Educating the Young Horse

Knowledgable equestians would agree that the quality of the young or green horse's basic training ultimately affects its performance and happiness throughout its life. Yet it is in this critical time that one is most likely to run into problems owing to the very fact of the horse's lack of education and experience. Julian Westall aims to avoid a "cookbook" style coverage of early training. Recognizing that each horse is an individual he offers a system which reflects these differences. More than one approach is frequently detailed various possible reactions are considered and likely problems discussed. Westall deliberately does not direct the reader towards a particular discipline either believing that at this stage it is too early to specialize. The goal here is a well-rounded happy and athletic young horse. Throughout this approach the trainer should become better able to use his or her own observation skills reflection and decision-making in the training programme. The result should be a more confident trainer and therefore a more confident horse.