Circle of Trust: Reflections on the Essence of Horses and Horsemanship
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 FederationIn 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. ZiegnerI LOVED it! I read it in record time and immediately gave it to a friend of mine to read (he gets my heavily highlighted copy, which I will go over again when he gives it back) and have told many of my students to pick it up. Funny story my friend who has my book actually had heard of Walter b/c someone had left a copy of Dressage in Harmony at the car repair place, amist the magazines. He picked it up and read for an hour waiting for his car, was so pleased with the book, immediately bought his own copy and was thrilled I had Walter's newest book for him to borrow.   The books and dvds have been a stimulus for my improved riding as of late, the lightness and "reins towards the mouth" that I have been focused on have made my horses much happier and easier to ride. --Makendra Burns