THE DIFFICULT HORSE provides many insights as to why a horse may develop unwanted behaviours. 'Problem' behaviour is usually more of a problem for the handler than the horse, which is likely to have established patterns of behaviour as a way of helping himself feel safe in situations he finds mentally and/or physically stressful. As well as explaining the reasons for a horse's reactive and sometimes dangerous responses, this book suggests a number of practical exercises that can help to address a wide range of commonly encountered issues. Even if you consider your horse to be problem-free, these exercises will still be invaluable in helping you and your horse to develop a closer, more pleasurable and successful relationship. Topics covered include: The causes of stress Lifestyle and stress management Reading a horse's 'body language' Addressing phobias Uses of TTouch and NLP AUTHOR: Sarah Fisher is a TTouch Instructor and animal behviour counsellor. She has worked with animals for over seventeen years and has given talks and demonstrations on horse handling and behaviour for many top animal welfare organisations, professional associations and riding clubs around the world. She is the author of several books and magazine articles on animal behaviour, and has made numerous television and radio appearances. Karen Bush is a riding instructor and journalist, holds a British Horse Society Intermediate Teaching Certificate, and has written two books about horsemanship.

ILLUSTRATIONS: 176 colour photos.