Storey's Guide to Training Horses (Paperback)

by Heather Smith Thomas (Author) "A horse and his human handler can forge a great partnership if they understand each other..." (more)
Key Phrases: bitting harness, rump rope, timid foal (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
Complete with a glossary of equine terms and a list of resources for equine terms and a list of resources for additional information on horse training--including training clinics--this is an authoritative reference for trainers of all levels.

Product Description
It all starts with good horse sense. Anyone who understands how horses think, knows the basics of good horsemanship, and is aware of general safety practices when working around horses already has a leg up on what is necessary to train a horse. STOREY'S GUIDE TO TRAINING HORSES is a comprehensive volume that builds on that foundation and takes the trainer step-by-step through the training process, from handling the foal to ground work to mounted lessons and trailer training. While most training books focus on riding, this guide takes a broad view, presenting different methods and alternatives so you can tailor your approach to your particular horse. Author, rancher, and horse trainer Heather Smith Thomas explains how to avoid common mistakes and how to ensure mutual respect and a productive working relationship with your horse. She begins with training psychology - including how to think like a horse and the origins of the "flight or fight" response. Then she covers handling and positive, progressive training techniques for each stage of the horse's development. And since each horse is different, Thomas offers a variety of training methods designed to suit different temperaments. Furthermore, she emphasizes that a smart trainer puts the horse first, letting the horse learn at its own pace rather than trying to force the animal to an unrealistic training timetable.

Complete with a glossary of equine terms and a list of resources for additional information on horse training - including training clinics - this is an authoritative reference for trainers of all levels.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 512 pages
• Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC (March 31, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580174671
• ISBN-13: 978-1580174671
• Product Dimensions: 12.4 x 5.8 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #103,314 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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

  #67 in

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

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A "must-read" for novice horse owners, July 26, 2003

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

Storey's Guide To Training Horses by equine expert Heather Smith Thomas, is an exhaustive and thoroughly "user friendly" guide to training horses for trail riding, jumping, driving, dressage, and much, much more. From dealing with difficult equine personalities; to remaining calm when a horse is nervous or frightened; to ground work with horses ranging from the simple to the complex, Storey's Guide To Training Horses is a superbly organized and expertly presented resource resulting in it's being a "must-read" for novice horse owners, as well as having a great deal of value for even experienced owners seeking to refresh themselves or expand their skills in training horses for work, recreation, or competition.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stole from the library..., September 26, 2004

By	Alan Moore - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I liked this book so much, I wouldn't return it to the library! So I'm going to buy a copy.

It's a very thorough introduction to training horses - just what I was looking for. From starting with a foal to riding in the saddle in a wide variety of environments, she has covered it well. I recommend it.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Read, November 24, 2005

By	islandpony2004 - See all my reviews

I found this book very helpful. I imagine it would be quite helpful for the novice trainer, but even as a trainer with a little more experience I found it quite useful. At first glance it looks, perhaps, elementary, but it does a fantastic job of tying all the elements of training together so that one knows what to do and when to do it. Even the sections on picking the horse's feet and other basic skills have some trouble shooting information and ideas about how to best teach a foal. I thought it was wonderful. I definitely recommend it.