5 comments about Horsemanship Through Life.

1. I have so many wonderful things to say about this book and yet none of them do it justice. I've been a rider my entire life, mostly riding dressage, and this book really brought it all together for me. If you want a deeper relationship with your horse, and by that, I mean you really want to put in the mindfulness and discipline to really see what an amazing relationship you can have, then get this book. Now. Mark, with his wonderful story telling ability, takes us through a journey that I think many of us can apply to our own lives. He has so many important things to say. While he can help people with techniques, perhaps his greatest gift is in going farther, deeper, in expressing those concepts that can not only change a person's relationship with his/her horse, but can change his/her life as well.
   
   In our frenetic world, with so many showy horsepeople who don't truly know horses at all, it's good to know that Mark is sharing his wisdom. He is such a gift to horses - and humans - and every person owes it to his or her horse to go out and get this book and really learn from it.



2. I am very pleased with this book and all the others I have read by Mark Rashid. He writes in a manner that is very easy to read. He has a lovely way of sharing information with the reader without it feeling like a text book. I would highly recommend his books to anyone who loves horses and wants to learn more about them.



3. I was introduced to Mark's works several years ago by a friend who said our lives were very similiar. I have read all of Mark's books and highly recommend them. As I found out, Mark's writing is simple in it's common sense approach for achievement, will more than likely stimulate your memory for pleasurable moments, and put quite a few smiles on your face as you read. You will learn a lot about horses, a lot about life and a major key ingredient for success in both: Patience. Patience breeds success and I doubt there are many, if any, horseman with more patience than Mark. I recommend Kathleen Lindley's book "In the Company of Horses" as well.



4. Having been a student of Natural Horsemanship, and and avid reader, few trainers have made more sense to me...and my horse...than Mark Rashid. His work is highly approachable, very no-nonsense, and very empowering.
   
   Horsemanship Through Life provided a unique opportunity to see inside a strong transition in Mark's career which occurred when he became a student of another art. Learning how to learn is a respectible, and difficult, process. Giving yourself permission to be a 'beginner' again is not easy in our culture of instant gratification, but this book illustrates how valuable it can truly be.



5. Awesome book. Goes straight to the heart of Rashid's teachings. I loved it and will pass it on to someone else to share as good books don't sit on shelves!

5 comments about Starting & Running Your Own Horse Business.

1. This book is a great guide for management on a cost-effective basis. Excellent! Great for the beginner to understand and very informative.
   I bought it for my daughter and she could understand what running a horse business would entail. A great way to learn for a youngster that has no idea of what they are saying when they say they want to run their own business. All aspects of a business are looked at in a basic way.Starting & Running Your Own Horse Business



2. I found this book to be very helpful in planning my stable for public use. It has given me good ideas on planning, marketing and various programs to consider. It's also given me a good start on planning my budget for this project. I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting to move past the horse boarding only business.



3. It should really have more important information, such as a summery of costs, tips on picking the perfect horse fo lessons, hiring staff, stuff that you REALLY need to know about starting your own business. Other then that, it's really a great and imformative book.



4. The book covered a good range of topics. I found several new ideas well worth using in starting our business. The book was definately well worth buying!



5. I found this book to be an extremely fun read. I firmly believe that the foundation to any successful business is marketing because if people don't know your business then you have no clients. This book gives some creative ideas to advertise your business along with some fun money-maker activities to plan. However, it is not a very complete guide to starting and running a horse business because there is a lot more to think about when starting a business than colors and horse shows. This is why I find the title to be a bit misleading. I bought this book along with "Business Planner and Bookkeeper for the Horse Enterprise" and found the two books to be an extremely helpful pair. As with any business though, one or two books can not teach you how to be successful. To anyone who is serious about starting a business, I recommend reading as many books as possible about running a business, not just this one.

3 comments about Horseback Riding For Dummies (For Dummies (Sports & Hobbies)).

1. I wanted this book as I am just getting into the field of riding. I am a fearful rider and was wanting something to ease my fears and help me understand what to do in those 'what if' situations. This didn't seem to address anything what I was hoping to find. It covered just the basics, this is your horse, this is a saddle, this is the difference between western and english, things I already knew. This might be good for someone who has never encountered a horse in their lives and need everything explained to them simply, but for someone wanting a little bit more information about the mechanics of riding, including the problems you may encounter, this won't help at all.



2. I found this book very informative and easy to read. I enjoyed reading it at night before going to bed.



3. Had not been on a horse for over 30 years. I bought this book to get acquainted once again with techniques before taking lessons or coaching.
   This book is recommended for the beginner or intermediate rider. It is easy to read. Easy to use for research on particular points of riding. Good easy style of writing.....welcoming you to go out quickly and confidently......you don't need to be a dummy!!!

5 comments about True Horsemanship Through Feel.

1. The training execises are good and typical of natural horsemanship; the explanations that emphasize "feel" amount to "cowboy pyscho-babble". Dorrance knew what to do to train a horse but he didn't know how to explain what was going on except to refer to feel.



2. All that needs to be said is that this book is a masterpiece. This is truly the base of Horsemanship and my horses and i have improved and keep on improving everyday after reasding this book. Some say the language in this book is sometimes hard to understand- i say read it again and go practice on your horses and it'll all become clear. A great book that will hopefully help many horse and human partnerships.



3. Everyone interested in HorsemanShip i.e. the true and genuine communication with these magnificant animals should read this book. All the basic principles are there explained with pictures.
   
   Experienced people who work with horses always say, that you can't learn horses via books. Well, that is true but good titles like this will certainly help understanding what the horse is all about.
   
   The reason for 4 out 5 points is the rather confusing style of this title. The information is presented in very narrative format which is not the easiest to read and learn from, but nevertheless - if you want to know about horse and the way to communicate with him. Read this title.



4. I'm sure, somewhere in this book, there is the information that I was seeking. It's obvious that many people were able to get through this book and learn a great deal. I, however, was not one of them. The first three chapters could have easily been summed up in one sentence (Teaching your horse through feel is a great way to develop your horse). Beyond that, I don't know. I wasn't able to make it past chapter three. It was a painful read and I LOVE to read (especially horse books).



5. A lot has been said about the authors style, organization, and ability to communicate what he is trying to say. I found it very refreshing. It was as though Bill was talking directly to me trying to explain things as best he could to help me understand. I've been starting colts a long, long time. I am not all about "natural horsemanship", I just want to do a better job with what gets handed to me. It's how I pay my light bill. If you read this and don't get anything out of it your aren't trying or beyond help. He presents a solid way of working with a colt and reafirms some things I learned along the way through trial and error. The book helps you learn to think and demonstrates some techniques which will help you along. He's not about selling you gadgets, videos, feel good clinics, quick fixes, miracles, marketing, "certified" trainers, or making you into a USET rider. He's about the horse...it's obvious that he likes them. I don't think Bills motivation for the book was making a lot of money. At his age I figure he had pretty much what he was after. What he left us was his legacy in printed form. In a hundred years folks will still be picking up his book and learning something they didn't know about horses and themselves. If you like your horse buy the book. If your horse is just another vehicle then don't...there's not much help for you anyway.

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 The Horse's Pain-Free Back and Saddle-Fit Book.

1. I've kept a copy of this book in my permanent library. It is an excellent reference for English saddle fit issues for both horse and rider. Covers a wide variety of saddle styles, pros and cons, etc. How to evaluate the soundness of saddle trees on used saddles. Common conformational issues and how they impact fit. Even pads and fittings get are covered. Just a wonderful, all-around go-to source.



2. I purchased the book because I was looking for a new horse and was concerned about conformation of the wither because the saddle slips forward onto the shoulder of my current horse. Not only did I find the answer to this problem but I learnt much more including the influence of saddle design on the rider's position. Highly recommended for those interested in English-style riding.



3. It's frustrating to buy a book that appears to be exactly what you need only to discover that it is at best marginally relevant to the issue at hand. Imagine buying a "Dog and Cat Home Veterinary Manual" and then finding that it only has information on cats -- and you only have dogs. It's similar here. I wanted help fitting a western saddle and only that information that is applicable to both western and english (e.g., ideas such as "keep the shoulders free to move") was helpful -- and I had to pick through piles and piles of irrelevant info to find it.
   
   By not specifying "english saddles only," the author implies that it's a general saddle-fit book. That, necessarily, would include western saddles. However, I believe that she has a "western saddle fit" book and I am considering the purchase of that because I suspect that this book -- if I had been trying to fit an english saddle -- would have been just the ticket....
   
   So, if you're trying to fit an english saddle, this is probably the book for you. If it's a western you're considering, look elsewhere.



4. I bought this book after hearing the author speak. I am a mixed animal vet, but by no means a horse person, and didn't get much on saddle fit in vet school so I thought it was worth a read. The background information and the step by step evaluation of both horse conformation as well as saddle fit and pads were excellent. I use the information from this book all the time now and have helped many horses in the process. I recommend this book to anyone who has a saddle or is going to buy a saddle.



5. This book has good information that applies to all horses, but it is definitely slanted towards fitted english saddles with a small section on western saddles. I'm a western rider, so I was disappointed there wasn't more information on western saddles. But I still learned alot.

5 comments about Stables: Majestic Spaces for Horses.

1. If you want to know how beutiful horse stables can be this is a book for you. Makes my house look shabby. The pictures are wonderful.
   A beutiful addition to any horselovers library. Can make a wonderful gift.
   
   Enjoy!



2. The pictures are amazing, the stables exotic. This book is different in a sense that it offers horse lovers a chance to see not only beautiful pictures of horses but gorgeous images of breathtaking and pristine stables, many with exquisitte and unique architecture. Information is presented from a unique perspective to those who love the majestic. Good price too ... here at Amazon. I originally saw the book listed for 40 dollars in a catalog and was willing to pay that price, but did an Amazon search and got it for much less.



3. the book is gorgeous, just what was advertised. It was a gift for someone is the race horse business; she said the quality of photographs was magnificent adn the accompanying text well-written and informative.



4. A great coffee table book for the horse lover in the family. The pictures of these fairy tales stables around the world will make you want to go out an buy a lottery ticket.



5. I had seen a brief write-up in a magazine and searched for the book on Amazon. The photography is absolutely stunning. The different locations featured in the book make it interesting and the stables are all unique. Visitors to our own farm immediately pick-up the book. And, it was a great hit with our Pony Club kids. I would recommend this for anyone who loves horses or has an interest in architechure.

5 comments about Classical Schooling with the Horse in Mind: Gentle Gymnastic Training Techniques.

1. Anja Beran has created a beautiful and comprehensive Classical Schooling Book. Refreshing, professional and with the horses wellbeing in mind. The book reflects her quiet, systematic, consistent and truly classical approach to riding. Her Piaffe shows her refined Portuguese background just as well in the beautiful photos as in real life. A true joy and a must for any rider!



2. I was so disappointed in this book that I returned it, which I have never done before. The philosophy of humane treatment of the dressage horse is great, and the anatomical analysis is good, but I really wanted training techniques and there was little of that in my opinion in this book. I bought Dr. Gerd Heuschmann's "Tug Of War: Classical Versus 'Modern' Dressage" and that is great -- has the philosophy and the anatomy that I need to take good care of and strengthen and improve my horse in training, and it was less expensive. I still need to find a good training manual.



3. Love this book! This book clearly shows how how Dressage SHOULD be ridden. This book along with Anja's video "Elegant Dressage Training" show how a correctly trained horse should look. I have become a great fan of Anja and keep her beautiful images of the horse and rider in mind when training my own. She is a great inspiration to me!



4. A "how-to" book on classical training of the horse and rider.
   This is the most amazing book on classical training/riding and the result of the author's 19 years of experience. Ms Beran first trained with the French Ecuyer Marc de Broissia for 16 years and was a friend of Manuel de Oliveira for over 19 years. This book motivates you to look for the mistakes within yourself - to be hard with yourself and gentle with your horse. This book is intended to open your eyes and help you to find the truth and your ability of being able to feel perfect harmony between rider and horse in all movements. Classical equestrianism is also summed up as "the ability to train horses in such a way that they follow the rider's will with contentment and self-confidence" also "the ability to train the horse according to its individual physical and mental potential". The illustrations are superb and an absolute must-have book for those interested in classical riding and training. The anatomy section helps the reader/trainer understand the how and why of what happens during the horse's movements. Absolutely stunning.Classical Schooling with the Horse in Mind: Gentle Gymnastic Training Techniques



5. First read Dr. Heuschmann's "Tug of War" and then Ms. Beran's "Classical Schooling". Then think. Then get on your horse. Please: in that order.

5 comments about Dr. Kellon's Guide to First Aid for Horses.

1. Great book - will be put in my barn for immediate reference. Very graphic pictures but really helpful.



2. This book is a must have for any equine first aid kit and horse owner. It allows the reader to quickly find and reference relevant information regarding a number of equine emergencies.



3. Wonderful buy for to have on hand for emergencies. This book is very concise and easy to read and understand. The topics are clearly marked making it a breeze to use in an emergency situation. My copy stays at the barn.



4. This book is so well organized that even if you are in a panic you can find the information you need. Straight forward easy to understand information with pictures. I bought this book years ago and kept it in my hoses first aid box. It's indispensable!



5. This is the emergency guide we've been looking for as the long term owners/keepers of 3 quarter horses. The pictures help us visually know what we're confronting with our horses. The essential "first aid" to be given, tells us what we can do, what we shouldn't do, and relay the critical information to our vet when we call. Our vet is over-burdened, as all large animal vets are, and giving him the correct information/description helps him know how soon he needs to come. We can also tell him how our horse is responding to the "first aid" we've given and whether he wants us to do anything additional. The size and spiral binding makes it easy for us to keep this reference at the barn, where we need it. We're also reading through this guide now, which helps us decide what to read further about in other resources, such as the Merk Manual of Veterinary Medicine.

5 comments about Dressage in Harmony: From Basic to Grand Prix (The Masters of Horsemanship Series, Bk. 4).

1. Dressage in Harmony: From Basic to Grand Prix (The Masters of Horsemanship Series, Bk. 4)
   Excellent Book. A must have for all Dressage riders. This book has helped me improve my understanding of the proper aids!



2. I believe that Dressage In Harmony is a must have for anyone who is seriously interested in dressage. Mr. Zettl starts with a green horse beginning in dressage to the Grand Prix level in clear, understandable language plus good illustrations. I hope to have the good fortune to attend one of Walter Zettl's clinics now that I have "discovered" him.



3. Provides great detail, wonderful theory and terrific practical advice. There are some spots where the translation may not have been so good; but, overall this book is fabulous!



4. With all of the great reviews and the author's reputation, I was expecting a lot more. I just don't see anything new here, to me it reads like a dictionary on dressage. Fine, but not too interesting. I guess what really put me off straight away, was the the author's claim that horses are not very intelligent, and if they were we would be afraid to be near them at all. And "A horse will never do anything on purpose". I think that anyone who has spent a lot of time around horses would disagree with that statement. For example, if you have ever seen a horse work open a stall latch, I think you might agree that they are capable of doing things on purpose and with planning. From someone who supposedly stresses love for the horse during training, I found these statements quite inaccurate and somewhat cold. I've got loads of books on dressage, and this one would be at the bottom of my list.



5. I've been fortunate enough to attend private lessons given by this great teacher and can only say that this is the way I want to learn. He is gentle and encouraging, but firm -- and not a little demanding, requiring us to do our best, and to bring out the best in our horses -- but it is his love of horses that shines through. It matters not whether you are a beginner on a green horse or an advanced rider on a budding champion, he is the teacher you want. I saw stiff green horses relax and blow happily, and nervous riders smiling as they felt the changes in their horses and themselves. The German training system can seem daunting to us Americans used to hurrying along and getting results fast, but he makes us understand how to build trust, and build movement from that. It will take time, but with Zettl, you will succeed, and more importantly perhaps, you will enjoy the ride, and so will your horse.