Frank Grelo was born in Portugal, the son of a cavalry man and master blacksmith. He has spent his entire life closely associated with horses, particularly the native Iberic horse, better known today as the Andalusian or Lusitano.
As his first teacher, Frank's father instructed him in the disciplined, military style of the time, while always stressing understanding and sensibility toward the animal.
Bullfighting on horseback is deeply ingrained in Portuguese culture. Frank learned and mastered the physical and mental principles of this ancient art form as a young man under the watchful guidance of two of his countrymen who were breeders of Iberian horses and bulls. It was through this training that Frank gained a deeper understanding of classical riding.
It was during his service in the army that Frank learned more about the competitive aspect of dressage, a discipline almost exclusively practiced by the military at that time. After his army service Frank was invited to work in France, and for the next four years he trained many breeds of horses, always in the classical Portuguese style.
While working in France, Frank became aware of a master trainer named Nuno Oliveira, whose name he had heard on several occasions. His curiosity led him to seek out and meet the master who, coincidentally, lived only forty miles from Frank’s hometown in Portugal. During the next three years, Frank rode with Oliveira and listened to his wise advice. A camaraderie developed between the two men.
In 1971 Frank immigrated to Canada, where finally in 1978 a lifelong dream became a reality when he founded the Cedar Mills Classical Riding School in Bolton, Ontario.
Elkhart Lake Horse Park
W6721 County Road A North
Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin 53020
Lisa Brotz can be contacted on her cell phone at: (920) 207-3877
Click here to view ordering information for author Winnie Stott's book "Bit by Bit, Classical Horsemanship with Frank Grelo."
Mr. Grelo's videos also for sale at this website.
2010 Clinics with Alicia Landstrom
- Beginning March 2010 (monthly)
Cost to ride with Alicia:
$50 45-minute Private Lesson
No charge to audit.
Trailer-ins always welcome.
Alicia Landstrom is a USDF bronze medalist currently working on USDF Instructor Certification. She has cliniced with Shelly Reichert, Natalie Lamping, and Maryal Barnett and regularly clinics with Walter Zettl and Theresa Doherty.
Alicia has been showing and training Arabians for over 20 years. An Arabian breeder for the last 16 years, she strives to prove the Arabian as a talented and amateur-friendly Dressage horse. With many Regional and National titles in Dressage, Alicia is experienced at using classical Dressage principles in the show ring with success.
She believes in the development of the horse as a "whole athlete" which includes massage, chiropractic adjustments, professional saddle fitting, all-day turnout, and methodical training resulting in a relaxed, happy, healthy Dressage partner.
Alicia enjoys working with all breeds of horses and is especially adept at training sensitive horses.
2010 Clinics with Ms. Doherty:
- TBA
- Normally held: April, July, October 2010
LETTER OF RECOMENDATION FROM WALTER ZETTL: I am delighted to honor your request in writing a letter of reference for Theresa. She is one of my oldest and best students I ever had. She has dedicated her life to classical training. Never did she permit anyone or anything to veer away from this course. That is my special joy and pride. The welfare of her horses is her first commitment. Shortcuts are unacceptable and hated. She treats and trains each and every horse individually. She is one of my three students to whom I would entrust my own horses at any time.
And, just as dedicated as she works with horses, she teachers her students conscientiously.
There are never any harsh or loud words, but an exact explanation and corrections. Besides her work with horses she is a joy to know. With all my heart I wish her the very best. I am convinced that she will give 100% to all horses and students entrusted with her care.
