The Horse Training Problem Solver

Training a horse brings an array of vexing challenges. What should a rider do with a horse who just won't listen? What about the horse who quickly tires, or becomes cranky during training? And there are horses who behave well in the presence of an instructor, but — maddeningly — never while alone with the rider. Situations like these can leave even the most enthusiastic equestrian feeling discouraged, frustrated, and even downright helpless.

Jessica Jahiel comes to the rescue with The Horse Training Problem Solver, the third title in her popular Problem Solver series. In her informal yet informative style, Jahiel offers sensible answers to riders' most common training challenges. In a handy, accessible Q&A format, Jahiel uses real-life case studies to bring troublesome situations to life and then solves the problems with tested, proven solutions.

The book's combination of basic training theory, effective solutions, and handy tips and strategies will help riders get the most out of every training session. Best of all, Jahiel breaks down training goals — from simple commands like "whoa" and "go" to complex transitions and ring figures — into simple building blocks, logical to both horse and human. Riders will begin to gain their animal's trust, develop realistic expectations, stay focused, and engage in effective two-way communication, ultimately resulting in a happier, better-trained, more enjoyable horse.

For the millions of Americans who show, train, or own horses — including the steady, growing market of first-time horse owners — The Horse Training Problem Solver is an indispensable reference. It will demystify horse training, improve the horse-rider relationship, and ensure a more satisfying experience for both horse and rider.

Training a horse brings

"Some days I feel like my horse is an untrained 1,000-pound puppy. Help!"

Every horse owner wants a properly trained companion that understands what's expected and responds accordingly, but the training process can be frustrating and baffling — for humans and horses!

Equine behavior expert Jessica Jahiel answers your questions about the miscommunications and troublesome situations that crop up during training sessions. She breaks down goals into small achievable steps, helps trainers reverse the ill effects of bad training, and shows the way to better, more trusting horse/human relationships.

Cherry Hill is an internationally known instructor and horse trainer and has written numerous books, including 101 Arena Exercises for Horse & Rider, Horsekeeping on a Small Acreage, How to Think Like a Horse, What Every Horse Should Know, and Horse Care for Kids.&

 Jessica Jahiel is an internationally renowned lecturer, clinician, and award-winning author who answers equine-related questions in her online newsletter, Horse-Sense. She also responds to questions about horse behavior, riding matters, and anything else readers want to discuss in Horse & Rider, Equus, and Dressage Today, as well as in her best-selling books The Horse Behavior Problem Solver and The Rider's Problem Solver. Jahiel lives in Illinois.

Foreword by Cherry Hill

Preface

Part I: Basic Training

1 Thoughts on Training

2 Training from the Ground

3 Training from the Saddle: Whoa and Go

4 Training at the Walk

5 Training at the Trot

6 Training at the Canter

7 Training over Fences

Part II: Inside and Outside the Arena

8 Working on Transitions

9 Lateral Work: Suppling and Softening

10 The Great Outdoors

11 Connection, Roundness, and Collection

Part III: Training Tools

12 The Rider's Brain

13 Training Equipment: Metal and Leather

14 Longeing, Warm-ups, and Your Horse's Training

Part IV: Training and Retraining at All Ages

15 Age-Appropriate Training

16 Retraining the Abused or Confused Horse

17 Retraining the Ex-Racehorse

18 Specific Situations

Glossary

Recommended Reading

Appendix

Index