Problem-Solving (Volume 2) (Problem-Solving (Western Horseman)) - Softcover

Marten, Marty

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0911647643 ISBN 13: 9780911647648

Publisher: Western Horseman, 2004

Synopsis

Volume 2 is a continuation of Volume 1 with chapters covering problems such as those surrounding halter-breaking, bridling, saddling, mounting, hoof and leg handling, trail riding, and many others. Prevention and good horsemanship skills are heavily stressed making these books useful to anyone whether or not they have the problem discussed.

The methods and philosophy the author presents are based on how horses think, learn, and communicate naturally. Rather than make a horse do what is asked, Marten's approach sets up the training so the horse can search for the right answer, which is in the path of least resistance. The horse's slightest try is rewarded by the handler's or rider's immediate release of pressure.

Volume 1 lays the foundation for all good riding with techniques and exercises that are time-tested and proven. Chapters include common ground-handling problems such as being hard to catch and pulling back when tied, typical riding problems such as spooking and crossing water and the solutions to the ever-common problem of trailer loading.

The books stress the theme that no problem is a singular event by itself. It's instead part of the overall common thread throughout a rider's interaction with his or her horse. Therefore, all problems lead back to building or rebuilding a stronger foundation, both on the ground and in the saddle. Volume 1 and 2 give specific approaches to accomplish a higher degree of horsemanship and understanding of equine behavior. As a result, the horse owner is safe and enjoys his or her horse more.

About this title

About the Author

Marty Marten has devoted his life to helping people solve problems, start colts, and trailer-load horses by giving public and private horsemanship clinics. His career as a horsemanship clinician started in 1988, and since then he's added trail riding, cow working, and working ranch clinics to help people advance and apply their horsemanship principles to real life situations. In addition, Marty has given horsemanship safety clinics for feed-yard cowboys in Texas, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, and Kansas, and private clinics for owners and wranglers at Colorado guest ranches. He lives in Lafayette, Colorado.

From the Back Cover

Problem Solving, Volume 2 is a continuation of Marty Marten's popular first book on solving common horse behavior problems both in the saddle and on the ground. Chapters address such issues as: halter-breaking; hoof and leg handling; cinchy and difficult-to-saddle horses; mounting problems; head-shy, ear-shy, hard to bridle horses; problems riding one-handed, neck-reigning; trail-riding problems and distractions; good trail-riding habits and techniques; developing trust and confidence through cattle work.
Like Problem Solving, Volume 1, this book stresses the theme that no problem is a singular event. Instead, it is part of a common thread throughout a rider's interaction with his or her horse. All horse difficulties, therefore, lead back to building or rebuilding a stronger foundation, both on the ground and in the saddle. This book, along with Volume 1, gives specific guidelines for attaining a higher level of horsemanship and understanding of equine behavior. As a result, the horse owner will be safer and derive more enjoyment from his or her horse.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Taken from chapter titled "Mounting Problems"

Years ago, at a much younger, impressionable age, many of us watched as Silver Screen heroes, such as Gene Autry, Roy Rogers and Randolph Scott, with six-shooters blazing, put their left foot in the stirrup as their horse galloped off, swinging their right leg over the saddle, chasing the bad guys out of Dodge. Little did we know these were highly skilled, acrobatic stunt doubles standing in for our heroes.

Few of us possess such skills, and, even so, it's dangerous to mount a moving horse. A horse that moves only a step or two while you mount creates a hazard. This, then, becomes a very bad habit.

The objective is to get your horse to stand perfectly still while you mount, then wait for your signal before moving forward. If you're consistent, your horse will anticipate walking off and do so before you can mount safely, or immediately after you mount. Never swing your leg over a moving horse. It's very dangerous and just encourages the problem. This situation usually gets worse and quickly creates an unsafe, difficult-to-mount horse.

As with all problems, fixing this will also have a positive carryover throughout your other handling and riding activities. Mounting, just like catching, leading, saddling and bridling, can establish the tone for the day's ride.

This chapter offers suggestions to prevent and solve your mounting problems. I'll discuss what to do and what not to do. I'll recommend solutions to make it more convenient for your horse to have you mount from the ground. I'll also explain how to get your horse to pick you up off the fence or from every imaginable mounting block, wherever you ride.

Edition details

• Publisher: Western Horseman
• Publication date: 2004
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0911647643
• ISBN 13: 9780911647648
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 248