A book of unique, mysterious short stories with twist endings set in modern-day or the old West.

Prepping your horse for a first ride requires plenty of ground work. Here are your step-by-step instructions. This book provides simple and objective training for the unbroke horse, from first-time bridling and saddling to sacking out, bridle work from the ground, pre-mount work, and your (necessarily short) first ride. You'll learn the proven methods of John Lyons, tips to keep you safer, and tricks to save time. Today's the perfect day to get started putting a proper foundation on your horse, a solid start that'll pay big dividends for the rest of his life. If you began your training in the round pen, this book outlines the next steps If you haven't round penned your horse, you can still begin with this book BUT round penning beforehand is highly recommended. We'll get you into the saddle for a first ride -- and finish up with a chapter designed to prep you the rider/trainer, for all future rides, demonstrating specifically how to use your reins for quicker, easier results with horses of all ages. A good ninety percent of the issues I see at a typical riding clinic could have been prevented if the rider knew a few simple rules about how to hold (and release ) those reins. Developing a "good feel" for when and how to pick up and drop those reins will make training easier at all stages of your horse's life -- especially when astride a young and nervous colt when clear communication is most paramount. Finally, pinned to the tail of this book, you'll find "Cinchy Horses." Should you find yourself training a youngster who's especially goosey at the tightening of the cinch, you'll want this "what to do" fix. Only you can judge whether your colt or filly is ready for this material: Though not a mandatory prerequisite, round penning your horse (using the methods of John Lyons) is the smart thing to do before completing the material in this book. Ideally, your horse is now relaxed around you, leads well, has been taught to turn away from you as well as to face you (consistently keeping two eyes on you), and is wholly desensitized to your hand and various objects. At an absolute minimum, your horse must remain calm and willing in most circumstances when being worked with (today), is thoroughly "used to" being handled, and you must have the ability to turn the horse toward you as well as away. You must be able to lead your horse, he isn't head shy, and you can handle his entire body, ears, and all four feet. If not, check out the prerequisite work found in my book "Round Pen: First Steps to Starting a Horse." This book is broken down into five "Days" or sessions, each designed for you to take at a pace you set: Day One: First-time bridling Day Two: Bridle work from the ground (hip and shoulder control) Day Three: Sacking out and first saddling Day Four: Pre-mount work up Day Five: First Ride Plus: "The Reins: 5 Tips to Improve Your Use" "Cinchy Horses" What this book does not cover: It's loaded with early-stages training for the green horse - but it does not cover elementary sacking out (again, see my book "Round Penning: First Steps to Starting a Horse"), nor does it offer training beyond the first few weeks after first saddling up. It teaches you hip and shoulder control from the ground, how to bridle and saddle up for the first time and what you need to do to take the first ride - which will necessarily be a short one. It gives you pointers as to how you should further your training (beyond the parameters of this book) but it does not cover "riding training" (turning, stopping, speed control, etc.) beyond lessons recommended for your first dozen or so "rides." If you're going to be the first person to sit on your colt, don't you want to do everything possible to assure yourself of success? Use the Lyons methods described in this book to build a rock solid foundation You'll save tons of time and aggravation in the future if you take the time to do it right today.

The perfect reference to have at the show ring, this book takes you through the activities that occur during a typical weekend hunter jumper horse show. A quick read for busy parents new to the show world, it provides the basic information they need. Written by a parent who knew nothing about horse shows when her daughter began competing in the Walk-Trot division, it is designed for people still learning the difference between a halter and a bridle. It also includes a glossary of horse show terms, checklists for packing your car, tack trunk, and show bag, and a reference guide to ribbon colors and determining the division Champion.

All secrets of equine sport in one book.

Do you dream of riding FEI? But are you sick of riding the same dressage tests over and over again, and never getting the scores to advance? And are you overwhelmed by the stress of practicing all year, reading every dressage book, and trying your hardest but not understanding why it is never good enough? Let me show you how to break out of the adult amateur trap and learn the dressage skill set you need to ride with the professionals at FEI. My name is Jenna Smith, and I was stuck at Training Level for six long years, never even qualifying for Regional Dressage Championships. Two years later I had my USDF BRONZE MEDAL and placed in the 2ND, and 3RD Level Dressage CHAMPIONSHIPS for Region 8 At one big dressage show loaded with professionals, instead of last place, I won the High Score Award for ALL the horses at ALL the levels Can you imagine how that felt? One year after that, in 2007, I won my USDF SILVER MEDAL, and also won 3RD PLACE at Region 8 Dressage CHAMPIONSHIPS for Prix St Georges Finally at FEI, and actually beginning to school Grand Prix movements In fact if I hadn't contracted a severe case of Lyme disease (see Dressage Today issue October 2008) only weeks after Championships I would have certainly won my gold medal within the next several years based on my "Secrets" that were working so well for me. Let me show you the dressage secrets to: *go down the center line in total relaxation; *never forget a movement in a test again; *enjoy warm-up at shows; *qualify for championships; *experience harmony with your horse at any dressage show; *earn the USDF medals you dream about; *enjoy riding a musical freestyle; *ride with a top hat in Ring One Don't just take my word for it... "I loved the book I sat down, and polished if off right away Your story resonated with me and inspired me. Thank you I am rejuvenated, and excited about training and showing again this year " by Lisa Miller, Dressage rider and owner of Miller Stables, a well known breeding and training facility with some of the highest quality Gypsy Vanner horses in the country.] For less than the cost of a pony ride you can have 75 pages loaded with the tools you need to blast ahead through the levels without sacrificing classical dressage principals and without training shortcuts or gadgets. Stop throwing your money away on things that just don't help. Purchase?The Eight Secret Steps to FEI by an Adult Amateur Who Did It ?today

Ever want to consider intelligence beyond schools? Read Up, Down, and Over, and follow one person's journey to learn deep listening to hear horses and their stories. In so doing, she came to know her own truths. Without making a test of the levels of intelligence, horses teach us about ourselves and our connection with nature. Up, Down, and Over takes you for a ride among horses and their stories, so that we, too, begin to hear truths about the simple constancy of existence-if we will listen.

If you're starting a horse or need to turn around an older horse that's proving a challenge, round pen training is your very first step.
The changes you can make there are amazing - but to make these advances, you'll need to know that there is a tried-and-true system. It's more than simply running a horse around in circles; there are objective and progressive steps. It's easy - but you can't go in without a plan.
This guide to the proven methods of John Lyons, shows you exactly what to do, in which specific order, and why. Follow this material as written to turn around older horses, those "set in their ways," as well.
Section I of "Round Penning: First Steps to Starting a Horse" gives you a 5-day, step-by-step plan to take with you to the round pen.
Section II goes on to offer 10 more lessons that you'll need to teach your young horse at this point in his life, (haltering, leading, lungeing, vices, gaining respect, hoof care, trailer loading & more).
Train your horse:
* to become a willing partner
* to deal with its fear
* to be ready for the first farrier visit
* to be much safer for you and your family to be around
Build a strong foundation for your green horse - or reset the attitude of a more mature horse. Do it today He's only getting bigger
Contents:
Section I: Round Penning
Day One: Where Do I Start?
Day Two: Come To Me
Day Three: Spook in Place
Day Four: Sacking Out
Day Five: Picking Up Feet
Section II: Beyond the Round Pen
* How to Halter Train a Horse
* Teaching Your Horse to Lead
* Leading a Stubborn Horse
* Lungeing a Horse: How, When & Why
* Manners & Vices
* Biting Horses
* Whoever Moves First Loses (How to Get Respect)
* "I'm Scared of My Horse, Please Help" (The Intimidating Horse)
* Trailer Training Your Horse Using the Roundpen
* Cool trick or fix for problems at the mounting block: Teach a Horse to Sidepass Toward You on the Ground
* Is My Horse Hard to Train... Because of His Feet?
*Note: This book does not address first saddling, it brings you right up to that point. That'd be the next step.

Do you have a foal on the way? Maybe you've got a weanling who's growing like a weed but in need of training and possibly getting dangerous?
Do you know what training is essential for baby horses, how to approach the work - and how much is too much?
You have years till you can ride your colt or filly - but there's a lot of training that needs to be done in the meantime. They need to cooperate for the farrier, to stand near you politely, to be lead around the barn, to respect your space - they need to become a cheerful member of your family. This is your step-by-step guide; it shows you exactly what to do, what to look for and in what order.
Train your foal to be safer and:
to respect you and your space
to deal with fear
to lead and stand calmly
to begin "giving to pressure," the very foundation of all training
If you were the first person to someday ride your weanling, would you feel safer if the colt did - or did not - have a proper foundation?
Your Foal: Essential Training for the Weanling Horse is broken down into five "Days" or sessions.
Contents
Section I:
- Day One: Look At Me - Build Body Control
- Day Two: Sacking Out and Desensitizing
- Day Three: Halter Training Your Foal
- Day Four: Leading a Horse: Colt Basics
- Day Five: Cleaning Horses: Bathing Your Foal
Section II:
- Biting Horses (Most young horses will try this once - here's how to "nip it" in the bud.)
- Pick Up Your Feet - When I Point
- Sidepassing to You On the Ground
Based on the gentle and proven techniques of John Lyons, "Days" 1-5 teach your horse to respect your space, to deal with fear, to stand calmly and to begin "giving to pressure." Section II contains an additional three chapters that you might very well need at this stage in your young horse's life.
I call the individual segments "days" but you'll take this work at a speed that's comfortable for both you and your foal. While you'll fly through some "days," others will necessarily require that you spend more time to really nail the material. You might want to split it up over days, weeks or months.. It's completely up to you - after all, you've got years till he's big enough to carry that saddle or pull that cart
Each chapter gives you a plan, a goal, theory and homework. The whole thing might take you a week - and it might take you months. Every trainer's different, every foal is different. Regardless, when you arrive at the other side, you will have made significant progress in your foal's training and you'll be miles ahead when it comes time later to break him to saddle.

When a man appears on the back of a horse, he takes some sort of a position, and this position has its own features. This position is called a "seat." It is believed that there are many different types of "seats." Special seats for show-jumping, for trail riding, for bullfighting and so on and so forth. To put it mildly, that's not true. There are not many different types of seats; there are a great number of perversions on the topic of "seat." There are too many of them, and unfortunately all of them are factors that lead to "uncomfortable and then painful sensations" for the horse. If you put any man on a horse without a saddle, you will always get approximately the same seat. It can vary a bit due to some anatomical peculiarities of the individual man or horse, but its principle will stay the same. It will be a very deep seat with absolutely relaxed leg, with the toes pulled down and out a bit with fixed thighs. This will be the most natural seat. Alexander Nevzorov is a famous journalist, film director, scientist, writer and horseman. He is founder of the Horse Revolution and Nevzorov Haute Ecole - the art of horsemanship in its highest form, where he has managed to keep the tradition of Classical School horsemanship without a bit or bridle for riding in collection.

Begging your horse to enter the trailer is frustrating at best. Forcing your horse into the trailer is dangerous. And, unfortunately, you can't just leave the little bugger there at the fairgrounds, so you're stuck. Who needs the aggravation?

The next time you're running late for a show and the kids are driving you nuts and you need to get your horse boxed up and you're running really late... wouldn't you love to have a pro horse trainer appear and show you what to do?

Well, the bad news is, I'll be twenty states away that day. The good news is... you can bring my book Trailer training is actually very easy - it's just a matter of knowing what steps to take, how long to do each, and what to emphasize. To that end, I've compiled a simple set of instructions, a guidebook to getting your horse loading smoothly using the proven methods of John Lyons.

Train your horse to:

- Load immediately and willingly
- Unload easily and in a controlled manner
- Lead politely

You'll find the book broken down into five "Days" or segments:

- Day 1: Easy trailer loading begins by solidifying great ground manners
- Day 2: Refine your control over specific body parts, gaining respect along the way, setting yourself up for success
- Day 3: Two different ways to get your horse into the trailer
- Day 4: Exercises for "hard-luck" cases, training tips for everybody
- Day 5: Do's, Don'ts and What-To-Do-Ifs, plus notes on tying, horses that won't unload, horses who "thrash" and more

And... learn to use a round pen to teach your horse to actually look for open trailers You point, and your horse runs over and hops in

I call them "days" but you should take this work at your own speed. Each chapter gives you a plan, a goal, theory and homework. Some segments, or "days," will be easier than others. And, while you can breeze through everything in hours, you might want to split it up over days or weeks. It's completely up to you.

Whatcha waiting for? Don't wait till the morning you're leaving to find out if your horse loads

Equipose
A natural union of Yoga and Horsemanship
Theresa Norris and Priscilla Howard became friends through natural horsemanship. Over the years they examined how their physical, emotional, mental and spiritual body affected their relationship with their equine partner. Theresa and Priscilla practice yoga to balance their bodies for their well being. An idea formed of how yoga could be infused with natural horsemanship. They observed a natural connection between riding horses and practicing yoga. Yoga taught them how to be their authentic selves and slow down to live in the moment. Realizing that horses as prey animals are sensitive to a person's present state of being it directly correlated to how they interacted together.
Excited about the idea they created simulated horses to develop eighteen basic poses in a seated position that would benefit the equestrian and the general public. They felt how their body within a pose mirrored how to move with their horse while riding. Theresa and Priscilla studied how the poses practiced on their horse affected their communication and riding abilities. Interestingly they sensed how yoga was relaxing for both horse and rider. They noticed that when their whole body was balanced their performance heightened. They felt a desire to share how the poses can deepen the relationship within you and with your horse. Theresa and Priscilla called the yoga- style poses"Equipose" written as a comprehensive guide to living to the fullest with your equine partner.
Practicing yoga in this style is a gratifying experience whether you own a horse or not. An "Equipose" session can be practiced with your equine partner or on a simulated horse. The program is designed to empower you with how to implement "Equipose" to benefit you. The positive outcomes of practicing "Equipose" include supporting your overall well being, revealing your total authentic self, supporting your ground work and riding skills, releasing stress, tension and tight muscles, improving your range of flexibility, building core strength for better balance, facilitating your breath to feel centered, and focusing yourself awareness. Practicing "Equipose" offers you a feeling of peace that will flow into the rest of your life.
One of the greatest aspects of "Equipose" is that it facilitates undemanding time to spend with your horse to balance your total self. It teaches your horse when mounted that you do not always desire to work on riding in turn they learn how to read your intentions. Horses become more willing to develop a relationship with you because you're not in a demanding "let's get to it" state of being. "Equipose" can supplement your equine routine to establish balance in the mind, body and spirit. It will open your heart to the connection between you and your horse. "Equipose" reinforces the rewarding feeling of engaging with the awesome spirit of a horse.

LOOK INTO THE HEART AND SOUL OF A HORSE

Joe Camp's best seller The Soul of a Horse - Life Lessons from the Herd, now in its seventh printing, has been turning the horse world on its ear and changing the lives of horses and people all across the planet since its publication in May of 2008. This engaging, emotional, and often humorous book deftly lures readers into the heart and soul of a horse, unlocking the mystery of a majestic creature who has survived on earth without humans for more than 52 million years.

The Soul of a Horse BLOGGED - The Journey Continues follows the lead of its predecessor once again engagingly navigating uncharted and often controversial territory while forging a change in traditional thinking about horses forever.

Live the moments with Joe and Kathleen as they adopt a wild pregnant mustang and move their herd from the dry rocky hillsides of southern California to the wet grassy hillsides of their new middle Tennessee home. This book is full of inspiring new stories and compelling new discoveries as the horses continue to teach their life lessons from the herd. Plus an exclusive preview: the first three chapters of Joe's next book Born to be Wild: The Soul of a Mustang - Riding the Winds of Change.

Critical and reader acclaim for The Soul of a Horse from more than 150,000 readers has generated a profound impact on the way horses are being trained, kept, and cared for all across the planet, and it is with that same passionate spirit that Joe has written The Soul of a Horse BLOGGED The Journey Continues.

Praise for the Works of Joe Camp

Joe Camp is a master storyteller. - THE NEW YORK TIMES

The tightly written, simply designed, and powerfully drawn chapters often read like short stories that flow from the heart, not just the corral. - THE JOPLIN INDEPENDENT

Joe Camp is a gifted storyteller and the results are magical. Joe entertains, educates and empowers, baring his own soul while articulating keystone principles of a modern revolution in horsemanship. - RICK LAMB, Author and TV/Radio host The Horse Show

Joe Camp is a natural when it comes to understanding how animals tick and a genius at telling us their story. The Soul of a Horse is a must-read for those who love animals of any species. - MONTY ROBERTS, Author of New York Times Best-seller The Man Who Listens to Horses

One cannot help but be touched by Camp s love and sympathy for animals and by his eloquence on the subject. - MICHAEL KORDA, The Washington Post

Handicapping reference guide for the Kentucky Derby, by Liam Durbin, public handicapper for the Chicago Tribune and LA Times

Charles de Kunffy retells the dramatic events of his privileged and turbulent young life. A European nobleman in the stormy years of World War II and the Hungarian Revolution persevered to become a prominent equestrian. During the Soviet occupation, de Kunffy finds a life-saving island of tranquility in the ancient art of classical horsemanship. Fascinating accounts of his great mentors, 'professor' horses and remarkable characters are vividly described against an uncertain historical landscape. The author's account of life under brutal tyranny, and the victorious survival of a civilized mind are a testament to a determined and sensitive spirit. Tragic at times, funny at others, this true-life tale of travel through a rugged social landscape is graced with equestrian salvation.

A basic guide to horsemanship for young adults and their parents using coloring book images to show techniques, equipment and horse anatomy. A 54 minute DVD that accompanies the book can be purchased from the authors on their websites, www.littlefeatherranch.com at a discount with proof of purchase of the book. This book would be a great start to looking into owning a horse. In addition, it would be a great gift for any horse lover.

Become the confident, composed, and effective rider you ve always wanted to be
Mental skills coach Tonya Johnston, MA, has helped thousands of equestrian athletes achieve success at every level, from recreational riders to award-winning international competitors. In "Inside Your Ride," she provides specific methods and clear, easy-to-follow directions to help you mentally prepare for your next ride or competition, no matter your discipline and skill level.
This book will show you how to: Become energized and overcome riding challenges Highlight progress and success within your goal setting Conquer anxiety and develop a positive attitude Stay in the moment during your ride Fine-tune your visualization skills Build a consistent preparation routine Communicate well with trainers, partners, parents, or fellow boarders "Inside Your Ride" is also filled with inspiring quotes, stories, and insights from Olympic and world-class riders and trainers, including Margie Engle, John French, Guenter Seidel, Anne Kursinski, McLain Ward, Gina Miles, and Missy Clark, who share their personal mental preparation strategies.

Many trainers dislike the use of treats for training. Some even say we shouldn't talk to our horses. Training should all be based upon body language, just as the horses use with each other in the herd. We believe that the horse's language is important because once the horse understands that you know his language, once you have given him the choice of trusting you, of being in relationship with you, and once you have proven your leadership to the horse then he has a clear capability to grow and understand our language. To learn things he might not have ever had the chance to learn if he had remained in a herd somewhere. Sort of like you grew when you went off to school. I believe that horses love that opportunity to grow with you, and have fun with you... to learn new things and be rewarded in a positive way that they truly enjoy. I also believe that they love being able to speak to you, to initiate conversation. Like Cash does when he walks up and offers his big toothy smile, saying, Might I have a treat please? Teaching the horse that you understand his herd language - the use of pressure and release of that pressure - is a must in the beginning. But we now know that communication increases exponentially, both in comprehension and speed of learning, when treats are strategically used. I suppose it comes from so many years working with Benji before horses, and finally drawing the conclusion that whatever a dog can learn, a horse can learn as well because, with treats, they both want to learn.. And the horse will be just as happy about showing off as Benji is. Believe it or not, now all backed up by a new scientific study. Come with us as we step outside the box and discover how to give our horses a new and exciting way to learn, and communicate with us... and have fun Whoa Hold on there. Have we stumbled onto something that actually teaches the horse and the horse enjoys it, thinks it's fun? Yes, we did. And with this book we share it all with you. The stories you love and the information you need will always be with you. What Readers and Critics Are Saying About Joe Camp "Joe Camp is a master storyteller." The New York Times "Joe Camp is a gifted storyteller and the results are magical. Joe entertains, educates and empowers, baring his own soul while articulating keystone principles of a modern revolution in horsemanship." Rick Lamb, Author and TV/Radio host "The Horse Show" "This book is fantastic It has given me shivers, made me laugh and cry, and I just can't seem to put it down " Cheryl Pannier, WHO Radio AM 1040 Des Moines "One cannot help but be touched by Camp's love and sympathy for animals and by his eloquence on the subject." Michae Korda The Washington Post "Joe Camp is a natural when it comes to understanding how animals tick and a genius at telling us their story. His books are must-reads for those who love animals of any species." Monty Roberts, Author of New York Times Best-seller The Man Who Listens to Horses "The tightly written, simply designed, and powerfully drawn chapters often read like short stories that flow from the heart. Camp has become something of a master at telling us what can be learned from animals, in this case specifically horses, without making us realize we have been educated, and, that is, perhaps, the mark of a real teacher." Jack L. Kennedy, The Joplin Independent "This book is absolutely fabulous An amazing, amazing book. You're going to love it." Janet Parshall's America "Joe speaks a clear and simple truth that grabs hold of your heart." Yvonne Welz, Editor, The Horses Hoof Magazine "I wish you could hear my excitement for Joe Camp's new book. It is unique, powerful, needed." Dr. Marty Becker, best-selling author of several Chicken Soup for the Soul books and popular veterinary contributor to ABC's Good Morning America "Joe transports me into his words. I feel like I am right there sharing his experiences." Ruth Swander - Reader

Inspired by the connection that breathing techniques can bring, this follow-up to Ride From the Heart is written to empower trainers, teachers and riders of all disciplines to connect with the horse and build a relationship built on trust and understanding. Breathing techniques facilitate self-control, calmness of mind, stability and energy, thus enhancing balance and harmony within your riding. Jenny Rolfe looks at the rider from top to toe and discusses where tension may be carried. She provides exercises to release restrictions caused by tension. These help the rider not only to ride in good posture and balance but also to cultivate a deep sense of connection and feel. Her training methods are designed to advance the athletic ability of the horse whilst cultivating a feeling of confidence, trust and enjoyment for both horse and rider.

Whether you want to build a solid foundation in your young horse or refresh an older horse's manners, this colt-starting program, featuring emotional training, is for you. It's based on techniques Stacy Westfall used to win the prestigious Road to the Horse colt-starting competition in 2006.
Stacy Westfall shows you how to introduce pressure to a horse in a safe environment so he'll be able to control his fear in the real world, thus building his and your confidence, and making him a safer partner.
In "Smart Start," you'll learn how to: Read your horse's body language to establish the communication necessary for safety and basic control Establish respect and build trust Develop responsiveness and self-confidence in your horse Gain independent control of his head, shoulders, and hips, which will increase your safety and ability to direct his movement both on the ground and under saddle Establish forward motion the key to control when you mount up Use verbal cues Despook your horse