Classical Riding
Ethical Dressage ~ Légèreté ~ Lightness
Harmonious Equitation
Here you’ll find a path to equitation that honours harmony and clarity. If you’re looking for a trustworthy connection with your horse, or to create lightness and ease, I would love to meet you.
Are you someone who believes in training with care and respect for your horse’s nature and biomechanics? Perhaps you’re looking for a supportive and holistic coach who shares your values of creating a willing happy partnership?
Horses are sentient beings, eager to engage and collaborate in trust and consent. Many riders today are frustrated and saddened by forceful methods that prioritise submission over welfare, and they are looking for a more thoughtful and kind approach.
If you are exploring or following a journey of growth founded on ethics and education, and one that celebrates collaboration – I invite you to join me, to explore dressage in lightness together, with kindness.
School of Légèreté
LÉGÈRETÉ – Lightness
Susie Walker is a Licenced Level 1 Teacher in the School of Lightness (École de Légèreté) studying under the guidance of Philippe Karl, former Ecuyer of Cadre Noir Riding School Saumur. Légèreté embodies a logical and ethical approach, rooted in a deep understanding of equine nature.
At its core, Légèreté champions a philosophy of ease, considering the horse’s psychology, ethology, anatomy, locomotion, and biomechanics. Légèreté celebrates the unique essence of each horse, developing their natural abilities in a harmonious relationship. The success and lightness available through Légèreté is always revealed by the positive responses the horses give back.
The Ecole de Légèreté is growing rapidly and offers training courses in 10 countries. Teachers can become licensed to teach the philosophy of Légèreté in Philippe Karl’s name only after several years of intensive training and passing stringent practical and theoretical exams.
Philippe Karl is a brilliant and inspirational teacher with a tireless enthusiasm for horses. He is engaging, witty, precise, and efficient, with no shortage of creative ‘horse-friendly’ solutions from a deep thorough knowledge. He is a living Master, and I am honoured to be part of this school.
For information about Philippe Karl and the School of Lightness – Ecole de Légèreté – see: www.philippe-karl.com
Transformational Teaching & Learning
With over 40 years experience teaching riders and horses, and a strong curiosity for the nature of horses, I work to create a peaceful positive learning environment where you can explore the power of listening to your horse. I give lessons, clinics and workshops from home, and travel for regional and interstate clinics. Online lessons, short courses, educational webinars and coaching programs are also available.
Firmly rooted in the principles of École de Légèreté, my approach fosters relaxation, balance and expression from clear communication. With step-by-step guidance, you can also experience this transformative journey.
Every moment with horses is an opportunity for intimate connection. I encourage riders to embrace an open mind and a sense of curiosity, for it is through change and empathy that harmony is achieved. Knowledge is the pathway to peace and freedom. To get different, you need to think different, and be willing to do different – to change how you react, attract, connect and inspire a horse. The sooner you find a way to connect with a horse, the sooner they will do the same. Horses have much to give and to teach us, especially the difficult ones who seem to find us, just in time.
This is not at all about ‘one size fits all’ or that the horse must do this or that. More often, it depends. It depends how you read each moment – what you see, how you interpret a physical and emotional state, character, age, experience, and the conditions on the day. This will determine how you ask the questions, and the answers you can expect.
“The horse owes us nothing, we are the ones who have responsibility to understand the horse”
~ Philippe Karl
Testimonials
“Thank you for another great lesson today. I always walk away feeling so happy and like we have something achievable to work on. I really appreciate it ❤️
I truly love working with you, especially because I can see how good it is for Ringo but also because I get so much joy from learning from you. You make it feel like the 3 of us are all working together in partnership and I walk away feeling like we have come so far, instead of feeling like we have so much further to go. I’m so grateful that I get to learn from you. You have a wonderful way with horses Susie. I wish I could have met you 20 years ago and started learning from you back then”
~ Natalie
“Susie, I just want to let you know that I love the way you don’t fuss and get excited when my horse mucks up, but calmly give me moves to make. You are always supportive and positive and notice when I do something well. You have a good eye to focus on the most important thing, and you know your stuff – with many strategies to get results. I like how your positive feedback is the kind that makes me work harder. Its clear you enjoy learning and sharing what you know. But the main thing is that you are knowledgeable and generous”.
~ Love and hugs, Peta
Classical Riding & Dressage - Susie Walker 