Horse Training In-Hand: A Modern Guide to Working from the Ground

This is a large book on a small and complex subject. I have read other similarly titled books that are available and came away uninspired. However, after reading this one, I put it in a class of its own. This author, Schuthof-Lesmeisters is a Master of of In-hand work, and her dedication and expertise shows as she clearly guides you through every aspect of this underutilized art. She makes a conscious effort to describe the concepts and execution with clarity so the reader can follow. What makes this book really work though is the writer, Mistral. While other books describe what CAN be done, the collaboration of these two talents actually tell you HOW to do it. More importantly, Mistral has presented Schuthof-Lesmeister work in an outline form that is eminenetly readable. The concepts flow from one aspect to another without bringing it so much direction as to make it confusing. I have been working with my horses In-Hand for several years, and even with all the instruction I have received I still was enlightened by this book. I couldn't wait to try some of their methods, and using the easy to follow format I achieved never seen before results. I want to obtain a stronger in-hand Piaffe with my Stallion and I am certain that in time, with the help of this book, I will be able to do so. If you are considering purchasing a book on In-hand training, this is the guide you should buy first. If you already own one, you will be amazed at how much new material this author brings to the table.

Ellen Schuthof-Lesmeister and Kip Mistrals' book "Horse Training In -Hand" is one of the finest works on this subject that I have read. The format,photographs and the text are clear,concise and informative. Having been schooled in the Art of working horses in hand by some of the most talented trainers in Dressage in this country and abroad , I find this book a necessary training text. I have recommended it to all of my students. It is invaluable to anyone wanting to explore this almost lost art. The difficulty of working horses in hand is made much more accesible to anyone wanting to learn this Art by reading "Horse Training In-Hand". Keep this book in your stable,arena or on your bedside table as a reference manual. You will be enthralled by all that you can do with your horse when not mounted. All horses need to understand what you want from them without the added disturbance of their equilibrium with the added weight of the rider. Enjoy!

I have never written a review before but was so thrilled with this book that I wanted to share my excitment! We have been showing horses for over 30 years - all of our horses we have bought as yearlings or two year olds and all we have trained by using in-hand work on the ground. This book is so perfectly organised!!! Every element of in-hand training is discussed in such a way that the beginner or novice will understand and the veteran will not be insulted - rather enlightened with even more techiques and methods. This book is a must in every horse person's library!!!!

I ordered this book LAST year, and waited and waited for it to be published, hoping the wait would not be for naught. It was worth the wait!! The book is laid out systematically and its steps are easy to follow. The training techniques of the author are classical and oriented around what is best for the horse. She emphasizes the use of position and body language as primary aids, and her means of correction are not aggressive but kind and tactful. Rather than punishing the horse for a mistake, she offers the horse a way to redirect its energy, and advises going back a few steps to make the troublesome maneuver easier for the horse to understand. Many of her comments on carrying out movements classically sound just like the natural horsemanship trainers I know, which makes sense because both schools of horse handling have the same basis: the horse's well being. I have been buying books on in-hand work with horses for several years, and this is the best of all of them! The author explains in-hand training so well, and makes it sound so "do-able" that I want to start doing at least one day a week of in-hand training for my horses. The lessons described in the book will be invaluable for my Lusitano filly, who is being started now. Having her learn the lateral moves shown in the book--in text and in wonderful photos--will be the perfect way to teach her without any weight on her back. None of the other books made me want to add in-hand work to my regular schooling schedules. If you like in-hand work, and know of its importance, this is a book to have in your equine library. The years of schooling the author has done with the European masters of in-hand work, like Bent Branderup, shine in her book. I can't say enough about it!