Whitesands Equestrian

Whitesands Equestrian

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Classical livery and training yard run by a licensed Philippe Karl Legerete instructor. Bring your horse for a holiday, clinic or individual lesson.

Catherine qualified as an instructor of Ecole de Legerete in Sept 2014. Whitesands is the only venue in Scotland where people can come to learn the technique on their own horses. Whitesands takes liveries, holds clinics and teaches people individually. Legerete is an ethical, classical training method developed by Philippe Karl, ex ecuyer of the Cadre Noir.

20/08/2026

The first Légèreté instructor course to take place in Scotland is not far away!

Auditor and spectator places are available but will be limited.

If you would like to audit, you must attend 9 out of the 10 clinics which make up the 3 year course. Following this you will receive an auditor certificate. Cost is £120 per clinic.

Spectator tickets are available for each clinic, at a cost of £120 for 3 days. Spectators may come to as many or few courses as they like.

What to expect: Each day consists of 5 individual lessons with master teacher Catherine Marshall, followed by a theory lecture or pedagogical sessions. As the course progresses, students will undertake theory exams, pedagogy exams and a ridden presentation in front of spectators.

Whitesands is very accessible from north and south, sitting less than a mile off the A1. Dunbar, just over a mile away from the yard, is a beautiful coastal town, and hosts plenty of hotels, B and Bs and cafes/ restaurants.

Whitesands is an outdoor venue but has a covered viewing area which we can keep warm with heaters and heated blankets. There is an indoor classroom area with tea and coffee but please bring your lunch with you.

If you would like to join us as a spectator/auditor you are very welcome, please contact Catherine directly at [email protected]

18/07/2026
18/07/2026

A good walk.

Flo has always felt heavy in the hand- constant trying to lower the poll and lean on the bit.

This was not fun for either of us and made her strides very short and choppy.

How to deal with this situation?

Prioritise the balance. The gift of the high position is the unburdening of the shoulders. It also encourages mobilisation of the lower jaw.

When the withers and shoulders lift,lightness happens. Without it, a heavy horse will always be heavy; they just never develop the musculature and posture needed to become light.

HOWEVER if we work solely like this, horses lose momentum, and can become a bit short and ‘stuffy’.

By alternating a high position with bend and frequent neck extension for length and momentum , one day you will pick up the reins and your horse will feel light and mobile.

It does not happen overnight. (Well rarely).

Today was the day I picked up the reins and without asking anything much, the walk just flowed. Half tight reins with no leaning and no dropping the poll.

Things that look easy rarely are.

You gotta love Légèreté.

Philippe Karl's School of Légèreté UK

17/07/2026

Philippe Karl's School of Légèreté UK

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Dunbar
EH421RU