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Lessons and Clinics

As a licensed teacher of the École de Légèreté, Liana combines the principles of this classical French training method with a deep passion for rider biomechanics and ethical horsemanship.

 

About the École de Légèreté

 

“The philosophy of Légèreté rejects all use of force and coercive or artificial aids—such as side reins, draw reins, and overly tight nosebands. It is inclusive of all horse breeds and supports riders from every discipline. This approach offers a clear, structured, and respectful training system that honors the nature of the horse. With dedication, any motivated rider can access high school equitation—even with an ‘ordinary’ horse.”

What to Expect in a Lesson or Clinic

 

Each session is tailored to the specific needs of the horse and rider, and may include:

  • In-hand work
  • Lunging
  • Ridden work
  • Rider biomechanics coaching (focusing on alignment, balance, and feel)

 

Book a Lesson or Clinic

Private Lessons
Held at Ravenroyd in West Yorkshire, in our spacious 40m x 30m arena.
To book, email: hello@sitwellmethod.co.uk

Clinics at Your Venue
If you’re interested in hosting a clinic at another location, please get in touch. Clinics can be structured to suit your group and venue.

What a Clinic Includes

  • One-on-one private lessons covering in-hand work, riding, and rider biomechanics
  • A strong focus on relaxation, posture, and balance in both horse and rider—building healthy movement and long-term soundness

Additional optional components (venue-dependent):

  • Rider Posture & Movement Class (30 minutes)
    A lunchtime session open to all riders and spectators—off-the-horse exercises for body awareness and alignment
  • Theory & Q&A Session
    An essential part of each clinic, offering riders the chance to dive deeper into the principles of the École de Légèreté

Short Training Stays at Ravenroyd

I have two stables in our amazing old barn available for guests, which was originally built in 1650 so it really is a rather special place to bring your horse for a few days of focused training and relaxation.
We can tailor your lessons around whatever you and your horse need, whether that’s:
In-hand work
Groundwork
Lunging
Ridden lessons
Or a combination of all of the above
And when you’re not training, there are lots of gorgeous off-road hacks to explore and enjoy either ridden or on foot.
Here’s what Tracey had to say about her stay with Snoopy:
“I’ve spent much of my riding and coaching life doing my best to learn more about how to develop a horse’s way of going in a logical, ethical manner. I felt like I knew what I wanted, but couldn’t find the language or the right sequencing to make it happen. Then, through a client, I met Liana Upton and that all changed. She introduced me to L’ècole de Légèreté, French classical dressage.
This isn’t a review about the School itself, but about a training stay we did with Liana at Ravenroyd.
Ravenroyd is a stunning venue and we were made to feel very welcome as soon as we arrived. The stabling is great and the yard is spotless. There’s a fantastic arena to work in, and lovely hacks too. Liana went out of her way to make sure we had everything we needed and she and her team were on hand should we have had any problems.
Having 3 days (6 lessons) have really cemented my learning, and when we left, Snoopy was a different horse. I could see the development even in that short time as he gained more ease in moving his body in a better way.
I feel so much more confident about what I’m aiming for (in feel and how my boy moves) and how to achieve it through Liana’s knowledge and experience. She’s been so generous in sharing what she knows, and has a genuine desire to help both horse and rider to achieve harmony and partnership.
We’re already looking forward to next time (wish we were closer!) and can highly recommend the short stays at Ravenroyd if you’re looking for a fun, inspiring few days with your horse in beautiful surroundings.
Thanks, Liana.”

Meet Liana

Liana Upton is a certified teacher of the École de Légèreté, founded by Philippe Karl—former écuyer of the Cadre Noir in Saumur, France. Her work centers on lightness, biomechanical correctness, and the well-being of both horse and rider. She is also the founder of the Sit Well Method, a posture and rider fitness program designed to improve effectiveness through body awareness and alignment.

Liana is passionate about helping riders of all levels improve their seat, connection, and communication—without the use of force or unnecessary gadgets.

Qualifications

  • Licensed Teacher of École de Légèreté (2018)
  • BHSAI (2005)
  • Gym Instructor (2003)
  • Human Movement Specialist (2023)
  • Certified Personal Trainer (2024)
  • Functional Training Coach (2019)
  • ETM – Exercise to Music Instructor (2002)

 

She continues her ongoing education in both horse training and human movement to ensure a holistic, up-to-date approach to teaching.

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Short Training stays at Ravenroyd