training methods philosophies for horses, traditional, natural horsemanship, classical riding, trainers instructors, Monty Roberts, Pat Parelli, Mark Rashid, Franklin Levinson, GaWaNi Pony Boy, Kelly Marks, Richard Maxwell, Linda Tellington-Jones, Heather

There is no quick fix in training horses - there is no magical gadget. It can all seam very confusing as to which methods to follow and who to listen to when it comes to training horses. There are a wide range of training methods and training philosophies ranging from the traditional to natural horsemanship. To make this even more confusing for the every day horse owner you may find even experts in the field sometimes finding it hard to agree on best practice. However to reach your own decision about the best training method(s) for your horse you would be advised to be open minded and willing to learn new skills and concepts. By being open to new experiences you will have a rich learning journey. You will discover many useful techniques and you will be able to identify what does and doesn’t work for you and your horse. Both you and your horse are individuals and what will work well for one partnership may not be as effective or successful for another partnership. Speaking from personal experience I have learnt from the traditional British Horse Society method, Classical Riding method from natural horsemanship trainers Monty Roberts, Pat Parelli, Mark Rashid, Franklin Levinson and from horses themselves. Horses are our best educators, however to learn from them we must see and understand the world from their perspective. I am continually learning and adding new techniques / methods to my tool box. My aim is to refine my partnership with horses. Tips I can share with you are to be open minded, to listen, be critical, ask questions, be objective, assess your learning, and be patient. Accept and be excited by the fact that we will never know everything – there is always something new to learn. I am a freelance instructor and work within Coventry, Warwickshire and surrounding areas. Click here to find out more.

Here are a few tips for if you want to employ a local trainer to work with you and your horse: You can learn a lot from watching them teach, as teaching styles vary and you need to decide if your learning style is compatible. Ensure they are experienced / qualified, have a good reputation and are insured. Discuss with them in advance what you hope to achieve by working with them. If you live in Coventry, Warwickshire or the surrounding areas I can provide you with freelance instruction. Click here to find out more.

Listed in the Ask the Experts section are links to nationally and internationally well known trainers / training methods / philosophies with links to websites for you to find out more. Click here to visit Ask the Experts section then click onto the Ask the Experts Rider section.

Here is listed some recommend reading. These books I have read and found to be very useful, inspirational and provide a range of insights into handling and riding horses.

This book compares the most popular training methods / techniques used by horse trainers today. The book has insights in to the methods of:- Monty Roberts, Pat Parelli, Sylvia Loch, GaWaNi Pony Boy, Kelly Marks, Richard Maxwell, Linda Tellington-Jones and Sylvia Stanier.

Enlightened Equitation demystifies the techniques of riding and training from a traditional / classical perspective.

The Complete Guide to Dressage by Jennie Loriston-Clarke

In this book Jennie demonstrates how to achieve perfect harmony between horse and rider.

This is a great book for anyone who is starting a young horse or re-schooling a horse and is looking to use traditional techniques.

This book provides a good overview of the psychology of the horse as a basis for schooling and training the horse. It also covers step by step a wide range of topics for the rider.

This book looks at the Alexander technique and how it can be applied to classical / traditional riding.

Mark is a well known author and top horse trainer in the USA. I have listed 4 of the books I have read of Mark’s and they are all an excellent read. A must have on your book shelf.

All of Mark’s books are a great read. This book showcases how to become a passive leader.

In this book Mark shares with you the six lessons he learnt from his horse Buck.

This book is packed full of entertaining stories that introduce Mark’s approach to training horses. This book will give you a new perspective of seeing things from the horse’s point of view.

This book is the follow up book from Considering the Horse and in it Mark continues to share with the reader insights into his training methods for horses.

Monty has written several books here are listed the 4 I have read and found all 4 to be excellent reading.

This book is an inspirational story that introduces you to how Monty discovered and developed his training methods.

This book provides a deep insight into the relationship Monty Roberts had with just one wild mustang horse Shy Boy. A truly inspirational book!

This book explores the lessons learnt from training horses and how this can be applied to how we treat each other.

Dancing with Horses looks at how humans can use body language to communicate with horses.

This is a great book for anyone who is starting a young horse or re-schooling a horse and is looking to use more natural methods.

This books looks at what causes nervousness in horses and riders and provides the everyday rider with assistance with everyday problems.

This book provides a useful insight into how the horse’s mind works. And provides insights from top trainers – these include:- Linda Tellinton Jones, Monty Roberts, Susan Hutchinson, Karen O’Connor, Sylvia Loch, Marcy Pavord, David Broome, Carl Hester and Mary King.

This book shows you step by step how to teach your horse to be confident, obedient and safe.

These two books offer a range of top tips for solving riding and horse care and horse management problems.

Kelly’s book provides information how to be more effective in communicating with your horse. It will help you to be more effective with your training techniques and help you develop a stronger and more meaningful relationship with your horse.

Alois Podhajsky rode to Olympic level and was a teacher and director for the Spanish Riding School in Vienna for 26 years. This book draws upon Alois personal experiences.

This books looks at how to train a young horse in hand. It would also be useful for older horses that need to be re-schooled and require going back to basics.

This is a useful book for anyone who wants to learn to lunge or improve their lunging technique. It also provides ideas for further exercises for horse or rider on the lunge.

If you are looking for schooling ideas to use when you are riding on your own then this book is packed full of tips and ideas.

This is a good book to have if you are looking for ideas to liven up your schooling.

This book looks at the classical Iberian principles and methods for training a horse in hand.

Training Methods for Horses