2003 Premier Dressage / USDF Adult Clinic Series with
Walter A. Zettl
USDF Region 4 clinic was held at Winds Reach Farm, 4427 Kotts Ln. NE, Iowa City, Iowa
GMO Host: Eastern Iowa Dressage & Eventing Association
Special thanks to Premier Dressage for their support.
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As the local GMO host for the Walter Zettl Clinic EIDEA member names are listed in purple. Host For use of an RV as the Zettl’Äôs private resting spot Riders, Auditor and Host Bags of goodies: Food Donations Cash Donations Set Up & Clean Up Concession Stand Help Front Desk Parking Rider Liason Signs Sound System Zettl Driver Gifts for Mr. & Mrs. Zettl Promotion - Website, Flyers, Press Releases Friday Night Lecture Overhead Projectionist EIDEA Teasurer, Jan Vlasak handled bills, bills and bills. |
The EIDEA Zettl Committee and Mr. & Mrs. Zettl. From left to right: Walter Zettl, Barb Putnam, Heidi Zettl, Ali Hayford, Deb Levine, Deb Ochenfels, Judy Nauseef, Bill Coester, Megan Ward, Nan Barta and Chris Africa. Walter Zettl Clinic The crowd got very quiet as Mr. Zettl talked in almost a whisper to one of the riders, "Carefully, very carefully pick up your reins." Every one of us sat up a little straighter in preparation for what was next. The walk break was over and it was time for more work. He guided the rider through some movements and then asked for her to ride down the centerline. He asked the rider to halt by lowering her heels. The horse came to a perfect square halt. The auditors collectively gasped and then applauded. This is the magic of Walter Zettl. Every person was riding every step. He was so good at engaging the audience, including us in the process that we were all riding every horse. He explained what he wanted, what to do to make it better and why each exercised worked. He often commented that the real work for Grand Prix was in the basics. Establish the rhythm to get the relaxation. Let the horse go into the contact. The horse will go into a frame on their own. It must come from behind. He made it clear when he liked it or didn't. "Oh this horse is too short in the neck. I hate this. Ride longer in the rein, let the horse reach for the bit." When the rider gave a little in the rein and the horse stretched Mr. Zettl enthusiastically said, "YES! Now we are cooking!" This enthusiasm over a change made completely captivated the audience. He often turned to us to make sure we saw the difference. When things were really good he would turn to us and say, "Look, the horse and rider are in harmony." The magic started with a Friday night lecture by Mr. Zettl. As the local GMO host, Eastern Iowa Dressage and Eventing Association had arranged for the use of South Slope a state of the art conference center in North Liberty, Iowa. Our last indication from the USDF was to expect 60 people. As the room started to fill up we set up more table and chairs and the people kept coming. The final count was 122. It was the largest lecture audience for this clinic series! The clinic was a wonderful success. We have not heard the final head count, but it was well over 150 paid auditors. The weather really cooperated too and we had 2 days of blue skies and warm weather! Mr. Zettl was acompanied by his wife, Heidi. Before and after the lecture and throughout the clinic she sold Walter's books and videos. Both sold out, but she grasiously took orders. She was a complete delight and helped us keep an eye on Walter, making sure he was where he needed to be. Deb Levine, goddess of all things food, headed up the food committee and coordinated donations, Friday night lecture refreshments, and concessions. The Zettl's and riders lunches were catered by Denise Novick, D'Novick Catering and coordinated by Deb Levine. We couldn't have had a better group to help run this clinic. Thanks again to EIDEA and their fabulous volunteers!
A Thank You from the Zettl's We had a very good flight and arrived safely home on Monday night. We would like to thank you and all the others again for all your help to make this clinic to such a success. We had a great time. Love, Heide & Walter |
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From left to right: Mr. and Mrs. Zettl, Megan Ward, Ali Hayford, Deb Levine, Deb Ochenfels, Bill Coester, Barb Putnam, Nan Barta, Judy Nauseef and Chris Africa.