I just have to share....

[Ellie]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#I had such an amazing day yesterday that I just have to share it.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#I am sure there are a few of you who recall some of the issues that I have had with Ellie over the past 3 1/2 years, everything from can't find a saddle that fits to her bout with West Nile, feeding issues and more recently trying to find a trainer.  I had even considered selling her, but who would buy a horse that you couldn't ride.  Well, even though we are still doing most of our work on our own, yesterday I received what to me will likely be the highest compliment on my training skills from someone who I greatly admire .#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Yesterday I got to fulfill one of my longtime riding ambitions, I got to ride for Mr. Walter Zettl at a clinic in Brantford. #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#IMG src="http://forums.equestrianconnection.com/richedit/smileys/Happy/11.gif"#ed_cl#  #ed_op#IMG src="http://forums.equestrianconnection.com/richedit/smileys/Happy/15.gif"#ed_cl##ed_op#IMG style="WIDTH: 75px; HEIGHT: 56px" height=50 src="http://forums.equestrianconnection.com/richedit/smileys/Happy/18.gif" width=106#ed_cl##ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl# #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl# #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl# I have been a huge fan of this man for many years but something had always prevented me from being able to ride in his clinics.  Finally yesterday it was our turn!  Even though I have seen him teach for countless hours, to be sitting on the horse and have him almost instantly assess exactly what exercises you need to do to improve your horse and to feel how such little changes in your position can have such a hugh impact on your horse,  well... my feet still havn't touched the ground.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#I was given lots of praise by him  for our walk and trot, she was really lovely yesterday.  He had us leg yield, shoulder in, and started on travers which I had never even tried on her before and it was all lovely with his help.  Our canter sucked, but that was entirely pilot error.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#He really liked her, like... #ed_op#EM#ed_cl#he really really liked her.#ed_op#/EM#ed_cl#  In fact, after the lesson he asked who had trained her before I bought her, he was quite surprised when I told him that she came straight from the breeders field and that the training she had was entirely from me.  He then told me that I had done a wonderful job!  I'm in heaven ! ! ! ! #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#It made all the work of the past 3 years so worthwhile.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Any of you who get an opportunity to ride with him or even to audit - take it while you can.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#

[draftdriver]

Yes, Mr. Zettl is a genius and a gentleman. I'm glad you had such a positive experience.

[tbbrat]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#I bet you're just floating on Cloud 9 today - that's a wonderful story.  I have his book and I think he sounds like a wonderful trainer - maybe someday I'll get to go to a clinic with him too.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl# #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Congratulations! #ed_op#IMG src="http://forums.equestrianconnection.com/richedit/smileys/Happy/18.gif"#ed_cl##ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#

[Chisholm]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Oh Ellie, that's super, so glad you managed to make it to one of Walter's clinics.  He such a super coach.  I hope he will be coming back to Ottawa very soon so I can have my chance to ride in a clinic with him.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl# #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl# #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#

[horsecrazy333]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#That is awesome.  It's always nice to get a little bit of reassurance.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl# #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Enjoy.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl# #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#If you are still looking for a coach let me know.  I work with one that is very much of the German school of teaching and has done Grand Prix riding.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl# #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl# #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#

[LucasL]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#It's nice to get a shot of confidence sometimes, especially if you've gone through some not so good times.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl# #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#I had a similar experience to yours when I rode in his clinic last winter. (I am glad that my friend understands German, because she was able to translate some of the nice comments that he made to his wife!) I would like to ride with him again but Brantford is just a little too far for me in the middle of the week!#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl# #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#However, I am lucky in that my coach teaches with the same style (ie she uses a lot of lateral work and other exercises to improve the horse's way of going), and we have come really far in eight months with her.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl# #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#If you are interested, she is having a clinic with John Lassetter at her place next month - he is another excellent clinician!#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#

[zooka]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#that is great... what a compliment you must be on cloud 9!!!  Good for you!#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#

[xena_n_joss]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#good job ellie! so glad you had a great time there!!#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#

[Rapla Farms]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Congrats!  Glad you had such a great experience.  I loved training under Walter, ESPECIALLY when something was going wrong in my training.  He is always so good at asessing what needs to be done and/or fixed.  I was always amazed at how he could get my horse and I to do things that I never would have imagined!  #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Im assuming he still uses the head set.  I loved that!  It was like having him whisper in my ear.  We trained fairly regularly with him several years ago that I got to the point that by myself or at a show, I could hear him in my head!  I really thought that was neat.  #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Anways, I totally understand the way you feel and remember that feeling next time you ride.  Your horse will remember too!!   #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#

[Ruth]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#How marvelous Ellie! I hope one day to be able to ride in one of his clinics.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#

[mallard]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Oh, Ellie...I am so envious! Make sure you let Heather know.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#I audited a WAZ clinic in the spring. What an amazing way he has with horses & riders.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Not that I have anything ready to show to WAZ...#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#It is so nice to know that these Connies can do it! And seeing as how I own Ellie's FULL BROTHER...there is hope for us too! I also own their full sister and she is learning to drive.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Things are progressing very very nicely with Calli. I've had fearless teens riding him all summer and he's started over small jumps. Going in his first schooling Hunter show next month. #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#I've regained all my confidence & started back riding him a month ago and we're really clicking now. His HUGE walk makes my back ache.And you could have a cup of tea while sitting his canter! #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#

[aimhighequine]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Glad to hear it went well.. So sorry I did not get the chance to see you ride. I am thrilled to hear he loved Ellie. I think we all knew she had so much potential but no one knew how to get it out of her! Congrats! Hope to see the two of you at the shows next year!#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#

[Rio Roulette]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#That is so cool. What a great story! I'm a big fan of WAZ, I've audited several clinics and was able to sit next to him once while he gave a private lesson. NEVER ridden for him, but I'd give my eye teeth. You'll be glowing for weeks.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#