FROM BIRTH TO BACKING [Illustrated] [Hardcover]

This approach to the 'starting' of young horses or the restarting of older ones, is absolutely wonderful and a 'must' for anyone interested in starting or even handling horses, in a more humane manner than perhaps has been used before. Instead of the old fashioned way of demanding results and compliance with all our demands, it takes the human into the realm of the horse. By watching the horses' body language and using the language of equinus, so much more can be achieved without bullying the horse or trying to force him into anything he does not want to achieve. By following Richard's advice, the foal, the yearling, the two year old or any horse can be started gently and with kindness and the results are so much more rewarding. Trust between human and horse builds up at each stage and a greater understanding of your horse quickly develops. Reading the book was like opening a whole new chapter on my life with horses. Actually putting Richard's new approach into practice is the most rewarding thing I have ever done with a horse. Both my foal and my two year old are responding to this way of being started and the trust and relationship the horses have with all my family is tremendous. By meeting them half way and trying to understand why they are behaving in a certain manner, makes handling them much easier and so much more pleasurable. IT REALLY DOES WORK. Misunderstandings between the horse and the human are much less likely to occur by adopting Richard's approach, as you learn to look at why the horse is behaving in a certain manner and not punishing him for doing so. I would reccommend this book to anyone with a horse or pony, who just would like to have a greater insight in the workings of a horse's mind or be able to watch their animals and at least have a better comprehension of what their friends are really trying to tell them. It may be that they are telling you they consider you a friend too.