Although not particularly well known in British dressage circles, The name Rudolph Zeilinger is well recognised and revered across Europe and the USA for his remarkable and extraordinary skills in producing world class horses and riders including Michelle Gibson who fulfilled her dream through training with Zeilinger for two years and going on to achieve fifth place for the USA in the Olympic Games.
In this the first volume, the 5th of February sees the tentative arrival at his yard of two four year old un-broken horses and what happens next is captivating. Zeilinger’s philosophy is in the emphasis on natural rhythm, relaxation and above all enjoyment and willingness given freely from the horse. There is no 'timetable' as such, as he firmly believes each horse must be allowed to progress at their own pace.
After the all important settling in period, lungeing work starts and we start to see the cornerstones of confidence, obedience and trust being established and the beginnings of a series of remarkable transformations are clearly described throughout in the precise English commentary.
We then see the horses introduced to first a surcingle and then a saddle whilst being lunged.
On the 7th of March the backing process begins, there are no cuts in the filming process as the rider first puts his weight across the horse and then literally within minutes he is sat squarely in the saddle and riding, although still with lunge line attached. Remarkably, after a short period of time the horses are released from the lunge line and again without cuts in the filming are being ridden away, first in walk and then trot all without undue panic or distress from the horse.
After just under seven weeks on the 22nd of March, we see the horses being schooled through basic transitions with a balance, rhythm and confidence one would expect from much older and experienced horses, it is evident even at this stage that the horses are quite naturally developing self-carriage.
The knowledge and style of Rudolph Zeilinger portrayed here is both inspirational and invaluable to anyone breaking or bringing on a newly broken youngster, he is truly an extra-ordinary and exceptional trainer.