Zettl's Dressage in Harmony

[kedwards]

Finally bought this book, about which I'd heard such good things. Wonderful! The writing is very straightforward and efficient, yet the book is packed with information. I've been reading it slowly, marking it in places, taking notes to bring back to the barn...

Any thoughts from others who have read it?

[KarinUS]

For me Walter Zettl is my guide. Not only does he have technical advice that works and makes a difference- he puts the horse first. Amazing results are achieved without ever compromising the horse-rider relationship. Much more than just 'dressage instructions'...
He is one of my 4 'must read' authors.
I will get to see him at a clinic in March and I can't wait!

[kelsey]

He is great.

Luckily he lives not too far from me - my best friend has just gotten her own facility so we are hoping to have him come up and give us lessons (maybe on a monthly basis). Or, since he already gives lessons at another place about an hour away, I might end up trailering over there every now and then.

His style is similar to my coach's - they use a lot of exercises that fluctuate between movements so that your horse never gets blocked or trapped. He is not all about the "frame" like a lot of coaches are. He insists that you allow your horse to move freely - he was quite cutting to some of the riders at the clinic, and actually made them ride on the buckle for half the session.

[galadriel]

Kelsey--you've been to the clinic and didn't post a commentary for us? (Or did I miss it?) I feel so deprived!

[KarinUS]

I saw him!
I took Ray with me too.
It was great! :)
It was even better because Zettl gave his instruction part English part German and I could understand everything while some of the riders got a bit confused with his directions. :D
The only suprising thing was that he seems to be quite a flirt... :eek: :rolleyes:
But I have my book signed now and I got to talk to him. :)

[galadriel]

(laugh) When I was leaving on the first day (the only day I could make it), I went to get my book signed. I thanked him for the experience, told him I'd greatly enjoyed it. He gave me a hug :)

He asked if I was coming back the next day; I said, "...no...I don't think I can..." Response: "Your boyfriend, you should leave him!"

Although, when I mentioned that in fact I have a husband, he responded: "Oh! Then you should BRING him."

---

I *loved* that clinic. I wonder if my comments are still around, or if I posted in cafe. "Soft" "Soft" "Soft" "Round and give"...

[kedwards]

Too funny! The old dog!

I'll definitely try to make a clinic, if he comes up this way again. I've finished the book, but I'm still referring to it almost daily to help center myself and plan goals/schooling. I guess I'd be lost by the german though, except for the terms that he uses in the book.

[kelsey]

FYI Mr Zettl told my friend (he teaches at her barn about an hour away) that his new book will be out in June.....

I will keep you posted if I hear anything else.

(I'm glad that my friend understands German....I was thrilled to find out later that he turned to his wife several times and told her that I was a "nice rider". I would have to rank that as one of my top riding moments to date.)