Kata Szwaja

Kata Szwaja is a Polish classical dressage rider, trainer, clinician, and educator specializing in the French School of Classical Dressage and École de Légèreté. She has spent nearly five years living in Spain and France as a working student under renowned classical masters, and her training philosophy combines traditional classical horsemanship with modern research in equine ethology, biomechanics, and welfare.

Career Background

Kata has been involved with horses for approximately 20 years. Her passion for Pura Raza Española (PRE) horses led her to relocate to Spain, where she immersed herself in classical dressage education.

Rather than following a conventional career path, she chose to spend almost five years as a working student, exchanging daily stable work for intensive education in riding, theory, and horse management under respected classical trainers. She describes this apprenticeship model as the cornerstone of her education.

Education & Mentors

Johanna Beattie Batista (2020–2021)

Kata's first major mentor was Johanna Beattie Batista, with whom she spent nearly two years as a working student at Hacienda Dos Olivos near Seville.

Johanna's influence included:

* Classical dressage

* Centered Riding

* Franklin Method

* Daily theory lessons

* Extensive study of classical literature

Johanna herself had studied with several influential classical masters, including:

* Nuno Oliveira

* Philippe Karl

* Michael Henriquet

* Henry Loch

Kata credits Johanna with introducing her to the writings of the Classical Masters and instilling a commitment to continual education.

Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art

In 2021, Kata enrolled at the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art (Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre) in Jerez de la Frontera, one of the world's best-known classical riding schools.

She trained under internationally recognized riders, including Olympic silver medalist Rafael Soto.

However, she ultimately chose to leave the program after concluding that its training methods and educational approach did not align with her values regarding horse welfare and classical riding. She openly discusses this experience on her website as a defining moment in her career.

Manuel Carvajal

After leaving Jerez, Kata continued her education with Spanish classical dressage master Manuel Carvajal, remaining with him for approximately 18 months.

During this period she:

* Rode and trained horses daily.

* Organized and translated clinics in Poland.

* Helped care for client horses.

* Learned a system blending German and French classical traditions.

She also credits Manuel with helping her find her Andalusian stallion, Torero RAM, after a year-long search.

Philippe Karl (2025–Present)

A major milestone in Kata's education began in 2025, when she started a year-long internship with Philippe Karl, founder of École de Légèreté and former écuyer of the Cadre Noir de Saumur.

Her internship includes:

* Four riding lessons each week.

* Daily observation of Philippe Karl's training.

* Extensive discussion and theoretical instruction.

* Training alongside her PRE stallion Torero RAM.

Kata describes this apprenticeship as the greatest influence on her riding and says it is the first time she feels she is learning a truly horse-centered system.

Bea Borelle

Alongside Philippe Karl, Kata is also studying with Bea Borelle, a Master Teacher of École de Légèreté.

Bea's expertise includes:

* Groundwork

* Trick training

* Tellington Method (Level IV)

* B.E.A. Complete Concept

This has further expanded Kata's approach beyond ridden work.

Training Philosophy

Kata's philosophy combines three primary pillars:

* Classical teachings of the French masters.

* Modern scientific understanding of horses, including biomechanics and ethology.

* Continuous professional education.

She believes that:

* Lightness should replace force.

* Training must prioritize horse welfare.

* Every exercise should have a logical biomechanical purpose.

* Riders should understand why they perform an exercise rather than simply following instructions.

She also rejects the use of restrictive training methods and places strong emphasis on educating riders to become thoughtful horsemen.

Areas of Expertise

Kata offers instruction in:

* French Classical Dressage

* École de Légèreté principles

* Groundwork

* In-hand work

* Rider biomechanics

* Horse biomechanics

* PRE (Andalusian) horses

* Classical gymnastic development

* Online coaching

* Video analysis

* Clinic instruction

* Horse welfare–focused training.

Continuing Education

In addition to dressage, Kata regularly studies:

* Positive reinforcement

* Equine ethology

* Equine biomechanics

* Masterson Method

* Saddle fitting

* Kinesiology taping

* Barefoot hoof trimming

* Other horse-health disciplines

She views lifelong learning as an essential part of being a responsible trainer.

Coaching Services

Kata currently offers:

* Online 1:1 coaching, including live lessons using Pivo or a camera operator.

* Video analysis.

* Dressage clinics throughout Poland.

* Beginning November 2026, in-person training within approximately 100 km of Kamień Pomorski, Poland.

Teaching Style

Her coaching focuses on:

* Individualized instruction.

* Clear explanations.

* Horse-first decision making.

* Practical biomechanics.

* Combining theory with ridden application.

* Developing riders at every level, from recreational riders to competitors.