Starting Young Horses (Pre-Order)

Coming October 2025

A fair and simple system for any horse’s first years under saddle.

A “good start on a horse” is critical because it’s the foundation that all training that follows is built on. When a horse has a solid foundation in place, he is well-prepared to learn skill sets specific to particular disciplines and to face the challenges that come with riding and training education. That solid foundation ensures his body is physically prepared and his mind is mentally ready to be asked to solve problems, as well as respond to human requests and changing environments. The result will be a healthier, happier horse, whatever his “job” or activity.

 Jason Irwin has started young horses on his family ranch since he was a kid. Through experience and a lifetime of studying horses and horsemen, he has developed a straightforward, safe, and fair-minded system for ensuring young horses have what they need to get along in a human’s world. The horses he starts go on to excel in any discipline, Western or English, and do so with the willingness that comes with true understanding. In these pages, Irwin provides the steps anyone can follow to ensure the same success with their horse. Readers learn:

•       The difference between sensitizing and desensitizing, and how to know when it is best to use each.

•       The often-overlooked ground manners that set the stage for all further training.

•       The groundwork exercises your horse needs to know before advancing to saddling and riding.

•       Sensible and sensitive roundpen work that prepares the horse without stressing him.

•       First bridling and first saddling in a way that makes it easy and low-stress for all.

•       “Riding from the ground” to teach the horse to steer, stop, and turn before you get on.

•       Easy-to-use ground-driving exercises that anyone can do.

•       How to tell when a horse is ready for the first ride and set him up for success. 

In addition, Irwin explains how to take the horse’s personality and individuality into consideration, adjusting as needed to keep him willing. He looks at the “different” horses who might need a creative approach, and provides guidance on how to identify “bad days” and know when to quit without losing ground. “In the past,” Irwin writes, “there was very often a feeling that the first rides on a horse were something that a person ‘just needed to get through’…. Thankfully, that’s changing.” With his patient, practical guidance, the first rides—and all the rides after that—can be something both horse and rider enjoy.

Author: Jason Irwin

Format: Paperback

Page Count: 192

Illustrations: 115 color photographs

ISBN: 9781646012749