we no longer live nearby, so having access to this course and videos feels like the one-to-one lessons we used to have. I didn't realise an online course could also feel so personal. I highly recommend this course!
UK
Curious to learn more?
Sign up now to begin laying the foundations for balance, relaxation and a perfect connection.
£600.00