Synopses & Reviews
This easy-to-follow instruction guide provides a training system to create a steady, bombproof horse that respects and trusts his handler for a lifetime.
Using a method that she developed while training therapeutic riding horses, longtime horse trainer Lisa Wysocky shows how to use a toolkit of everyday itemssuch as halters, lead ropes, long lines, plastic bags, toys, towels, and voice commandsalong with a variety of specialized ground exercises, to desensitize and build confidence with horses of all types and in all disciplines. The result is an unflappable horse that quietly accepts sudden or loud noises and unusual objects and/or situations.
Illustrated with black-and-white photos throughout the book, My Horse, My Partner helps horse and human forge an amazing bond as they go through this process together.
Synopsis
This easy-to-follow instruction guide provides a training system to create a steady, bombproof horse that respects and trusts his handler for a lifetime.
Using a method that she developed while training therapeutic riding horses, longtime horse trainer Lisa Wysocky shows how to use a toolkit of everyday items—such as halters, lead ropes, long lines, plastic bags, toys, towels, and voice commands—along with a variety of specialized ground exercises, to desensitize and build confidence with horses of all types and in all disciplines. The result is an unflappable horse that quietly accepts sudden or loud noises and unusual objects and/or situations.
Illustrated with black-and-white photos throughout the book, My Horse, My Partner helps horse and human forge an amazing bond as they go through this process together.
Table of Contents
The book is organized into the following chapters: Introduction: The who, what, when, where and why of the My Horse My Partner program. 1. Your Tool Kit: All the items needed, such as halter, lead rope, surcingle, bridle, long lines, etc.2. Its a Hands-on Process: The first step is for the human partner to get to know her horse in a different way, and for her to get to know you. Human partners are taught how to desensitize their horse by running their hands across the horses body. The use of body and voice are discussed, as is a horses ability to quickly sum up a person and pass judgment. Safe and unsafe areas around the horse are also touched upon.
3.More than Just a Sack: brings sacking out” to a new level. 4. The Most Important Word on the Planet: Woah” means halt, right now, no questions asked. 5. The Ears Have It: The author shows how the use of a variety of pom poms, plastic grocery bags, and bells placed near the ears builds confidence, respect and trust, and tells why this is an integral part of the My Horse, My Partner process. 6. Paper or Plastic: Using a long narrow stick or Dressage whip with any number of things tied to the end: rubber strips, plastic bags with or without noisy objects inside, colored cloth, bells, pom poms, flags, umbrellas, etc., the author demonstrates how further desensitizing a horse can build confidence, respect and trust between the partners. 7. Leading: Different methods for getting the horse to lead next to his partners shoulders are covered, as are ground exercises for leading at the walk, trot, turn and stop. 8. Playtime: This chapter discusses introducing a horse to the unfamiliar through the use of childrens toys and objects found around the house. 9. Its All in the Voice: The author discusses the importance of voice commands such as walk, trot, canter, stand, and back, and how the pronunciation of the vowel in the word and tone of the voice can make a huge difference. Longeing basics are also introduced. 10. Make Some Noise: Various methods of sound therapy. 11. Lets Dance: Weaving through objects such as barrels or cones, going over flat and raised cavaletti poles, doing precise pattern work such as figure eights or serpentines, all at varying speeds. 12. A Walk in the Park
Its time to take the show on the road, or at least down the driveway. 13.Hang 1: In a safe enclosure such as a round pen, small paddock or the horses stall, a set of bells, or an empty paper or plastic bag is clipped to the horses saddle or surcingle. 14. Driving Under the Influence: Long lining allows the human partner to add direction, balance and collection to the horses movement from the ground. 15. Hang 10 After each object can be hung individually from the horse without attention, its time to gradually add them together. 16. Hitch em Up: The final individual component is the travois, a rudimentary sled used by Native Americans to haul belongings, and by horsemen to teach a horse to pull. 17. Putting it All Together: A review of all the concepts are detailed so the human partner can see just how far he or she has come. 18. The Next Steps Regular maintenance work is sometimes needed, especially for horses who in the past have been mistreated, poorly trained, abused, or neglected, or for horses who have had terrifying experiences in their life.