J E A N - L U C - C O R N I L L E    

 

 

Jean Luc Cornille

 Jean Luc Cornille has gained worldwide recognition for his practical application of science to the training of the equine athlete. As both a former gymnast competing at the French National level and an award-winning equestrian with Olympic training experience, Jean Luc embodies a unique combination of riding skill and training expertise with a deep appreciation of equine physiology. His remarkable success in applying biomechanical analysis to modify equine movement has improved the standard of performance for all types of horses.

 Curious as to why equine athletic performance had not kept pace with the advances in human athletic performance, Jean Luc began to examine many of the long-held beliefs regarding equine kinematics, and applied this research to his own riding, training and teaching. His findings have opened new avenues for improving the flexibility and movement of the equine athlete, regardless of discipline. At every level, Jean Luc maintains the utmost respect and admiration for the horse’s total well-being, enabling heightened levels of achievement and longer, happier and sounder lives.

 Following his graduation from the French national school of equitation Le Cadre Noir de Saumur in 1968, Jean Luc directed the equine academic program at the military school of Chalons sur Marne until 1971. He went on to compete successfully at the French National and International levels in dressage, steeplechase, three-day eventing and stadium jumping, winning team and individual gold, silver, and bronze medals. During this time, Jean Luc was a member and assistant coach of the French three-day event team under Michel Cochenet, and helped prepare the French Olympic teams in 1972 and 1976. He also received intensive training from Joseph Neckerman, Willy Schultheis, Hans Winkler, and Nelson Pessoa. From 1974 to 1976, he instructed the famous French and Olympic champion Margit Otto-Crepin.

 Moving to the U.S. as dressage and gymnastics trainer for Melanie Smith’s Windrush Farm, Jean Luc subsequently founded E. A. 21 in Orange, Virginia, from which he began an extensive program of clinics and seminars throughout the U.S. and Canada. His work has concentrated on applying the latest biomechanical research to redefine traditional approaches to equine training. It was here that Jean Luc also discovered a strong connection to the rehabilitation of lame horses. He has successfully rehabilitated such severe disabilities as navicular syndrome, contracted tendons, degenerative joint disease, and upward fixation of the patella, as well as cases of obscure and idiopathic lameness.

 Jean Luc began his publishing career in 1983 with a series of articles in the French equestrian magazine L’Eperon. His writing credits also include the U.S. magazines Dressage and CT and The Chronicle of the Horse. He continues to share his research and knowledge through clinics and lectures, and as founder of The Center for Analyses, Performance and Education. He is currently working on a series of text books and educational videos, that will discuss and explore his findings to date.

 © JLCornille 8/15/02

 Art of Movement, Science of Motion Lecture Series