What Horses Really Want

Horses want partners they trust.Meeting their need for security makes them more tuned-in, calmer, and more reliable.In her engaging book, highly illustrated with professional color photographs, certified riding instructor Lynn Acton, MS,shows you how, with practical step-by-step instructions.Youll see that progress can be surprisingly fast with methods that are gentle, time-tested, backed by science, and that make intuitive sense to your horse.

Discover how to earn trust and make training more efficient by engaging horses innate intelligence, maintaining clear two-way communication, and considering their point of view.This leadership approach has been used successfully for centuries by people of all backgrounds and skill levels on horses at all levels of training.Actonrefers to this relationship as Protector Leadership because you are the horses protector. In these pages, she combines extensive horse experience and an academic background in social dynamics with in-depth research. She interprets and cites the scientific findings that explain why Protector Leadership works, and offers valuable insights into equine psychology while exposing myths that are sources of problems. Plus, Acton includesThings to Try at the end of each chapterfun and easy-to-implement exercises that help you engageyour horse as a thinking partner

Throughout, the narrative includes stories of Acton's progress with her own horses, including mistakes and hindsight, and especially the transformation of the books ''cover girl'' Brandy from a dangerous throwaway to a happy, reliable partner.Clear, detailed photographs show the subtle body language of horses and people, and illustrate critical interactions that make a real difference in our relationships, communication, and training.

These are a few of the concrete skills you will learn:

Earn trust starting the moment you meet a horse.

Recognize misbehavior that actually means your horse is thinking like a partner.

Turn pressure into clear communication instead of stress.

Use Positive Reinforcement for better learning, behavior, and reliability.

Turn anxiety and spooks into confidence building situations.

Discourage unwanted behavior without punishment.

Allow your horse appropriate choices and freedom.

As your bond strengthens, you can enjoy watching your horses true personality blossom.A thoughtful, progressive book for riders of all disciplines and students of the horse of all experience levels.