recommend me backing books :)

Gypley

Well-Known Member
Joined
22 August 2012
Messages
586
Visit site
After hunting for a new horse and being completly disappointed by many I've seen for one reason or another (dishonest sellers, horse being completly different to the one pictured in advert etc) I've decided to take the plunge and buy a 2y/o who between myself, a friend and a few good books will back ourselves (before anyone condemns me to hell, if we hit any bumps in the road we will get an expert in :p )
What are your 'go to' books for backing?
Also people with positive stories will be greatly apreciated as I'm hoping this will be a great learning curve and bonding experience for all involved! (Of course progress pics will be posted when the time comes) and I'm sure you will hear lots more from me posting questions and bleeding HHO dry for everyones knowledge and tips!
 
Oh Congrats !! Need piccies :-)
Richard Maxwell Birth to backing has been my 'go to' book with my youngster, and there is another one by him but can't remember the name of it... good luck ! So far having mine has been an amazing experience and to look back and see how we have come makes me very proud of him :-)
 
How exciting! I have a 2.5 year old who I bought last year at 20 months and I have the newer version of the Richard Maxwell Birth to Backing book called Train Your Young Horse. I have found it quite useful to use as a guide as I would not always do things his 'way', it's a great guide. You don't have to follow books to the word but are great for inspiration and advise if you get stuck along the way :)

I shall be interested to hear your progress and defo need piccies!!:)
 
I ended up doing the same thing when initially looking for a 'made' horse & struggling, my WB is now rising 4 and will be backed in summer after my finals. Up until now Ive done everything myself (bought as unhandled 2yo) & shes been a delight. I do have some experience with young horses, but not that young & never completely unbacked and we seem to be getting on alright. Ive done some groundwork with her and sat on and walked round last summer, and will be getting my trainer to help me back her properly this summer :). I found richard maxwells book interesting & practical :)
 
I used a very old book called from Paddock to Saddle by Hartney-Edwards (spelling). Helped me a great deal with help from my instructor too.
 
As above really rate Richard maxwell and the abc of breaking and training but my absolute bible for the past ( nearly ) 20 years has been Anthony Crossleys training the young horse the first two years my copy has notes on it from when I was 16 onwards
 
Slight deviation here, but if you have sky, look at channel 280 horse & country. Downunder horsemanship is a great "no smoke & mirrors" show. There's a lot of good stuff on that's well worth watching & you can take outy of it what interests you.
 
Top