Horse Training In-Hand: A Modern Guide to Working from the Ground: Long Lines, Long and Short Reins, Work on the Longe [Hardcover]

Ellen Schuthof-Lesmeister (Author), Kip Mistral (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2009

Bringing new life to time-tested techniques, this gorgeously illustrated book shows how "in-hand" methods can be used by the modern equestrian to better a horse's performance in any discipline. Thorough, step-by-step instructions for promoting subtle communication via the handler's voice, body, and reins will improve the horse's straightness, suppleness, balance, collection, and understanding of the aids. With its ability to improve communication between participants and instill in the horse lightness and obedience, these methods are the perfect way to start an immature or green horse, safely begin remedial training with a problem animal, confirm movements taught first under saddle, maintain an older horse's flexibility and balance, and allow those unable to ride a method to continue training and conditioning their horse at the highest level. Specific exercises cover the longe and double-longe lines, long lines, and long and short reins. Featuring patterns that put all the lessons together, the book confirms that in-hand training is the very best way to teach and condition a horse for both serious schooling and recreational pursuit.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Fundamental theory is outlined in accessible terms so that the reader understands the 'whys' as well as the 'hows.' From leg-yield to piaffe, the authors guide the reader through a solid primer in classical methodology."  —Sherry Ackerman, author, Dressage in the Fourth Dimension

"Without any question one of the best guide books that I read about proper ground work."  —Walter A. Zettl, author, The Circle of Trust

"This book shows how schooling in-hand can improve not only the horse's movement, but also communication between horse and human . . . A great book for learning the importance of groundwork!"  —Horsemen's Yankee Pedlar

"Now this gorgeously illustrated book brings new life to these time-tested techniques, showing how schooling in-hand can improve the horse’s straightness, suppleness, balance, collection, and understanding of the aids."  —Northwest Rider

About the Author

Ellen Schuthof-Lesmeister owns and operates a horse training facility in the countryside near Amsterdam. She has had extensive formal training in jumping and dressage and currently studies with Portuguese masters Francisco Bessa de Carvalho and Pedro Baptista de Almeida. Kip Mistral is an equestrian journalist who has contributed more than 75 articles to equine publications. She lives in Pine Valley, California.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 204 pages
• Publisher: Trafalgar Square Books; 1 edition (April 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570764093
• ISBN-13: 978-1570764097
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 10.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #56,575 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #80 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Animal Care & Pets > Horses

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best in-hand training book I've purchased, May 24, 2009

By 

Megan Rust "Pacific Northwest horsewoman" (Port Townsend, WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Horse Training In-Hand: A Modern Guide to Working from the Ground: Long Lines, Long and Short Reins, Work on the Longe (Hardcover)

I ordered this book LAST year, and waited and waited for it to be published, hoping the wait would not be for naught. It was worth the wait!! The book is laid out systematically and its steps are easy to follow. The training techniques of the author are classical and oriented around what is best for the horse. She emphasizes the use of position and body language as primary aids, and her means of correction are not aggressive but kind and tactful. Rather than punishing the horse for a mistake, she offers the horse a way to redirect its energy, and advises going back a few steps to make the troublesome maneuver easier for the horse to understand. Many of her comments on carrying out movements classically sound just like the natural horsemanship trainers I know, which makes sense because both schools of horse handling have the same basis: the horse's well being.

I have been buying books on in-hand work with horses for several years, and this is the best of all of them! The author explains in-hand training so well, and makes it sound so "do-able" that I want to start doing at least one day a week of in-hand training for my horses. The lessons described in the book will be invaluable for my Lusitano filly, who is being started now. Having her learn the lateral moves shown in the book--in text and in wonderful photos--will be the perfect way to teach her without any weight on her back. None of the other books made me want to add in-hand work to my regular schooling schedules. If you like in-hand work, and know of its importance, this is a book to have in your equine library. The years of schooling the author has done with the European masters of in-hand work, like Bent Branderup, shine in her book. I can't say enough about it!

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Astonishing in its detail, outstanding for its clarity., October 23, 2009

By 

Iberian horse lover "student-of-dressage" (Southern Oregon) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Horse Training In-Hand: A Modern Guide to Working from the Ground: Long Lines, Long and Short Reins, Work on the Longe (Hardcover)

This is a large book on a small and complex subject. I have read other similarly titled books that are available and came away uninspired. However, after reading this one, I put it in a class of its own. This author, Schuthof-Lesmeisters is a Master of of In-hand work, and her dedication and expertise shows as she clearly guides you through every aspect of this underutilized art. She makes a conscious effort to describe the concepts and execution with clarity so the reader can follow. What makes this book really work though is the writer, Mistral. While other books describe what CAN be done, the collaboration of these two talents actually tell you HOW to do it. More importantly, Mistral has presented Schuthof-Lesmeister work in an outline form that is eminenetly readable. The concepts flow from one aspect to another without bringing it so much direction as to make it confusing. I have been working with my horses In-Hand for several years, and even with all the instruction I have received I still was enlightened by this book. I couldn't wait to try some of their methods, and using the easy to follow format I achieved never seen before results. I want to obtain a stronger in-hand Piaffe with my Stallion and I am certain that in time, with the help of this book, I will be able to do so. If you are considering purchasing a book on In-hand training, this is the guide you should buy first. If you already own one, you will be amazed at how much new material this author brings to the table.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for those wishing to learn or improve in-hand work with their horses, May 13, 2010

By 

K. Baylis "lil fox" (New Zealand) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Horse Training In-Hand: A Modern Guide to Working from the Ground: Long Lines, Long and Short Reins, Work on the Longe (Hardcover)

To start with, I bought this book with the intention of learning double-longing or long-reining or long-lining as some people call it. I wanted an easy step-by-step way to encourage my horse to use his back without rushing him and getting him to think about what he was doing. I haven't had a chance to read through the WHOLE book, as I've read only so far as up to the long-lining section, but I have flicked through the rest and feel I can offer people a review that will make up their minds whether this book is for them.

So, for starters this book is wonderful because I feel it is very classical and modern at the same time, and gets the horse working with you as opposed to just popping him in side-reins and getting him going. It starts from the very first stages of introducing your horse to lunging and all the gear that goes with it, it offers training ideas and beautiful big color pictures that demonstrate the text. It is quite text-heavy - in saying that, they only say what is necessary, not any waffle that you wouldn't need to read, and they carefully explain how to go about each step thoughtfully and offer any suggestions if your horse has any aversions to certain steps.

This is a book for those wishing to go on a journey with your horse, taking it slow and easy, for people who understand that it just doesn't happen overnight, or even within a couple of weeks. For people wanting a quick fix or something to immediately make a difference, this book isn't for you. I enjoy seeing the 'before' and 'after' pictures of showing a horse working 'wrong' and then the horse working correctly, and how it offers suggestions to fix the problems. For those who are serious, it is worth reading every word of this book, I suggest sitting in bed with it the night before and taking it with you the next day to see your horse so that you can remind yourself to not get frustrated and take it one step at a time.

I have found it invaluable in teaching my horse to double-longe, he has now calmly and happily accepted the lines going behind his hind quarters and has started engaging his back muscles. We still have a way to go, but in the same air as this book - calm, dedicated, consistent and gentle - I am sure that our partnership will grow to be a better one.

On one last note, it is my opinion that ground work is absolutely essential to creating a lasting bond and relationship with your horse that starts at ground level and carries on in the saddle. You'll have a happier, more trusting and content horse if you do the hard yards on the ground first :o) I hope this book helps others the same way it has helped me.