Know Better to Do Better: Mistakes I Made with Horses (So You Don't Have To)

by Denny Emerson

Overview

With horses, we don't get a “do-over button,” as much as we'd sometimes like one. We have to live with the choices we make, even when–looking back–we know there might have been a better way to communicate, a different way to teach a new lesson, or another means to reach the desired end.

In this smart, honest book chock full of valuable takeaways, gold medalist and renowned rider and coach Denny Emerson uses stories of the standout horses from his own riding career, which spans almost 70 years, to detail some of the things he wishes he'd known “then” that he knows now. With a candid willingness to share mistakes he's made over the years and clearly articulated ideas on how others can avoid them, he commits himself and those reading to finding more conscientious ways to ride, train, and work with horses. From basics like aids and equipment to more specialized subjects, such as rider fitness, emotional control, and how to determine what success with your horse really means, riders of all skill levels can gain valuable, hard-won knowledge from his bite-size lessons in life and horsemanship. Perhaps most importantly, Emerson insists that it is never, ever too late to change–for the good of the horse and for the good of oneself.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781570769405
Publisher:	Trafalgar Square
Publication date:	02/01/2019
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	152
File size:	29 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Denny Emerson has ridden thousands of horses over many thousands of miles in all kinds of horse sports. He has been president of the US Eventing Association (USEA) and the Green Mountain Horse Association (GMHA), and a vice-president of the US Equestrian Team (USET). He has been inducted into three Halls of Fame: the USEA Hall of Fame, the Vermont Academy Athletic Hall of Fame, and the Dartmouth College Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2000, he was named "One of the 50 Most Influential Horsemen of the 20th Century" by The Chronicle of the Horse. He is also the author of How Good Riders Get Good.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

My Own Path to Learning 2

A Tool Box for Horse Owners, Riders, and Trainers 6

1 Horse Selection 7

Fandom Rules the Horse World-and Leads to Discipline and Breed Preference 7

Choosing the Horse 10

Straight Talk About Horse Temperament 13

Know What You're Looking For 15

Horse Breeds 16

Horse Shopping 51

Breeding Your Own? 58

2 Horse Management 59

Common Ground 59

The Basic Decisions 60

Overall Management 66

3 Horse Training 75

Lines of Communication 75

In Praise of Walking 85

Pretty Good, Good, and Quit While You're Ahead 94

The Warm-Up 96

Every Ride Is a Training Opportunity 101

Seeing a Distance 104

How to "Make" an Upper-Level Event Horse 120

Keys to the Kingdom 131

4 A Rider's Emotional Makeup and Character Traits 143

The Predator Within 143

Finding and Making the Time to Ride 146

Overcoming Fear After Riding Accidents-and Fear of Riding in General 149

Don't Believe Your Own Press 152

The Barn Rat Route 153

Weather Wimps and Other Whiney Creatures 154

It Only Matters if It Matters to You 156

A Horse's Future Depends on the Human Who Owns Him 160

Bonfire and the GMHA 100-Mile Competitive Trail Ride 163

5 A Rider's Physical Skills 173

The Riding Body 173

A Modest Idea About Human Fitness 183

Long Term or Short Term, AKA "Why the Rush?" 184

6 Rider Knowledge 199

What You Know 199

How Good a Rider Do You Want to Be? 201

General Considerations: In Conclusion 207

And Where Do We Go From Here? 211

Editorial Reviews

I love that Denny Emerson's new book Know Better to Do Better, much like his first How Good Riders Get Good, is not discipline-specific. The sort of horsemanship dealt with here is relevant regardless of ‘specialty’… Horsemen and women of every stripe will identify with each and every vignette… The part that I believe is the most valuable in the end is his unfailing encouragement and practical advice to those who do aspire to become real ‘horsepeople’—in the best sense of that word.”—Linda Allen, Clinician for Jumping, Judging, & Course Design, FEI & USEF Judge, Olympic Course Designer, and author of 101 Jumping Exercises for Horse and Rider

“This book is at the absolute top of my list to recommend to all riding instructors–new ones or those with loads of experience. This book is a treasure.”—Charlotte Kneeland, Executive Director of The American Riding Instructors Association

“I was delighted to read Denny Emerson's new book Know Better To Do Better and cannot say enough great things about it! Denny is one of the most intelligent horsemen I have ever been associated with, as anyone who reads this book will agree. His straightforward, no-nonsense advice and insight to so many modern, commonsense topics of horsemanship makes this book an invaluable and enjoyable read for horsemen of all ages and levels.”—Bernie Traurig, President and founder of www.EquestrianCoach.com

“I once begged Bill Steinkraus to write a book on specific horses, what worked and what didn’t—and what he’d do now. Know Better to Do Better by Denny Emerson is that book, written in a straightforward conversational style that appeals to the neophyte as much as to the expert. Emerson invites both to be open, think about what they’re doing, and try some ways to do it better. The best is that he encourages the ignorant to be impetuous and even arrogant , for his own life proves that ‘way leads on to way.’ Bravo!!! It’s a good book, sorely needed in this day and age.”—Judy Richter, Judge, Trainer, Clinician, and Author

“Know Better to Do Better is an extended fireside chat with an amiable tribal elder who is more than happy to share his wisdom about horses and horsemanship. Denny Emerson teaches through real-life examples laced with dry humor, unvarnished truth, and surprising humility. “As we learn what Denny has learned in his remarkable life with horses, we are introduced to the horses who have been his teachers. These tributes are delivered with insight and respect. The horses show us the man. “Denny's roots are never far from his narrative. He knows where he is from and how that has shaped his horsemanship. We begin and end with a horse-crazy kid who had the sass and confidence to try new things and learn while doing. He knocks himself off the pedestal first, and that makes it easy to follow him through the messy and nonlinear process of becoming a better horseman. “This book is for the hard worker, the overcomer. Denny never fails to give credit to all his teachers yet he shows by example that thoughtfully applied perspiration and determined patience bring the most satisfying results–for humans and equines alike.”—Chelle Grald, Trails & Rides Manager, Green Mountain Horse Association

“Finally…riders now have an invaluable resource in Know Better to Do Better by Denny Emerson. This book will save you time, money, frustration, and even heartbreak by giving you insights that many riders take decades to learn through often painful experiences. Denny will show you how to substantially cut that learning curve so you can have a more joyful and rewarding experience with your horse right now. “Sprinkled with a generous supply of that incomparable Denny Emerson humor, you'll learn and laugh along with Denny as he shares his journey with you. There's no doubt that Know Better to Do Better is a must-have in your equestrian library.”—Jane Savoie, Olympic Alternate, Olympic Coach, Author

“No-nonsense Denny Emerson hits it out of the park again with his latest book Know Better To Do Better: Mistakes I Made with Horses So You Don’t Have To. He candidly recounts his experience in the saddle and discusses what can be learned from his mistakes. Every equestrian can gain valuable insight from Denny’s teachings on horsemanship…and life.”—Northeast Equestrian Life

"Learn from the mistakes of one of the greats in this handy book." —Equine Journal

"This is the soul of horsemanship." —In Balance Equestrian

From the Publisher