Starting in the Middle

He thought he had it made. Dream farm. Amazing wife. Wonderful kids. Clear and present purpose.Horses.But then he began to wonder if he was doing it all right enough…if maybe he’d been doing it for long enough. He began to wonder if it was right at all.When midlife appeared before horseman Tik Maynard, he had plenty of past adventures to cite and no shortage of future possibilities. But his own questions about his life as a horse trainer and equestrian competitor began to overwhelm the joy of all he had accomplished and discovered. It suddenly became imperative that he reconsider his path and open himself to alternatives—and a course that might drastically differ from what he’d always thought he wanted.When an invitation to participate in Road to the Horse, the World Championship of Colt Starting, was offered, Maynard immediately saw an opportunity to learn, to expand his world beyond what in some ways felt too “complete,” to reboot the passion that had always driven him. And so he took a chance on himself and an unknown, unbroken colt, and said, “I’ll do it.”In these deep, considered, and painstakingly articulated pages, Maynard chronicles a year of reading, traveling, asking questions, and trying new things, as he, supported by family and friends, threw himself into the preparation he knew he needed to have 265 minutes in front of a live audience be something positive for both him and a horse he did not yet know. The reader travels along as Maynard meets some of the leading figures in the world of animal behavior and training, examining the ways humans can successfully communicate with other species from a multitude of entry points, both “traditional” and “out of the box.” With dialogue that sweeps you into each fascinating expert’s space and time, he shares his struggles with the philosophical and ethical side of his life’s pursuit, and thoughtfully illustrates the conversations that helped him construct a system of beliefs and understanding that supported his natural abilities and lifetime in the saddle, while at the same time challenging everything he thought he already knew. Readers are offered the opportunity to grow alongside Maynard, not only as horse lovers, but as people, as he tries and tests and fails and finds—and eventually, chooses which direction to take in the second half of his life.With a diligence and intelligence that is unique to the genre of “books about horses” and extends well beyond the barn to the broader questions faced by the human race, Maynard has again given us a unfailingly honest telling of one life and the pursuit of fulfilling it. Starting in the Middle is for anyone wondering “what’s next” and trying to be brave enough to go out and look for it.

"A well-written and compelling journal of the emotional, physical, and transformative process Tik Maynard undertook on his way to winning one of the country's most renowned horsemanship competitions. Well worth the read." --Mark Rashid, Author of For the Love of the Horse and Considering the Horse

"Tik Maynard transcends traditional horsemanship--his work with horses is a living art, a graceful performance where each encounter peels away the layers of distraction, fear, and ego to reveal the raw truth of who you are." --Beth Behrs, Actress, 2 Broke Girls and The Neighborhood

"Tik Maynard's book about his journey to Road to the Horse reads more like a 'Road to the Self.' Modelling vulnerability, humility, and curiosity, Tik lets us into his inner world and shares not only his aspirations but also his self-doubt, and does it in such a way that will reach the heart of every reader."--Warwick Schiller, Attuned Horsemanship, Two-Time Australian WEG Team Member, Worldwide Clinician, Author, and Podcaster

"Tik Maynard's new book explores the preparation, both mental and physical, in the journey to a competition, this being Road to the Horse. It is very valuable to any competitor in the horse world as it shines a light on what true preparation means. The study, the learning, even the nerves are wide open for all to see. It is a great example of someone who is present in the moment--LOOKS so he can see and LISTENS so he can hear. I recommend this read, illustrating how we can explore so we can learn." --David O'Connor, Olympian, US Equestrian Chief of Sport, FEI Board of Directors

"Tik Maynard is the ultimate triple threat: engaging storyteller, gifted teacher, and thoughtful rider. This book exemplifies this." --Noëlle Floyd, CEO NF+

"This lovely book about starting horses on their journey to realize their potential is also about us and our journey to become our better self. It's about facing our fears. Taking risks. Trying something new. Following our curiosity. And, of course, never giving up." --Art Davidson, Author of the Mountaineering Classic Minus 148° First Winter Ascent of Mt. McKinley

"Ever since I met Tik Maynard, his quest to learn has always been amazing to watch. He seeks advice from those he trusts and is completely open to trying any tips you might have for him. He fully engages with the suggestion or technique and gives it a completely honest try, ready to absorb anything the lesson may have to offer. I'm always impressed and inspired at his willingness to try to find better ways." --Glenn Stewart, The Glenn Stewart Horsemanship Academy

"With a diligence and intelligence that is unique to the horse book genre, Starting in the Middle extends beyond the barn to the broader questions faced by the human race. Maynard has again given us an honest telling of one life and the pursuit of fulfilling it." --Northwest Horse Source

Tik Maynard began riding with the Vancouver Pony Club, in Southlands, British Columbia. After achieving his 'P' rating, he began competing in Modern Pentathlon, where he represented Canada at three World Championships, and the 2007 Pan-American Games.In 2008, Maynard began a journey to improve his riding. From Germany to Florida, from Alberta to Texas, and from Florida to New Jersey, Maynard was willing to go wherever he had to, to learn from the best. Along the way he discovered something more important: horsemanship. It is that idea that continues to motivate him.Today, Maynard searches out knowledge from many sources, but his most important mentors are his parents and his wife. He is married to US Eventing Team Member Sinead Halpin.

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