THE IDEAL HORSE. How to Train Him and Yourself

Any horseman would agree with Burt Phillips that the ideal horse is obedient, responsive, well balanced, and pleasant to ride. In The Ideal Horse, he describes a step-by-step training program directed at producing such a mount. Basing his methods on an intimate knowledge of equine anatomy and psychology, Mr. Phillips explains that "we are always training a horse, for better or worse, when we are working with him," since horses learn by direct association of ideas.

From the initial work in hand through lungeing, driving, and the various stages of mounted training, precise photographs and in-depth drawings enhance the text, making this book a valuable guide to riders and trainers alike. Years of practical experience and personal observations balance uniquely with a deep appreciation of the classical principles of riding and of the world's great teachers. Readers may compare the terminology to that of Waldemar Seunig, as exemplified by such phrases as "unconstrained" to denote a lack of mental and physical tenseness; "gallop departs" in place of "canter" to avoid the careless use of the term "canter" (the "collected gallop") for the "natural gallop." But linguistic differences will not detract from the common-sense approach and explanations of the rider's responsibilites. The basic exercises progress into lateral movements, two-tracking and other advanced work, with the flexibility of the theory making it both practical and correct. Mr. Phillips also is careful to emphasize that the basic nature of the horse must be considered in his training.

In all, this is a complete picture guide that will help make your horse-whether it be a competitive dressage, a western reining, a show jumper, or a pleasure horse-the ideal horse for you.

Burt Phillips has been a rodeo rider, Ag inspector, horse stable and ranch manager, trail-herding cowboy, horse trainer, farrier, mule packer, riding instructor, stuntman, writer, and dressage trainer. He holds a technical certificate in animal husbandry from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, and a bachelor's degree in agriculture from the University of California at Fresno. In 1972, he resigned his post as stable master-instructor at the El Toro U.S. Marine Air Base for a stint in the Peace Corps. With the corps, he was stationed in Peru, where he met his wife, Maria Rebeca, and served as a para-veterinarian and also wrote livestock bulletins, newspaper articles, and TV shows. Since returning to the States, Mr. Phillips has been training horses and students in general horsemanship, show riding, and competitive dressage. He is the author of five novels; The Ideal Horse: How to Train Him and Yourself is his first full-length nonfiction work.