When horsewoman and certified personal trainer Joyce Kramer discovered that the riders most committed to fitness were not reaping the benefits of their improved athleticism on horseback, she abandoned the standard protocol for developing strength, endurance, and stability. Her background in the study of movement and holding patterns enabled her to develop her own unique approach to physical training capable of improving riding function and performance in such dramatic ways, it can bring out what she calls the “inner elite rider” in everyone.
Using phenomenal hand-drawn imagery and engaging photographs of her own students at work, Kramer begins her book by clarifying the four most important ingredients to riding in harmony with an equine partner, as well as the aspects that nurture a sense of “feel” in the rider:
- Alignment
- Centering
- Grounding
- Positive Tension
The second part of the book focuses on rider position, deconstructing the body’s sections and again using imagery to enable readers to connect all their “parts” into one cohesive, breathing, supple “whole.” An optimal position allows the horse to carry the rider comfortably and efficiently, promoting performance to the very best of his ability.
Finally, Kramer takes the reader on a journey to the “deep core,” which she has identified as key not only to limiting extraneous movement of the exterior body visible to others, but also to the energy exchange at the most exciting level of connection with a horse. Bones, internal organs, and spinal stabilizers are engaged on the ground and in the saddle, using sound cues, proprioceptive props, and imagery, with mind-blowing results.
With hundreds of images, tips, and exercises that can be modified according to age and ability, and an excitingly fresh perspective, this book can be the key to any rider reaching the next level in the saddle—whether that means excelling in a whole new division of competition, or recovering or rebuilding after time away from the sport. Every page is full of fun, engaging answers to your riding questions, ideas for clearing your stumbling blocks, and the endless promise of pursuing an activity you love in the company of your horse.
Preparing Your Horse or Donkey for Veterinary Care: Practical Training to Establish Good Behavior, Relieve Stress, and Ensure Safety by Helene Roche
Equine behavior expert and trained ethologist Hélène Roche provides a practical, fair, and scientifically researched set of techniques to help train your horse or donkey to “cooperate for care.” Specifically, her goal is to ensure that veterinary examinations, treatment administration, and health monitoring are safer, easier, and less stressful for all involved.
Making the decision to prepare your equine to cooperate for care will save you valuable time, as well as improving the quality of your relationship with your horse or donkey (and veterinarian, too!). With small steps that can be regularly incorporated into daily activities, your horse can learn to accept:
- Human touch in sensitive places - The taking of vital signs - Clipping and bathing, such as that needed before wound treatment - Dental care - Inhalers or nebulizers - Injections - Drawing blood - Deworming - Medication administration - Eye care - X-rays and hoof and lower limb treatment - Being weighed on a scale - Treatment rooms, stocks, and other care locations - Urine collection
In addition, readers learn how to identify a problem that might need medical care, and how to recognize pain, fear, and impatience in horses and donkeys. With helpful hints on preparing for a veterinary visit, both at your home barn or at a clinic, as well as preparing for hospitalization or long-term stall-rest, this highly illustrated reference is an invaluable starter kit for remarkably better interactions with your horse as you work toward his improved health and well-being.
Paperback.