Starting Colts: Catching, Sacking Out, Driving, First Ride, First 30 Days, Loading by Mike Kevel
Aimed at both the expert and novice horseman and woman, this is a practical guide to mastering horse-training skills. Kevel's philosophy is simple: stimulus-response-reward, then repeat. You apply a stimulus until you get the desired response, then you stop the stimulus and reward the horse. In this book Kevil offers readers an understanding of how to apply and cease the stimulus in the best and most humane way possible. He emphasizes safety and going slowly with young horses. Patience and a steady approach build confidence in both the horse and trainer. Chapters include facilities, equipment, catching and leading, tying up, longeing, sacking out, first saddling, introduction to the bit, driving, first ride, first thirty days, developing the mouth, 30 to 90 days and trailer loading.