Holistic Horse Care

Horse Training In-Hand, a book by Ellen Schuthof-Lesmeister and Kip Mistral forward by Sylvia Loch. 

This book is great for people with either no skill on groundwork or with some skills on groundwork and would like to learn more about the different classical training techniques.

The book has a very gentle and gradual approach on all the exercises that are introduced to the horses.  It reemphasizes the importance of protecting a horse month and developing trust by introducing different trainings to the horse through cavesson.   Nothing can be rushed and this book gives a very clear step by step approach to the groundwork in a easy to read format.

We like this approach as we believe nothing can be rushed when it comes to getting things right around horses.   Everything from introducing feed to introducing a new exercise have to be done gradually with patient.

Excerpt from the book (page 26):

“
SIDE REINS: INVALUABLE TOOL OR DANGEROUS DEVICE?

Using side reins as training aids is a controversial subject because they are frequently used incorrectly and can potentially damage the horse physically and psychologically.

Real physical damage can be done to the horse’s body.   Side reins fixed too short for long periods can compress the front part of the horse’s body and put tension in his back.  To escape the pressure and discomfort, the horse often pulls his head up and hollows his back, trailing his hide quarters.  If his head is bent behind the vertical by force, or if he brings his nose to his chest to evade that force, his weight will be on his forehand and the horse can hardly see where he is going.  This is not collection and will never lead to the proper strengthening necessary to develop self-carriage.

Read psychological damage can be done to the horse’s mind.  Some trainers use side reins to dominate the horse psychologically as well as physically.  When the horse’s head is forced into a fixed position, he is made helpless to a large degree.  Horses are demoralized by long periods of longeing in tight side reins.  A horse that experiences this type of “training” is likely to become uninterested, frightened, or angry, and will eventually refuse to perform.

However, when used correctly, side reins can help the horse learn to:
-    Seek the bit
-    Support his forehand while he is discovering how to balance himself and as his back is strengthened by work in-hand.
-    Keep his head straight so he can’t twist to one side, evading work or nipping or biting.  (This is most helpful for a handler new to work in-hand, especially if a horse is very young, green, or mouthy.)
-    Maintain correct bend to the inside for a very short period (accomplished by adjusting the inside side rein one notch shorter than the outside rein).


The ultimate goal is to be able to work with a horse without the use of any artificial “training aids.”  You will know you have reached this point when you have developed the experience and “feel” to manage a horse without the need for devices.

“

See review from Amazon