Inside the Manège
Inside the Manège
Podcast Description
Discover Classical Riding with Inside the Manège, and dive into insights from classical riders, training concepts, and equestrian culture rooted in the art of dressage and classical riding. My name is Maria Cooke and I'm a Zurich‑based, Canadian classical dressage rider and equestrian writer, who began as a hunter/jumper and moved to Europe to learn and practice my passion, classical dressage.Join me as we explore:The details of classical dressage, from biomechanics to self-carriage and balanceBaroque influences such as from the Portuguese and French classical equitation traditionsTraining philosophies from classical masters (like Nuno Oliveira, François Baucher, and Gustav Steinbrecht)Interviews and training principles that explain classical riding for riding today
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast delves into classical dressage, biomechanics, self-carriage, training philosophies from masters such as François Baucher and Nuno Oliveira, and elements of Baroque equitation traditions, with episodes covering influences from the Portuguese equestrian school and practical training applications for modern riders.
Discover Classical Riding with Inside the Manège, and dive into insights from classical riders, training concepts, and equestrian culture rooted in the art of dressage and classical riding. My name is Maria Cooke and I’m a Zurich‑based, Canadian classical dressage rider and equestrian writer, who began as a hunter/jumper and moved to Europe to learn and practice my passion, classical dressage.
Join me as we explore:
- The details of classical dressage, from biomechanics to self-carriage and balance
- Baroque influences such as from the Portuguese and French classical equitation traditions
- Training philosophies from classical masters (like Nuno Oliveira, François Baucher, and Gustav Steinbrecht)
- Interviews and training principles that explain classical riding for riding today
Philippe Karl, renowned rider and teacher of French classical riding, shares his passionate critiques of modern dressage riding, and discusses how we can train according to the nature of the horse, and what differentiates the French classical tradition.
Philippe Karl has been riding and teaching for over 50 years, and was a rider of the famous Cadre Noir in Saumur, France for 13 years. Having started his own school called the School of Lightness, or l’École de Légèreté, he has taught students and instructors around the world. A vocal advocate for kind and logical horse training, he has debated with dressage authorities such as Christoph Hess on the current state of dressage training and suggested making changes for the future of the sport.
In this episode, he shares:
◼️ How some common training techniques do not correspond to the nature of the horse
◼️ Why hyperflexion isn’t healthy and where modern dressage has become distorted
◼️ What defines French classical riding
◼️ How he gets a heavy horse light in the mouth
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
01:14 Defining What Classical Means and the Horse’s Nature
03:11 Is Modern Dressage a Positive Evolution?
06:34 How to Educate a Horse Differently
10:50 The Modern German Influence on the Dressage World
14:59 Changing Misconceptions of Training and Baucherism
25:05 Principles of Baucher and the French Tradition
31:35 The Myth of Uniform Bend Through the Whole Spine
37:24 Why is Riding in a Low and Hyperflexed Position Unhealthy?
44:15 Why Dressage Horses Break Down
50:59 Debating with Christoph Hess and Working the Horse at the Walk or Halt
57:49 What are Flexions and How to Make the Horse Light in the Mouth
1:10:00 Breaking The Learning Process into Small Pieces
1:11:32 What Would You Recommend for Riders Listening?
🐎 Learn more about Philippe Karl’s Work and the School of Lightness:
Website: https://www.philippe-karl.com/
Facebook: https://www.philippe-karl.com/social-media
🎠 Follow Inside the Manège:
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariacequestrian/
Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariacookeequestrian
Website/Blog: https://mariacooke.com/
🔔 Subscribe for more interviews with classical riders
🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.