The Riding Horse Repair Manual Not the Horse You Want? Create Him from What You Have

Contending that nearly all horse behavior problems result from incorrect or inconsistent training, this work highlights the potential behind the world's promising equine model citizens and partners. The guide emphasizes systematic reconditioning while encouraging patience and proper skills in riders, providing a comprehensive plan for addressing issues such as bucking, bolting, rearing, spooking, lack of confidence, jumping issues, and more. Featuring a clear, accessible outline, this is the definitive solution to implementing consistent training methods, allowing riders to take full advantage of their horses' unrealized abilities. Suggestions for starting young horses, detailed case studies, and strategies for future success are also included.

Doug Payne is a graduated top-rated Pony Club member who teaches for his local chapter. He is the owner and founder of DPEquestrian, which trains horses for competition, and his own 2011 competition record garnered more than 100 starts, 16 wins, and 29 top-five finishes in straight jumping at all levels. He is a member of the 2011 U.S. Equestrian Team High Performance List, which comprises the country’s top riders, and one of the U.S. Eventing Association’s top 10 riders nationwide. He lives in Pottersville, New Jersey.

Foreword by Linda Zang vii
Foreword by Anne Kursinski viii

PART 1: Getting Started 1
Introduction 3
One: A Strategy for Avoiding Behavior Problems 13
Lay a Solid Foundation 16
Two: How to Start a Young Horse: A Brief Guide 19
A Training Timeline 21
Three: Training Step by Step: Work on the Ground 27
In-Hand Training Methods 27
Four: Training Step by Step: Ridden Work 39
Mounting 39
Summary: Building Blocks 45
Five: Behavior Problems: A General Assessment 47
Physical Issues 47
Educational Issues 49

PART 2: Let the Games Begin 57
Six: Before You Begin: Horse and Rider “Self-Examination” 59
Evaluating the Horse 60
Evaluating the Rider 61
The Common Problems Most Riders Can Solve 64
Section I: Contact Issues 65
First Rule Out: Physical Causes 66
Grabbing the Reins 68
Head-Tilting 72
Grinding Teeth 74
Tongue Issues 75
Crossing the Jaw and Grabbing the Bit to Bolt 80
Strong Horses or “Pullers” 86
Section II: Unruly Outbursts 91
Rearing 91
Bucking 99
Bolting 110
Spooking 112
“Barn Sour”/Nappy/Drops the Shoulder 116
Unclear Transition with Unexpected Results 119
The Stubborn “Freeze” 122
Nervous and Anxious 124
The Horse That Lacks Confidence 128
The Bully 130
Section III: Jumping Problems 133
General Jumping Philosophy 133
Running Out 135
Drifting 140
Stopping/Refusing 148
Rushing the Fence 169
Bonus Section: The Pace of the Canter: How to Jump Different Types of Fences 172

PART 3: How It Can Work for You, How It Has Worked for Me 185
Seven: Strategies for Future Success 187
Minimize Your Training Aids 187
Applying My Philosophy to Other Problems 188
When and How to Raise Your Expectations 189
Conclusion 191
Eight: Real Case Studies: Horses I Have Ridden 193
The Alchemyst 194
Crown Talisman 198
Courage 202
Running Order 204

Acknowledgments 211
Index 213