Breaking Your Horse's Bad Habits

While this book has a number of useful tactics for dealing with horses that for whatever reason have developed bad habits, in the wrong hands it could prove more harmful than helpful. Many of the author's ideas on how horses learn, why horses behave the way they do, and how to change the horse's habits are excellently conveyed and apt to prove useful. In general he seems to have a straightforward and thoughtful approach to horse training, though many of his ideas are rather conventional in light of today's popularity with "natural horsemanship." A big concern is his suggestions for gadgets in dealing with extremely difficult situations; often the author suggests the use of chains and ropes, which in the wrong hands could prove dangerous to both horse and handler. Not that such tools are never useful, but if someone was to merely look at the pictures and run out to the barn to tie a neck rope on a horse that pulls back when tied, the results could be extremely detrimental. If the book is read thoroughly and used thoughtfully, it could prove useful in helping to correct problems in training and behavior. 226pgs, Hardcover