THE FORMATIVE YEARS 

Raising and Training the Young Horse from Birth to Two Years 
by Cherry Hill 

hardbound; 240 pages; 170 photos & drawings

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"After teaching foal training classes for many years, my students convinced me to write a text book. The book is divided into sections devoted to the lessons that are necessary for each stage the young horse goes through: the suckling foal, the weanling, the yearling, and the two-year-old. I provide step-by-step training plans for everything the young horse needs to know. I also include information that is specific to the young horse related to development, veterinary care, stress management, puberty, and evaluating potential."

"Cherry Hill gave the horse industry a book it really needs in The Formative Years." Chronicle of the Horse 

"This is a very useful book. Your young horse will thank you for it." Quarter Horse Journal 

PART ONE: BEHAVIOR AND LEARNING 
Chapter 1: Evolution and the Nature of the Horse 
        Socialization 
        Nomadic Tendencies 
        The Flight Reflex 
        Temperament 
        Communication 
        Daily Routines 
        Pressures of Domestication 
Chapter 2: Maturity and Learning 
        Learning 
        Human Age Equivalents to Young Horses 
        Behavior Modification 
        Shaping 

PART TWO: TRAINING 
Chapter 3: Training Principles and Guidelines 
        Length of Sessions
        Body Language
        Voice Commands
        Reflexes
        Safety
Chapter 4: The Suckling Foal 
        Catching
        Haltering
        Halter Fit
        In Hand Lessons
        Tying
        Grooming
        Hoof Care
        Picking Up Feet
        Trailering
Chapter 5: The Weanling 
        Restraint
        Moving Over While Tied
        Handling for Veterinary Care
        Chain Shank
        Chain Positions
Chapter 6: The Yearling 
        In Hand Lessons
        Backing
        Turn on the Hindquarters
        Turn on the Forehand
        Halt on the Long Line
        Obstacles
        Trailering
        Leg Restraint
        Facilities
        Protective Measures
        Scotch Hobble
        Front Leg Strap
        Hobbles
        Sideline
        Wither Rope
        Sacking Out
        Clipping
        Neck Sweat
        Bathing
        Ponying
Chapter 7: The Long Yearling 
        Longeing
        Training Benefits
        Body Language
        Voice Commands
        Tack
        Problems and Solutions
Chapter 8: The Two-Year-Old 
        Bridle
        Bit
        Surcingle
        Snaffle
        Leading with a Bridle
        Saddle
        Side Reins
        Long Reining
        Ground Driving
Chapter 9: Characteristics of the Successful Horse Trainer 

PART THREE: MANAGEMENT 
Chapter 10: Working With Your Professionals 
        The Veterinarian
        The Farrier
        The Trainer
Chapter 11: Veterinary Care and Health Management 
        Care of the Newborn Foal
        Daily Examination
        Parasite Management
        Immunizations
        Blood Tests
        Dental Care
        Floating
        Hoof Care
        Mane and Tail Care
        Tail Rubbing
        Cleaning the Sheath
        Cleaning the Udder
        Tail Protection
Chapter 12: Nutrition 
       The Digestive System
        Nutrients
        Water
        Carbohydrates
        Fats
        Protein
        Minerals
        Vitamins
        Feeds
        Feeding Recommendations for Young Horses
        Feeders
Chapter 13: Confinement and Exercise 
Chapter 14: Stress 
       Habituation
        Restraint
        Weaning
        Psychological Stress
        Metabolic Stress
        Immunological Stress
        Mechanical Stress
        Limb Stress
Chapter 15: Puberty 
        Gelding and Aftercare
        Exercise
        Complications
        Fillies and the Estrous Cycle
        The Spayed Filly
Chapter 16: Evaluating Potential 
        The Mental Set
        The Physical Set
        Proprioceptive Sense
        Coordination
        Athletic Ability
        Strength, Durability, and Balance
Chapter 17: Records and Journals 
        Deworming and Vaccination Schedules
        Farrier Record
        Veterinary Notes
        Training Journal

APPENDIX 
The Parts of the Horse 
The Gaits of the Horse 
Training Checklists 
Nutrient Requirements and Ration Guidelines 
Sample Immunization and Deworming Plan 
Classification of Dewormers 
Growth Rate of the Light Horse 
Ranges of Growth Plate Closure Times in Equine Thoracic Limbs 

GLOSSARY 

SUPPLEMENTAL READING 

INDEX