Horse Training In-Hand: A Modern Guide to Working from the Ground - Hardcover

Schuthof-Lesmeister, Ellen; Mistral, Kip

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1570764093 ISBN 13: 9781570764097

Publisher: Trafalgar Square, 2009

Synopsis

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.

About this title

Review

"Without any question one of the best guide books that I read about proper ground work." --Walter A. Zettl, author, " The Circle of Trust"

"Fundamental theory is outlined in accessible terms so that the reader understands the 'whys' as well as the 'hows.' From leg-yield to piaffe, the authors guide the reader through a solid primer in classical methodology." --Sherry Ackerman, author, "Dressage in the Fourth Dimension"

"This book shows how schooling in-hand can improve not only the horse's movement, but also communication between horse and human . . . A great book for learning the importance of groundwork!" --"Horsemen's Yankee Pedlar"

"Now this gorgeously illustrated book brings new life to these time-tested techniques, showing how schooling in-hand can improve the horse's straightness, suppleness, balance, collection, and understanding of the aids." --"Northwest Rider"

About the Author

Ellen Schuthof-Lesmeister owns and operates a horse training facility in the countryside near Amsterdam. She has had extensive formal training in jumping and dressage and currently studies with Portuguese masters Francisco Bessa de Carvalho and Pedro Baptista de Almeida. Kip Mistral is an equestrian journalist who has contributed more than 75 articles to equine publications. She lives in Pine Valley, California.

Edition details

• Publisher: Trafalgar Square
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 1570764093
• ISBN 13: 9781570764097
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 190