Whether you want to build a solid foundation in your young horse or refresh an older horse's manners, this colt-starting program, featuring "emotional training," is for you. It's based on techniques Stacy Westfall used to win the prestigious Road to the Horse colt-starting competition in 2006. Stacy Westfall shows you how to introduce pressure to a horse in a safe environment so he'll be able to control his fear in the real world, thus building his and your confidence, and making him a safer partner. In
Smart Start
, you'll learn how to:
Read your horse's body language to establish the communication necessary for safety and basic control
Establish respect and build trust
Develop responsiveness and self-confidence in your horse
Gain independent control of his head, shoulders, and hips, which will increase your safety and ability to direct his movement both on the ground and under saddle
Establish forward motion -- the key to control when you mount up
Use verbal cues
Despook your horse