The Horse Agility Handbook

The Horse Agility Handbook PDF Author: Vanessa Bee
Publisher: Trafalgar Square Books
ISBN: 1646012674
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 304

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Book Description
Over the past few decades, an evolution in how we go about training horses has encouraged horse owners to spend more time handling their horses on the ground in order to achieve good behavior, mutual trust, and a healthy partnership, before they ever think about getting in the saddle. In addition, horses are being discovered as ideal companions by many individuals who may have little interest in riding at all, but who do enjoy pursuing activities that are fun for both human and horse. These changes have created a generation of horsepeople eager to pursue the competitive and social benefits of Horse Agility, the first internationally recognized, competitive horse sport dedicated to those who most enjoy working their horses from the ground. In this terrific handbook, Founder of the International Horse Agility Club and horse trainer Vanessa Bee, shows you all you need to know to try it for yourself. Like the hugely popular Dog Agility classes enjoyed by countless canines and their handlers, all over the world, Horse Agility involves a colorful obstacle course and subtle directions from a handler. The horse learns to complete the course because he chooses to—not because he is constrained, forced, whipped, prodded, or bribed. Bee explains there is no reason the horse cannot enjoy your time together so much, he will choose to "play" with you—over, under, and through obstacles, without a lead rope, even when loose in a large, grassy pasture. With The Horse Agility Handbook you can try Horse Agility today. Learn how to: Understand Horse Agility goals Get the equipment you need Read your horse’s posture Direct your horse’s feet Practice beginning agility movements Increase “softness” in your horse Become your horse’s “guide” Work your horse “free” (at liberty) Negotiate agility obstacles Build agility obstacles Plan agility courses Organize competitions and “play days” Start a Horse Agility club near you With succinct, clearly explained lessons in everything from horse handling and body language to directions for obstacle and course construction, plus full color photographs throughout, this is the ideal introductory book for anyone interested in giving the sport of Horse Agility a try, or for those looking for out-of-the-box training ideas to keep horses interested in learning and happily engaged in all their interactions with you.

The Horse Agility Handbook

The Horse Agility Handbook PDF Author: Vanessa Bee
Publisher: Trafalgar Square Books
ISBN: 1646012674
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 304

Get Book Here

Book Description
Over the past few decades, an evolution in how we go about training horses has encouraged horse owners to spend more time handling their horses on the ground in order to achieve good behavior, mutual trust, and a healthy partnership, before they ever think about getting in the saddle. In addition, horses are being discovered as ideal companions by many individuals who may have little interest in riding at all, but who do enjoy pursuing activities that are fun for both human and horse. These changes have created a generation of horsepeople eager to pursue the competitive and social benefits of Horse Agility, the first internationally recognized, competitive horse sport dedicated to those who most enjoy working their horses from the ground. In this terrific handbook, Founder of the International Horse Agility Club and horse trainer Vanessa Bee, shows you all you need to know to try it for yourself. Like the hugely popular Dog Agility classes enjoyed by countless canines and their handlers, all over the world, Horse Agility involves a colorful obstacle course and subtle directions from a handler. The horse learns to complete the course because he chooses to—not because he is constrained, forced, whipped, prodded, or bribed. Bee explains there is no reason the horse cannot enjoy your time together so much, he will choose to "play" with you—over, under, and through obstacles, without a lead rope, even when loose in a large, grassy pasture. With The Horse Agility Handbook you can try Horse Agility today. Learn how to: Understand Horse Agility goals Get the equipment you need Read your horse’s posture Direct your horse’s feet Practice beginning agility movements Increase “softness” in your horse Become your horse’s “guide” Work your horse “free” (at liberty) Negotiate agility obstacles Build agility obstacles Plan agility courses Organize competitions and “play days” Start a Horse Agility club near you With succinct, clearly explained lessons in everything from horse handling and body language to directions for obstacle and course construction, plus full color photographs throughout, this is the ideal introductory book for anyone interested in giving the sport of Horse Agility a try, or for those looking for out-of-the-box training ideas to keep horses interested in learning and happily engaged in all their interactions with you.

Connection Training: The Heart and Science of Positive Horse Training

Connection Training: The Heart and Science of Positive Horse Training PDF Author: Hannah Weston
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781916210103
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 318

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Book Description
A practical guide to using reward-based training techniques to create a true partnership with your horse. This leads to lifelong connection, effective problem-solving and joyful performance.

3-Minute Horsemanship

3-Minute Horsemanship PDF Author: Vanessa Bee
Publisher: Trafalgar Square Books
ISBN: 157076736X
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 176

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Book Description
A new book especially written for the time-starved 21st-century horse owner! Do you day after day make a promise to train yourself and your horse to be better at something, but when you get to the barn there just doesn’t seem to be enough time? Don’t worry, what really matters is the quality of the training you do manage to fit in. It really is possible to carry out good quality, progressive training with a horse in only three minutes a day. Educator and horse trainer Vanessa Bee’s “light bulb moment” was when she realized that if a training session had a realistic goal, every horse achieved the goal in under three minutes. This led her to create techniques appropriate for use in brief digestible lessons that ultimately produce significant gains in short sessions. This refreshing new method offers 35 ground exercises, 24 ridden exercises, and 25 “real world” exercises that will get you out and about with a safe, sane, well-trained horse.

Core Conditioning for Horses

Core Conditioning for Horses PDF Author: Simon Cocozza
Publisher: Trafalgar Square Books
ISBN: 1570769427
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 420

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Book Description
Gentle ways to improve the horse’s core fitness while relieving pain related to conditions such as kissing spine. Every equestrian wants to know: what is the difference between the horse that “dances” when you are on him, and the one that doesn’t? According to Visconte Simon Cocozza, Trainer and Examiner for the La Fédération Française d'Equitation (FFE), it all comes down to the horse’s posture. The horse’s ability to use the powerful mechanisms already built into his body relies not upon the strength we can see on the outside but the strength on the inside. This invisible and complex arrangement of internal “core” muscles control the horse’s posture, suppleness, and agility. Their good condition is the key to the dance. Equine core muscles are very difficult to isolate with the traditional training techniques common to horse sports. However, by examining what we do with the human body when faced with a weak core, we can find new methods for conditioning these areas of the equine body. Cocozza has taken principles of the human practice of yoga and used them to develop novel ways of reaching deep within the horse’s body and: Gently “unlock” areas that may be a little “rusty.” Improve core fitness. And even relieve pain related to conditions such as kissing spine. In this highly illustrated book, he provides step-by-step instruction explaining easy mounted exercises that enhance the horse’s posture, and boost his confidence in his body and movement, making him easier to ride, and ultimately, the dance partner you’ve always imagined.

What Horses Really Want

What Horses Really Want PDF Author: Lynn Acton
Publisher: Trafalgar Square Books
ISBN: 1646010299
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 437

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Book Description
A book chock-full of answers to horse-behavior questions that will change your horse's life for the better. Horses want partners they trust. Meeting their need for security makes them more tuned-in, calmer, and more reliable. In her engaging book, highly illustrated with professional color photographs, certified riding instructor Lynn Acton, MS, shows you how, with practical step-by-step instructions. You’ll see that progress can be surprisingly fast with methods that are gentle, time-tested, backed by science, and that make intuitive sense to your horse. Discover how to earn trust and make training more efficient by engaging horses’ innate intelligence, maintaining clear two-way communication, and considering their point of view. This leadership approach has been used successfully for centuries by people of all backgrounds and skill levels on horses at all levels of training. Acton refers to this relationship as Protector Leadership because you are the horse’s protector. In these pages, she combines extensive horse experience and an academic background in social dynamics with in-depth research. She interprets and cites the scientific findings that explain why Protector Leadership works, and offers valuable insights into equine psychology while exposing myths that are sources of problems. Plus, Acton includes “Things to Try” at the end of each chapter—fun and easy-to-implement exercises that help you engage your horse as a thinking partner Throughout, the narrative includes stories of Acton's progress with her own horses, including mistakes and hindsight, and especially the transformation of the book’s "cover girl" Brandy from a dangerous throwaway to a happy, reliable partner. Clear, detailed photographs show the subtle body language of horses and people, and illustrate critical interactions that make a real difference in our relationships, communication, and training. These are a few of the concrete skills you will learn: · Earn trust starting the moment you meet a horse. · Recognize “misbehavior” that actually means your horse is thinking like a partner. · Turn pressure into clear communication instead of stress. · Use Positive Reinforcement for better learning, behavior, and reliability. · Turn anxiety and spooks into confidence building situations. · Discourage unwanted behavior without punishment. · Allow your horse appropriate choices and freedom. As your bond strengthens, you can enjoy watching your horse’s true personality blossom. A thoughtful, progressive book for riders of all disciplines and students of the horse of all experience levels.

Schooling and Riding the Sport Horse

Schooling and Riding the Sport Horse PDF Author: Paul D. Cronin
Publisher: University of Virginia Press
ISBN: 9780813922874
Category : Pets
Languages : en
Pages : 324

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Book Description
The director of the riding program at Sweet Briar College for more than 30 years, Cronin is a well-known and highly respected trainer and riding instructor. Here he presents a clear and practical guide to getting the most out of a horse in a humane and sensitive way.

Horse Speak: An Equine-Human Translation Guide

Horse Speak: An Equine-Human Translation Guide PDF Author: Sharon Wilsie
Publisher: Trafalgar Square Books
ISBN: 1570767548
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 693

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Book Description
Horse Speak is not a training method or technique—it is a practical system for “listening” and “talking” to horses in their language, instead of expecting them to comprehend ours. Horse Speak can be used by anyone who works with horses, whether riding instructor, colt starter, recreational rider, or avid competitor. It promises improved understanding of what a horse is telling you, and provides simple replies you can use to tell him that you “hear” him, you “get it,” and you have ideas you want to share with him, too. The result? Time with your horse will be full of what horse trainer and equine-assisted learning instructor Sharon Wilsie of Wilsie Way Horsemanship calls Conversations, and soon the all-too-common misunderstandings that occur between horse and human will evolve into civil discussions with positive and progressive results! Learn Horse Speak in 12 easy steps; understand equine communication via breath and body language; and discover the Four Gs of Horse Speak: Greeting, Going Somewhere, Grooming, and Gone. Practice regulating your intensity, and sample dozens of ready-made Conversations with your horse, as step-by-step templates and instructional color photographs walk you through the eye-opening process of communicating on a whole new level.

Equine Fitness

Equine Fitness PDF Author: Jec Aristotle Ballou
Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC
ISBN: 1603426698
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 169

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Book Description
Get your horse in shape and maintain his overall fitness, regardless of his age or abilities. Equine Fitness will have your horse looking and feeling his best with a series of fun exercise routines specifically designed to enhance his strength, stamina, and agility. Clear step-by-step instructions and detailed illustrations make the exercises easy to follow, and the book includes a handy set of pocket-sized cards that you can use in the ring. Jec Ballou’s simple conditioning program promises lasting results for healthy horses and satisfied riders.

Ride the Right Horse

Ride the Right Horse PDF Author: Yvonne Barteau
Publisher: Storey Publishing
ISBN: 1580176623
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 313

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Book Description
A compatible personality is the most desirable quality in a horse, yet it is much harder to assess than gait or conformation. Trainer Barteau describes the four basic equine personality types--social, fearful, aloof, and challenging--and the different clues to identify a horse's primary traits.

Centered Riding

Centered Riding PDF Author: Sally Swift
Publisher: Macmillan
ISBN: 9780312127343
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 216

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Book Description
Widely known for her innovative teaching philosophy stressing body awareness, the value of "soft eyes," proper breathing, centering, and balance, Sally Swift has been a pioneering riding instructor for half a century. In book form for the first time, her methods enable horse and rider to achieve harmony, working together naturally, without pain. Unlike traditional teachers, Sally Swift does not believe in forced training techniques that cause stiff bodies and tense riding. Instead, through the use of vivid, unusual, and highly creative images that transcend mechanics ("Pretend you're a spruce tree; the roots grow down from your center as the trunk grows up"), plus a thorough knowledge of human and equine anatomy, this wise and inspiring teacher enables the conscientious equestrian to reassess habitual responses, in order to ride in natural positions, break through frustrating plateaus, and achieve ever-rising goals with comfort, vitality, and precision. Precise illustrations and photographs never before used in riding books explain anatomy and image work to give mind and body new and relaxed approaches to the inner process of riding. Centered Riding is for those with little experience all the way up to world class.