In the Middle Are the Horsemen

I'm a longtime professional "horseman" and I've read a LOT of books about horses. I had a horse in training with Tik and found him to be a true communicator with horses. They totally connect with him. The energy between horse and man is palpable. I did not know at the time that Tik was also an author.I think I might have picked at his brain a bit further if I had! I started reading In The Middle Are The Horsemen yesterday when I had lost my voice [ thus my ability to work at teaching!] and couldn't put it down. I even pulled out my highlighter pen to mark the multiple snippets of wisdom! This is a MUST read for anyone who deals with horses and is interested in one man's journey to find his special niche. Honest Humble Introspective Educational. It's all about HORSEMANSHIP. Thank you Tik for a great read!!

I used this for my own inspiration, actually. As an old horsewoman looking back on my life, to read the journey of a young horseman gave me hope for the future of horses and their people on this earth. An honest and earnest report of an eclectic and interesting path. I highly recommend it.

I can't recall the last time I stopped my life f or two days just to read. It was so refreshing to read the same questions of conscience I ponder often. How to best balance my wishes of being an equestrian, with the happiness of my mare. Thank you Tik. You made me think and I will keep trying to be the human caregiver my mare deserves

This was truly one of the best books I have ever read. Tik is an amazing writer, and while my daughter has ridden with him a few times, this book truly showed me where he comes from. I don’t want to ruin any of the story line, but I have been working with horses for many years, and have one if the most difficult horses I have ever dealt with in my life at the moment. I loved reading all of Tik’s Experiences throughout the years, and BECAUSE of what he experienced plan on sending my guy to him this fall as well as hope to begin riding with him myself.

This book goes a long way to explain why there are not more top level riders and horse trainers in the world. Unlike what the general public sees, the road to equestrian accomplishment is long and hard and highly competitive and if you are interested in getting there, plan on putting in long, physical, draining hours of work both on and off the horse. As with many careers, you never stop learning. It is a good look at a largely ignored sport.

The Horseman ComethBy: M. Vince TurnerJanuary 2020As an Amazon customer of many years, I often receive recommendations and suggestions about books I might enjoy reading. This recently led me to order-ing two books about horses: “In the Middle are the Horsemen” by Tik Maynard and “Horses speak of God” by The Reverend Laurie Brock. Both books spoke to me/speak to me in their own unique way. “In the Middle are the Horsemen” held me captive, looking forward to a steady read each evening before retiring. I am a slow, methodical reader. I be-lieve that aids my retention. Tik Maynard takes the reader into his private, complicated and complex life as a horse lover and trainer. I became and remained fully absorbed to the very end of his book. Never having owned a horse and ridden one only once many years ago as a young man, I have always loved their beauty and their majestic presence. When in junior high school (now called “middle school”) I read “Black Beauty” and “Misty of Chincoteague”, to name just two. I have the DVD’s and books on “Seabiscuit” and “Secretariat”. So, when it comes to horses, I definitely am an admiring novice. What caught my attention in Tik’s book is how totally in tune he is with horses. How the horses actually taught him. Tik displays an unrelenting drive and desire to learn. His love of and for horses is beyond question. The two most grievous events were the death of Karma, a horse Tik had trained. Karma was special, but due to injury had to be put down. The second tragedy was when Tik’s father-in-law, Eamon (father of Sinead, Tik’s wife) committed suicide. When I read that, I startled. I was overcome with great sorrow for Eamon and Karma. I tend to become part of a book that I really enjoy; intimately a part of it. Tik’s solid, dedicated character combined with his determination to learn and to understand “the horse” is magnificent. “In the Middle are the Horse-men” is a worthwhile read for anyone who enjoys horses at any level. I come away from this book knowing so much more about horses. I “met” Tik, a man I came to know only after opting to buy “In the Middle are the Horsemen” at Amazon’s recommendation.

I loved this book. I picked it up as another how to book for my collection. It is far from it. This is a story about one mans journey to understand himself and the horses he interacted with and to find where he belonged in a world of steadfast traditions. He was tenacious in his pursuits and didn’t let failures define his experiences. He shares his highs and lows but always leads with childlike enthusiasm. I was so happy that i got to go along for the ride.

I believed his journey. I liked the honesty and sincerity.I respected his openness to many different facets of the horse world. I identified with his search for more knowledge and the troubles of figuring out where and how to use that education.My husband is a teacher and on my recommendation, he and other teachers are going to read and discuss this book. I'm excited!

Absolutely wonderful. One of the most intelligent books I have read on horsemanship. The author is so human and authentic and writes like a dream. Tik’s clinics are superb. I had no idea he was also an accomplished author. I think the best thing about the book is that it confirms absolutely that good horsemanship transcends all the labels we attach to different approaches and disciplines. TIk has communicated his broad experience, curiosity and open mind to the rest of us and it is a fascinating and uplifting read. Thanks, TIk.

What a fabulous book - the lessons are for how we learn - and how we think about the way we train our horses - lets know why we chose to do something and not just follow the crowd - this book is about learning to think for ourselves - I can’t recommend it enough.

Great book

Loved Tik Maynard’s book! I was drawn to it first because I am a fellow Canadian west coaster and had shopped at their tack store and my daughter had evented at one of the events Tik was showing at. Then the book drew me in. Loved his honest self portrayal of his adventures without steeping to any criticism of those he encountered. A must read for anyone on this journey with horses and all the ups and downs that entails. I look forward to Tik’s Next book!

I am always interested in reading other people's stories in how they learn about horses. Leaving one's.comfort zone opens us to new experiences. Tik's writing is honest and made me think.The writing is engaging. I wanted to know what happened.