5 comments about Chosen by a Horse.

1. I read this book in two great gulps--half one night, half the next. It is that entrancing. I've always loved horses, having grown up with them, but I think even those who just have a love for animals will enjoy it. And as several other reviewers have said, I cried at the end, sobbed, really. The book is about more than a horse, it's about the author's life, but not to the point that you keep thinking, "But what about the horse?" She's always there, always teaching lessons with her gentle ways. I do love books about real animals, and I do love memoirs--this was the best of both worlds. The best part was that the writing was so clear and easy to read. Like I said, I read this 250 page book easily in two nights, because it pulls you in so quickly and so thoroughly. If you're looking for a memoir and/or a book about real animals, you can't go wrong with this book.



2. This is the best book I've read in quite some time. It is a quick read and it's for people who like animal stories. This author has a super flare for writing about people in a very real way. You will laugh and cry. And you won't regret buying this book! I think it would make a great gift for an animal lover too.



3. The only issue I had with this book is that sometimes the words tend to be repetative. For example Lay me down's name is mentioned several times per paragraph, as are some of the other characters within in. When they only need to be said once. Instead of substituting them with he, or she. I was left wondering why the editors did not catch this before it hit the press? Now, that said, this is the best horse book I have read in a long time. And it is very detailed and well written, despite the issue mentioned above. Not only is the story about Lay me down, but also about the author and her troubles with her relationships, and her child hood. Being an abused child, I found that this is a novel I can relate to. This one of the rare ones that will draw you into the story, and keep your attention all the way through it. Some parts will make you laugh, others will make you cry and feel bad for the owner and the animal, and what they had to go through during their lives.



4. I loved this book. I actually made me cry. Delivery was perfect also, and the book was in excellent condition.



5. shipping was fast and i love the book. horses are very healing if you let them in. they helped me thru an ugly divorce and are still helping me with depression even tho i have a wonderful husband who is doing the same :)

5 comments about Whole Heart, Whole Horse: Building Trust Between Horse and Rider.

1. The philosophy and insight of Mark Rashid will guide you to a better relationship with your horse. A must read for horse lovers!



2. I own miniature horses and Mark Rashid's book of common sense goes over BIG with the little guys, too. My stallion's calmer and we really connect now. What a plus. I highly recommend Mark's way. If you're looking for a do it this way step by step book, this is not the one. But it IS the one if you're looking for your horse's trust and to understand what makes him trust you.



3. I love the story telling aspect to this book - because the stories DO tell so much and really illustrate what Mark Rashid wants to convey about horses and how to be with them. Very easy to read.



4. If you like other mark Rashid books, you'll like this one too! Rashid has a very nice story telling style that may cause you to learn things and not even realize it until later. I recommend this book even if you think you know it all - Mark Rashid will cause you to look at what you know at a slightly different angle and in a slightly different light. The author's discussions about clearing the mind as it relates to horses and the martial arts was very interesting. This is definitely a book that entertains and informs at several levels. Its an easy read that keeps on giving.



5. I rode English/dressage/eventing as a child & young adult. I made the decision about a year ago to come back to riding. I ended up at a barn and leasing a horse both of which at times felt like perhaps not the best fit for me but I wanted to learn to ride again and I figured it was a starting point and in time I would find direction. Well over time I grew more frustrated but did not really know in my gut what I wanted to do. I happened upon this book and it looked interesting. I was so moved reading it and by the time I came to the last few chapters of the book I was nearly moved to tears and it was only then that I really understood what it was I had been looking for all along. Thank you from the bottom of my heart Mr. Rashid for writing this book and letting me know I don't necessarily have to be a grand prix rider to experience "Whole Heart, Whole Horse". The horse I lease thanks you too!!!!

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

1. This book was fantastic. Every exercise is clearly described, step by step. Each new skill builds on the ones before, and there are good pictures to illustrate the maneuvers. My favorite thing about this book is that there is a section for EVERY exercise that tells you common handler mistakes and common horse mistakes. It's frustrating when an exercise you're trying doesn't work and you don't know why!
   
   This book is written in very simple, straightforward terms. It's very well organized, and easy to understand--and best of all the exercises WORK.
   
   Anyone who has a horse should have this book!



2. I am half way through this book. So far, I love it. It is easy to follow the techniques described and photos are an added advantage for me. I have spent some time around horses when I was younger, however, I haven't had the opportunity to spend a great deal of time with horses in about 15 years. I now have a few acres and am finally starting my re-kindled love for horses. I love this book and would recommend it to any horse lover at any experience level.



3. As a huge fan of Parelli, I wasn't sure that I would get much out of the Clinton Anderson book, but I was very pleased and surprised with the quality of content. The instructions are clear, and there are plenty of pictures demonstrating various exercises. The best feature are the two ladies who brought their horses to Anderson to receive help with several behavioral issues. Reading about their struggles and accomplishments really motivated me to use more ground work in the time I spend with my horse. I highly recommend this book to anybody working with horses.



4. I recently rescued a 9 year old, green broke gelding. He's the perfect horse on the ground, but he has absolutely no idea what to do when someone gets on him. I've been riding for 25 years, but I have no experience training horses. I didn't know his riding experience, since he had to be bought based on a picture and a 30 second video. His biggest problems--fear of being mounted, and he won't turn to the right. He tosses his head and does a little rearing action. I wasn't sure a book would help with my situation, but Clinton's training methods are a lifesaver to me. The flexing exercises, especially under saddle, really worked. When I first got the horse, I attempted to mount him for over an hour without success. He wouldn't even stand still with someone holding him--it just made him worse. After a couple of weeks of flexing haltered then saddled, I was able to get on and off of him several times without him moving a muscle. I even mounted from the right side a few times, and he stood perfectly still. We're working on flexing while mounted now. He's protesting, mostly while flexing to the right, but we're making progress. We've only flexed while mounted for three sessions so far, and there is improvement. The single rein stop has proven very effective and adds a sense of security.
   
   The book is fairly clear and easy to follow. It's important to read the book from the beginning and not skip steps, even if you feel they aren't important to you, because they do build upon one another. I recommend this book to anyone who has a green broke or ill-mannered horse. I like his safety first approach, and, although I'll admit it's frightening having a horse doing the Texas-two step beneath you as you attempt to flex him, it's worth it when he actually stops and flexes.
   
   Follow up: One day later...Session #4 on flexing while mounted. I went out again today for another session on flexing while mounted. My stunned reaction...my horse stood perfectly still and flexed each direction, multiple times without moving a muscle! We even neck reined both directions without a single issue! I'm absolutely stunned! Session #3 was a battle, although ultimately successful and session #4 was perfect! Thank you, Clinton Anderson!



5. I'll admit that I actually purchased this book at a show where Clinton was giving a demo. I had purchase several of his videos (before DVD's were the norm) and they were so good that I was able to start my 2-year old myself. His videos were very well done and easy to follow. However, the book is just a basic overview of what takes hours and regular practice to accomplish. Unless you already know what you're doing (and then you probably wouldn't need this book in the first place), I would not recommend this book to anyone as a useful tool in working with horses. Get one of his DVDs instead.

5 comments about Centered Riding (A Trafalgar Square Farm Book).

1. Anyone that wants to ride well and really desires to stay out of their horses way will enjoy and benfit from the principles Sally teaches. Her methods also have a positive crossover effect on one's posture in everyday life. This DVD and/or book will benefit Western and English riders as a "Balanced Seat" is the universal prerequisite to good riding. I had borrowed the book years ago and recently bought the DVD for my library. Because I work alone and do not have access to many qualified trainers and clinics; books and DVDs are my teachers. The DVD is good for quick "see how". The sound and picture quality of the DVD was good. I do think however, the book provides much more insight and detail. If you are a "high achiever" into detail I would get the book first. As your balance improves your horse will thank you and as we all know "if your horse ain't happy...no one's happy!"



2. I have been meaning to buy this book for years and finally I did. I love it! a great aide to posture (not just for riding) and her visualisation techniques make it really easy to understand. Helps greatly with my riding. Highly recommended!



3. This is the best book I have ever read to help me have a better seat on a horse. If I don't have the proper seat and balance, it is imposssible for me to do my best on a horse or get the most out of them. This is my number one MUST HAVE equine book. No matter what your riding discipline, you will benefit from this book.



4. Many of the best classic horse books have information that is hard to translate in to action a novice can use on her own horse. This book has instructions in it that you can take to the barn with you and help yourself improve.
   
   The book is worth far more than any single riding lesson, so is a bargain, even at more than full price.
   
   To me the most useful advice is about soft eyes vs. hard eyes. Amazing what your horse can sense!



5. This book was delivered to the wrong address and I never received it. I have paid for it, but no book. I don't know if it was supposed to be signed for at the delivery site, or if it was just left in the mailbox or at the door. Regardless, I never signed for it, or received it.

5 comments about Cowboy Values: Recapturing What America Once Stood For.

1. I agree 100% with Mr.Owens on his assessment of our country.Much food for thought here. HOWEVER!Owens' passage about consumerism,cheap electronics,jobs being
   farmed out to Asia with a resulting economic deficit hits somewhat on the hypocritical side in light of the fact that the book is printed in China.



2. Entertaining plain talk about the things that are important in life. The photos are less about people and more about a type of people. The author helped me to more fully appreciate the things I heard while growing up in the Rocky Mountain west.



3. Well written review of old-fashioned practical values which are so needed today. Terrific sayings that challenge. Easy to read and understand with useful hints clearly stated. Neat design format and well illustrated. A wonderful coffee table gift.



4. I am a teacher and have been using Cowboy Ethics and Cowboy Values since they came out. They present a powerful discussion on the ethics and values that can make our nation stand tall and lead, if we will but follow their guide. My children and grandchildren each have been given a copy. Not only are the words powerful but the photographs are teasures.



5. A few years ago, my wife clipped out a book review about Cowboy Ethics by James Owen. In the article was his Code of the West. She placed the Code on our refrigerator and there it sat for a few years. Then my mother, who was raised on a ranch, lost her final battle with cancer and was called home at the age of 89. When I got home from her funeral I looked at that code on the refrigerator and decided that I would buy the book.
   
   When I read the book I realized that I had heard many of these life lessons before. Different words but the same messages and lessons my parents taught me. As I looked around at what our society had become, I decided that I would in my own small way tell as many people as I could about how this book would be an extremely valuable tool for teaching children and reminding adults of what counts in life and how to live by a code.
   
   The books have changed my life and I want to help change the lives of others particularly our children
   
   Since then I also purchased Cowboy Values and I now buy them and give the pair of books as gifts to friends, relatives and even to some politicians.
   
   If I had to start a school or teach a class, these two fantastic books would serve as the basis of my curriculum. If the kids could learn these basic principles, there is no mountain they couldn't climb or dream they could not fulfill.
   
   If you have children or nieces or nephews I would recommend you give them these two books as gifts. And I will bet that many adults should be reading these books as well.
   
   At a time of uncertainty and anxiety about the future, Cowboy Values and Cowboy Ethics will give you some hope that we will get through this period if we just remember the great truths that built America are still true today.
   
   As that great American icon, John Wayne once said, "A man's got to have a code, a creed to live by, no matter his job".
   
   When you read these two books and absorb the lessons I think you will agree.

5 comments about The United States Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship: Basics for Beginners/D Level (Howell reference books).

1. Excellent reference book for those new to riding english/hunt seat, those in 4-H or in pony club. Thorough book, yet easy to read and not beyond a non-horse educated parent reading & understanding.
   
   My 12 year old is reading this & comprehending well on her own, yet novice owners/parents of riders will benefit greatly from this book too.



2. Good, basic book for beginner horsemen of all ages, book arrived promptly and was in excellent condition. I'm using it with my beginning riding students.



3. I am a beginning & intermediate horseback riding instructor in Moscow, ID. I have found the Pony Club Manual for beginners to be a very helpful teaching tool - the illustrations are helpful and well-labeled, and the layout is easy to follow. The information is widely accepted as correct, and the text is well-written for the 10-15 year old ages. I include a manual in the price of all my beginning horse camps for 10-14 year olds.



4. This is the an excellent introduction for anyone interested in horsemanship. It can be studied prior to joining the United States Pony Club or serve as a usful tool in teaching or improving horsemanship for the young or beginning equestrian.



5. I couldn't have gotten through Pony Club Quiz Bowl if I didn't have this book. I like the exercises in the book and now I do them on my horse. I learned alot while reading this book, like parts of the tack and how to be safe around horses. I like all the pictures in the book because it helped me to understand what it meant. I would reccommend this book to other pony clubbers and kids who like to ride.

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

1. Cherry Hill is a wonderfully clear writer, putting you at ease as you go through her book on horse behavior. As a non-horse person (lifelong city life), but a writer of westerns, she has helped me to write confidently about horses in my own stories. I have read other books where the pictures were better than the writing. Cherry's writing is just as good as the many great pictures in the book. You cannot go wrong with this book. I will be hunting for her other books on horses, too, now that I know what a good writer she is.
   
   Kathleen Pacheco
   Elizabeth, NJ
   KPacheco2@AOL.com



2. Good information, solid, sensible, down to earth,excellent drawings and photos. A little short, lots of additional information required before one engages the practice. It is an excellent primer on the subject, but should be preliminary to purchasing a horse and beginning such a lifestyle change.



3. A MUST read for every horse owner, caretaker, trainer, etc., old and new! This book gets you to where you have always wanted to be with your horse, FAST! This book is excellent for learning how to read, communicate, understand and care for your horse. I bought a lot of books before I found this one. I wish I found this one first.



4. Just like his other books, this book is great. I love horse books that you can truly get wisdom for your life and for your horses.



5. Cherry Hill has produced yet another trade paperback which is very difficult to summarize or critique due to the inherent contradictions that appear throughout, and the absence of a clear thesis or theme for the work. Ostensibly, the book purports to describe the horse's mental world and cognitive functions. But the title seems at odds with the thrust of the content; and in fact, there is very little empirical information as to exactly "why" horses do what they do (she admits to a reliance on anecdotal 'evidence' drawn exclusively from her own experiences; indeed, the bibliography lists only her own publications). The title leads one to believe that Hill is going to translate the equine view of the world into terms that humans can understand and use to communicate with their equine partners. However, the central tenet upon which Hill bases her description is that horses function in accordance with an exclusively behavioralist model (a la` B. F. Skinner, a modality outdated and at present rejected by most of the professional psychological community). She states in Chapter 9, "Learning," that "horses are not ranked highly as problem solvers," (pg. 127); and again in the same chapter, "as horses learn they don't reason, they react." She is actually describing the horse's mental world as not mental at all, but linear, exclusively instinctive and limited to responses to stimulus presented to them by their environments. First of all, anyone who has watched a horse undo a stall latch, take off a blanket or fly mask, feign fear, or cut corners in a riding arena to save themselves some steps is fully aware of the problem solving ability of even the most lackadaisical horse. Hill discusses the ability of horses to anticipate cues or requests, or events such as feeding time but denies that this is a form of reasoning. Nor does she take into account some of the latest field research which is finding innovative ways to test the finer points of equine cognitive abilities (cf. publications by Dr. Katherine Houpt, Director, Animal Behavior Institute, Cornell Veterinary College; and the full body of work by Dr. Evelyn Hanggi, Equine Research Foundation, Aptos, California).
   Less than innocuous is Hill's brief and misleading discussion of appropriate punishment of horses for "bad" behavior (pgs. 141-142). As if her claim that horses in a herd, left to their own devices, "punish" each other is not misleading enough, Hill further states that "punishment" is a part of "natural" horse training (one presumes she is referring to the 'natural' horsemanship of a John Lyons or Monty Roberts?), which is clear misstatement, and worse, gives license to frustrated riders or owners to vent their anger on horses. Punishment is defined as the imposition of a penalty for the perpetration of some fault or offense. To comprehend deeply the equine mind/spirit is to attempt to access an entity totally 'other,' an alterity that does not, can not, subscribe to human notions of fault or immorality or social obligation. To presume otherwise smacks of extreme anthropocentrism, the very world view the true horseman should be working to overcome.
   There are so many negative criticisms one could make of Hill's most recent publication - there simply isn't time or space. If such works were simply cluttering up bookshelves in tack shops and bookstores, there would be no cause for comment. But apparently unsuspecting neophytes in the horse world believe they are duly informed about horses after reading this book and others like it. Hence the perpetuation of misconceptions, myths, and fabrications that have caused untold suffering within the realm of the domesticated horse.

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

1. I am in the beginning stages with horses. I found this book to be very helpful. It illustrates training techniques in pictures and describes each technique in text. The book gets you in-tune with your horse. I like the idea that is emphasized in relation to playing with your horse and working on yourself. Makes sense. I would recommend this book to other horse lovers.



2. Hi. I am a Parelli fanatic and the truth is that Pat's philosophy was first shared in his book. While he markets his Levels Packs and Liberty and Horse Behavior Set on his site, the core of the program is this book. It has all the sayings and acronyms that are really helpful to remember when working with your horse. If you watch his programs, he's always quoting from his book.
   
   Pat gives us real insight into how horses think. The knowledge he offers has changed my and my horse's life profoundly. My tips for beginners include finding Parelli-friendly people in your area to learn with. Most likely one of them has some of his DVDs that you can watch at a movie night. The Savvy Club is very useful too.
   
   I am blown away by this book - Pat is fulfilling his goal: the change the world for horses and their humans.



3. I really liked this one for its practical step by step tips. It was written I think before some of his videos. So the ground work he details in the book is pre the "7 Games" that he now markets. But it is mostly the same thing. This is the closest to a "how to" you can find on his ideas. It is often repetitive, but sometimes reading the same concept several times helps it sink in better, so I don't mind. I am reading this one, have watched some of his videos and I also use the ideas by Mark Rashid. Mark is a little less invasive with horses. I think both of these trainers have great ideas I'm using in my own horsemanship.



4. I bought this book six months ago and I would not recommend it unless you have purchased the dvd's from the Parelli Natural Horsemanship. The book is very hard to understand/make sense of unless you have viewed the DVD's. Had I known this I would have applied the money I spent towards the DVD's. I have since borrowed the DVD's from a friend and feel that once I am through the course I will better understand the book.



5. Everyone who owns a horse should read this book.
   It helps you understand horse behavior and work to correct issues in a more natural & effective manner.

5 comments about Clinton Anderson's Lessons Well Learned: Why My Method Works for Any Horse.

1. Clinton is one of the best, most effective trainers in the world and this book gets you into his head: how he thinks and why he does things the way he does. Knowledge is power when it comes to working with horses--you can't have too much. If you're serious about improving your horsemanship skills, this book deserves a place on your shelf.



2. Very pleased. Easy to understand and apply techniques. Also improves your relationship with your horses. Basic natural common sense.



3. I really like Clinton's training philosphy of making it easy for you to understand. It's been interesting to read his experiences and how he's figured out the easiest solution. If you like Clinton's tapes, you'll enjoy the book.



4. I try to keep an open mind and use various horse training methods as a professional horse trainer. Clinton Anderson has the easiest program by far for me to show my clients how I work with their horses, thus they can continue learning and teaching their horse when they leave. His first book showed each exercise, word for word as well as photos, which is excellent for the beginner horseman and professionals alike.
   This second book I feel helped me to keep on track as a professional, and how to communicate training to my clients in a better, more productive way. And also to help clients wishing to purchase a horse when the client just doesn't get that even if they pay $50,000 for a horse, the horse's training still has to be maintained, or the horse isn't going to continue to perform at the level they expect. And, if they have a bad minded horse, 'rescue' etc, do they have the time, knowledge, and experience to train the horse? He makes the reader ask themselves a lot of hard questions that many horse owners don't want to know the answers to.
   The ideas and suggestions he gives will keep me motivated to keep trying to help newbies in the horse industry by giving them this book to helping them to understand their questions, ideas, and thoughts once they have left our farm with either a training horse or a newly purchased horse. Great product Clinton! Thank you for not going over the same boring thing like other authors! Any professional in the business, or any new horse owner will be able to use your concepts, and get a better working communication with their horse as well as the horse industry as a whole! I highly suggest both books!



5. It's an easy read for those of us time-challenged multi-taskers who rarely have time to finish an entire "conventional" horse-training book.
   
   It's a GREAT guide to the progression of Clinton's training method and covers what Downunder Horsemanship MATERIALS (videos in particular) one should study at each step of the way. I like it a lot more than his first book - this one should be called "DownUnder Horsemanship for Dummies" (or "The Ten-Minute DUH Manager") - it is so well-organized and will make a terrific reference manual for those of us who want to go back and fill in the "holes" in our horses' educations. Maybe they will come out with a small-format paperback we can keep in our pocket at all times.
   
   It lists 20 lessons horses have taught him and that you will need to understand in order to teach YOUR horses. For those of us who are Mark Rashid fans, Clinton's new book strikes a chord; each lesson kicks off with a story about a particular horse whose particular "issue" or "issues" added another building block to Clinton's education.
   
   Plus, though I've read the story of Clinton's evolution from "just a normal kid" to the leading trainer of SEVERAL generations, somehow this book clarifies that progression in a very entertaining and illuminating manner. I am ever so much more in awe of his talent than I was before, and yet the book isn't written in a bragging manner. In fact I'm not sure even CLINTON realizes how remarkable he is.
   
   What I love about it is that at times you actually believe that if YOU apply yourself to the study of horsemanship as assiduously as did Clinton, you might grow up to be famous. Me, I'd happily settle for being able to train TWO horses to a decent degree of accomplishment - MY two. This book will help a LOT. And I'm only halfway through it.
   
   I love the title of the last chapter - truer words were never spoken - something about most people who hope to turn the corner in their horsemanship quit before they ever get to the corner.
   
   In my estimation this book will definitely take you AT LEAST to the corner. Read it, keep it handy as a reference tool, apply its lessons to your own horse and you can, like Clinton, go wherever your dreams may take you.

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

1. This writer has given lots of information to consider. On a very basic level, his advice about shoes, blankets, and leg wraps, etc. is correct. I have been a horse owner and am employed as a horse care technologist for an university for the past 15 years. I can tell you from experience that there are many variables which can occur in equine care.
   I perfer to see a horse barefoot for much the same reasons that were stated in the book, but there are times that shoes must be worn for the health and saftey of the horse. One example would be a situation where the horse suffered an injury which is preventing the hoof from growing back strong and solid. An Arabian may not grow a winter coat that is thick enough to be comfortable in a very cold climate. So you should put on a blanket. You may want to put leg wraps on if you are riding on a very rocky trail which is lined with sharp cactus.
   I believe that this writer is on the right track, but has much to learn about his equine partners.



2. What a wonderful book. So much to read about the horse and the things we really don't know about them. I'm a horse owner, and I learned things I didn't know. Compassionately written by the man who only knew about dogs, and has fallen in love with horses. The Bureau of Land Management needs to read this book.



3. I received this book as a gift and finished it in less than 24 hours. I couldn't stop reading it. First off, it's about this guys experiences in the last two years that he has owned horses (which is the whole time he HAS owned them). He talks about what he has learned and the trials he's gone through. The way he talks about some things makes it seem like he's the first person to ever think of having his horse go barefoot but in the end he clarifies that he isn't. He even states in the book that he isn't trying to make people feel bad about the situation in which they keep their horses, he just wants to put out the word on what he has discovered. He makes no claim to be an expert and even gives credit to everyone he has learned from and has a great reference section in the back. Joe Camp is REALLY into natural horsemanship and he is trying to spread the word. Those who do not have an open mind or are opposed to any form of natural horsemanship would not enjoy this book. It's just a book about a guys learning experience and he's trying to share it with the world. He learned something that he believes will better the world for horses so he is trying to share it, just like every horse "trainer" out there. So if you have an open mind and aren't sensitive, you should enjoy this book.



4. I really liked this book as it just makes sence. I have been into natural horsemanship for a few years now and the way it all works just keeps getting clearer. I loved the way the book is written, I do not read alot but i read this book in a few days, cover to cover. I liked how it tells a few stories. It has to change the way the average person thinks about horses. The most profound change the book made was after I gave the book to my mother and she gave it to my father. When i was a young girl we had horses and were lucky enough to have one foal. That little fella loved my dad and us. When it was time to BREAK him in my father sent him away. He came back broken allright......... he never trusted again,He had been beaten into submission, i think he was given away as he was so dangerous. Dad never really spoke of that foal until he read Joes book. I thought he was going to cry, the guilt he feels for letting that horse down, that horse trusted and loved him and he lost it, he let that horse down, fed him to the worst preditor out there. Back then he didn't know how to fix it. If he only had Parelli, Monty, Joe and many other great horseman back then. I have seen the change in my own horses as they see the change in ME. They now roam as a herd on 200acres, shoeless & rugless. They come back in a few times a day to check in and say hi. They really do like being with me now, I ride all five bitless now and they are fantastic, im so glad i gave them the choice, they never let me down. Anyway so so many lessons learnt from this book and from THE HERD. I could go on and on ! I bought two books, one to keep and one to lend to as many people as I can. When they know better they might do better ! De



5. Well, I must say I put that book down many many times, while trying to get through it. I have rescued a horse, a no name no brand, no nothing horse. I have transformed him from being afraid of the human hand to being the perfect partner simply out of true love. I do not own X zillions acres of land, I am not a Hollywood millionaire and my horse doesn't live in an Arizona perfect setting. Nevertheless, I know my horse loves me. He tells me every single day by the look in his eyes. We connect, we are one.
   
   It is a totally different existence being a Wild Mustang and pastured horse. We are talking hundreds of years of changed behavior here. Would we compare a house dog with a pack of wild dogs or wolves... nah!
   
   At times, I felt the book offensive to me and others who care deeply about their partners and give them the best they've got. Yes, some of us will put a blanket, some will put shoes but how can one judged us so harshly? This world holds much worse then the average horse owner. The author would gain a great deal by leaving his nice ranch and travel around to see what a horse life is in some countries or may be give some volunteer hours at places such as Second Wind Adoption ([...]) It wouldn't be long before he recognized average Joe is not so bad after all.
   
   That being said, my slap to the the face came when the author used his book, therefore my time, to promote products. Yes, as a marketer I can tell you this book is working wonders for Purina. I would recommend reading Seith Godin's Permission Marketing to Mr Camp.
   
   So sorry folks, "The Soul of a horse" is not worth spending your money. If you've got 20$ to spare, visit your local horse rescue and leave it there. While you're there, take a look at the soul of those horses, their eyes won't lie and will tell how grateful they are, blanket or no blanket, shoes or no shoes, to be cared for.
   
   Louise Branchaud
   Québec City, Canada