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

~ (Author), (Author)
Key Phrases: inside longe line, cotton longe, basic longeing, Stage One, Necessary Equipment Working, Stage Two (more...)

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

Product Description

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.

See all Editorial Reviews

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: 10 x 8.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #31,144 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #13 in

  Books > Home & Garden > Animal Care & Pets > Horses > Showing & Training

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 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)

Amazon Verified Purchase

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!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sheila McLevedge, Classical Dressage trainer of horses and riders, September 24, 2009

By	Sheila Mclevedge "Sheila McLevedge" (N. Springfield, Vermont) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Ellen Schuthof-Lesmeister and Kip Mistrals' book "Horse Training In -Hand" is one of the finest works on this subject that I have read. The format,photographs and the text are clear,concise and informative. Having been schooled in the Art of working horses in hand by some of the most talented trainers in Dressage in this country and abroad , I find this book a necessary training text. I have recommended it to all of my students. It is invaluable to anyone wanting to explore this almost lost art. The difficulty of working horses in hand is made much more accesible to anyone wanting to learn this Art by reading "Horse Training In-Hand". Keep this book in your stable,arena or on your bedside table as a reference manual. You will be enthralled by all that you can do with your horse when not mounted. All horses need to understand what you want from them without the added disturbance of their equilibrium with the added weight of the rider. Enjoy!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superbly done!, September 12, 2009

By	Mary C. Foxworthy - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have never written a review before but was so thrilled with this book that I wanted to share my excitment! We have been showing horses for over 30 years - all of our horses we have bought as yearlings or two year olds and all we have trained by using in-hand work on the ground. This book is so perfectly organised!!! Every element of in-hand training is discussed in such a way that the beginner or novice will understand and the veteran will not be insulted - rather enlightened with even more techiques and methods. This book is a must in every horse person's library!!!!