3The ultimate guide to the "complete" riding horse--whether a
performance, working, or "just for fun" prospect.

Professional horseman Sean Patrick's now legendary Countdown is
the most clear, thorough, "doable" system of horse training available. Quite
simply, you begin at Lesson Number 33 and count your way down through the basic
exercises--the "primary education"--every horse needs. And when you get to Lesson
1, you've done it; you've prepared your horse for advanced work in any number
of equestrian disciplines. You can't get lost along the way. There's no room
for confusion. The happy result? Sean trains you to be a trainer.

Whether your horse is a foal or five, green or educated, well-started
or lacking fundamentals, he will benefit from the Countdown--a true "foundation"
program, serving to prepare him for the endless variety of activities and
"jobs" horses perform today. From indispensable handling, "sacking-out," and
tying exercises, to how you, the rider, can control the different parts of the
horse's body from the ground and the saddle; from mounting on both the left and
the right to performing flawless flying lead changes, you'll be amazed at how
effective and efficient this program is. In this book you'll find:

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Explanations of the "conditioned response," the Five Control Points, and how to
recognize and use a "give."

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Advice for building the horse's confidence, knowing when to "push" but most
importantly, how to be fair.

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Lessons in conscientious use of the round pen for teaching movement, turning,
and inviting the horse in.

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Progressive steps for preparing for first rides and having them be successes.

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Tips for developing the back-up, "whoa," and seat stops without stress.

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Exercises for achieving a correct and soft collection.

Because you are the one teaching your horse, you also have
the opportunity to build your own skill set. Sean promises that by the end of
the Countdown, readers will have a deeper understanding of how horses learn; an
improved ability to gauge the pressure necessary to communicate with the horse
and pace teaching accordingly; a capacity for recognizing behaviors (both good
and bad); and an intuitive understanding of the root of a problem and the steps
to take to work on it. In essence, he helps you become self-sufficient and
ready to take your horse that next step, whether along the rail, down the
trail, or into the show pen.