The Horse Agility Handbook: A Step-By-Step Introduction to the Sport

by Vanessa Bee

The amazing thing about horses is there's one out there suited for just about every human. They come in all colors, shapes, and sizes, and we've trained them to excel at any number of riding sports that appeal to human personalities across the board. But until now, there hasn't been an internationally recognized, competitive horse sport dedicated to those horse lovers who most enjoy working their horse from the ground. With Horse Agility, that's all changing. Over the past few decades, an evolution in how we go about training horses has encouraged horse owners to spend more time handling their horse on the ground in order to achieve good behavior, mutual trust, and a healthy partnership—before they ever think about getting in the saddle. This has created a generation of horsemen and women perfectly poised to pursue the competitive and social benefits of the sport of Horse Agility. Think, for a moment, of the hugely popular Dog Agility classes you've no doubt seen—it is no secret they're enjoyed by countless canines and their handlers, all over the world. With great exuberance and palpable enjoyment, a dog dashes around a colorful obstacle course, following subtle direction from his handler. Usually this occurs without a leash, and without other devices designed to "persuade" him to participate. The dog completes the course because he chooses to—NOT because he is constrained, forced, whipped, prodded, or bribed. Horse trainer Vanessa Bee, founder of the International Horse Agility Club, says that we need to change the way we think about horses and the sports and activities we so often pursue with them. She sees no reason the horse cannot enjoy your time together so much, he will choose to "play" with you—over, under, and through obstacles, without a lead rope, even when loose in a large, grassy pasture. Hard to believe? Try it for yourself! The Horse Agility Handbook has all you need to get started in the sport, including lessons in handling and body language, directions for obstacle and course construction, and information for managing competitions and "play days."

Genres: Horses

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even if you don't want to pursue horse agility, this book is an excellent resource for just training tips!

[Abi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The handling isn't quite what I would choose for my horse, but I do appreciate the emphasis on connection and willingness of the horse. I am excited to try some of these obstacles with my horse as I think I can transfer the methods to a clicker training approach quite easily. Overall, it's a very refreshing approach to horsemanship, and I think my horse will really enjoy it!

[Allen Andersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

ideas to play with your horse

Not every horse needs to be ridden, but all horses can play ar horse agility! This book is an excellent guide to have fun with your horse—a new way to look at groundwork!

[Ursina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was disappointed by this book. It's a good groundwork addition and has some great ideas however I was appalled at the horses used. They were very overweight. And I would not follow all the suggestions, some are rather dangerous if you have not been working with horses for years. Or would just been stupid to try. I don't know about you, but I'm not turning my horse loose on 300 acres and expect her to stay with me. I know what mine would do, "See you later boss!" Not because I have a bad relationship with her but because she knows that if I turn her loose, she gets to run.

[Sher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding instructions for working with your equine on the ground and for handling them using body language. Though the book is written for horse agility training, the book works well for basic ground work training too. I have miniature donkeys, and the techniques have really helped so much in my communication and relationship with my donkeys. Plus, I am competing in donkey agility courses.