Ocala, FL (May 5, 2011) – Classical Dressage Master Walter Zettl has built his successful dressage career on understanding the relationship between the horse and rider. Zettl coaches Linda and Pat Parelli, founders of Parelli Natural Horsemanship, Inc., and regularly conducts private dressage clinics at the Parellis’ Ocala facility. Zettl recently spent time in Ocala with the Parellis, teaching and being taped for dressage videos which will appear on the Dressage Training Online website.
“The Dressage Training Online website is a wonderful venue for us to be included in,” said Linda Parelli. “Walter is a great bridge for us because he believes in what we are doing in natural horsemanship and he sees how closely our approach relates to the principles of truly classical dressage.”
Zettl taught lessons and was taped for the Dressage Training Online segments with Linda and her horse West Point as well as with Canadian Para-Equestrian Team member Lauren Barwick, a para-equestrian who won Gold and Silver Medals in the Beijing Paralympics in 2008. Barwick is a Four Star Parelli Instructor and a Senior Protégé in the Mastery program of the Parellis’ Natural Horsemanship Program.
“In the videos you can watch Lauren riding her two Olympic hopefuls as well as the progress I’ve made with own rather challenging horse,” Linda said. “It is very exciting to include Walter in the videos because Pat and I have developed such a great relationship with him. Walter has been working with us for over five years now, and he is very natural in his approach. He says teaching Parelli students is a luxury because so much knowledge is already in place. Walter really likes it that Pat and I take part in his clinics and ride in lessons with him and respects that we are constantly furthering our own education.”
Linda added that each time she rides with Zettl she develops a greater sensation of how to ride with precision. “Walter teaches how important relaxation and harmony are in dressage,” she said. “Riders and trainers will easily be able to see on the Dressage Training Online website videos how gently and naturally Walter guides the development of the horses and riders.”
Zettl and the Parellis believe natural horsemanship techniques help the dressage rider work on relaxation, as well as increasing harmony and connection with their horse to create a more positive relationship. “This can translate into a natural foundation for performance,” Linda said. “I hope everyone will have a chance to go to the Dressage Training Online website and study the videos. How Walter professes and teaches dressage is truly an art.”
For more information on Parelli Natural Horsemanship, visit the website www.parelli.com. To visit the Dressage Training Online website, go to www.dressagetrainingonline.com.
About Parelli
The Parelli Program, founded in 1981 by lifelong horseman and teacher Pat Parelli, combines in-depth equine psychology and common sense communication techniques into the ultimate recipe for horse and rider success. The Parelli method allows horse owners at all levels of experience to achieve success without force, partnership without dominance and harmony without coercion. Pat and wife Linda’s mission is to make the world a better place for horses and humans, working to inspire, empower and educate through natural horsemanship. Their award-winning educational TV series can be seen on cable and satellite in the USA and UK. To learn more about Parelli, visit www.parelli.com.
For more information contact:
Parelli Natural Horsemanship
Toll Free: 855-PARELLI