The Riding Horse Repair Manual

Foreword by Linda Zang vii Foreword by Anne Kursinski viii PART 1: Getting Started 1 Introduction 3 One: A Strategy for Avoiding Behavior Problems 13 Lay a Solid Foundation 16 Two: How to Start a Young Horse: A Brief Guide 19 A Training Timeline 21 Three: Training Step by Step: Work on the Ground 27 In-Hand Training Methods 27 Four: Training Step by Step: Ridden Work 39 Mounting 39 Summary: Building Blocks 45 Five: Behavior Problems: A General Assessment 47 Physical Issues 47 Educational Issues 49 PART 2: Let the Games Begin 57 Six: Before You Begin: Horse and Rider "Self-Examination” 59 Evaluating the Horse 60 Evaluating the Rider 61 The Common Problems Most Riders Can Solve 64 Section I: Contact Issues 65 First Rule Out: Physical Causes 66 Grabbing the Reins 68 Head-Tilting 72 Grinding Teeth 74 Tongue Issues 75 Crossing the Jaw and Grabbing the Bit to Bolt 80 Strong Horses or "Pullers” 86 Section II: Unruly Outbursts 91 Rearing 91 Bucking 99 Bolting 110 Spooking 112 "Barn Sour”/Nappy/Drops the Shoulder 116 Unclear Transition with Unexpected Results 119 The Stubborn "Freeze” 122 Nervous and Anxious 124 The Horse That Lacks Confidence 128 The Bully 130 Section III: Jumping Problems 133 General Jumping Philosophy 133 Running Out 135 Drifting 140 Stopping/Refusing 148 Rushing the Fence 169 Bonus Section: The Pace of the Canter: How to Jump Different Types of Fences 172 PART 3: How It Can Work for You, How It Has Worked for Me 185 Seven: Strategies for Future Success 187 Minimize Your Training Aids 187 Applying My Philosophy to Other Problems 188 When and How to Raise Your Expectations 189 Conclusion 191 Eight: Real Case Studies: Horses I Have Ridden 193 The Alchemyst 194 Crown Talisman 198 Courage 202 Running Order 204 Acknowledgments 211 Index 213