Right from the Start

This is the best book in my library. I've had it a for a few years and have used it on several horses - one of whom refused to go on the bit for over two years before using this training method. It is clear, concise,and every step make sense and builds on the last. He gives examples and reasons for his methods and they make good common sense. It is invaluable as a tool for creating a strong foundation for a horse and even a rider's training (too often the two are considered seperate topics). I cannot recommend this book strongly enough.

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).

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.

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.

This is one of the very best, easy to understand books on horses, training and riding. As someone who is working hard to refine my own riding, Mr. Schaffer says many things I needed to hear, but no instructor every told me. As we learn we can become very frustrated with all the little parts that make up good horse/rider communication---in this book you will find many of the small parts of that conversation explained, WITH the acknowledgement that it is not easy and takes time to learn. (I'll be darned I thought I was a total [fool] when it came to riding!) The best part of this book is that it is almost as readable as a good novel. I'll be bummed when I am finished. I wish Mr. Schaffer wasn't all the way on the other coast.Excellent excellent horse book.