Starting in the Middle - by Tik Maynard (Paperback)

About the Book

"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"-- Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

What if the next chapter of your life demanded more courage than the first? In this deeply honest and uplifting memoir, Tik Maynard confronts midlife not with crisis--but with a colt, a countdown, and a call to grow.After building a dream life in equestrian sport, family, farm, and a clear purpose--Tik Maynard found himself haunted by uncertainty. Was he still learning? Still evolving? Or simply coasting? Starting in the Middle chronicles his year-long journey to rekindle passion, chase challenge, and redefine mastery--by accepting an invitation to compete in the Road to the Horse, the high-stakes World Championship of Colt Starting.

This gripping follow-up to his bestselling memoir, In the Middle Are the Horsemen, blends heart-pounding personal stakes with intimate storytelling as Maynard studies with elite trainers, faces self-doubt, and prepares for 265 make-or-break minutes with an untouched colt. Along the way, he explores the very core of connection--between man and horse, student and mentor, father and child.

Whether you're an equestrian, a lifelong learner, or simply someone standing at life's crossroads, this book offers both inspiration and a blueprint for growth.

Inside, you'll discover:
- A behind-the-scenes view of the Road to the Horse competition
- Lessons from leading voices in natural horsemanship and animal behavior
- Deep reflections on parenting, identity, and personal reinvention
- Powerful metaphors that bridge colt-starting and midlife evolution
- Candid insights from a rider unafraid to rethink everything he knows


Tender, philosophical, and fiercely compelling, Starting in the Middle reminds us that real transformation often begins just after we think the story's already been written.

Review Quotes

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

"A delightful educational meander. With insight, humility, knowledge, and many great words and expressions, we accompany Tik Maynard on a journey 'to know the horse better.' The never-ending curiosity with which he sets about the task is an example to us all. We also learn about ourselves as we strive to 'do right' by the horse, as he also becomes our companion and friend. A great read." -- Eric Smiley, FBHS, Author of The Sport Horse Problem Solver, Two Brains, One Aim, and Look...No Hands!

"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

"Open Starting in the Middle and you'll find a page-turning ride full of wisdom about horses and life. Thank you, Tik, for merging great horsemanship with great writing--while adding a dose of laugh-out-loud humor." -- Shelley Onderdonk, DVM, and Adam Snow, Authors of Winning with Horses

"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

"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 journeey to Road to the Horse reads more like a 'Road to the Self.' Modeling 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 it 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 boook 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 learaning, 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

"As a colt starter, I have spent a lot of time asking questions. Not just of my horses, but of myself. How can I do better? How do I honor the trust these animals place in me? Starting in the Middle feels like reading the thoughts of someone who has walked that same path. Tik wrestles with the responsibility that comes with starting young horses and searching for better ways to serve them. This book is not about methods or formulas. It is about the deeper work: staying curious, staying humble, and always putting the horse first. Tik's journey is a reminder that good horsemanship is a lifelong conversation, not a destination." -- Mary Kitzmiller, Respected Horse Trainer and Multi-Time Extreme Mustang Makeover Competitor

"As usual, [Maynard's] storytelling is extremely approachable and carries you along, learning as you go. ... Starting in the Middle is an enchanting read and does not disappoint. Riders and trainers across all equestrian [disciplines] will enjoy learning not just about horses and the horsey lifestyle, but also about the bigger questions that life poses for us all." -- Chelsea V. Smith, Catskill Horse magazine

About the Author

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.