The horse we have in our stable is the horse we make, The Marquis Mac Swiney of Mashanaglass reminds us.Whether this horse is a youngster that is the proverbial "clean slate," or an older horse in need of re-schooling back to basics as a result of mishandling, this book shows the reader how to approach horses in a way that makes real sense to them. In the first part of the book the author discusses equine ethology and psychology to help the reader understand better the nature of horses in general, before focusing on the practicalities of educating a horse.The second part of the book presents a logical sequence of training in which the pupil is carefully taught the necessary stable manners, introduced to the halter and bridle, to longeing and to the basics of work on the long reins to learn the aids. The author shows that all this can be accomplished with patience, gentleness and understanding and the result is a confident horse that is happy in his work and thoroughly prepared for backing.Easy to read and understand, this classic book deserves a place of honor on every horseman's bookshelf.

"Describes how domestic horses can be made happier and healthier through an understanding of what nature intended for the horse." --Cover.

"True horsemanship training is about people first." --Charles Wilhelm Charles Wilhelm's Ultimate Foundation Training has transformed thousands of horses into more responsive, mannerly companions. In this book, Wilhelm trains you to use his tried and true principles in training your horse. Go inside the horse's mind to see how he thinks and learns, so you can communicate in a language your horse understands. Discover why and how foundation training works. Wilhelm's uniquely successful methods will help you build a relationship that's more rewarding for both you and your horse--one that lasts a lifetime. * Discover why working with your horse should be fun--and why you should stop if it isn't * Learn to identify your horse's emotional level and personality type * Find out the ten secrets your horse wishes he could tell you * Understand why consistency is essential in establishing desired behavior * Communicate with your horse using the right combination of pressure and release, patience, persistence, and conscientious follow-through * Recognize why it's never, ever the horse's fault

Working the horse from the ground—schooling "in-hand" as it has been known for centuries—has long been an integral part of classical horse training. Now, this gorgeously illustrated book explains in clear, step-by-step lessons how the modern-day horse owner can incorporate classical groundwork in her daily interactions with her equine partner—to both their benefit and enjoyment. Whether schooling green or young horses; retraining problem horses or those with poor foundations; warming-up advanced mounts prior to workouts; confirming lateral movements on the ground before attempting them on horseback; or supplementing everyday under-saddle exercises, work in-hand provides a wonderful way to advance the horse's education, as well as the standard of communication between horse and handler. Its gradual progression of work on the longe, double-longe, long lines, short reins, and long reins is the perfect addition to the training program that has grown a little stale or boring; the manageable solution to countless problems that commonly arise in daily work with horses; and by definition, an equestrian art form unto itself. With over 100 color photographs—including many detailed series shots—to demonstrate correct body positioning, and meticulously hand-drawn illustrations to guide you through the often-confusing land of lateral work, Horse Training In-Hand is the first book ever to help shed classical groundwork's mystique while conscientiously preserving its magic. Find out for yourself how schooling in-hand can give your training program a brand new look and feel, forever transforming "workouts" and "schooling sessions" into artistic endeavors that yield breathtaking results.

Riding Home:The Power of Horses to Heal, Horse Nation's must read book of 2016, is the first and only book to scientifically and experientially explain why horses have the extraordinary ability to emotionally transform the lives of thousands of men, women and children, whether they are horse lovers, or suffering from deep psychological wounds. It is a book for anyone who wants to experience the joy, wonder, self-awareness and peace of mind that comes from creating a horse/human relationship, and it puts forth and clarifies the principles of today's Natural Horsemanship (or what was once referred to as "Horse Whispering") Everyone knows someone who needs help: a husband, a wife, a partner, a child, a friend, a troubled teenager, a war veteran with PTSD, someone with autism, an addiction, anyone in emotional pain or who has lost their way. Riding Home provides riveting examples of how Equine Therapy has become one of today's most effective cutting-edge methods of healing. Horses help us discover hidden parts of ourselves, whether we're seven or seventy. They model relationships that demonstrate acceptance, kindness, honesty, tolerance, patience, justice, compassion, and forgiveness. Horses cause all of us to become better people, better parents, better partners, and better friends. A horse can be our greatest teacher, for horses have no egos, they never lie, they're never wrong and they manifest unparalleled compassion. It is this amazing power of horses to heal and teach us about ourselves that is accessible to anyone and found in the pages of Tim Hayes's Riding Home. The information and lists of therapeutic and non-therapeutic equine programs, which are contained in the book, are also available at the book's website.

"You can't build a house without strong foundations-- and you can't form a solid bond with your horse without a strong foundational relationship and fundamental training in place. The key to successful horsemanship lies in cooperation and partnership with your horse....Everything you need to know in order to do just that is right at your fingertips....[i]n this three-in-one guide"--page 4 of cover.