My Horse, My Partner
Both
the book and DVD versions of My Horse, My Partner are easy-to-follow instruction
guides to creating a steady horse who respects and trusts his or her handler.
Lisa shows how to use everyday items, including halters, leads, long lines, plastic
bags, toys, towels, and voice commands, along with specialized ground exercises,
to desensitize and build confidence and trust with horses of all types and all
disciplines. The book is illustrated with more than 70 black and white photos,
and the DVD runs more than two hours in length. My Horse, My Partner helps both
horse and human partners form an amazing bond with each other as they go through
this unique process together.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your question is not answered below, send an email to lisainfo@comcast.net. New questions will be forwarded to Lisa and she will answer as many as she can.
My
daughter's new horse is pushy and stubborn, will My Horse, My Partner improve
his attitude?
Yes! My Horse, My Partner teaches the human partner to be
more confident and to give their equine partners the boundaries they need. The
end result is that the horse respect his human handlers and behavior improves.
My
horse spooks about once a week, but I am afraid to desensitize her because it
will make her more afraid.
Desensitization is NEVER about making the horse
afraid. It is ALWAYS about accustoming your horse to things he or she might encounter
on a daily basis, or at a show or on a trail ride. The more items your horse is
desensitized to, the more she will trust you and the more confident she will be
come. Remember that desensitization, trust and confidence equal respect. Start
slow and small. Find your horse's comfort level with a washcloth or small piece
of plastic, and work up from there.
My
local bookstore does not have My Horse, My Partner, where can I get it?
If
they do not have it in stock, any bookstore or online store can order the My Horse,
My Partner book for you. Just give them the following information:
My
Horse, My Partner: Teamwork on the Ground by Lisa Wysocky.
Publisher: The
Lyons Press.
ISBN-10: 1599211238, ISBN-13: 978-1599211237
The
My Horse, My Partner DVD will be available on Amazon.com and other select locations
after November 1, 2007. Both products are also available at Lisa's clinics, seminars
and workshops.
What
is the difference between the My Horse, My Partner book and DVD?
The book
is very detailed and features real life scenarios about horses Lisa has worked
with. It also has more than 75 photos. The DVD follows the book and gives a great
visual for working with your equine partner. Each is meant to compliment the other.
I
saw Lisa in a clinic and in about 30 seconds she had a very nervous horse relaxed
and yawning. How does she do that?
When I talk to the audience I am also
touching the horse. Whenever the horse leans into me I know that is a place where
that horse likes to be touched, and I sometimes give the horse a good scratching
in that area. The yawning is the result of endorphins being released that tell
the horse he or she is feeling good. It is our equivalent of a room full of chocolate!
My
horse and I are doing well in leading together as a team, but we are having trouble
with the patterns. Any ideas?
Start small. Try a straight line with the
goal of stopping at a specific point and then backing two or three steps. When
you can do that well, then add a circle or a trot. Whenever you have trouble,
determine the point where you and your horse lose your comfort or skill, and then
begin from there with special emphasis on the specific area that is giving you
trouble. Repetition is key to advancing your horse's training, and it is just
as important for you, too.
Leading Patterns
Click Here to view or download Leading Patterns (PDF)
What People Are Saying
"Lisa
Wysocky has the mind of a teacher and the heart of a storyteller. In My Horse,
My Partner, she is at her best, empowering, inspiring, and entertaining. Every
horse lover, from the timid novice to the confident pro, will find value."
Rick Lamb, Radio/TV Host and Author (TheHorseShow.com)
"My
Horse, My Partner does a remarkable job of emphasizing the importance of establishing
a bonding relationship with our horses. Additionally, Lisa helps us understand
how to develop a partnership while teaching the horse basic training principles
necessary for respectful and responsive behavior."
Van Hargis, LoneStar
Horsemanship (VanHargis.com)
"Lisa
Wysocky has written a readable primer on ground training and de-sensitizing our
equine partners. The training techniques and overall plan she suggests are presented
in language and methodology that the novice or experienced horse person can follow
and implement."
Ann O'Shallie, Associate Professor, Equestrian Studies,
Equine Facilitated Therapeutics, Wilson College, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
"My
Horse My Partner reminds us that mutual respect between horse and human partner
builds a foundation for years of success and pleasure for both. Additionally,
it presents a philosophy that I have observed Lisa use every day as she trains
horses to be the best that they can be."
Terri Knauer, NARHA Tennessee
State Representative and Equine Assisted Activities Non-profit Consultant
"This
is the most practical guide to working with horses from the ground I have ever
found. Understanding horse behavior and possessing the knowledge to respond in
an appropriate manner is the most valuable tool I can possess. My Horse, My Partner
has added many new creative tools to my toolbox. Most importantly, it has taught
me how to see things from the horses¹ perspective and then create my own
teaching tool."
Denise Spittler, Progam Director, Central Kentucky Riding
for Hope, Lexington, Kentucky (ckrh.org)
"Consistent
and practical horse handling methods are crucial to the safety and effectiveness
of equine assisted activities at NARHA centers. NARHA centers would be able to
improve their horse handling effectiveness and longevity of their equine partners,
despite their various backgrounds, with the implementation of an equine training
program such as this."
Sheila Kemper Dietrich, Past Chief Executive Officer,
North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, Inc. (narha.org)