Lyons on Horses: John Lyons' Proven Conditioned-Response Training Program

by John Lyons, Sinclair Browning

Every year, some 10,000 people attend Lyons's  clinics to learn the secrets contained in this  complete training program for horses and trainers of all  skill levels, by one of America's most popular and  trusted trainer-instructors.

Genres: Horses, Animals, Nonfiction

228 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1991

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Reviews

[Susan Miller]

reread this book as I used John Lyon's philosophies in training many years ago when starting my first horses. It's been a while since I've started a horse from scratch and wanted to have a refresher. It was good to go over the pages again. I learned new things and a few more subtle techniques. I feel reassured that I am doing all right with my young horse and we will make a fine team as we continue to train.

If you are interested in training horses you should read or as I did, reread the book. Mr. Lyon's has plenty of good information to share.

[Kathrynn]

This is my favorite horse training book. Mr. Lyons knows his stuff and his methods are sound, safe, easy on both the horse and trainer/rider. I've used his techniques and THEY WORK. Mr. Lyons uses behavior modification methods, i.e., condition-response, in his training. He says that the best training tool you have is right at the end of your arm--your hand. Praise, pat, rub, scratch. Amen to that!

Covers:

1. My Philosophy on Horses
2. Round-Pen Reasoning
3. Halter Breaking and Leading
4. Facing Fear
5. Sacking Out
6. The First Saddling
7. The First Ride
8. The First Few Rides
9. Ground Training
10. Improving out Trail Work
11. Advancing the Trail Work
12. Beginning Arena Work
13. Leads and Cues
14. Successful Trailer Loading

Mr. Lyons' website also has coordinating videos/CD with most of the contents of this book. They are well worth the money!

[Kristal]

Great training book. However I would recommend reading his book "Bringing Up Baby" before reading this one. Bringing up baby gives very specific instructions and gives you an idea of how John's methods work. Reading this book after helped me to better understand why I wad doing something, and since this book is not about step by step instructions, I could figure out for myself what steps I needed to take to get to my goal.

[Evan]

OK I did not read the round pen section because I do not have a round pen, but this author does not seem to join the crowd of recent trainers who advocate chasing your horse around until he is so out of breath he submits. John Lyons uses release of pressure to condition the horse to respond and trains with safety, calmness, and pleasure as his goals.

[Vanessa]

Though John Lyons seems like a knowledgeable horseman, I'm wary of horse trainers that assert their method is the only method. I was hoping this would part from the Parelli, Clinton Anderson, etc. trendiness, but this was just another one of those books.

[Cm Coletti]

Best gentle training book around! LOVED it!

[Sarah]

This is a clear and concise, step-by-step look at tackling a young horse's training. Lyons gives terrific advice and I consider it a classic.

[Audrey]

It was a refresher since I have worked with his methods before but it helps having a break and coming back into it with a refresher on the method. Love it!