Starting Colts - Softcover

Kevil, Mike

Softcover

ISBN 10: 091164721X ISBN 13: 9780911647211

Publisher: Western Horseman, 1990

Synopsis

Aimed at both the expert and novice horseman and woman, this is a practical guide to mastering horse-training skills. Kevel's philosophy is simple: stimulus-response-reward, then repeat. You apply a stimulus until you get the desired response, then you stop the stimulus and reward the horse. In this book Kevil offers readers an understanding of how to apply and cease the stimulus in the best and most humane way possible. He emphasizes safety and going slowly with young horses. Patience and a steady approach build confidence in both the horse and trainer. Chapters include facilities, equipment, catching and leading, tying up, longeing, sacking out, first saddling, introduction to the bit, driving, first ride, first thirty days, developing the mouth, 30 to 90 days and trailer loading.

About this title

About the Author:

Mike Kevil has over thirty years' experience starting colts and changing the behaviour of older horses. He's travelled all over the United States and Europe working with all breeds of horses and disciplines. He works with clubs, associations, schools, and horsemen's groups. The countless colts Kevil has started have gone on to become champions in a variety of disciplines, but perhaps what's most important to him is that the horses have become winners in the hearts of their owners. When asked why he does what he does, he replied: "Two reasons. I like helping people learn, and I find the horse's mind fascinating. After all these years and all the horses I've worked with, I still get a kick every time a horse makes an improvement. My job is to teach the horse something so he's better than when I started with him." He lives in Cave Creek. Arizona.

From the Back Cover:

This book explains the step-by-step process in starting a colt under saddle. It includes chapters on: round pen & facilities; equipment; catching a horse; leading; typing up; longeing; sacking out; first saddling; introduction to the bit and much, much more. (8 x 11, 168 pages, b&w photos)

About this edition

• Publisher: Western Horseman
• Publication date: 1990
• ISBN 10: 091164721X
• ISBN 13: 9780911647211
• Binding: Paperback
• Illustrator: Arnold Darrell