{"product_id":"the-horse-agility-handbook-a-stepbystep-introduction-to-the-sport","title":"The Horse Agility Handbook: A Step-By-Step Introduction to the Sport","description":"All aspects of competing in equine agility are reviewed in this handlers guide  including explanations of the basics of the horse itself  the reasoning behind their behavior  and getting and maintaining their attention before training. Respecting the animal but keeping safety in mind at all times  the appropriate attitudes for both horse and teacher are discussed along with maintaining the appropriate level of patience. Covering the safe construction and negotiation of obstacles  this all-inclusive handbook also demonstrates how to use imagination to develop the scope of even the simplest structure. Methods for safely approaching the horse to catch and lead it are presented as well as how to look for signs of compliance and acceptance  encouraging the horse to see the handler as an efficient leader. With an outline of competitive levels  tips on organizing competitions and training days  and a troubleshooting section  this study also features helpful case studies of real life situations. THE AMAZING THING about horses is theres one out there suited for just about every human. They come in all colors  shapes  and sizes  and weve trained them to excel at any number of riding sports that appeal to human personalities across the board. But until now  there hasnt been an internationally recognized  competitive horse sport dedicated to those horse lovers who most enjoy working their horse from the ground. With Horse Agility  thats 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 partnershipbefore 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 youve no doubt seenit is no secret theyre 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 toNOT 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 youover  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.","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44800815628341,"sku":"ByrdShop_1570764883","price":42.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0627\/8139\/0901\/files\/ByrdShop_1570764883_e49f8ed7-0611-48c5-9ed9-2478cebe2a51.jpg?v=1765880115","url":"https:\/\/atxbooks.com\/products\/the-horse-agility-handbook-a-stepbystep-introduction-to-the-sport","provider":"ATX Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}