The weekend of the 26th of Oct. all " Dressage Eyes " were focussed on the Troika Trakehner Stud farm in Breslau , Ontario. Walter Zettle, the legendary Grand Seigneur of classical Dressage was presenting the first of a series of Dressage clinics in Ontario. The spectacular Stud farm with its conference facility overlooking the riding arena provided the right platform and ambience for this high profile instructor.

Eight riders from different levels and up to 50 viewers were eagerly taking in every word from the great master. Despite a tight schedule of surgeries this devoted instructor felt so passionate about this seminar that he insisted to hold this clinic. The soft-spoken gentleman patiently guided each rider through their training session.

The spectators followed spellbound the transformation of each horse and rider combination during their training. Walter always encouraged the viewers to ask questions and gave precise advice how to correct specific problems.

During the lunch breaks riders and viewers had the opportunity to discuss concerns and problems with Mr. Zettle. The friendly atmosphere at the facility encouraged everybody to speak up and ask questions. Visitors from Buffalo like a veterinarian with her friend who runs a private riding school or someone who flew all the way from Calgary, Alberta, to attend this weekend heard the message over and over again: Classical training means training your horse without force, instead unconditional dedication, patience and love should prevail. But all this will not work without acquiring the necessary theoretical know-how to apply the correct aids.

The communication between horse and rider must be clear and fair to the horse at all times. When problems arise riders must be prepared to go back to basic exercises to fix problems at a higher level. The question asked, "When does the training for ‘Grand Prix’ begin?", Walter answered: "With the first steps you ride". We tend to forget, that - with the correct and systematic training - each exercise holds the key to the next step towards higher levels.

When the clinic came to an end everybody left with a deep sense of gratitude and inspiration eager to apply the newly gained knowledge at home.