The Young Horse: Breaking and Training

Rating:
Summary: Great book for the English rider!
Review: I'll admit to being a little biased in the review of this book (and also the one by Pippa Funnell, "Training the Young Horse"), in that I'm from England and am familiar with the training methods outlined by these authors. Also, as an event rider I particularly like the introduction to cross-country fences, which I appreciate is not necessary for every rider. This book covers basic ground work, early lessons under saddle, beginning jumping, training cross-country fences, fitness and preparing for your first competition. Obviously since it covers so much material, it doesn't go into great detail. Nonetheless, I think it provides an excellent starting point and a structured program for your young horse. What I like about this book is that it gives a realistic insight into working with young horses, with examples of problem horses and how the training difficulties were overcome. It follows actual horses bred at the Catherston stud and you can see their progression throughout the book. With this book (and Pippa's) you get the impression that this is the program they follow and it works. The international success of both authors is testament to that. On a minor point - I always like a book with lots of photographs, it gives me inspiration for my day dreams.

Rating:
Summary: Great book for the English rider!
Review: I'll admit to being a little biased in the review of this book (and also the one by Pippa Funnell, "Training the Young Horse"), in that I'm from England and am familiar with the training methods outlined by these authors. Also, as an event rider I particularly like the introduction to cross-country fences, which I appreciate is not necessary for every rider. This book covers basic ground work, early lessons under saddle, beginning jumping, training cross-country fences, fitness and preparing for your first competition. Obviously since it covers so much material, it doesn't go into great detail. Nonetheless, I think it provides an excellent starting point and a structured program for your young horse. What I like about this book is that it gives a realistic insight into working with young horses, with examples of problem horses and how the training difficulties were overcome. It follows actual horses bred at the Catherston stud and you can see their progression throughout the book. With this book (and Pippa's) you get the impression that this is the program they follow and it works. The international success of both authors is testament to that. On a minor point - I always like a book with lots of photographs, it gives me inspiration for my day dreams.