Customer Reviews

Dressage in Harmony: From Basic to Grand Prix (The Masters of Horsemanship Series, Bk. 4)

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3 star:		(1)
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I have nothing much to add to what others have said about this book, except to second their rave reviews. This may be my favorite dressage book in the whole world .... or a very close second to Alois Podjasky's My Teachers, my Horses.

Walter Zettl's deep knowledge of the subject and true love of horses radiantes from every page of this book. As one of the riders for whom this book was written -- toiling away in the Western U.S. with few other riders to watch or study with, and this book has been a revelation, this book has given so many insights into problematic areas, so many vindications of the vague "feelings" you need to rely on when you are forced to ride alone. I thank the author -- and more important, my horses thank him! Any horseperson will benefit from this book -- and for dressage riders it is a godsend!

I am a beginnining dressge rider and look to people for guidence and understanding of our fellow friend, the horse. This book made me realize what to do, but more importantly, what not to do when dealing in the training of my horse. It is very deep but also so simple that while riding and having problems I can look in Walter Zettl book and find an approiate solution to force and fighting. No one should be without this book if you truly love your horse and the challenges of dressage.

There is something about the 'master horsemen' that makes them more than great riders. Walter Zettl and Alois Podhajsky are two of my favourites.

They explain dressage, riding, horses and horsemanship with clarity, passion and detail so that you really can learn a lot of lessons by reading their books.

This book will provide you with detailed explainations of dressage movements, aids and training, as well as commenting on common faults and how to address them. Like all the masters Herr Zettl discusses the development of a dressage horse and provides a logical framework for progression (and frequent warnings on the hazards of taking shortcuts).

High readability and clear simple explanations make this book a standout. Zettl has helped me grasp concepts that have eluded me for years. A brilliant book.

Walter is nearly as wonderful in writing as he is in person. His philosophy is based on the critical foundation of the horse's well being coming first, and the whole book is built on this foundation.

The instructions for each exercise progress along the levels, and describe common pitfalls and appropriate corrections.

A must-have book for the classical dressage rider!

This is, by far, the best and easiest-to-understand book on dressage that I have read! I highly recommend it for anyone wanting to understand how to train your horse in a non-confrontational manner up the levels of dressage. This book is a must read for novice or advanced readers!

Herr Zettl really knows this subject and does an amazing job tranlating complex dressage ideals into easy to understand (and follow through with) concepts. There are "Ah Ha's!" and "Ohhh, so that's why...." on just about every page.

Along with providing excellent training information, Herr Zettl repeatedly stresses respect and love for the horse. Everyone who has borrowed this book from me has ultimately purchased a copy for themselves!

I've been fortunate enough to attend private lessons given by this great teacher and can only say that this is the way I want to learn. He is gentle and encouraging, but firm -- and not a little demanding, requiring us to do our best, and to bring out the best in our horses -- but it is his love of horses that shines through. It matters not whether you are a beginner on a green horse or an advanced rider on a budding champion, he is the teacher you want. I saw stiff green horses relax and blow happily, and nervous riders smiling as they felt the changes in their horses and themselves. The German training system can seem daunting to us Americans used to hurrying along and getting results fast, but he makes us understand how to build trust, and build movement from that. It will take time, but with Zettl, you will succeed, and more importantly perhaps, you will enjoy the ride, and so will your horse.

Walter Zettl's classic Dressage in Harmony is simply the best book out there for most dressage riders, and their horses will agree. Not only does Herr Zettl cover just about every important detail for dressage training, but he also makes sure that the horse is the rider's primary concern, and he stresses that only correct, classical training is truly the most natural way to ride your horse.

The book covers everything from longeing and backing the young horse to performing Grand Prix movements on the seasoned schoolmaster, always emphasizing empathy toward the horse.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves horses, whatever discipline they choose to partake in. This book has relevance for all horsepeople.