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

~ Walter Zettl (Author) "For those who love horses, the sight of horse and rider in perfect harmony is a thing of beauty: moving in perfect balance and grace,..." (more)
Key Phrases: Grand Prix, North America, Riding Master Eggert (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Maybe the best way to introduce this book to our audience is to quote Max Gahwyler when he read the book when it was in manuscript form: "You must publish this it is superb!" We agree this is, truly, one of, if not the clearest, most readable books on training dressage ever written. It's just delightful! Warm, sympathetic, and based on the solid foundations that lead to true success in the sport, this book is must reading! As Egon von Neindorf, a recognized master himself, says in the Foreword, "If you are not fortunate enough to be taught by Walter Zettl personally, he gives you in this book a very valuable guide to the art of classical riding. In clearly worked out and easy to understand chapters, he takes you through each step of the training stages, discusses problems that occur, and assists with competent, sensible corrections, from Beginner to becoming a Master. With Walter Zettl's guidance, it is made possible."

About the Author

Highly regarded in Europe, Walter Zettl was trained in Germany under Col. Aust. He came to Canada in 1981 where he was trainer for Eva Maria Pracht. He also served as dressage coach for the Canadian Three-Day team for the L.A. Olympic Games.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Half Halt Press; 1 edition (November 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0939481545
• ISBN-13: 978-0939481545
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #256,412 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful testament to a great rider's love of horses, December 6, 1999

By A Customer

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!

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An eye opener, August 1, 2000

By A Customer

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.

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dressage you can learn from a book!, May 5, 2002

By	Vivien Dostine "Viv" (Auckland New Zealand) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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).