A Matter of Trust - Volume I - DVD Review

DVD Review

A Matter of Trust - Volume I

Introduction of DVD

v  Walter A. Zettl is a life-long equestrian with over 57 years experience in riding and coaching some of the world’s finest horses and students.  Walters’ many successes include international level competitions at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles and the North American Young Riders.  Walter is the author of Dressage in Harmony and countless articles published in the U.S. and Europe. His knowledge of Classical Dressage is unsurpassed. Born in Czechoslovakia in 1929 and now a resident of Canada, he travels all over the world teaching his life’s work to equine enthusiasts everywhere.

v  A Matter of Trust, Volume I, is the first of a four part series that will cover classical dressage techniques from Training level through Grand Prix.  Including basic guidelines for equine behavior, movement, gaits, physical and mental characteristics of the horse as well as a training plan for the first year.  The first half of the video gives an intricate look at the horse, the rider, timing of the aids, movement and correct use of seat and aids. The second half delivers an extraordinary lesson plan for establishing a solid foundation.

v  Walter elaborates on the theory which the classical masters have used for centuries. His classic approach re-defines the correct training methods, proper movements and carriage of the horse.  In this video, Walter sets the standards of what true classical dressage was meant to be.

Some of the special features of this DVD include interviews with Walter that are candid, informative and full of heart.

There are also two lessons in their entirety.

This video is 230 minutes of pure enjoyment for anyone who loves horses and it showcases Walter  Zettl as  one of the true masters of classical dressage instruction, the way it is meant to be.  I found this DVD to be informative and easy to follow.  Listening to this man and his quiet way of teaching and learning from his years of experience, I could only wish I had found an instructor of this caliber and heart somewhere along the way with my horses. Anyone who is interested in riding correctly and treating the horse with respect should definitely invest in this set.  So far, I have only watched this first video but I was so impressed that I would recommend the entire four-volume set without even seeing the rest of it.  Rest assured when I get the time to watch the remainder of the set I will give you an update. Unfortunately, sometimes it’s hard to be a grown-up with responsibilities and not enough time to do what you want when the mood strikes. If you would rather not purchase the set without seeing the contents first, you can rent it at www.giddyupflix.com. I’m sure that once you view A Matter of Trust you’ll want to keep a set on hand to refer back to again and again.

On closing one more thing I’ve got to comment on was the man himself, I’m not easily impressed by people (especially instructors) but this man is the genuine article.  One thing he said that stayed with me: “The horse’s eyes are his soul”. When was the last time you heard an instructor say something like that!

Until next time

Quote for Today

“I attempt to educate riders to make their horses happy, confident and proud to work for them. Force and battling have no place in my training method. I speak with absolute certainty on this point because I have witnessed its success for 50 years and have sadly watched the effects of rough, insensitive, and impatient methods on these patient animals. I believe in dressage as art, and I have practiced that art throughout my professional life.”
-Walter A. Zettl

Balance in Movement

Balance in Movement

I recently viewed this DVD and cannot recommend it highly enough. It is one of the best instructional videos I have ever seen.

About the clinician/author, as taken from the DVD back cover: Susanne von Dietze is a physiotherapist and riding instructor. This combination enables her to understand the complex physical relationship essential between horse and rider. Movement studies and individual seat correction are the basis of her work.

I am also going to quote the particulars from the back DVD cover because, as professional writers (which I am not), they can better describe what the DVD is about:

The Art of Successful Riding

Is the development of harmony to such a degree that, to the onlooker, horse and rider perform in total unity. The rider’s key to this ideal is not a static seat but one that is capable of making finely tuned movements with which to both communicate and remain in perfect balance with the horse.This DVD shows how to develop this unity, why and where problems and faults occur, and which methods best address them. Riders of all disciplines and levels will find practical ideas to help remedy problems and correct their seat.

Topics include:

• Riding as movement
  

• Rhythm, balance, suppleness

• Individual strong and weak points

• How to supple the hip joint

• Developing a correct leg position

• Upper body balance

• Correcting asymmetries

• The independent hand of the rider

***

While I m not a proponent of training via videos, and no video or book can be a substitute for good old-fashioned one-on-one training with a qualified instructor, this particular video has become one of my absolute favorites. The sequences of the exercises on the longe are exceptional for understanding position, balance and independent seat movement, as well as proper use of the aids. I found the analogy of the “breathing leg” particularly helpful, and being able to watch a demonstration was a highlight, as the visualization helped me better understand the action in motion, and not just in theory; now it makes sense and is clearly a value to strive for in your riding.

Another great segment showcases the incorrect ways of riding. Some may think it is a bit overdone and no one could possibly ride that way, but it has been done and has been witnessed many times in the arena and at shows by yours truly. The video provides a good example of what not to do, the effects it has on the horse and, most importantly, how to correct it.

The entire video production is professional, well organized and simple to follow, which is an asset to a rider like me who has always found it easier to watch and learn than to read and learn.

For those of you who prefer a more in depth study in Balance in Movement, you might be interested to know that this video is a companion to Susanne von Dietze’s excellent book of the same title.

Balance in Movement is an outstanding book for the thinking equestrian who wishes to understand horse and rider balance while improving his/her communication skills with the horse. The writing is clear, concise, detailed and practical, but it can get a bit technical at times. The anatomy and physiology combined with exercises help you understand how your body works when riding. The book details how we physically ride and how our body, consciously or unconsciously, influences the way our horses react. Included are outstanding photos and drawings illustrating each point visibly. This book is especially helpful for trainers to explain the physiological basis for the correct seat, hands, leg, etc. It is also recommended reading for the USDF Instructors Certification program.

Since adults learning to ride process information much differently than youngsters, I would suggest this book to anyone who has wondered how to achieve the perfect balance on a moving horse. The author knows how to explain proper riding technique and anyone who reads this book will benefit from her expertise.

Until next time

Quote for Today

A horse already knows how to be a horse; the rider has to learn how to become a rider.