Ocala, FL (February 17, 2011) – Classical Dressage Master Walter Zettl has spent his life on the forefront of the dressage world, from coaching Olympic riders to producing DVDs and books that have become staples in dressage libraries the world over. Zettl has joined forces with Pat and Linda Parelli, founders of Parelli Natural Horsemanship, Inc., and recently taught a private dressage clinic at the Parellis’ Ocala facility.
“Walter has been working with us for several years and is very natural in his approach and says teaching Parelli students is a luxury because so much is already in place, even if some of the students ride in a western saddle,” said Linda Parelli, adding that she and her husband Pat and several Mastery Students rode in the clinic with Zettl. “Walter really likes it that Pat and I take part in his clinics and ride in lessons with him. He likes it that we are constantly furthering our education.”
While the Parellis have built their Natural Horsemanship program based on in-depth equine psychology and common sense communication techniques between the horse and rider, which ultimately leads to success, these are the same principles Zettl has been using for years. “Walter puts the horse’s needs first and figures out if the horse needs calming, or motivation and energy, when being ridden,” Linda said. “Walter uses psychology and zero force, and tries to understand things from the horse’s point of view. He is always saying ‘gentle, gentle’ and loves that Parelli people already have a great relationship with their horse.”
