Product Description

A groundbreaking training book that will improve horse–and–rider partnerships everywhere. An Equestrian Edge Book Club Selection

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #502391 in Books
• Published on: 2002-03-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 208 pages

From the Publisher
When you see a horse under saddle that looks light, elegant, and graceful—as though he’s having the best time of his life—that horse is moving in “true balance.” Right from the Start introduces trainers and riders to the fundamentals of training a horse to perform with these desirable qualities. Author Michael Schaffer offers clear instruction on his unique methods of starting young horses as well as re–schooling those that lack a good training foundation. Using techniques both on the ground and under saddle, Schaffer reveals the key to success—teaching the horse to soften and move into the rider’s hand. Right from the Start offers training principles that produce happy, well–trained horses, enabling riders to succeed in any area of the sport they choose—dressage, jumping, reining, trail, or just riding for fun. Michael Schaffer has trained horses professionally for more than 25 years; he works out of New Start Farm in central New Jersey.

About the Author

Customer Reviews

One of the best training books ever.
Michael Schaffer explains so many of the small details that many trainers can't put into words- and explains the "whys" to go with it. I am especially excited about the ground exercises as I have thoroughbreds off the track to retrain and youngsters to start. I have tried several of the exercises on one of my mares that has been very skittish (she was retired from racing because she became too "unruly" to handle- on or off the track), and the results have been great. I underlined most of the contents of the book in marker because there isn't a lot of excess "filler". Everything that is written is important. Everything in the book is written to help the horse by helping the rider to understand why the horse does something, and how to gently correct or encourage as needed. When you have worked through the excercises in the book with your horse, you will not only have a great riding horse, but also a wonderful companion. I am even doing the ground excercises with a broodmare who isn't riding sound, simply because she is learning respect (she was "pushy" when I got her) and to be alert to where I am and what I'm doing at any time.

I recommend this book highly.

Fills in those training gaps other books skip over!
I have been reading a lot of books about starting young horses recently and this is by far the best. Aside from the fact that it is well written and easy to follow, I feel that it answers the questions most books skip over and puts simply into words what is difficult to describe. Although there are many books that offer advice on starting young horses, many of them tell you what to do - ground schooling, long lining, lungeing - but don't give any insight on what you are trying to acheive in terms of balance, bend and contact. This book fills in those gaps and more. I also recommend "Dressage in Lightness" by Sylvia Loch (see my reviews).

A Rider's Perspective
I have been taking clinics with Mike for a couple of years now, and I can tell you from first-hand observation that these techniques work. He does not go into exhaustive detail about how to fix all problems, but gives you the tools and techniques to figure out your own approaches that will work, some of which he refers to as heresy in the traditional dressage world. He also explains things very clearly and understandably, breaking them down to explain why we do things. His technique focuses on showing the horse the easiest way to carry the rider, and from there the horse will usually do what's needed on his own. I highly recommend the book and the techniques. One caveat - the book is so packed with information that you'll probably need to read it several times to remember it all.