5 comments about Chosen by a Horse.

1. Anyone who loves horses will also love this book! The author perfectly describes the personalities of her horses, and she weaves a lesson of personal growth into a moving story about an abused horse. It's great!



2. This is a moving story, and one which Richards tells well. Richards captures both the intensity of our love for our animals, and the pain we suffer at the ephemerality of their lives. The problem here is that Richards is essentially concerned with her own pain, her own suffering, her own vision of "knowing" when her beautiful horse Lay Me Down should be allowed to go. And her own vision of the appropriate time may be tragically mistaken.
   
   Lay Me Down has a grotesquely invasive brain tumor. Richards doesn't know how large it's gotten inside the head, but on the outside it gradually bulges in a wet growth the size of an orange, beneath an eye. Early on, Richards makes slight mention, once or twice, of watching to see if Lay Me Down feels discomfort. She suspects that Lay Me Down is in pain but has adapted to it. She mentions with affection that it's hard to tell, because this horse has never been a complainer. And that is almost the last mention Richards ever makes on the subject.
   
   What did this horse suffer during all the months Richards kept her alive because she couldn't bear to lose her? Was she on pain medication? Richards never mentions it. Lay Me Down was diagnosed as a hopeless case at the Cornell Equine Hospital in the middle of winter. Her aspect and behavior were different when she came home, significant signs that an animal is suffering. But as Richards saw her horse standing in the ice and snow of the winter pasture, she had a transcendent vision of Lay Me Down being allowed to live until she could experience a sunny day in spring. And so Lay Me Down was kept alive until Richard's vision could be realized in April. And not once in these latter pages does Richards ever mention pain management, or ask herself if her "vision" is a repulsively selfish one which does not take Lay Me Down's actual condition and suffering into account.
   
   There are hard but necessary questions which Richards should have asked herself--primarily, was her gentle horse enduring agony in the months before that sunny April day?--but the answers never appear.



3. Very heart warming. The effect this horse has on her is just what they needed. Highly recommended.



4. This book was an amazingly beautiful story about the love and courage a pet owner shares with their pet. I loved the simplicity of the story. It was very engaging. I laughed, I cried, and I found myself wishing I could own a horse. Animals are amazing. It's a story of love for animals, for yourself and others. Loved it.



5. It is a good book. Not great by any means. I was not aware it had a sad ending, so it loses lots of points with me for that reason alone. I don't like to cry when I finish a book, thank you.

5 comments about The Soul of a Horse: Life Lessons from the Herd.

1. In response to those reviewers who wrote that this book is only helpful for newcomers to horse ownership: GUESS WHAT!?! I have been around horses for my entire life (31 years). I rode before I could walk (well,my dad helped me!). And, GUESS WHAT!?! I love this book and it has given me so much to ponder, and has altered the way that I look at my relationship with my horses and the way that I want to care for them. I already had a good bond with my horses, I've never treated them inhumanely, but this book still provided new information that has been and will continue to be useful to me. Not only that, but it is a well-written, entertaining narrative. Joe Camp writes about the increased understanding of our own humanity that comes through relationships with other creatures. Joe tells his story and offers his advice in a humble, warm and exuberant way. It was fun to have some Benji stories in there too!



2. Every horse purchased should come with a copy of this book. It really is the only book a horse owner would ever need.



3. I've owned horses for 7 years and loved them for 55. (well, I don't recall those first 2 years too vividly but I never remeber a time when I didn't love horses). Anyway, I thought this book was well written in some areas although I don't agree with all. Before I had a place big enough to pasture my horses, I did the best I could for them within our constraints (money, time, money). I think it would be a shame for someone to read this book and give up wanting/keeping a horse because they couldn't recreate nature's intended habitat however, as with all things there is some sound advice as to doing things a certain way because "that's the way it's done." It is an enjoyable read, a bit preachy at times, take what you can from it, research options and enjoy your horse. I completely agree with the gentle approach. As for the running "inner story" about the boy and the colt, somethings are just "Hollywood" and we need to recognize it as such and enjoy it for what it was meant-entertainment. I like the book and am glad I purchased it.



4. Ah, this is a truly great book. The author is open and ready to explore the unfamiliar to do the right thing for his horses. A true love story. I am positive every reader will be touched by the author's gentleness, and will also learn from his open attitude that takes him and his horses beyond the conventional approach. And it is all done for the happiness of his horses. Both the people and the horses benefit at the end. I highly recommend to all animal people.



5. Reading Joe Camp's well written story of his journey into the world of horses was both eye opening and familiar. In reconnecting with horses myself, unlearning old habits and discovering new ways has required trusting myself, my instincts and my horses. Choosing to do things in ways you find are better for the horse instead of what everyone's always done or the experts say to do can be challenging. The rewards reaped when your horses thrive and respond are amazing. The interweaving of Joe's own story with the story of wild horses is a wonderful device for providing both human and equine views. I enjoyed this book immensely, can very much relate to his experiences, and appreciate his providing reference material. (The Blocker Tie Ring aka Australian Tie is amazing!)

5 comments about How to Think Like A Horse: The Essential Handbook for Understanding Why Horses Do What They Do.

1. Also a great book for kids who WANT to learn more about horses and their keep -- even though Mom is gonna have to read it to them.



2. There is something for everyone in this book; the professional or amateur. I have been working with horses for 35 years and learned quite a few new tips from the book. A excellant read.



3. I sent this book as a gift to a good friend who is an avid equestrian. She was at a camp teaching horseback riding when she received it and promptly read it from cover to cover. The other instructors were very jealous and want their own copy as well!



4. For a used book, this one was literally like new. The seller was prompt and polite. The book arrived in a timely fashion, well-packaged to prevent damage. The contnts of the book are one of the best I have read about horses. Thank you!



5. Really liked this book, lots of helpful information, some things I already knew and some things didn't know or think of before.

2 comments about Equus.

1. I was looking for a book with beautiful pictures of horses and this is not it. In fact, most of the pictures aren't even of the whole horse. You get pictures of mouths, hooves, eyes, tails, backs etc. Even alot of the "entire horse" pictures are mostly background with the horses so small you can't even tell what breed they are. Try to look through one before you buy it.



2. It seems like I have been waiting forever for this book to be published and now I have one in my hands. I had seen the images on Tim Flach's web site but couldn't imagine their tactile presence. The book is huge and the physical act of turning such big pages creates drama, as the next image unfolds.
   
   I believe that this book will be the new standard by which artistic animal photography will be judged.
   
   It is stunning, thought-provoking and inspirational, without any text to get in the way of your own reactions. (Although there is text elsewhere in the book, should you care to read more.)
   
   This book will never grow old. You will, but this book will grow with you. You'll see it again for the first time, every time you open it.
   
   And you'll know horses as you never have before.

5 comments about Tug of War: Classical Versus "Modern" Dressage: Why Classical Training Works and How Incorrect Riding Negatively Affects Horses' Health.

1. Every trainer and rider and judge of dressage horses needs to read this book. After doing so, you will never again wonder if hyperflexion of the neck (rollkur) and absolute elevation are legitimately sound methods of riding and training. You will also be able to spot horses in the arena which have had these methods used on them. You may even become ashamed of how our sport of dressage has progressed in the past few decades.
   
   Dr. Heuschmann definitely has it out for those who choose to ignore the traditional methods. And with reason. With vivid color illustrations of the horse's anatomy and straightforward commentary, he takes time in this book to carefully point out the crucial points of a riding horse's anatomy and how they are affected by both correct and incorrect training techniques. The photographs clearly demonstrate the differences in movement, tension and balance between horses ridden in a traditional manner and those who are not.
   
   As a dressage trainer who has been educated in Germany, it is my sincere hope that with the publishing of this book and support by its readers, it is an indication that we are ready to abolish training techniques that are harmful to our horses.



2. This book provides detailed information about the development of the musculature of the horse and the effects of different training methodologies. Like many riders, I have often seen training methods that made me feel ill at ease, but I didn't really understand why. This book helped me understand why these methods are technically incorrect and often inhumane. This book is a great tool for those dressage enthusiasts who are concerned about the integrity and humaneness of our sport, and wish to safeguard the well-being of our equine partners!



3. Tug of War is a must read for all horse owners, especially show, dressage & western riders. This book has opened my eyes about bio-mechanics of horses and why they respond and behave the way they do. The picture on the front of the book looks extreme but just have a look at what is happening in Adult Riding Clubs, Pony Clubs etc, examples of over flexing and extreme bends are there. This book is for people with a driving force within that want change for themselves their horses and within the industry, well written and in basic terms so that you don't need a degree to understand.



4. This book is a must for all riders/trainers who love and care for horses. Reading it was a rude awakening for me since it showed me how harmful my "modern" training and riding were for my horses. I want healthy and happy horses so no more shortcuts for me.
   Pascale



5. I would that every rider, regardless of discipline, would read this book. It relates excellent information that goes against the grain of much commonly held training. Our horses would move with more freedom and pleasure and have long careers instead of early retirements. Well illustrated and explained. It's actually a quick read. The principles are simple and consistent. Very accessible.

5 comments about Clinton Anderson's Downunder Horsemanship: Establishing Respect and Control for English and Western Riders.

1. I bought this book due to the highly rated feedback that it received and have not been disappointed. I am in the market for my very first horse and was looking for any training information that I could get my hands on. Clinton's book gives actual exercises that can be done and shows what to expect when done correctly. He took 2 people and their horses and worked with them and documented the results. This is excellent for a beginner and I will purchase any other books that Clinton writes.



2. I consistently rely on the reviews of others on Amazon, so I decided to place a review on this book, and other Clinton Anderson items. I am considered a "green rider". I also fit the demographic for the growing horse industry - woman, over 35, etc. More importantly, I have a PASSION for horses. I had researched several other clinicians in the area of Natural Horsemanship. It appears they all have something to offer. However, the three key elements that drew me to Clinton are is abiliy to communicate, his focus on safety, and gaining RESPECT from your horse. I am not opposed to Pat Parelli, but for a green rider like me, I do not think the focus should be on playing games.
   Through this book, I have learned very critical basics, like where to stand with a horse, how humans act as predators, and horses are prey animals, that horses have "two brains", and most important, the one rein stop.
   I have a fifteen year old quarter horse that had one speed GO. Truthfully, with being a green rider, I was afraid to ride her. So, I decided to follow the steps in the book...from square one. We focused on Backing Up, Yielding the Hindquarters, and a lot of Desensitizing...all stuff I had NO IDEA about - I just thought I could improve my riding and she would be a better horse. Well, now I wiggle the rope and she backs up! I can throw the rope around her, over her, you name it and she stands there. And she does the one rein stop! So now, my horse that had only one speed of go, is doing great on the trail - walking.
   I would encourage this book, as well as other items by Clinton if you are new to riding, have been riding all of your life, or maybe returning to riding. You will find Clinton very easy to understand, he does not make his techniques complicated. Instead, he will say, "Pull the rope to the seam of your jeans." Yes, I get that!
   I think this book would also make a great gift for anyone who has a horse, or is interested in buying a horse. Happy Trails!



3. Clinton Anderson has a way of making things easy to follow and explains the reasoning behind the ground work that he does. I like his no nonsense approach in working with horses. He takes you step by step through the lesson, answers what if questions, and talks you through other problems that may arise from the horse and the person working with it. I found his book to be simple, easy to understand, and once you get the hang of the basic concepts of what you're working towards, quite effective.



4. This book is great at illustration. I have a new horse that is only 5 yrs old and these techniques are working great. The book is very easy to follow and it totally helps to read each section over and over until you get it down. He gives do's and don't's and classic mistakes etc which help you to fine tune your technique because you know what mistakes to watch for in yourself.



5. I just received the book and am still reading it. I really like how he explains the lesson then has 2 students add their comments after their training session with Clinton. I find this helpful as it gives me insite how I might come across a problem similiar to theirs when I start my program.

5 comments about What Your Horse Wants You to Know: What Horses' "Bad" Behavior Means, and How to Correct It.

1. In the second paragraph on the first page this book talks so much sense. It is to the point, easy to read and easy to apply these techniques to our equine friends. I would thoroughly recommend this book to everyone who has any kind of interaction with horses on a daily or irregular basis. It is the platform for the 'perfect partnership'. YC



2. I really enjoyed the book. I am a new horse owner and found the book to be very helpful.



3. Very good reference book. Author presents from the horse's point of view which is how the title reads. As usual, however, the one problem that my hose developed is missing. But that may be expected since horses don't often read.



4. Whether you're a beginning horse trainer or more advanced, and no matter what kind of training you are into, this important reference guide will teach you to communicate with your horse.



5. Gincy has provided a wonderful resource for all horse owners whether beginners or seasoned experts. No matter what discipline you are involved with, this book will become a favourite. It applies to horses beginning their education as well as seasoned competitors, ridden or driven, and just much loved family pets.
   
   The basis for all relationships with our horses is communication. Gincy explains clearly how to read what your horse is saying to you and how to clearly communicate your instructions to him.
   
   This book, like Gincy's others, is full of Gincy's very perceptive insights into equine behavior and motivation. At the same time, she generously cites highlights from the work of other successful trainers and instructors. She totally understands and loves her subject. She isolates each 'problem' or unwanted behavior, explains what it means and not only tells us how to change it but also what not to do.
   
   For the beginner, this book provides a ready reference to cover hundreds of situations that arise in our day to day association with our horse or pony. For the experienced horse person, it is a compendium of knowledge that is so far unequaled in training literature.
   
   Aside from all that, it is an entertaining read.
   
   Jessie and ponies

5 comments about Natural Horse-Man-Ship: Six Keys to a Natural Horse-Human Relationship.

1. I am finding this book very helpful. I love to learn new things about horses, and dealing with them, and anything that will help improve my relationship. And this book is giving me something new an positive on every page. Even after my 14 years of dealing with them!!!



2. I did not find this book helpful at all. Mr.Parelli is all over the place with his writing. There are no real instructions on how to train, just his philosophy. I did not find the book useful, it will be the first book to go in my garage sale pile. He's very "showy".



3. This book, along with the entire Parelli Levels DVD home-study, Savvy Club collateral, Liberty & Horse Behavior DVD Set, and the Success Series DVD, teach the philosophy of thinking like the horse, caring for your horse with leadership and love, and always keeping it natural.
   Parelli, a prominant leader in Natural Horse-Man-Ship, horse psychology and behavior, teaches us how to understand how horses think and learn. It's nothing short of amazing.
   
   Once you read this book, you'll want to learn more, and Pat & Linda Parelli provide many valuable resources to support you on your journey with your horse. Together they teach the 8 Principles of Natural Horsemanship, stressing that preparation, patience, love, language and leadership are all important keys to learning how to read, motivate and build trust with your horse - and most importantly, build and grow a bond with your equine partner.
   
   Parelli teaches that since 99% of problems with horses are 'problem people' not 'problem horses' his book and their entire study program, is really a people-training guide. The Parelii's step-by-step program is easy to follow and will take you from "green" to savvy, helping you discover your potential, reveal your horse and treat your horse with dignity, compassion and understanding.
   
   I've been on the Parelli Journey for nearly two years now, starting from "scratch" and knowing only that my love for my horse was the engine that would motivate me. I had no idea what I was getting into, but when I was introduced to the Parelli's Natural Horsemanship study, I was guided in a profound, logical, confident way - it was as if Pat and Linda were right there with me. Start with this book, open your mind and heart to new challenges with your horse, and you will discover a journey that fuels your equinne passion with knowledge, principles, communication, leadership, and a bond of trust and love. Thank you Pat and Linda.



4. I thought this book was excellent! I am a new horse owner and found it to be very helpful. Also, I am not into hurting my horse so reading about working with him naturally was right up my alley.



5. I love the parelli level system but this book is poorly organized and not very helpful. It is more about a philosphy and witty remarks than a method of training. Stick to the level DVDs.

5 comments about Horses Never Lie: The Heart of Passive Leadership.

1. Mark's books are easy to read and offer the thoughts and insights of a true horseman. His methods are gentle and honor the horse. Delightful.



2. This is my favorite of Mark's books. Although I love them all. I have read all 5 and am waiting for more. I read them in 1-3 sittings, cannot put them down! I am starting to buy this book for friends and family, I think Mark's books should be a prerequisite for horse ownership! I have raised and trained horses for close to 30 years. I have read a lot, try to keep an open mind & keep learning. Anyway I have pretty much developed my way of doing things and had found in the past, by checking out more trainer's books that either I did not agree or they were for the "new to horses" person. I had read the reviews here on Mark's books, then just happened to find a couple Mark Rashid books used at a sale & thought okay, they're cheap, I'll try them! I could not put them down! Some things that Mark shares reinforce what I've learned myself, but I found lots to learn in these books too. We had an old cowboy/trainer/farrier/castrater/teeth floater/friend who lived around here for years. If I needed to learn anything about horses, I'd ask Sonny, the thing was Sonny never "gave" you the answer! He told you a story & let you learn the answer yourself! Mark's books remind me of that. Mark's books will follow you through your life. He offers the teachings of truly living well & with compassion in your daily life. 2 things always come into my head since reading his books . . . WHAT DOES MY HORSE THINK ABOUT THIS? and IS THIS REALLY WORTH WORRYING ABOUT? 90% of the time we worry about the little things that we don't need to. Mark's books are an AWESOME read for anyone!



3. Another good one from Mark. Makes you think of horses in a whole new way has you step into their world so to speak. A must read!



4. Mark has written a nice book, not clearly a manual or a How to.. book but a text full of experiences. It's not literature about horses but a book about different horses and experiences, giving clues about horsenalities and personalities. A fun and interesting book.



5. Quite simply, I love horses, and I loved this book.
   
   What Mark writes about horses and humans gets to the heart of what life's all about. If I was the CEO of a big company, I'd bring this cowboy in to talk horse with my upper management, let them figure out why. I relate to his idea of quiet leadership.
   
   I've since read three of Mark's other books. All of them have something unique to say, Mr. Rashid is a man with sharp prespective on life and a way with words.

5 comments about How Your Horse Wants You to Ride: Starting Out, Starting Over.

1. Gincy Self Bucklin is the trainer I wish I had had all these years I've spent riding! I have been training with qualified instructors for 18 years, and I have still learned SO much from this book. I cannot say enough about this book and its sequel. This book is wonderful and it FAR exeeded my expectations. I only wish I had these books when I first began riding - I could have saved so much time, trouble and bad habits!



2. I reccommend this book to everyone who rides and loves horses, whatever level, whatever style. I first bought it because, in my youth having ridden wonderfully kind horses that pretended like I knew how to ride, I wanted to get back into riding when I was in my late fifties. After a year of lessons with a well-qualified instructor, the school horse I was riding got fed up with my mistakes and sent me sailing. Two operations and two years of physiotherapy later, I went back, just to make a point. It took me a year to get back to about where I was before the accident. Then I hit a block. I didn't seem to be making any progress, in spite of two or three lessons a week. That is when i read this book and a lot of lights came on. Gincy's "active hand" transformed an irritated,head-tossing horse to a calm, attentive partner. Once I grasped her explanation of lateral centering, the horses I rode stopped cutting corners. My instructor and the people I ride with started paying me compliments on my position and my progress. I continue to read and reread her books, and the lights are still coming on. Some people may complain about the detail, but if that's the particular problem you're working on, you want all that detail. Someone commented that Gincy writes for instructors, to help them be better teachers, but if you don't have an instructor, or if he knows it all and doesn't think he has to read books, students can learn directly from the book. As Gincy mentions, many instructors know what you should be doing, but don't know how to explain to a student how to do what is an automatic reflex for an advanced rider. It's certainly helped me to understand why my instructor was always saying "shoulders back, heels down!" etc. I reccommend it to my friends, but as someone else mentioned, it's not a book you can lend, because it doesn't come back. And perhaps the best thing about the book is Gincy's wonderful attitude towards horses and understanding their behavior. I found that Gincy accomplishes everything she set out to do in her introduction.



3. How Your Horse Wants You to Ride: Starting Out, Starting Over
   
   If our horses could have a verbal conversation with us, it would be about how they want us to ride on their backs. So, if that is the information you are looking for, this book will do that for you. Coming to horses late in life, with only weekend trail riding and no ownership in my background, learning to train my horse and ride her has, at times, been overwhelming. All bad habits that horses have are from bad training, not from stubbornness or naturally occurring mean spiritedness. Every interaction we have with our horses teaches them something, good or bad. Gincy is a patient person, I know from interacting with her on her Riding with Confidence list group on Yahoo. She has great insights into muscle memory, fear, breathing, etc. and the way those things cause horses to react in one way or another. How Your Horse wants you to ride is not a quick fix answer. It is deep and thoughtful requiring work on the part of the owner/rider. The reward is as great and worth striving for. After all, if you have a horse, you want to have fun with it, not be fearful of it.



4. This book has inspired me to work on bareback exercises this summer to retrain my balance. I'm sure my horse will thank me. Having ridden with the author when I was a teenager (40 years ago), I remember the value of the bareback riding after this book reminded me. I have tried to read Sally Swift's "Centered Riding" but just didn't engage me. This book has and I will be applying the lessons to myself.



5. I started riding quite late in my life and this book has been a great help to me. Whenever I encounter a problem I consult it again and it always gives me new ideas which work. I like especially the mixture of at home, on the ground and on the horse exercises. You can try basics safely first before you mount your horse. I am a Western rider and although its focus is English riding I was able to use it.