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. “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 wit