New Book by Walter Zettl

The Circle of Trust: Reflections on the Essence of Horses and Horsemanship By Walter Zettl

Walter Zettl's first book, Dressage in Harmony, was dedicated to the riding and training of horses and received wide acclaim. In this beautiful new book, Herr Zettl discusses those who have a critical influence on the welfare of horses and the future of the sport of dressage. That group includes the breeder, without whom we would not have horses; the owner and sponsor, who finance and sustain the horse; the rider, who signals to the horse through proper aids; the trainer and/or instructor, who guide the horse and rider into harmonic partnership; the stable manager and groom, who keep the horse happy, safe and secure; the show committee, which regulates the competitive side of the sport; and the judge, who must recognize and reward correct training. It is Herr Zettl’s intention in writing this book to challenge all those involved with horses to acknowledge the mission and commitment of their chosen roles. As such, this book is a celebration of the horse, “the focus and lodestar of our galaxy,” as he says in the Introduction.

It is a mission and commitment that cannot be ignored.

Walter Zettl is considered to be one of the world’s most accomplished masters of classical dressage training and a true advocate for the welfare of his beloved horses. He is also a much sought-after teacher and clinician, who is known for his warm and sympathetic approach to teaching.

Born in Czechoslovakia in 1929, he was trained in Germany, working for many years under the esteemed Col. Aust, for whom he eventually became First Assistant in 1955. He received many honors through the years, including the German Federation’s Gold Riding Medal, for which he was the youngest ever recipient at the age of 21. He received his Reitlehrer certification after reaching the minimum age of 25.

In 1981 he moved to Canada, where he continued his lifelong pursuit of teaching horses and riders, including coaching the Canadian Olympic Three-Day Event team in dressage for the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.

In 1998 his highly-acclaimed book Dressage in Harmony was published by this same publisher. He has also written many articles for German and US publications. His latest work is an instructional DVD series, A Matter of Trust.

Herr Zettl lives in Ontario with his wife Heide.

"This book accurately describes the fascinating character and nature of the horse, including its requirements for artful handling. While Herr Zettl’s first book Dressage in Harmony brought the reader nearer to the riding and training of the horse, The Circle of Trust teaches that riding alone is not enough. Each of those involved with the horse has different goals and wishes, but all are intertwined with each other. For example, the breeder would like to breed healthy horses with lots of potential, but without systematic training and proper handling such a talented horse will not be successful.

"Breeder, trainer, rider and owner will find in this book individual, interesting and worthwhile sections. Experienced horse people as well as the newcomer to the sport alike will find profound knowledge from proper handling techniques to everyday training to the first horse show.

"I congratulate the author and hope that all horse people take his knowledge to heart." Christoph Hess, Head of Training and Schooling, The German National Equestrian Federation

"In succession to his well-known book Dressage in Harmony, Walter Zettl now is presenting us with another comprehensive handbook, covering all aspects for the successful development of our horses. This book deals with the challenges of a successful upbringing of the equine partner, from breeding to caretaking to training and schooling to guarantee a healthy partner.

"The author, who has dedicated his whole life to the well being of the horses, is in his unique way very effective not only in demonstrating and teaching his life long experience in a practical way, but also in his ability to convey his experience convincingly in his written publications. Each paragraph reflects a profound love for the horses, whose well being is very close to his heart.

"Walter Zettl, one of the few Riding Masters of our times, never gets tired in passionately fighting for the preservation of the true teaching of Classical Riding.

"He has earned the right to address and criticize any deviation from the principles of horsemanship, ethics and fairness.

"For this new publication, I wish him the best of success for the well being of our horses. Col. Kurd Albrecht v. Ziegner



Folio: 176 Size: 8 x 9.5 Illustrations: Color photos throughout Published: 2007

Circle of Trust
978-0-939481-77-4Regular price: $29.95Sale price: