You want to…WHAT?

hat was a common response upon sharing my and Craig Johnson's plans for the ‘Walter Zettl East meets West Clinic’ in September 2005. Raised eyebrows, dropped jaws or rolling eyeballs and shaking heads. That, or a blank stare. “Why? Whatever for?” was another. The outcry on several internet dressage forums reached a fever pitch upon receiving news that not only were we teaching dressage to reiners but also to Pat and Linda Parelli. A few years back, I gave Linda Parelli a Walter Zettl tape. I thought it remarkable and a mark of their commitment to their personal journey of horsemanship that since then, the Parellis have made every effort to experience and learn from Herr Zettl for themselves. Craig and I felt they had something very unique to add to the clinic itself.

But not everyone saw it that way. Some declared that they simply couldn’t see ‘wasting their money on a dressage clinic shared with reiners AND Natural Horsemanship afficianados. What could they possibly learn from watching dressage taught to non dressage riders?  Admittedly, it was mainly a few talkers and a great many spectators, but fascinating nonetheless.

Showjumping guru Jimmy Williams had this painted on his trailers: “It’s what you learn after you think you know everything, that matters….” For me, that statement define the intentions of this clinic.

From all fronts the reactions were mixed. Some immediately resonated with the concept and were intrigued. Others declared it an event long overdue, calling it innovative, genius and inspired. It was found to be absurd, pointless, a waste of Herr Zettl's time….or just a non-issue, what’s the big fuss and what’s the point ?