3 comments about Natural Horsemanship Explained: From Heart to Hands.

1. I'm a recent horse owner, and I want to relate to and bond with my horse - because I believe that such bonding will improve our relationship. I was looking for specific techniques..for example, what specifically could I do to help my horse with three known problems - shying at running water - even if you reach into a trough and splash it, he shies. Also, panicking when tied, and panicking when taken to a rodeo area. Generally the horse, over 20 and a bit swaybacked, is not going to be ridden much, and he has scars from an ill fitting saddle. I'm mostly worried about ground handling.
   
   Based on the title of this book, I was hoping that it would explain some techniques. It actually explains more techniques of so-called traditional horsemanship - as a negative exposition.
   
   The book was well written in a conversational style. I'm actually convinced of the utility of natural horsemanship. After reading this book, were I in the horse business, I'd seriously want to reevaluate my methods to add more (or switch to) natural horsemanship, as I would believe that Natural horsemanship would create horses that would be easier to handle and would sell for more money or rent for more money or would be more likely to win me a ribbon...the point is that the book advocates for natural horsemanship both sensibly and effectively. My tendency, even before reading this book, was to handle my horse calmly, and with easy quiet methods, but this book laid out why clearly - and told me that I need to do even more things calmly.
   
   What it did not explain was how. I still want to know how to do those things. I've had dog training books before, and they told me, "Hold your hands this way, correct the dog this way, offer praise when you see this cue, withhold praise when you see this cue." Sometimes you want more why from a book like that. This book was all why and no "how".
   
   Maybe that is just not available - I have not found the book that does that for me yet. Maybe I did not recognize it. I still count this as a good book, worth reading. But not the book I needed at this point in my horsemanship education.
   
   I've been negative, but I've still rated the book 4 stars. Excellent, well written. The only issue I have with it is the word "Explained" in the title. If it had been "Natural Horsemanship: The whys explained, from heart to hands" I would have rated the book five stars, despite my needs.



2. Dr. Miller's and Rick Lamb's book is absolutely precious. High editing quality, precise information and brief and clear historical review on horsemanship. The shift in paradigm in what refers to man-horse relation could not be better described. This "Revolution" is indispensable to all those who need/want to research about horsemanship.



3. Dr. Miller has done it again with this book on the insight of why this training works. Excellent read.

5 comments about The Tao of Equus: A Woman's Journey of Healing and Transformation through the Way of the Horse.

1. I wasn't sure what this book was truly about when I purchased it, but it sounded interesting. Interesting doesn't even begin to describe it! I have learned soooooooooooo much already, and I'm only 1/2 way through the book! I would love to meet this woman. I highly recommend this book to anyone who knows there is more to a horse than meets the eye...



2. One of the best books I have ever read. And I've read a lot. Exquisitely written. Profound in it's simplicity, and simply profound. Get it. Read it. Experience it. Love it.



3. I have been interested in this topic for a while now but as I start working toward my dissertation, I know that I need more factual and scientific information for anyone to take me seriously. This book is packed with anecdotal portions to keep you interested and tons of "scientific" information to back it up. I'm not finished with it yet but there is a ton of information for me to use. I'll be reading it again for sure!



4. I picked this one up, based upon the mostly favorable reviews. I enjoy reading accounts of people who have been able to connect with their spiritual natures, whatever the medium.
   
   And there is some interesting material -- maybe 50 pages of interesting information. The other 300 pages are extremely repetitive, and sadly, just like many other new-age books, preachy. This could have been a wonderful book, had the author simple recounted her experiences with horses. But, unfortunately, she launches into tirades. It's just not worth sorting out the gems from the weeds.



5. I have been riding and training horses for 60 years, and while reading this book, I had my memories come back, and she spoke for me. Any women who loves horses, and has felt their power, would feel inspired while reading this book. Beth Morris

5 comments about Chicken Soup for the Horse Lover's Soul: Inspirational Stories About Horses and the People Who Love Them (Chicken Soup for the Soul (Paperback Health Communications)).

1. I love, love, love this book. It makes you laugh, cry, get angry, then laugh again all in one story. There were dozens of stories. The only thing I've wondered is that I noticed over 90% of the stories came from professional writers. Were they then true, or did they just tell us a good story? Either way, a must read for any horse lover.



2. As a first time horse owner (I inhereited three in one day at the age of 24) I am constantly looking for ways to expand my knowledge of horses and all things equine-related. This book was not only inspirational, but got me familiar with terms I hadn't used in my every day language until I got my horses. This book made me laugh, sniffle, and nod my head in relation to some of the stories. This is a good book for first time horse owners and not-so-new horse owners.



3. This book does the line of Chicken Soup books great justice. A great read whether you love horses or not. The stories will touch everyone's hesrt.



4. This much needed book offers readers an opportunity to feel better connected to their souls and the primal call within to connect to the beauty, strength, freedom and gentleness of not only horses but the Animal Kingdom in general. If you like or love horses, another book is also inspiring: ON THE TRAIL OF THE PONY EXPRESS by Cherokee author Jerry Ellis. He retraced the 2,000 mile route of the Pony Express Trail by horse, foot, covered wagon and canoe. The non-fiction adventure book is filled with the history and spirit of the Pony Express riders who became part of the great American West.



5. I like horses, but I had a hard time getting into this book. Some of the stories were better than others. I think two of my favorite stories were the one about the Horse at Harvard and the one about the horses surrounding and protecting the baby. Most of the stories were good. This is a book about true horse stories.

5 comments about Centered Riding 2.

1. Book arrived in a timely fashion and was in great shape - keep up the good work!



2. I have had the good fortune to get to know Sally Swift and I can say first hand that she leads a Centered Life. Her books have been life changing for thousands and thousands of people. Ever once in a while someone rights a negative review but it is the person not the material that is off base. They haven't allowed Sally's work to work within themselves. Sally gets hundreds of thank you notes from people all over the world thanking her for her work.Sports people other than horse people find her work amazing. If you haven't already read her books hurry and order them. At 94 Sally is actively involved in making a difference. Sally was just given the United States Dressage Federation's highest award for her writing and her riding. Need I say more.



3. I love her first book, and highly recommend both books to my students. This book has the same easy to understand format. Sally breaks down how our bodies function when we are riding. I really like the exercises that she uses on the ground. I frequently use the "monkey position" with my students. It really helps to explain use of the hip joint. I also find the "monkey position" helpful when introducing a student to the sitting trot. I cannot say enough awesome things about this book. I also do not fully agree with the first review. This book really shows a rider how their body affects the horse, regardless of your learning styles. The illustrations and pictures are very clear and easy to understand. They have helped many of my students to really gain perspective on how every little movement, or tense muscle affects the horse in some way. I feel that every rider should have a copy of both Centered Riding, and Centered Riding 2 Further Exploration. I hope that this review is helpful.



4. If you aren't a fan of Sally Swift's methods (analogies and metaphors) and the first book drove you to despair this second one is slightly better. There are some helpful texts and photos but she is still my least favourite writer. I simply find that I cannot learn from her teaching style and her descriptions do nothing to help me to understand what I must DO. Of course, AFTER I have learned something (on my own) I can often relate what I feel to what she describes but because I am unable to transfer her descriptions initially I am unable to LEARN to ride from her books.
   
   You MUST know your learning style before buying Sally Swift - if 'grow like a tree' doesn't help you with your riding, avoid her like the plague. If on the other hand you have the type of brain that responds well to these sorts of descriptions, dancers\actors etc who can understand what their bodies need to do in response to imagery - then buy her books and avoid the others who use more mechanistic descriptions.



5. Sally Swift proved to be an excellent teacher in her last book, and she maintains the title throughout the second edition. I find the illustrations and analogies to be excellent for my own use as well as teaching others. So many concepts are broken down and compared to every day events and mechanical workings that they are almost impossible to forget. Sally helps you understand the mechanincs of your own body as well as your horse's and helps us understand why our instructors tell us to do the things they do.

5 comments about Complete Training of Horse and Rider.

1. equestrian-related books I have read. Most of it confirmed what I already knew (but its always nice to know you're doing it right), but the tidbits of "new" stuff were invaluable. And I found it emphasized three main points 1) establish and maintain forwardness, 2) take your time to do it right, don't take short cuts, and 3) the horse's well-being (both mentally and physically) is paramount.
   
   I also very much enjoyed the final section on the Spanish Riding School, including how they train the Airs and the history of the School. One warning: it will likely be dry for those not truly interested in producing a well-trained, very responsive mount. I also tried to read it in small doses, so I could process the information. But it is a MUST for all dressage riders.



2. Classic that deserves to be on every horseowner's bookshelf. Wished I'd have read this gem long ago.



3. 
   As a beginner to classical dressage, I found this book explained very clearly and logically how things should be done. I recommend this book to anyone that is curious about classical dressage!!



4. This is one of those "must have" reference books on horsemanship. I'm one of those riders who consider this book a "bible". It is quite technical in some ways, but provides straightforward rules to the art of horsemanship. I apply Podhajsky's advice in my riding every time I climb aboard. The best thing I've gotten from the book is the idea that practice is the most important way to apply these principles....and always, calm, forward & straight.



5. This is one of the all time great books for people who are ready to leave the shallows of horsemanship and begin to learn how to ride correctly and train their horse correctly.
   Alois Podhajsky was one of the great horsemen of the twentith century and his works are an awesome body of information every serious horse person should read.

5 comments about The Art of Horsemanship.

1. If more people took the time to educate themselves about horses and horsemanship in general and Xenophone's book in particular, perhaps we not see so many "show horses" of various popular breeds so physically manipulated by in breeding for only one or two specific traits rather than breeding for the whole horse. What was true in Ancient Greece is truer still today - without good feet, balance in the body and common sense a horse is worthless. Bravo to Amazon for bringing us this excellent book dirt cheap!



2. The material in this book is thousands of years old but amazing in how modern the approach is to horsemanship. Most of Xenophon's advice is timely even today. It shows how little has changed over the centuries.



3. This is a must if you are passionate about horses. It is so clear and to the essential point that it is a pleasure to read.



4. Xenophon covers several aspects of horsemanship, from grooming, leading, and choosing a horse, to mounting, riding, and training a war mount. Very, very interesting to see what is still applicable today. While this isn't a "training" or even a "horse care book," its a great historical reference from those interested in how horses we cared for and trained 2000 years ago. However, for those looking for a story or a book to teach riding skills, I suggest you look elsewhere. Those interested in dressage will find this worth-while, as it is considered the oldest text on the subject.



5. Xenophon's philosophy and many techniques, though tailored for the development of a war-horse, demonstrate the ageless capacity for human empathy toward the horse. The horse centered work makes the goal of a harmonious partnership attainable. The book interweaves aspects of barn management, riding technique, and early human psychological insights. The translation keeps this work relevant and vibrant. The overriding theme is one of responsibility for the education and wellbeing of the horse. It is, if nothing else, a comfort to read that some horses in the ancient world were treated humanely in the training process...even if under the unfortunate auspices of a warrior culture. Kurt Hartle, Reydon,Suffolk. UK

5 comments about Riding Between the Worlds: Expanding Our Potential Through the Way of the Horse.

1. Required reading! She describes people she's healed and how the horses in her equine assisted psychotherapy help clients hearts to heal the way they did ours when we were kids. It also talks about the deep and painful losses of our horses that were taken from us. Other adults have had the exact same experiences that seem to symobolize our parents robot menatilty to take away our childhood.



2. I bought this book simply because Amazon advertised it to me and it had good reviews. It obviously makes a connection to certain type of people (presumably "extreme sensitives") but it didn't do much for me. I found it hard to work out who the author was actually writing for. She didn't provide insights to assist troubled people, so clearly you have to actually attend her therapy program to benefit from her knowledge. Nor did she detail what she does in her therapy with horses, so you are left wondering exactly what is happening in the round yard. I suppose if you are on the inside (ie part of the horse-assisted therapy community) this book will mean more to you than it did to me. I tried to have an open mind but sorry, I ended the book not feeling at all convinced that horses are somehow in tune with the real meaning of life just like yogis.



3. Though overall this book is too "new age" for my taste, I believe Ms. Kohanov probably does a tremendous amount of good pairing horses with people and solving inner or repressed emotional conflicts at her ranch in Tucson, and in the clinics she presents. I found the examples she sited very believable for both horse and person, and truly believe horses can heal emotional wounds. I very much agree "it is never JUST a horse!" Horses reveal our deepest secrets and conflicts, they sense these before we even can give them words. I liked, and I promptly employed, the technique of telling my horses things about my life that I believe make me similar to each one. The horse always listens, and the verbalization is good for both. This book adds understanding to our relationship with horses by making the reader more aware of what the horse "knows" or senses immediately about us, and thus makes us more open to the horse.



4. When I saw the beautiful cover of this book, and the intriguing title, I couldn't wait to read it. It promised mysteries and a wild ride into the unknown. Actually, the riding is transformative. The author overcomes a destructive marriage to find her way back to life through her interactions with some very wonderful, talented, compassionate and truly honest animals. A lifetime of fascination with, and interaction with horses leads her into an astonishing field of work, using members of her herd as therapy animals, in the treatment of trauma victims and people with emotional problems.
   
   There is so much to this book that resonates, for anyone who has ever ridden a horse, or wanted to, or just enjoys watching them. Some of the stories are just inspirational. There is a wonderful section in which her beloved mare, Rasa, prematurely foals, and a community of helpers keep the young horse warm with body heat and take turns milking his dam so he can nurse. What a fantastic story.
   
   Some of the horses are stories themselves. There's Noche, the abused horse, who is tender and kind with abuse victims. There is Merlin, a disturbed stallion, who finds love. There is Rasa, a powerful empath and spiritual guide.
   
   I kept waiting for the book to turn New Age-y, but it's not preachy at all. This is one woman's journey that touches and heals. I won't look at horses the same way again.



5. Linda's second book is easier to read and has more examples of horse-human interaction. I have recommended it even to my non-horsey friends. It has definitely changed my own approach to my equine friends.

5 comments about Horses Don't Lie: What Horses Teach Us About Our Natural Capacity for Awareness, Confidence, Courage, and Trust.

1. This book is not a "new age" feel good book. It doesn't only tell you about why horses are good therapists for those of us who are hooked on horses. It talks about training issues that arise because Man is a Predator, and horses are Prey animals. Our "language" toward them is always naturally predatorial! We are SO rude!! It gives you a lot to think about.



2. As a horse person,riding instructor, and seeker, I was happy to see a man writing about his journey. Everything he spoke of, I have experienced with horses. It was good to have it in words.



3. I'm sure that the author is a great horse person. However, I never got the relationship between horse traits and our traits. Yes, horsses teach us patience, awareness and leadership. However, there are not a number of examples that demonstrate how that happens in the author's experience. The book rambles. The author speaks mostly in generaalites. Interwoven is the facts of Irwin's life with horses. I work with horses. I've read many "Horse" books. This is not one I'd recommend.



4. This book presented good insight into the horse/human bond and the understanding that can occur between the two. It was helpful especially in the presentation of the point of view of the horse as a prey animal. The author is particularly aware of this viewpoint as he deals with horses and is able to make it clear to the reader. He is amazed, as we are when we read his accounts, of the unusual trust that the horse has in humans, since we are predators. I found that this point of view stuck with me as I worked with my horses after I read the book. I found myself more aware and grateful to my horses for their trust.



5. A friend and fellow horse lover loaned me this book. I found that as I read it I learned more about my equine partners. Being a trainer, horsemanship instructor for people and certified in equine assisted psychotherapy, I am always trying to learn more about horses, people and the interactions between them. I found this book helpful especially in understanding some of the confidence and fear issues that my clients have when it comes to working with their horses. It is not always easy to empathize with them when you have never experienced these same issues. This book gave me a deeper perspective and awareness when it comes to working with both horses and their owners.
   
   I think every new horse owner should read this book before they buy a horse, because there is a lot more to horse ownership than getting the horse to do things physically so that you can ride them. There are plenty of books about the physical and mechanical aspects of training, however many leave out the mental and emotional stablility of the horse and rider. This book is a nice bridge to fill that gap, because it helps us understand how the horse thinks, and why he does what he does.
   
   Thank you Chris for sharing your experiences and insight about the psychology of horses and how they can make us more aware of our own issues. I have quoted from this book in the equine psychology classes that I teach my students.

5 comments about Yoga for Equestrians: A New Path for Achieving Union with the Horse.

1. There is wisdom in stretching and relaxing before working with your horse. If you are upset or tense, your horse can sense it and can make for a difficult or really bad work session. My instructor always says "To end on a good note". My mare is particularly sensitive to my moods and would react based on my body language. I had a problem relieving the tension in my lower back due to an injury and my mare could feel it in my seat and legs.
   
   I had picked up a few tips from other riders, but when I purchased the Linda's book, things seemed to click, from breathing to helping me ease the tension in my back. I would try a few exercises before I mounted and while I was mounted. My mare was more relaxed. I think that this book (and video) helped.
   
   I recommend getting the book and the video. The book is great with photos and more in-depth instruction of technique and postures. It is recommended that if you are new to yoga, like myself, that you read the first few chapters before attempting the postures. The video is helpful for those who wish to work with voice instruction and movement instead of flipping through pages and trying to execute what they've just read.



2. As an avid rider for many years, I found this book very helpful. I have a problem with riding "crooked" because of a rotated pelvis. My unevenness has become more noticeable in the years that I have been riding without an instructor. This book helps you become aware of your body and what you are doing with it. Highly recommended (even if you don't do much yoga -- I don't, but this was just my speed!)



3. I have waited a long time to buy this book, and now that I finally have it I wish I'd bought it sooner. It has great explanations of how yoga connects with horseback riding. The exercises range from stretching techniques to easy muscle toning for primary riding areas, like the glutes. The stretching exercises are a great way to relax before going to bed. If you're a "weekend" rider and would like a way to work a little bit on your toning and balance between rides, this is the book. Don't let the yoga part turn you off. It's great!



4. My daughter and I traveled from Central New York to W. Springfield, Mass Nov. 9, 2002 to attend Equine Affaire. There were many workshops and presentations. Linda Benedik was one that we decided we would both enjoy. She demonstrated many of the yoga positions and had us all doing them with her. My daughter is an avid rider, I however just enjoy horses. At 52 I found the yoga made me feel so much more relaxed that I feel it would benefit everyone whether you are a horse person or not. I can not rate the book as I just got it and haven't had the opportunity to read it all yet but if it is 1/10th as good as the workshop you'll need more than 5 stars. If you ever have the opportunity to see and hear Linda Benedik in person - you'll find it well worth while.

   Connie




5. This book is excellent. The text is straight-forward and easy to follow, as are the exercises -- amply illustrated. I found just doing a twenty minute routine from this book daily has already helped with suppleness, flexibility and relaxation. If you enjoyed Sally Swift's Centered Riding, then you'll find this a very complimentary read. If fact Swift garners a few mentions along the way. You can't go far in riding if you're tense or inflexible, and this book has lots of ways to counter both those problems. I highly recommend it.

5 comments about The Well Adjusted Horse: Equine Chiropractic Methods You Can Do.

1. Great little book, packed with info and diagrams that all work towards solving problems before they become major issues. VERY easy to read and refer to. Highly recommended diagnosis book!



2. This is an absolutely must have for all horse owners! As an equine massage therapist, I found it extremely beneficial for understanding how massage and chiropractics can help and influence each other. As a horse owner, it helped me to understand when to call the "other" alternative healer for advice and help. It is written in a witty, easy to understand, comprehensive manner. I strongly recommend this book.



3. OK but don't expect to be able to SAFELY adjust your horse or pony after reading this book only.



4. I am an Equine Physical Therapist. I frequently encounter chiropractic issues in my horses and have had to rely on waiting for someone else to come out and assess/ treat the horse. I thought I could do alot of this myself but I needed more detailed instruction. Although I do not consider myself a replacement for the chiropractor, I believe I can treat quite a few of these problems without the long wait. This book is extremely useful but I would not recommend trying the techniques without an extensive anatomy background. I have a Masters in Physical Therapy and have done human therapy for years--- this enables me to apply those techniques to this instructional manual.
   This is a great book with the correct background knowledge.



5. Dr. Kamen gives a lot of useful anatomical overview and techniques for equine chiropractic, but the book is laced with attempts at humor that are distracting for the serious horse owner looking for good information. If you can pick through the antecdotes and get down to the "meat" of the book, it will prove worthwhile, but this is not for the serious student of horse anatomy and chiropractic.