In the Middle Are the Horsemen

In 2008, 26-year-old Tik Maynard faced a crossroads not unlike that of other young adults. A university graduate and modern pentathlete, he suffered both a career-ending injury and a painful breakup, leaving him suddenly adrift. The son of prominent Canadian equestrians, Maynard decided to spend the next year as a "working student." In the horse industry, working students aspire to become professional riders or trainers, and willingly trade labor for hands-on education. Here Maynard chronicles his experiences-good and bad-and we follow along as one year becomes three, what began as a casual adventure gradually transforms, and a life's purpose comes sharply into focus.

Over time, Maynard evolved under the critical eyes of Olympians, medal winners, and world–renowned figures in the horse world, including Anne Kursinski, Johann Hinnemann, Ingrid Klimke, David and Karen O'Connor, Bruce Logan, and Ian Millar. He was ignored, degraded, encouraged, and praised. He was hired and fired, told he had the "wrong body type to ride" and that he had found his "destiny." He got married and lost loved ones. Through it all he studied the horse, and human nature, and how the two can find balance. And in that journey, he may have found himself.

©2018 Tik Maynard (P)2022 Tik Maynard

Great book for both Competing or non-competing horsepeople.

Loved the author's style and hope that he writes more books. maybe a fiction book about a competitor?

A rare glimpse into the reality of upper level horses

Tik has a great story. I a completely relate to the position he found himself in as I had a similar experience.
Like myself, he learned the hard way what upper level and and cowboy culture expects. His journey being true to hinder and his vision is inspiring.
Not the best book in a literal sense but a great book in the genuine experience he had.

I relate to anything Equis

Thoroughly enjoyed this read. The author shared with us his actual lifetime experiences with equine. I recognize understood and have lived everything that he talked about. Based upon that since horse or someday I love dedicated my life too. He did a great job with us. I gave it Hammer five star..

Well done!!

Genuine philosophy at its finest. The self-reflection, clarity, and approach to horses, life, and relationships in this book resonated with me. The exploration of diverse perspectives and the insightful conversations were captivating. Listening to it on Audible was a great experience, and I learned a tremendous amount that enriched my understanding of horsemanship. The author's perspective and humility were particularly admirable.

What is horsemanship?

I love this question and all of the conversation in the book about different points of view. I really learned an awful lot that added to my knowledge of horsemanship. A great listen as I use Audible.