Bombproof Your Horse: Teach Your Horse to Be Confident, Obedient, and Safe, So Matter What You Encounter (Paperback)

by Rick Pelicano (Author), Lauren Tjaden (Author) "Why Bombproof Your Horse Bombproofing simply refers to the process of training your horsewith a systematic planto become accustomed to many different circumstances, noises, and..." (more)
Key Phrases: bombproof your horse, habituate your horse, giggle balls, Basic Training Exercises, Bombproofing Day, Bombproofing Concepts (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
A clearly illustrated manual that shows equestrians how to prepare their horses for the unexpected, turning them into safer, more pleasurable mounts.

Every horse, from the pampered show-hunter to the family pet, is faced at one time or another with an object or situation that is either overwhelmingly terrifying or just downright confusing. Riders, trainers, and owners often simply wait for these situations—and the resulting bolt, balk, or buck—in fear or ignorance, rationalizing such behavior as just "a horse being a horse." With his systematic approach to "bombproofing," Sergeant Rick Pelicano of the Maryland National Capitol Park Police demonstrates how to be proactive rather than reactive when it comes to training a horse, whether one is crossing a stream or riding in city traffic. Rick Pelicano is accredited by the American Riding Instructor Certification Program; in 1995, he was named Instructor of the Year. He lives in Frederick, Maryland.

An Equestrian Edge Book Club Main Selection

About the Author

Sgt. Rick Pelicano is accredited by the American Riding Instructor Certification Program; in 1995, he was named Instructor of the Year. He lives in Frederick, Maryland.

Product Details

• Paperback: 220 pages
• Publisher: Trafalgar Square Books (January 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570762600
• ISBN-13: 978-1570762604
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #70,791 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #38 in	Books > Home & Garden > Animal Care & Pets > Horses > Riding
  #38 in	Books > Home & Garden > Animal Care & Pets > Horses > Showing & Training
  #48 in	Books > Sports > Individual Sports > Horses > Equestrian

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

157 of 158 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Every Horseperson Should Read This Book, April 19, 2004

By A Customer

I recently attended a dressage clinic given by an international classical dressage master and 3 of the 8 so-called accomplished riders should have read this book first! This book is simply the best, most concise, clearly presented treatise on dealing with the innumerable terrifying possibilities every rider faces at some time in their riding careers. It encourages a pro-active approach to de-spooking horses before they know the multitude of things there are in the world to spook at -- like crossing water, whizzing bikes, too-friendly mothers wheeling baby carriages, waving baloons, flags and plastic bags, flapping tarps, barking, charging dogs, etc, etc, etc. To the uninitiated horse, most events outside of their stable yard are terrifying. It is the riders' responsibility to expose their horses to these terrors before disaster strikes so as to have a pleasurable, meaningful relationship with their horses. Too many people wait til they're dumped on their butt or even seriously injured to start this training and then the response is often abusive -- beating their horses for being afraid, which of course only makes them more afraid. I really appreciate the author's measured, systematic approach to the process of bombproofing. He emphasizes that first, the rider must have a secure seat and good, general riding abilities to cope with a fearful horse. Then he lays out many clear, descriptive exercises for bombproofing, both from the ground and under saddle. His approach is always sympathetic to both the rider and the horse; the book is sprinkled with humor and personal anecdotes and great, fun ideas for a "communal bombproofing day". Every horseperson should read this book!

45 of 50 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow! This book is really helping , December 29, 2004

By	A. BORKOWSKI "zuki 25" (Colorado) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

my relationship between my horse and I is improving, we are both more confident and enjoy our time together more!! I thought I knew what I was doing... but this book opened my eyes to new techniques. It is also easy to read and apply.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book, November 9, 2006

By	Sadyll Chic (New England) - See all my reviews

This book is excellent for anyone who has ever wanted to know how to teach their horse, and themselves, to be safe in almost any situation, from riding on the trail to approaching bikes, convertables, and walking on unstable surfaces.

Use the power of the "herd" for less confident horses. Find out if you and your horse are equally matched or whether you've bitten off more than you can chew.

Rick's expertise in horse training for park and police horses gives him a unique perspective on the "horse eating monsters" that could be hiding behind that bike reflector. ;)

My husband and I have put some of Rick's advice to the test with our 8 year old gelding who is being trained as a civil war re-enactment mount.

Definitely worth the small amount of money.

Happy Trails!