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

Book Description

Listen to and communicate with your horse-successfully

"This is a book for everyone who has ever looked at the constantly increasing list of methods and systems marketed as `horsemanship' and wondered which of the many possible approaches would be most suitable for a particular behavior problem. Gincy Bucklin has distilled her many years of experience with horses and riders into a very useful, step-by-step, hands-on book. Bucklin's writing is smooth and easy to read, and no matter where you open this book, you'll find that her deep respect and affection for both equines and humans shines through."
-Dr. Jessica Jahiel, author of Riding for the Rest of Us

"Gincy Bucklin uses her decades-long experience with horses to answer that most frequently asked question: `Why did my horse do that?' And she comes up with creative solutions that weave together traditional horse handling with the best of modern horse training, including my own personal favorite, clicker training."
-Alexandra Kurland, author of Clicker Training for Your Horse and The Click That Teaches video lesson series

It takes time for a horse to learn everything we want him to know. If we don't make our intentions clear to him in ways that he can understand, or if we don't listen to what he wants, problems may result. Featuring easy-to-follow, step-by-step advice, What Your Horse Wants You to Know reveals how to communicate effectively with your horse to create an atmosphere of mutual cooperation.

What Your Horse Wants You to Know focuses on improving your horse's behavior on the ground, so you can develop relationship and communications skills without the more challenging problems that arise once you're on his back.

Use your entire body to communicate with your horse
Show your horse that you respect his needs and feelings
Be patient and consistent with your horse while having fun
Understand your horse's fears and overcome them
Respond appropriately to physiological or nutritional problems
Use praise to make your horse feel confident and successful

Customer Reviews:

Equine enthusiast.......2007-07-16

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.

A Must-Have for All Horse Owners.......2007-04-12

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.

Excellent book !!.......2007-03-06

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

Enlightening.......2007-02-09

A good read, in dot point form. Good as a quick reference or a long read.

What Your Horse Wants You to Know: What Horses' "Bad" Behavior Means, and How to Correct It.......2007-01-08

This book has helped me so much in understanding my formerly abused rescue horse. Simple strategies for dealing with problems safely and effectively - with very happy results. I wish there was a book like this for everything!

The Ultimate Horse Behavior and Training Book: Enlightened and Revolutionary Solutions for the 21st Century

Average customer rating:

best book I have used
Very good book
if you love your horse(s) as much as we do, get this book!!!
Not Quite the "Ultimate"
Ultimate Horse Behavior and Training Book

The Ultimate Horse Behavior and Training Book: Enlightened and Revolutionary Solutions for the 21st Century
Linda Tellington-Jones , and Bobbie Lieberman
Manufacturer: Trafalgar Square
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Improve Your Horse's Well-Being(A Step-by-Step Guide to TTouch and TTeam Training
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In the Company of Horses: A Year on the Road With Horseman Mark Rashid
Stretch Exercises for Your Horse: The Path to Perfect Suppleness

ASIN: 1570763208

Book Description

A superbly illustrated instructional manual offering groundbreaking, step-by-step solutions for hundreds of horse behavior, health, and training problems.

Customer Reviews:

best book I have used.......2007-10-07

I breed, train, raise and sell TWH. I also am a practioner of Equine Massage. This book has given me wonderful results in my communication and training of my horses. It is now my #1 gift-giving book for friends who are committed to working seriously with their horses. It is easy to understand, concise, values my limited time. M

Very good book.......2007-07-13

I really like this book. It gave me some good tools for working with my young horse.

if you love your horse(s) as much as we do, get this book!!!.......2007-05-13

Even if you have a whole shelf filled with books on horses,and you're lucky enough to have at least one of these magnificent creatures to care for, this book is a must have. we are still practicing a few of the technics currently on our mare.She loves the contact(and touching).
and the author also covers the issues of horses who do not like to be handled or touched due to accidents, abuse,etc. and how to gain their trust.And most importantly,it makes you more attuned to their needs in general.

Not Quite the "Ultimate".......2007-05-07

I would say the book is half training and half sensory / massage techniques. Granted the techniques are incorporated into her training methodology, but it's a dual education. Learning the massage techniques, their purpose and results, then learn how to incorporate them into the appropriate training methodology.

I believe the methods are worthwhile, but there's a large human learning curve. To me it's a book that must be read at least twice, and then referred to constantly per training result needed.

With that said, independent of training, I have used a few of the massage techniques on my horses with great results. But with general life, (work, children, husband, etc....) in the several months I've had the book I've only progressed to using several of the massage techniques. I've referred to other books for training help.

I like the book, it's written well (provided I read it twice, the progression makes sense to me). I do not see it as a straight forward guide to training. More so a guide that is great when I have time to devote to it's philosophies and learn the massage base techniques first that accompany the training.

For straight forward training assistance I prefer Clint Anderson, Lynn Palm, Parelli and John Lyons (to name a few).

Ultimate Horse Behavior and Training Book.......2007-04-11

ok - alot of things i wasn't looking for and won't use but for someone that is into that sort of thing i suppose it is okay

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

Average customer rating:

Winifred's View
If I were a horse
Wonderful book!
How to think like a horse
How to think like a horse

How to Think Like A Horse: The Essential Handbook for Understanding Why Horses Do What They Do
Cherry Hill
Manufacturer: Storey Publishing, LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Teach Your Horse Perfect Manners: How You Should Behave So Your Horse Does Too
How Your Horse Wants You to Ride: Starting Out, Starting Over
What Your Horse Wants You to Know: What Horses' "Bad" Behavior Means, and How to Correct It
Horsekeeping on a Small Acreage: Designing and Managing Your Equine Facilities
The Whole Horse Catalog: The Complete Guide to Buying, Stabling and Stable Management, Equine Health, Tack, Rider Apparel, Equestrian Activities and Organizations...and ... Else a Horse Owner and Rider Will Ever Need

ASIN: 1580178359

Book Description

Ask someone who works with horses how best to communicate with a balky colt and she will tell you that horses do not respond to human cajoling. To be successful the human must understand and work with, not against, the horse’s instincts, needs, and fears. When a trainer resorts to human teaching methods — reasoning, begging, bribing, even hugging and kissing — the horse will become confused and unable to respond appropriately. But if horses are treated respectfully with methods they understand, everyone involved — animal and human — will be happier, safer, and more productive.

Horse trainer and instructor Cherry Hill believes that every human/horse relationship benefits from a greater human understanding of what motivates horses, how they experience the world, what makes them happy, and what worries them. Journey through the equine mind with Hill as she explores all that makes a horse tick. How do his basic needs dictate his behavior and mood? What touches and tastes appeal to his senses? How does his “flight or fight” instinct dictate his response to sudden movements?

Hill offers interactive experiments — fun for both horse and human — that bear out her findings on horse behavior. And her final chapter presents simple training methods that draw from the insights and information presented throughout the book.

Customer Reviews:

Winifred's View.......2007-09-28

I have purchased many books on horses and riding, but Cherry Hill's "..Think Like a Horse" explained and reinforced so much more about what I was questioning and experiencing with my horse. It is certainly a wonderful resourse for "newbies" like myself who have discovered the wonders of horse at a late age, but I believe it also holds a lot of insights for the more experienced riders/owners who care about knowing their horses at least as well as they ride/show them. I was looking for something to explain a particular change in my horse's behavior (after eye exams, blood work etc turned up negative) and I believe I found it in Ms. Hill's book. Winnie and I thank her for sharing her knowledge and wisdom in a book packed with information.

If I were a horse.......2007-09-20

If I were a horse, I would want this author to be my "keeper." This book is written with keen insight and clearly communicated to anyone who owns a horse, rides a horse or has dreamed of galloping across a great meadow as free as the wind. I highly recommend this book along with another book that embraces horses: It's called On the Trail of the Pony Express and the book follows Cherokee author, Jerry Ellis, for 2,000 miles along the Pony Express Trail by foot, horse, covered wagon and canoe from Missouri to California.

Wonderful book!.......2007-07-15

This is a delightful book full of information and insight from an often under-appreciated trainer. Cherry Hill covers everything from development to grooming to behavior to training.
Information which is normally strewn across several horse books comes together in this single volume. This is a must-read for every horse enthusiast.

How to think like a horse.......2007-06-08

The book was very informative and easy to understand

How to think like a horse.......2007-05-29

Received the book in a very quick time....I love the book....finished it in 3 days....Thank You

Horses Never Lie: The Heart of Passive Leadership

Average customer rating:

Engaging Author
A wonderful book
This is an awesome book!!
horse human relationships
Chicken Soup for the Horsepersons Soul

Horses Never Lie: The Heart of Passive Leadership
Mark Rashid
Manufacturer: Spring Creek Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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A Good Horse Is Never a Bad Color
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What Your Horse Wants You to Know: What Horses' "Bad" Behavior Means, and How to Correct It

ASIN: 1555662498

Book Description

In "Horses Never Lie," acclaimed horse trainer Mark Rashid breaks new ground by challenging the longstanding belief that a person must become the "alpa leader" in order to work with horses. Instead, "Horses Never Lie" teaches you how to become a "passive leader"—a reflection of the kind of horse other members of a herd choose to be around and to follow. It's a must read for all horse owners who care about their horses and the kind of relationship they have with them.

As he did in "Considering the Horse" and "A Good Horse Is Never a Bad Color," Rashid writes about his experiences with real horses, always featuring his sense of humor and an overriding compassion for the horse. His instructive anecdotes reach back to when he was a youngster under the mentorship of the "old man," and continue to his experiences today as a horse trainer and a popular clinician who has traveled the world to teach his remarkably effective methods to enthusiastic horse owners.

Customer Reviews:

Engaging Author.......2007-10-05

Mark Rashid's easy style of writing and his interesting personal stories made it hard for me to put the book down. So much of what he wrote really resonated with my own feelings about creating a partnership with my horse. His concept of passive leadership was described in a way that was easily recognizable in many personal situations of my own experiences. I am looking forward to reading more of Mark's books and have already ordered some. These are not the "training manuals" of other trainers and his experiences and approach makes me look forward to training my horse and building on the bond of friendship/partnership.

A wonderful book.......2007-09-03

I absolutely loved this book. I am so impressed with Mark's compassionate approach to working with horses. He is a master of behavioral psychology, using reinforcement principles to extinguish bad behaviors and then shape the positive behaviors he is looking for from a horse. This requires the ability to be able to really observe the horse and to never react out of frustration or anger. I recently started riding again after a 27 year absence and found myself wondering what kind of a relationship I could expect to have with a horse. This book helped me see that most horses do bond with people who are compassionate, consistent and thoughtful. Even though I ride English, I feel this book has helped me to be a better rider because I am being more observant and making sure I reward my horse by "relieving the pressure" when he gives me what I want. This book is a pleasure to read and very informative about Mark's philosophy of horsemanship.

This is an awesome book!!.......2007-08-23

I had great difficulty putting this book down. The personal stories Mark writes about pulls you right in. And I finally understood how to be
quiet and find the slightest try. It just clicked with me. I highly
recommend this book and can't wait to read his others!

horse human relationships.......2007-06-18

Mark Rashid shows other ways to fill in your relationship with horses. Sometimes having a dig at other 'natural horsmanship' guru's like Robertson or Parelli. I think this book is a must and an addition for all those who seek to improve their relationship with and understanding of the horse. Lovely book, reads like a novel but has great depth. Strongly recommended.

Chicken Soup for the Horsepersons Soul.......2007-05-12

This book is not only filled with wonderful stories, but also plenty of sage advice. It is less a course in horse training, and more a wonderful book of short stories that describe a horse behavior, along with the typcial method of dealing with it, and then the "old mans" method of dealing with it. I agree with most everyone here, and read the entire book from cover to cover before putting it down. It is just a great read, and if you are open to suggestions, it gives you plenty of ideas of new things to try with horses that sometimes seem to have issues we can't figure out.

Teach Your Horse Perfect Manners: How You Should Behave So Your Horse Does Too

Average customer rating:

Teach your horse perfect manners
Literary treasure
Good, but nothing new
Save time & money, this one book will is like having a personal coach.
Wonderful teacher

Teach Your Horse Perfect Manners: How You Should Behave So Your Horse Does Too
Kelly Marks
Manufacturer: Trafalgar Square
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

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What Your Horse Wants You to Know: What Horses' "Bad" Behavior Means, and How to Correct It
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How Your Horse Wants You to Ride: Starting Out, Starting Over
How to Think Like A Horse: The Essential Handbook for Understanding Why Horses Do What They Do
Become Perfect Partners: How to Be the Owner Your Horse Would Choose for Himself

ASIN: 1570762147

Book Description

Monty Roberts' protegee Kelly Marks shows you how to communicate with horses through eye contact and body movements, then shows you how to teach them "the rules" of good behavior.

Customer Reviews:

Teach your horse perfect manners.......2007-04-11

kind of elementary for what i was expecting, but i suppose it would be helpful to someone at that level - all in all it is a pretty good book

Literary treasure.......2007-03-02

You do not need to be a horse whisperer, or even a cowboy to enjoy this book. With Ms. Marks as my guide, I was able to learn things about these animals I didn't know like: "Sometimes you can foresee a negative pattern starting up; for example, when you braid a horse, he realizes that he's going to a show and goes off his feed. If this is the case, change his routine to avoid any anxiety starting." Did you know this?

What do you see when you see a horse? When I see a horse, I see an animal whose ancestors time and time again were the only creatures on earth standing between my ancestors and certain death. And I realize that I might not even be here if it were not for these majestic animals. I do what I can for them knowing that it is enough that I am of value to somebody today. Please support your local SPCA and Equine Rescue Services. Author, Bob Miller

Good, but nothing new.......2007-01-27

I like this book and it has some interesting stories, but if you already participate in a program like Parelli, etc. (as I do) then there isn't really any new information. Buying the book is cheaper, but buying the Parelli DVD program gives you a lot more.

If I wasn't doing Parelli, then this book would be a good start. It would be helpful if there was more trouble-shooting.

Save time & money, this one book will is like having a personal coach........2006-10-26

I have bought scads of books as I bought my first horse and was very hungry for guidance. Many books 'assume' alot about where you are in your progress and experience level and many important facts can be overlooked or touched on briefly without enough discussion. Some books even come right out and say, if you don't know how, don't proceed, etc. Thats a fine how do you do after you just spent $20 for a book entitled the first 2 years!!!!
Horses are big, unpredictable animals. Be smart, spend a little money and get professional help in the beginning. If you are determined to learn everything you can, you will be fine. Don't ever be complacent. Friends and neighbors at the boarding stable are always helpful but noone is perfect or knows it all. If they say they do, run, don't walk! Of all the books on horse behavior, relations between the handler and horse, problem solving, and starting young horses, this one has been the most helpful and complete and sure to stay here in my library for many years to come. I can't recommend it enough.

Wonderful teacher.......2005-12-28

The following is a copy of an email I sent to Kelly recently.

Hello Kelly,
My name is Laura and I live in California...I need to thank you for your inspiration....I purchased your book....How to teach your horse perfect manners....2 months after I purchased an 8 yr old Morgan gelding...He was a barrel racer and had terrible manners....With time and patience and tips from your book i was able to catch him and join up....Also taught him to stand still to be mounted...This even the trainer could not do...Anyway
My husband is interested in a horse that is kept out where i board my Morgan....The new horse is a 6 yr old Quarter horse...When I asked the stable owner if I could work with this horse her response was...."If you can catch him, he is uncatchable"....With patience I caught him.,,,It took 20 minutes but I did it....My husband has no horse experience except to ride a rental horse, so he sat back in awe as I worked this "Uncatchable" horse....I handed my husband the lead rope and said "There you go" He said "You looked like the lady in the book you have" I couldn't have been prouder....We took the horse to the stable and groomed him....He seemed to like it...
So today I went to the ranch...Just me....And went to the horse's pasture...3 minutes later I have the "Uncatchable" horse again in halter....This time we went to the round pen and I have to tell you that we joined up in less then 4 minutes....he so wanted to be with me,,,,he kept turning and looking at me.....but I kept him going for a few circuits then released pressure and turned away.....he walked right up behind me.....and followed me....I cried....

My husband then showed up.(I called him and told him to come). I taught him how to halter and then stepped out of the round pen....the horse Joined up with my husband....I cried again....My husband was literally beaming with pride....He then took the horse for a nice walk around the stables....

I have to again thank you....I can catch the most uncatchable horse at the boarding faciliy thanks to your book.....Much to the amazement of the stable owner,,,,who states she has never been able to catch him.....She said he was a cowboy horse and they had to rope him to catch him.....NOT anymore....Now he is my husbands horse....
Thank you.

Also I may add that a few days later after working with my husband and teaching him the right body language, he was able to approach the horse and halter him, in pasture.

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

Average customer rating:

Good Insight
Learning More!
This an interesting read
Easy read, interesting
Unhappy with content

Horses Don't Lie: What Horses Teach Us About Our Natural Capacity for Awareness, Confidence, Courage, and Trust
Chris Irwin , and Bob Weber
Manufacturer: Marlowe & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Experiments & Projects | Experiments, Instruments & Measurement | Science | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1569245819

Book Description

In Horses Don’t Lie, Chris Irwin, one of the most successful horse whisperers in North America, shows us that horses have much to teach us about ourselves when we strive to understand their behavior. Based on more than twenty years of working with, training, and observing horses, Irwin explains why trust and honesty are essential elements in building relationships with horses, and why the sensitivity and awareness that characterize a horse’s perception of the world are qualities we can use to enrich our own lives. “A horse knows what you know,” Irwin reminds us, and in Horses Don’t Lie his message is clear: Horses have a great deal to teach us about how to communicate with empathy and patience—not only with them, but also with each other.

Customer Reviews:

Good Insight.......2007-05-29

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.

Learning More!.......2007-04-26

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.

This an interesting read.......2005-01-31

I recieved this book as a gift and I didn't know what to expect. When I finally got around to reading it, I found it very interesting. I think it's important to know that it's not really a hands-on or practical book.

Easy read, interesting.......2004-09-24

While I'll agree that the book is not full of technical issues, it is an excellent book well worth your time in reading. I read both this one and "Horses never lie" and have found both to be excellent. Not only does it offer a heartwarming viewpoint, it also offers ideas and causes you to look a little deeper into your relationship with your horse. Great read!

Unhappy with content.......2004-09-23

I am glad I checked out from library versus paying money for this book. I kept reading hoping for substance but none existed. No concrete examples for everyday use.

Average customer rating:

Time Mag: Book contains untruths.
horses
"...nickering with ungulate abandon..."?
Liar, Liar!!
Humane horse training

The Man Who Listens to Horses
Monty Roberts
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 034542705X
Release Date: 1998-11-28

Amazon.com

Monty Roberts is, as they say, the real horse whisperer--even if he does revile the last third of Nicholas Evans's romance. Yet Roberts also makes clear from the start that listening and close attention have more to do with gentling an animal than soi-disant whispering. As far as he's concerned, silent communication can "effectively cross over the boundary between human (the ultimate fight animal) and horse (the flight animal). Using their language, their system of communication, I could create a strong bond of trust. I would achieve cross-species communication." And achieve it he does. After one short session, he has even the wildest stallion nickering with ungulate abandon.

Roberts's descriptions of "joining up," as he calls it with horses--as well as with the deer who cavort on his California farm like so many hyperintelligent Bambis--are inspirational in the best sense of the word. Surprisingly, though, it took him long years to persuade most of the humans in his life that pain and punishment are not the way to go. Indeed, the author expends many a page on past mistakes and disasters, familial and professional. Yet The Man Who Listens to Horses remains a powerfully positive document--and not just for Mr. Ed. Best of all, when it comes to his life's work, Roberts is far more practical than mystical. Instead of portraying himself as Equus's messiah, he'd rather share his hard-won knowledge. Having overcome years of rejection and ridicule, the author is certainly not short in the self-esteem department, as some passages in this book demonstrate. No matter. He always checks his ego before entering the corral. --Kerry Fried

Book Description

"It all dates from those summers alone in the high desert, me lying on my belly and watching wild horses with my binoculars for hours at a time. Straining to see in the moonlight, striving to fathom mustang ways, I knew instinctively I had chanced upon something important but could not know that it would shape my life. In 1948 I was a boy of thirteen learning the language of horses. . . ."

Customer Reviews:

Time Mag: Book contains untruths........2007-07-02

I have not read this book. There may well be information in here that is useful. I will not buy the book due to what I read in a Time Magazine article:

Monday, Dec 14, 1998 "Horse of a Different Color"
By John Skow and James Willwerth/Aspen

The article starts with:
"To put the matter politely, memoirs are self-serving. Still, it's something of a shock to learn that Monty Roberts' enormously popular, enormously self-approving memoir The Man Who Listens to Horses may assay out as part fiction. Call it horse puckey for the soul, if charges by Monty's younger brother Larry and others close to the author's life are to be credited. By these accounts, backed up by TIME's reporting, the stirring tale with more than 800,000 copies in print--out this month in paperback--contains an embarrassing number of seeming untruths, some harmless, others outrageous."

The article can be found as of today on the Time free archives site. Decide for yourself if you feel comfortable with paying money for this book.

horses.......2007-02-12

well ill try out his method and if a mustang doesnt kill me ill return to rate it

"...nickering with ungulate abandon..."?.......2007-02-06

And "...the deer who cavort on his California farm like so many hyperintelligent Bambis..."? What purpose do these superficial and dismissive images serve? They don't have anything to do with Monty Roberts or with his book, and their presence in a so-called "editorial review" does him (and Amazon) a disservice.

It could be that, to really "get" what Monty Roberts is saying, you should see his Join-Up training in action.

I HAVE seen it in action, and I have put it into action, myself; as has my wife, in her work with horses.

Many popular horse trainers use methods similar to Monty Roberts'; yet they have not drawn the kind of criticism that has been leveled at him. Neither do they admit to what may be his most important discovery: that body language, to a horse, comprises a complicated and consistent language -- one that can be used by humans in working with horses.

Roberts takes it one step further, insisting that the same principles apply in human-to-human relationships.

Anyone who cares about horses should read this short, well-written, and fascintaing book.

Anyone who cares about people, also.

Liar, Liar!!.......2007-01-29

This book should only be sold as fiction and come with "Horse Whispers and Lies" attached. Monty, shame on you...trying to take credit for inventing the slant load horse trailer, making claims to have been a Champion Calf Roper, and going to horse shows in a railroad box car?
His family says that it's all a bunch of lies. The content of the book on horse handling is good, but Monty Roberts did not invent the methods used. They have been around for years.
Monte, is a good horseman, he should not have made the preposterous, boastful statements that are included throughout the book.

Humane horse training.......2006-09-21

I find the negative review of Monty's book interesting. Since I train dogs, I can somewhat relate to the need for positive training methods. There are always going to be those out there that dispute that it works for MOST, but not for all. Every animal is an individual with feelings and personality of his/her own and baggage that comes along with lack of training, abuse and/or neglect.

I thought one of the most important lines of all in the book was that this was the "51st fluke in a row". In other words, the doubters of the crowd thought it was just a fluke that Monty was able to 'start' and ride green horses within approximately 25 minutes. Someone that is full of 'it', cannot become as successful a horse trainer as Monty is without some actual knowledge of what he's doing. I thought this was a very inspirational book that gives a look into the innovative humane treatment and training of horses. This book is well worth the time it takes to read and I, for one, do not doubt the truth of his story. Pictures are worth a thousand words.

Average customer rating:

Good academic book
From Eventing USA Magazine, April/May 2003
Easy-to-Read..Packed with Useful Information
Recommend (to) all horse owners and horse professionals
An excellent reference

Horse Behavior, 2nd Edition
George Waring
Manufacturer: Noyes Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0815514840

Book Description

The second edition of this important reference provides important updates, especially in the areas of activity patterns, social behavior, reproduction, animal husbandry, and management. This easy-to-read text integrates findings from hundreds of international researchers and includes an updated appendix listing behavioral symptoms and possible causes. Over 100 illustrations and photos provide excellent visual cues for those who work with horses every day.

Customer Reviews:

Good academic book.......2007-09-21

It is a very good book for college students, it is full of research references. However, the lay out is not fantastic, most of the photography, drawings and charts are the same as the first edition (1984) so the visual quality is poor. A bit dry, and the section about vices and bad habits is just a chart of listing them.

From Eventing USA Magazine, April/May 2003.......2003-09-04

"One of the people out there studying horses is Dr. Waring, a professor at Southern Illinois University. He uses big words such as polyphasic, but defines them, "The daily sleep cycle of horses is polyphasic, that is, with more than one period of sleep occurring per 24-hour period." He gives the academically correct citations of studies, yet describes the results in language the rest of us can understand. I dare any horseperson of any experience level to read it and not learn something."

Easy-to-Read..Packed with Useful Information.......2003-05-23

This is a great source book for veterinarians, students of animal sciences, especially those interested in animal behaviour and researchers needing a reference book. Every topic has extensive references from both the recent and older literature. If you want to know some fact about normal horse behaviour such as how long a foal suckles, duration of copulation, how much an adult horse sleeps - the experimental data will most likely be in this book. There are numerous tables, illustrations and photographs and a comprehensive index and bibliography.
The first edition of this book as published in 1983 and this second edition has been updated in every section. There are new sections on ecological influences on activity patterns, habitat utilization, social behaviour and reproduction. An expanded section on applied ethology and behavioural considerations for management, horse well-being and health is a useful addition.
The book is in seven parts consisting of three to five chapters. The index in the front of the book gives a clear understanding of what subjects are covered in each part. Part I covers the ancestry, special senses and motor patterns of the horse with a useful table on horse taxonomy and related species of living equids. There are detailed line drawings and definitions of all the motor patterns. In the discussion of the special senses, the horse's use of them is put into the ecological, morphological and physiological contexts. There is also detailed descriptions, including good drawings of the different gaits. Part II includes the development of behaviour patterns: play, post- and peri-natal development, learning, memory and often difficult to find data on foal development. The section on learning covers useful information on habituation, classical conditioning and instrumental conditioning (operant conditioning). Maintenance activities (resting, sleep, ingestion, elimination, comfort behaviours) are discussed in Part III. A term used that I found in appropriate, was `self-indulgent' to describe sunning, shelter seeking, licking, nibbling, scratching and rubbing - these are maintenance behaviours. An interesting section is included on the symbiotic relationships of horses with birds, such as cattle egre, and humans.
The section on reproductive behaviour (Part IV) is full of useful data which covers the sexual behaviours of mares and stallions and a detailed account of maternal behaviour. Both normal and abnormal behaviours are discussed. The stimuli that can affect sexual behaviour are commented on, including age, colour and sexual signals.
Social behaviour in Part V covers herd behaviour, social attachment, home range and territoriality, social dominance and agnostic behaviour. Mare-foal and foal-mare attachments are discussed and there is a small section on interspecies relationships. The excellent line drawings of facial expressions, head and ear positions add useful information. Part VI, the interaction of horses and their environment, includes an excellent section on the influence of native horses on various environments. However, the destructive effect of introduced feral horses in countries like Australia is not mentioned - this would have completed the discussion. The chapter on ecological influences and the effects on reproduction and social behaviour is a useful addition.
The expanded section (Part VII) on applied ethology provided behavioural considerations for management and insight regarding behavioural indicators of horse health and well-being. An appendix after this chapter categorizes many equine behavioural signs and possible problems they may indicate. The behavioural signs include facial expressions, posture, changes in motor co-9ordination, changes in maintenance behaviour and social behaviour.
There is no specific section devoted to behaviour problems -these are discussed in the appropriate chapters along with the normal behaviour. This arrangement works well and gives a good understanding of how the normal behaviour has changed.
This is an easy-to-read, hard-back book, packed with useful information written by an author, who not only has conducted research, but is also an educator. I am lucky to have it on my shelf - Associate Professor, Animal Behaviour and Welfare, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland -- Australian Veterinary Journal April 2003

Recommend (to) all horse owners and horse professionals.......2003-04-05

Understanding horses' behavior is something that all people who own or work with horses want to be able to do successfully. Our own observations have taught us that horses remember their experiences and make associations that can stay with them their entire lives. George Waring, a founder of the Animal Behavior Society and an educator at Southern Illinois University, explores a horse's ability to learn and remember as well as examines all aspects of horse behavior in the wild and in the managed stable environment. Although written by an academic, Horse Behavior, 2e is an enjoyable and accessible book that takes the reader from the horse's ancestry to behavioral manipulation and everyday horse concerns.

I particularly enjoyed the sections on learning and memory and would recommend that all horse owners and horse professionals read Horse Behavior, 2e, if not in its entirety, than simply for these chapters. Waring has thoroughly researched the available data in this area (from the late 70s to the 90s), all which is beneficial to horse people working with (and building trust with) horses. Although worthwhile for all, Horse Behavior, 2e is a must for horse breeders, Waring presents a comprehensive study of sexual traits, behaviors, and anomalies in feral herds as well as at home in the barn. Horse Behavior, 2e is one of the first books that I have read that freely explores and identifies stallions' and mares' sexual behaviors and parenting patterns.

The first edition was published in 1983, the second this past fall. There are several new sections including chapters on horse management, ecology, habitation, and social behavior. I read Horse Behavior, 2e straight through, but each section stands independently and can be used easily as a reference text. The only downside to this book is that the photographs are not of the highest quality. Those photographs depicting feral herds are understandably insufficient but others illustrating animal husbandry could have been better and more numerous. That aside, I strongly encourage all horse people to give Horse Behavior. 2r a place of prominence on the bookshelf.

...

An excellent reference.......2003-01-23

Horse Behavior, 2nd edition, is a very well researched book that
addresses a through review of normal horse behavior. Dr. aring brings together references from a wide variety of disciplines, often from very difficult to get sources, and integrates them with his own research into a comprehensive picture of the horse. Each chapter is well orgainzed in its contents, resulting in a book that will be an excellent reference. This is a "must have" for any serious student of horse behavior and for those who just enjoy the animal.

Professor, Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery
Texas A&M University

Understanding the Ancient Secrets of the Horse's Mind
Average customer rating:

Gifted mind

Thought provoking collection of essays

Better than the flashy title

Considering Ancient Secrets of the Horses Mind.

Ancient Secrets of the Horses's Mind

Understanding the Ancient Secrets of the Horse's Mind
Robert M. Miller
Manufacturer: Russell Meerdink Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0929346653
Release Date: 1999-11-01

Book Description

Successful horsepeople know the secrets of the horse's mind. All horses share 10 common character traits that affect every move they make. These traits are embedded deep within the horse's DNA and are shared by every horse. Dr. Miller explains how to predict what your horse will do, get the proper response and fix unwanted behavior. He shows how you can unknowingly teach your horse how to misbehave.

Customer Reviews:

Gifted mind.......2007-08-23

Dr. Miller has a wonderful gift of understanding the horse's mind, from imprinting at birth to all training phases, his understanding of the mind of the horse is deep. He has so much to offer us and our horses in all of his work.

Thought provoking collection of essays.......2006-05-21

Having heard Dr. Miller speak about imprinting a foal, I've been a big fan of his work. He's done a lot in the field of horsemanship, helping to educate horse owners. His work is aimed at the amateur horse owner, someone who might not have a background in horses, or who only has one or two in their care. With that said, do I agree with everything he says? No, I do not. However, I did find this book to be a thought provoking collection of essays.

The "ancient secrets" to which Dr. Miller refers is simply the natural way in which a horse is hardwired. Those who work around horses know that they are prey creatures. Their instincts tell them to flee from danger, and barring that, fight to get free. Therefore, many of things that owners and trainers do to them run counter to that instinct. Dr. Miller's book helps the owner and/or trainer to understand a bit more the details in a horse's mind, and understand why a horse may be performing a certain action.

From the title of this book it sounds like it might be the "be-all-end-all" to horsemanship tomes. Certainly "Understanding the Ancient Secrets of the Horse's Mind" sounds weighty and important. I'm not saying this book isn't important, but the book cannot, especially in such a slim volume, be the complete handbook to getting inside a horse's psyche. No, this is a title to read, to ponder, and to learn from, and then use as a way to branch out into other books on equine psychology.

With that said, however, I do feel that this book is a worthwhile addition to any horseman's library, and certainly should be on the "must read" list of any serious horse owner.

Better than the flashy title.......2001-02-12

I found this book to be much better than its flashy, "whisperer-trendy" title would indicate. It is a well-written, logically built collection of key "psychological" characteristics of horses. Not directly useful as a problem-solving guide, but still a must-read, because it explains quite clearly what every horse lover should deeply absorb.

Considering Ancient Secrets of the Horses Mind........2000-09-09

While this book contains valuable information, it is not by any means a thorough text on the horses mind. It contains some controversial advice. Too many stories and too much personal information for my taste. The Ancient Secrets of the Horses Mind is big on promises but falls short on delivery. Recommended as a training supplement only, not as the only book you get on training the horse.

Ancient Secrets of the Horses's Mind.......2000-06-06

This book is so good I have already sent 3 copies as gifts to friends. What more can I say. It is the best book about basic horse instints I have ever read. If one wants to understand why horses do what they do, then read this book.

In the Company of Horses: A Year on the Road With Horseman Mark Rashid

Average customer rating:

A great example
THE Journey
A Year With Horses
Tells of the author's encounter with a 'horse whisperer'
Horses as Teachers

In the Company of Horses: A Year on the Road With Horseman Mark Rashid
Kathleen Lindley
Manufacturer: Johnson Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1555663869

Book Description

When Kathleen Lindley showed up at one of Mark RashidÂ's horsemanship clinics, she told him that she didnÂ't know who he was and didnÂ't really care, as long as he could fix her horse. In the course of working with him and learning about his way of training horses, not only was KathleenÂ's horse Â"fixed,Â" her life was changed. This book documents her time spent with Mark Rashid and the deeper appreciation and knowledge she gained for horses and life while there.

Customer Reviews:

A great example.......2007-10-03

Of sharing true openness and self observation. Kathleen shows how being open minded to learning from not only Mark, horses and her students but also learning from herself and what she is really doing when she is working with a horse. Which shows that if you are not honest with yourself and what you are really doing, or not capable of doing while working with a horse, the horse will reveal it for you.
This book is hard to put down once you start reading it.

THE Journey.......2007-09-21

In the Company of Horses is such an inspiring story about not only finding your role as a horse trainer but also how to identify and work within your own psyche. There were so many ways that I could relate to what Kathleen had written about her own experiences, doubts, and insecurities. The inspiration comes when she helps the reader to realize their own potential for success- in life as well as with the horse.

A Year With Horses.......2007-08-06

Very good read. Can always learn something from Mark. His style in horsemanship is refreshing. This book has many lessons in it. Anyone looking to improve thier skills can benefit from reading.

Tells of the author's encounter with a 'horse whisperer' .......2007-03-12

IN THE COMPANY OF HORSES: A YEAR ON THE ROAD WITH HORSEMAN MARK RASHID tells of the author's encounter with a 'horse whisperer' who changed her life when she went to him for help with her horse. She became his student and helped foster a new way of horsemanship: her journey is charted in a fine blend of horse savvy and autobiography perfect for not only horse-lover collections but general-interest libraries.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

Horses as Teachers.......2007-02-21

I have read all Mark Rashid's books, and like his philosophy of horses. IN THE COMPANY OF HORSES implements Mark's philosophy as Kathleen Lindley writes about the year she spent as Mark's assistant. She gleans a great deal about how she should live; basically she learned a lot about how to live from her dealings with horses, and with Mark. Mark's calm, patient handling of adverse conditions, and the horses' understanding of keeping things simple impressed Ms. Lindley and she passes that on to her readers. Even if I did not live around and love horses, this book would speak to me on how to live my life. The book is not long in size, but long in meaning.

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