Walter Zettl Gives the First Clinic at The Oaks of Lake City

Lake City, FL- Walter A. Zettl arrived at The Oaks of Lake City’s O’Connor Signature Equestrian Facility to teach the first dressage clinic given at this new equestrian lifestyle community. Zettl’s clinic was sold out, as riders, trainers and auditors were eager to benefit from his 57 years of experience in riding and coaching some of the world’s finest horses and students.

The clinic ran from October 18 through 20th and was held under the new 122’ x 225’ covered riding arena. There was ample room for auditors to enjoy the sessions from the air-conditioned viewing lounge adjacent to the ring. All the participants in the clinic were invited to attend a private dinner at the equestrian center with Zettl after hours.

When asked if he would return to The Oaks, Zettl enthusiastically responded, “Yes! For every clinician coming to this place it would be an honor and a pleasure. It is a well thought-out facility with very horse friendly footing.” Zettl also took note of and complimented the sixteen riders he coached on their sharp appearance, well-polished boots and their “very clean horses.”

Shelly Van den Neste, General Manager and Riding Director at The Oaks Equestrian Center commented, “We had a full house over the weekend. The audience could not seem to get enough of Herr Zettl sharing his years of experience with them. He is a very generous man in mind and spirit. It was a very successful event, culminating with the dinner where everyone could be themselves and enjoy Walter’s tremendous sense of humor.”

Each session was an intensive learning program approximately 45 minutes in length. Clinic times were scheduled between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. with a half hour break for lunch. When they were not riding, students were encouraged to watch and listen to Zettl as he instructed others and explained his methods of getting the performance they wanted out of their horse and themselves. Zettl then fielded questions during the walk breaks following each ride.

Participants at the clinic were able to enjoy the vast acreage and miles of looped trails to relax with their horses in between sessions. The warm up ring, with its world-class footing proved helpful in getting their horses primed and ready prior to their ride time.

Satisfied participants went home with a new set of skills, honed by a master who has had many successful top international competitions, including the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles and the FEI North American Young Rider’s Championships. Zettl has authored Dressage in Harmony, The Circle of Trust and countless articles published in the United States and in Europe. He also had his video series, A Matter of Trust available at the clinic. Zettl is now a Canadian resident who travels the world holding clinics and teaching equestrian enthusiasts.

Zettl was very impressed with The Oak’s well-managed equestrian facility, noting the strict attention paid to the smallest details. “The only thing I would like to see in this wonderful place is the Prayer of the Horse on a wall in the barn where everyone can read it,” he said smiling impishly.

The Oaks of Lake City is the inaugural O’Connor Signature equestrian community developed by Brad Dicks, of Dicks Realty in conjunction with Equestrian Services LLC. A 33-stall barn, a 122’ x 225’ covered riding arena, a 60-foot covered round pen with world-class footing, 15 miles of looped trails and a David O’Connor designed 11-acre cross-country jumping course are some of the attractions that contribute to this innovative equestrian facility. 

The Oaks of Lake City has a number of events planned for the next six months and the community’s riding lesson and training programs are now in full swing and rapidly filling up. Champion reiners Jon and Seth Ingram will return to host a reining clinic November 15-16. Mark you calendar now for this upcoming and very popular clinic. For more information on The Oaks of Lake City visit: www.theoakslakecity.com.

Photo: Mandy Kerce and her three-year-old mare participate in the Walter Zettl Clinic as Walter Zettl and Shelley Van den Neste, General Manager and Riding Director of The Oaks Equestrian Facility look on.  (Courtesy of The Oaks of Lake City)