by Ellie » Wed Aug 24, 2005 2:24 pm
#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#