Book Description
A stunning new voice in American fiction, Sara Gruen makes a masterful debut with a novel of family, tragedy, rebirth ... and the breathtaking love of something wild.
As a world-class equestrienne and Olympic contender, Annemarie Zimmer lived for the thrill of flight atop a strong, graceful animal. Then, at eighteen, a tragic accident destroyed her riding career and Harry, her beloved and distinctively marked horse.
Now, twenty years later, Annemarie is coming home to her dying father's New Hampshire horse farm. Jobless and abandoned, she is bringing her troubled teenaged daughter to this place of pain and memory, where ghosts of an unresolved youth still haunt the fields and stables -- and where hope lives in the eyes of the handsome, gentle veterinarian Annemarie loved as a girl ... and in the seductive allure of a trainer with a magic touch.
But everything will change yet again with one glimpse of a red and white striped gelding startlingly similar to the one Annemarie lost in another lifetime. And an obsession is born that could shatter her fragile world.
Customer Reviews:
A Fascinating and emotional story.......2007-09-20
I had to shed a tear or two while I was reading "Riding Lessons" You wouldn't think that when by the title of the book, but whether you are a horse lover or have ridden on a horse, this story is a terrific written story. Annmarie Zimmer, an olympic equestrienne the main character, has her career come to an abrupt halt in a tragic accident that kills her horse and leaves her seriously injured. The story picks up twenty years later; her injuries have healed, but her emotional life is in shreds. Her: her husband has left her, her father is dying, and her rebellious teenaged daughter is causing her all kinds of problems. There are a lot of issues going on in this book besides Annemarie's messy life and since there are numerous reviews I won't go into detail. In summary, I thought it was wonderful book and I highly recommend it.
Not so great........2007-08-06
I really enjoyed "Water For Elephants", and since I've spent more than my share of time at riding stables, I thought (hoped) that I'd like "Riding Lessons" as well - not so. It's difficult to believe that the two books were actually written by the same author.
The main character, Annemarie, at 38 years old, was extremely immature and a total drama queen. The story read like an overly dramatic soap opera and I wouldn't recommend it as a must-read, more like a so-so read.
Horse porn?.......2007-07-21
I admit I bought this book because I liked Water for Elephants by the same author.
Also, in the interests of full disclosure I am a horse nut, so for me there was the added incentive of the horse theme in this book.
However, this is basically a standard issue woman's romance story, predictable from the beginning, and certianly nothing I'd ever read in the normal course of events. But I was tricked into perservering by the hope that there would at least be some nice horse riding action. But no.
Very little of horse interest, a heroine who is mostly a selfish temper tantrum witing to happen, an amazing lack of self-awareness, and loads of tempestuous emotional blow-outs: this book is like the fever dream of a fourteen year old.
Gruen has definitely grown as an author since this was published. May she continue to do so.
Annemarie Zimmer attitude extrodinare!.......2007-07-07
Annemarie was destined for fame until a fatal incident with her horse Harry befell the two of them and she decided not to ride again, or so she though. The front of book actaully looks different than this one, but after reading the description it is indeed the same book. Annemarie definately has an attitude, but after all that she has been through, I can't say that I blame her and her daughter doesn't help things out much. This is a great book, especially if you love horses. I just hope I can find a horse like this someday! A definate must read!
Beautiful story of broken families and broken dreams.......2007-06-18
AnneMarie Zimmer was a contender, destined for the high circuits of horse jumping, with her precious Highland Harry. But when Harry breaks a leg on a jump and sends AnneMarie to the hospital, paralyzed with a broken neck, her dreams, and her family's dreams, are shattered.
Years later, Annemarie is recovered, married with a 15 year old daughter, and has never ridden a horse since the death of Harry. Then her life falls apart again, one-two-three. One, she loses her job. Two, her daughter is failing school and her husband announces he's leaving her for a mistress. Three, Annemarie discovers her vital father has advanced ALS. Broken and in shock, Annemarie returns with Eva, her daughter, to the farm where she was raised to see and help care for her father.
With Eva out of control at fifteen (getting piercings, tattoos, smoking, wanting to date, running away, etc), her father deteriorated to barely functional in a wheelchair, and her husband shacked up with a much younger woman, Annemarie loses control of her life. She takes over management of the stables and discovers her mother (Mutti) was right when she said Annemarie couldn't handle the responsibility.
But in the midst of the chaos of her life comes a ragged horse saved by veterinarian and old boyfriend Dan, a liver colored brindle as rare as Annemarie's beloved Harry. Annemarie adopts the recalcitrant horse, rescued from a slaughter pen, and begins to work with him. But when she finds out the one-eyed horse is none other than Harry's brother Highland Hurrah, pronounced dead by former owner to collect a cool million-plus in insurance, she fears that Hurrah may be taken away from her.
Sara Gruen is a talent to be reckoned with. Not only are her characters fully fleshed and unique, but they breathe with the life she has put into them. You'll feel like they are your own friends or neighbors, someone you know intimately. Annemarie is a person you can relate to, making mistake after mistake but always finding a way to deal with the problems, even if her resolutions are late at times. Eva is far from a perfect child, making her own mistakes and showing herself to be her mother's daughter.
'Riding Lessons' is a story of human triumph and defeat, of mistakes made and corrected, of real life slapping you across the face when you least expect it. The pains of losses are balanced by family, friends, and personal drive to become something before life passes swiftly by. Not to mention, the love of the great, beautiful beasts we call horses. When love overcomes tragedy, there are tears and smiles and sighs to experience. 'Riding Lessons' give us all of that and more.
I highly recommend picking up Sara Gruen's other book, 'Water For Elephants', especially if you liked riding lessons. 'Water For Elephants' has even more maturity in Gruen's writing, but this first book is an amazing accomplishment for a novice writer. I highly recommend 'Riding Lessons'. Enjoy!
Product Description
Olympic medalist Debbie McDonald and her fabulous partner, Brentina, have thrilled crowds the world over with their stunning performances. In her new book, Riding Through, Debbie describes her system for success in dressage and relates her life story: "There is more than one reason that I call this book Riding Through. Of course, first and foremost, riding through is a dressage term, something you strive for as you attempt to get your horse on the aids and moving back-to-front. You have achieved it when everything the two of you do together is one fluid motion, the ultimate of coordination and expression, in which the horse is maximizing his assets. It's all about harmony and correctness, summing up the meaning of dressage in a single short phrase. But "riding through" has other meanings for me as well. I've learned to ride through hard times, on and off a horse, when I thought about giving up. We all have to learn about riding through, because that's the only way we will arrive at our destination, whatever it may be." Even if passage and piaffe aren't your ambition, or you don't want to compete in dressage at any level, the good basic riding skills involved in learning this discipline will help you in whatever you want to do with horses--whether it's improving adjustability for jumping or just having a more pleasurable trail ride. And the challenges will keep you interested while you explore the very special connection that develops between human and horse when you're doing meaningful work together.
Customer Reviews:
I Wanted More.......2007-08-22
Debbie's new book is definitely worth buying if you like dressage. But like it's title, I wanted more connection! The book is more a generalists approach to the sport of dressage. Describing her horse career and switch to dressage, Debbie's story should become a movie!
Later chapters do give dressage pointers. But if you are looking for something new to unlock the secrets of dressage, you won't find very much here. There are some specific exercises and maybe something you haven't tried with your horse; but all in all, this volume is a elementary look at the Olympic rider's career.
The photographs, diagrams and graphic design are EXCELLENT, colorful and a good window into the quest for dressage perfection. However, if you are looking for the exact details on how to teach your horse to piaffe, for example, you will not find it here. So, Debbie, I would have found another title. As such, I give it 6 (out of 10), "horse needs to be more supple and THROUGH. (How many times have we read that under the judges remarks!)"
Must Read for Dressage.......2007-08-10
Debbie is so down to earth and this makes this book an easy read. I love the "check" boxes which explain the hows and whys of riding, training and understanding dressage. After reading the book, it is easy to apply what you have learned to your everyday riding and training.
Product Description
Lessons with Lendon By Lendon Gray and the editors of Practical Horseman Two-time Olympian Lendon Gray makes no secret of her conviction that dressage is for EVERY horse and rider. In Lessons with Lendon, she will show you how to make flat work manageable and fun, whatever your sport. If you are a looking for a common-sense approach to dressage to improve your own skills as well as the rideability of your horse, this book is for you.
Customer Reviews:
Re-publication of Articles from Practical Horseman Magazine.......2007-03-03
I'm sure I overlooked the disclaimer, but it appears this book is a compilation of the series of "Practical Horseman" magazine articles that Ms. Gray authored several years back. Still good information, of course, but I wouldn't have purchased that book had I known that. (I saved the magazine articles to a binder, you see.)
Should be a 4.50, but there's no intermediate step on the stars.......2007-01-29
Let me start by saying, I really think this is a good book to have in one's library. Why? In succinct, but not short or even overly brief statements, Lendon Gray provides chunks of information that neither overwhelm nor talk down to the reader.
Having ridden twice in the Olympics, she knows obviously a lot more about dressage than most of us. What makes this book a pleasure is the presentation. She does it on a straight-forward approach as if talking to someone who is on the same level as her. There is a sense of equality between writer and reader's level of knowledge. In other words, she does not come across as a "I know it all and you know nothing."
All the information throughout the 25 lessons are chunked into small pieces, each comes with a succinct heading that gives the reader a clue as to what she will talk about in the next third or so column. What made this book very useful to me are the images of "right / correctly" and "wrong / incorrectly" applied principles. She details what can be done to correct wrong workings in very good depth, which makes this very useful for either between lessons or for those who do not have the opportunity of working with a dressage trainer on a regular basis.
I can recommend this book for most levels of riding, but believe that as with many books, it will be most useful to those who work in Training through lower Level 2 stages. Advanced Level 2 through Grand Prix riders will be far to knowledgeable to get a great deal of use out of this. But for the majority of riders, I think this book is great and it delivers what it set out to do: teach from start of riding to the first competition. It also provides a great place to go back and figure out "what went wrong" to help correct problems that creep up in riding.
Lessons with Lendon.......2006-06-27
The book is well written so the average person who is either starting out or is early in a riding carrer will benefit. I particularly liked the fact that she believes all basic dressage will help in what ever riding carrer you may wish to take. She spells out the riders total responsiblity verses the horse which I found to be very refreshing. I gave it 4 stars only because it was pitched below where I thought the book was based on the reviews.
Lessons with Lendon.......2004-10-28
This book is a reprint of a series Lendon Grey did for Practical Horseman Magazine some years ago. Excellent book, well done with very clear concepts and goals. The lessons are set up in a very logical order with lots of pointers on how to make the exercises work for you and your horse and what to do if you are not getting the right response. Each chapter ends with a riding challenge. This book is well worth the money, a great resource for student and teacher alike. You will return to it over and over again.
Good book.......2004-08-27
I found this book helpful. It is easy to understand and also has pictures for those who are more visual in their learning process. It covers a lot of the basics, which some need to go back to to help them in the more advanced movements of dressage. Dressage can be very initimidating with the language that is used, but this book explains terminology and concepts. This book also has "Lendons Challenges" which cover the more common errors riders tend to make when doing the different movements. The only fault I found was the majority of horses are wearing flash nosebands. To me this is a fashion of the times and curbs the horses potential.
Product Description
Here's a wealth of ideas, exercises and plans for group or individual lessons, for all abilities, all levels and all ages. Each lesson plan follows a natural progression, gradually building up the difficulty of the exercises as the ability of the pupil increases. The themes include such topics as first lessons, lead-line lessons, circles, school figures, work without stirrups and/or reins, transitions, lateral work, using poles, canter work, dressage tests, drill rides, and games. Throughout, there are tips on how to deliver the lessons, what to look for in rider faults, and how to help riders improve and make real progress. Clear diagrams throughout.
Customer Reviews:
Very good book.......2006-05-13
I read this book during a book study class at my church. It provided a lot of insight that really spoke to me. I had always thought I could handle stress by control or sheer will. Now I jump on the dragon and enjoy the ride. Life will happen, it is up to us to decide whether it happens with us or in spite of us! God bless you all.
I needed this.......2006-04-23
I read this last year and several others by Dr. Wicks. It helps me to know that I am not the only one going through these things. I try to help people and then forget to take care of myself. This book shows us how we can live both sides of the coin best.
Book Description
This reassuring introduction to riding helps novice riders maximize the lesson experience with information about safety, horse behavior, basic riding exercises, and preparing for that first show. This companion guide will help readers feel confident and at ease with a qualified instructor, and help them hone their skills outside
Customer Reviews:
A well-titled book!.......2007-03-16
Riding lessons are expensive, so it's important to get the most bang for the buck. This book will help. Mike Smith explains the basics of riding clearly, and offers some classic "what to do if...?" scenarios one is certain to encounter while interacting with horses. In addition, the photographs are very helpful in illustrating topics like posting the trot and dismounting properly and safely. I have found that this book helps me review specific material covered in an actual lesson, and also gives me ideas for further discussion with my teacher. Mike Smith's writing style is straightforward and enthusiastic. Highly recommended for beginning riders of all ages, and one of the best books I've seen for a riding student. This book covers English riding only.
such a helpful book.......2006-11-24
I love this book, I have been taking lessons for about a year and a half, and I bought this book after about 6months of lessons. It clearly explains so many things, I constantly refer to it. I think that all new riders should read this book before even going to their first lesson, to give a clear explaination of horse lingo, positions and care. I think this has been the most constant resource that I have used to explain things that my instructor and I are having trouble with.
Thanks to Mike, From An Old Student, and a New One.......2006-06-09
Mike taught me to ride as an adult student at Woodland Horse Center in Maryland back in the 1980's. I'll never forget his patience, humor, and innate "horse sense." I've since moved to Wellington, Florida (a major equestrian and polo center), for reasons I thought were mostly unrelated to horses. I haven't ridden in many years. So there I was in a store looking for a book to help my son Will Tedesco, who at [...] and maybe 40 pounds is just beginning to ride. Imagine my surprise to come across this book, which I hadn't known existed! At 50, I'm once again feeling that old tug to get back on a horse, and I'm sure Mike's sensible advice will again stand me in good stead. Unlike most of his readers, however, I'll be able to hear his voice inside my head reminding me to "steer!"
Not very helpful for the Western rider.......2006-03-27
I realize many techniques of English riding are transferable to Western, but, as a Western rider trying to improve my seat and aids, I found this book frustrating and unhelpful.
New Rider.......2006-01-29
I've been riding for a month and this book has helped me SO MUCH! Every lesson I have a million questions but I tend to pull a "Do it and think about it later" as time is limited. This book is a wonderful compliment as it covers a lot of minute details I didn't get to ask during my lesson and stuff I didn't even realize! The diagram/pictures are very informative and it's easy to visualize what the words are trying to convey. The writing is great and witty. Every riding lesson is a new discovery and this book is a great help to further understand riding and its techniques.
Book Description
This highly visual collection of riding exercises will build specific Western riding skills and foster greater communication between horse and rider. Effective step-by-step lessons feature a complete description of gaits and movements, purpose and benefits, analysis and instructions, cautions, and tips for better performance.
Customer Reviews:
Great book.......2007-09-29
This book is well presented and the pictures are great. Detailed and well written with understandable instructions. A great book to have.
Practice Lessons.......2007-08-27
This is a great book if you are taking lessons from an instructor and you want additional things to practice. Beginners may not find it as helpful as they were hoping.
Western Practice Book.......2007-03-28
This book was very informative and gives me the proper mindset to bring to the barn for my horse to learn one step at a time. A great reference book and guide.
western practice lessons.......2007-01-19
This book is well written for the layperson with excellent diagrams, and was shipped promptly as promised.
Western Practice Lessons.......2006-08-01
Good information in an easy to read and easy to follow format.
Well organized.
Average customer rating:
- Not Bad
- Horse Tale
- Light reading
- Enjoyable but not much new here
- You will love this book
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Riding Lessons: Everything That Matters in Life I Learned from Horses
Bo Derek
Manufacturer: HarperEntertainment
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0060394374 |
Book Description
Bo Derek vaulted into the national spotlight in 1979 as the perfect fantasy woman in 10, Blake Edwards's sophisticated film comedy. Her otherworldly beauty and voluptuous figure captivated men everywhere, while her cornrow hairstyle launched a fashion trend among women. Bo has always remained intensely private about her personal life, especially with regards to her May-December marriage to director John Derek, creating an intriguing sense of mystery that has led to much speculation. Here, for the first time, she reveals the truth about the woman behind the glossy image.
Born Mary Cathleen Collins and known as Cathy, she grew up in southern California, the horse-crazy oldest daughter of four. Her father, a public relations executive for the boat manufacturer Hobie Cat, and her mother, a hairstylist and makeup artist for a number of Hollywood figures, separated permanently while Bo was in her teens. During this time her mother was working for Ann-Margret, and it was backstage at one of the entertainer's Las Vegas shows that a theatrical agent approached Bo about pursuing a movie career. At one of her very first auditions the sixteen-year-old Bo met John Derek, a man thirty years her senior, with whom she would spend the next twenty-five years of her life.
Theirs was a love affair of epic proportions, but it was one that was widely misunderstood by the press and public alike. John was dubbed a Svengali, and his influence over the young Bo was thought to be limitless. With great candor and an endearing humor, Bo comes clean on a relationship that has long intrigued provided fodder for American gossip mills, and the result is an account that is far from what we may haveimagined. Bo lays bare the intimate moments and madcap adventures that she and John shared, revealing in the process that she has never, even for a moment, relinquished control of her own destiny.
Given her unusual story, her only-in-Hollywood childhood, her friendships with Ursula Andress and Linda Evans (both of John's ex-wives), her time spent living in a trailer home, her rumored relationship with Ted Turner, and her exhaustive work for the Republican Party, it often seems as if Bo has lived nine lives rather than just one. Whether spurning Life magazine or passing on the opportunity to work with legendary filmmaker Dino De Laurentiis, Bo has gone with her gut regardless of the consequences. And that's only fitting for the woman who has chosen to live life with no safety nets--and no regrets.
But as Bo makes clear in Riding Lessons, it is her passion for John and her love of all things equine that have been the constants in her life. Sharing her hard-won lessons on life and love, she draws on her intuitive understanding of horses to offer surprising insights into the dynamics of intimate relationships.
In this compelling memoir, Bo Derek writes openly of her growing self-awareness and of the coping strategies she has learned, whether faced with sudden stardom, the crazy and competitive world of moviemaking, or the death of her beloved husband. With Riding Lessons, she transcends her legendary physical beauty to reveal an inner wisdom certain to enlighten and enthrall readers of all ages.
Customer Reviews:
Not Bad.......2002-07-15
This wasn't a bad book at all, and I admit to having been conditioned by my society to believe that Ms. Derek wasn't the smartest fish in the school. This, believe it or not, is a simple story, told simply. Although she has had fantastic encounters with the rich and famous and travelled widely the world over, Ms. Derek writes a story of a life spent just as enjoyably in a quiet world as in the fast lane variety. Her story is told honestly, with no baloney thrown in, and I was very impressed at how honestly she dealt with herself. She pulled no punches (which I liked) but didn't make herself out to be a saint either. John Derek comes across as an honest and complicated human being and not the glorified star that some people believed. All told, this was an enjoyable read.
Horse Tale.......2002-05-03
I was a little disappointed in the title after I had read the book...hoping it would be more about how horses affected her life. I was left with the sad impression that she is a little more shallow than I believed. The stories don't lead to any deep revelations...they leave you hanging. I hope she is more colorful than these stories portray her to be.
Light reading.......2002-04-21
It seems that this book was put together rather hastily, as there is not much depth here. You will be disappointed if you were expecting a nice celebrity biography (or just a biography). It seems that Bo wants the readers to believe that she is more than a 'bimbo' but there is not much evidence in the book. Often, she talks about how she didn't have an interest of her own but was content to follow her husband's passion. She admits that she doesn't read much at all. There are numerous 'admissions'like this mixed with incidents that do show her wiillful self: 1)refusing the life cover 2)being a producer for a porn film and other films that she starred in 3)supporting Bush campaign.
At the end, she states that she purposefully didn't try to portray John, her husband, because she didn't want to misportray him. However, the lack of his presence in the book is just too glaring. I wish there are more indepth discussion about how she felt about him , how she saw him, what about him that she loved, how she changed over the time, etc.
Even the episode that she describes about Jane Fonda trying to be a matchmaker for Ted Tuner and herself, comes off shallow in terms of her reaction. To normal people, it is strange for Jane to try to introduce her husband (they were by then separated) to Bo. However, Bo lived an unconventional life where she was friends with all ex-wives of her husband. Even here she comes off as little airhead.
Before reading this book, I always imagine Bo Derek as beautiful, mysterious, and spiritual with lots of inner strength. But this book convinced me otherwise. I am curious how John Derek, a man of many passion and interest who married exceptional women in terms of physical beauty as well as mental, dealt with Bo who were some what plain mentally. She admits that John patiently waited for Bo to grow up to be a fascinating persona of her own but it really didn't happen.
However, one thing seems to be true: she is an honest and nice girl. So that's lot better than most celebrity of our time!
Now, I am very curious about Ursula Andress as she seems to be a woman of great depth and intelligence- what a surprise!
Enjoyable but not much new here.......2002-03-19
Bo Derek has always fascinated the world even though it appears she could care less. One of the few celebrities that didn't care to have the spotlight on her to lead a quality life. And that's what comes through this book. But unfortunately, virtually all of this was already known so there is no new ground to cover.
Yes, Bo is beautiful and a part of American film legend. And the pictures in the book again demonstrate just how photogenic she is. But she politely attempts to dispel the "dumb blonde" myth without giving us much depth. She was raised in a slightly unconventional family which spent quite a bit of time with Ann Margaret and her family. She was discovered young without much formal education but traveled widely with her Svengali husband. Living with John Derek is an education in itself. She slightly attempts to debunk the theory that he led her life. While that may be true in form, in substance, his influence was so great it altered her behavior patterns similar to his.
Bo's career was really a "flash in the pan", 10, Tarzan and Bolero followed by long periods out of the industry. Bo seemed content to lead a quiet home life in love with her husband and her animals. Frankly, I was surprised the book was not a proclamation of her devotion to John. Rather, it was a testament to her love of her animals with John more of a sidelight.
Bo has survived and enjoyed her life while the same time mentally and emotionally growing. This is a very "soft", fast read to understand more about her. It is not a deep read but does give a glimpse of the life of a celebrity. There are no life's lessons to learn here. But if you followed her career, you will probably enjoy this book.
You will love this book.......2002-03-08
Bo Derek's approach to the ups&downs of life is quietly wise and very good natured. Her life story (so far!)and her relationships are fascinating. This book inspires us all to be like her: a woman of great inner beauty AND strength. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and getting to know Bo.
Book Description
A veteran trainer shows how to use traditional dressage exercises for optimum performance and communication between horse and rider.
Customer Reviews:
taking horse training to the next level.......2007-09-06
truely an exquisite book: like no one before, mark russell has illuminated old world classical training techniques and made them accessible and applicable in our every day horse training.
and in between the lines of this thoughtfully presented material, mark reminds us why we have come to horses in the first place: utmost care for the horse's well being throughout the whole training process is evident in the constant search for relaxation and lightness (of and to the aids), and thus enjoyment in our dance with the horse.
EXCELLENT BOOK.......2006-11-11
this is a good book on training and the philosophy of training I Think one will find it useful regardless of disipline (English, Western, Racing, Dressage, Reining etc
A "How To" Book About Riding in Lightness.......2005-06-03
If you've always thought there was more to riding than driving and restraining, if you've been searching for an instructor who could blend the best of classical dressage and natural horsemanship, then this book is your answer. The wording is concise and the exercises are understandable and practical for riders of all disciplines. Mark Russell's training is broken down into three phases for the reader. This system makes the material easily understood by the human and ultimately the horse. Importance is placed on working the horse "in hand" through various schooling exercises, then the ridden exercises are covered. Some topics include lateral work, the half-halt, transitions, and flying changes. In addition, there is a valuable chapter on body mechanics of the horse and rider. Mr. Russell gives the reader a systematic program for suppling and strengthening the horse. Throughout, emphasis is placed on teaching the horse to balance himself effectively. I have successfully applied techniques found in this book and am certain, when followed faithfully, Mark Russell's methods will produce a relaxed horse with supple gaits, light to the aids and happy in his work. Note: Some reviews have listed this book as written by Bettina Drummond. The authorship is correctly "Mark Russell with Andrea W. Steele", Ms. Drummond supplies the Foreward.
Multiple 5 Star reviews already on this new release.......2005-01-04
The Horsemans Yankee Pedlar says a must read for any discipline. For more info see mouseholefarm.com or markrusselltraining.com
Book Description
"To become a good horseman, one needs to be bold, agile, and relaxed," wrote Udo Burger, the renowned equine veterinarian. Horse lovers will tell you that this is because these keen and magnificent animals respond powerfully to the subtlest body language. How you approach the horse is a reflection of how you approach the world. Think bold, agile, and relaxed.
In Zen and Horses, author Ingrid Soren shares the wealth of true-life lessons she learned as a beginning student of both horseback riding and Zen Buddhism. Looking to make a fresh start following the demise of a long-term relationship, she discovers a well of inner strength by overcoming her terror of horses, progressing slowly from inexperience in the saddle through frustration and humility to, eventually, exhilaration. "One great thing about riding," she writes, "is that it is a potent ego reducer."
Weaving her own vivid images of the English countryside with lines from Henry Miller, T. S. Eliot, Dogen, Buddha, and other writers and thinkers, Soren captures the essence of what captivates people so about horses-- physically, mentally, and spiritually. At the same time, she draws meaningful parallels between such concepts as being versus doing, the self versus the other, and endings and beginnings. Readers also come to know the personalities of Soren's many mounts-- Dulcie, PG, Rocky, Jade, Leo, and the others-- as each in turn becomes her Zen master.
Like Zen in the Art of Archery, published nearly 50 years earlier, Zen and Horses shows that the challenges we face are finally met when we trust in the moment and, with grace, let go.
Customer Reviews:
What a great book........2007-06-23
I bought this book for my girlfriend to read on the plane travelling back from Canada, only, I read it before ariving home. It opens your eyes to both the fear and joy of riding horses to the learning process itself. It has made me more aware of how to teach people as well as what I should expect learning new things, something I hate doing, but must. Buy this book to help you learn to ride, buy it to help you learn, buy it.
A must have .......2007-06-03
I bought this book to read about another person's journey learning to ride horse. I closed this book knowing and understanding myself and my riding much better. I would never have thought of me and my horse becoming like one skin. It is amazing how Ingred after such a short time riding, could feel her horse tense under her and even predict what her horse's next move would be...I've been riding for 2 years, and I still feel like I don't have a clue what's going on in my horses' minds. But, I know a lot more now, and I know how to improve my riding. It starts with letting the horse be itself. And "opening the tunnel"!
A must read for students of riding and students of life.......2003-08-16
Ingrid Sorens' touching recount of her first years of riding is intelligent and insightful. I think it is fabulous that someone riding for such a relativley short period of time was able to come to the realization of allowing the horse to just be and not get in their way, the path to truly harmonious riding.
To read her descriptions is to be there. She is a vibrant writer who brings you into her space with masterful skill. You do not have to be searching for a book on riding(although all riders should read it) to find this one intriguing. It is a fabulous journey about living life, overcoming fears and an intimate exploraton of Zen philosophy. It has helped me refocus in my life. THANK YOU.
Horses or no, I will be looking forward greatly to her next release. Can't wait.
Calming and wonderful.......2002-05-21
The cover photo and the title is what caught my eye. And we are a horse loving, horse riding family going back generations. And the book is small. A tad bigger than 5X7 but it is so full of wisdom. And until I read it I never had thought of the Zen aspect of horses. Their stillness and power and the way they just "are".
The way she speaks of Ducie and the other horses she rode, the reader feels like they are there almost as an eavesdropper or horse voyeur. In chapter four A Portion Of Genius I could almost smell the stables when she writes "several girls were mucking out the stables when I arrived. Piles of dirty straw littered the cobbles, and two horses were drinking from a stone trough at one end." And when she speaks of Johnny as being camp and how he was slight, dainty and balding in a lavender shirt and salmon pink carvat I had to chuckle thinking of a man this reminds me of.
Chapter Twelve Surrender and Trust was enchanting. The way she writes of Jade the horse and practicing her dressage and how animals (page 99) have much to teach us about acceptance and how riding is really a Zen like state of mind. Where you become one with the animal and the rest of the world seems to fade away.
How horse therapy with children as well as adults helps bridge the gap of fear into a world where this large animal that so many see as a power force can become the trusted friend that rather than hurt will instead with its rocking motion as you ride, will soothe and calm and take the fear away.
I am not going to tell anymore about the book because it is so special and I simply want you to read it and treasure it and be better for it.
Books:
- Sabine's Notebook: In Which the Extraordinary Correspondence of Griffin & Sabine Continues
- Sailing the Wine-Dark Sea: Why the Greeks Matter (Hinges of History)
- Saints Behaving Badly: The Cutthroats, Crooks, Trollops, Con Men, and Devil-Worshippers Who Became Saints
- Salem's Lot
- Saving Faith
- Sharpe's Company (Richard Sharpe's Adventure Series #13)
- Smitten
- Snow Country
- Son of a Preacher Man: My Search for Grace in the Shadows
- Speaking Spanish Like a Native
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Writing and Speaking at Work: A Practical Guide for Business Communication
- The Grief Recovery Handbook : The Action Program for Moving Beyond Death Divorce, and Other Losses
- Stepping Out of the Bubble: Reflections on the Pilgrimage of Counseling Therapy
- Markets and States in Tropical Africa: The Political Basis of Agricultural Policies
- Successful Dissertations and Theses: A Guide to Graduate Student Research from Proposal to Completio
- The Joy Luck Club
- The Lady in the Palazzo: At Home in Umbria
- Accountancy for Banking Students
- Reforming Economic Systems in Developing Countries
- Cavedweller: A Novel
Flying Changes: A Novel
Water for Elephants: A Novel
Chosen by a Horse
Horseplay: A Novel
In & Out: Year One in the Jumping for Gold Series
