HorseLibrary Books Reviews

My passion is horses, and running my own small Arabian horse stud (Marywood Arabians) is what I love the most. So in order to produce happy people friendly horses my search has led me to a philosophy depicted by the well known 'natural' horseman such as Pat Parelli, Tom and Bill Dorrance and Sid Gustafson.

My blog is about books relating to horses, and in particular aspects of training our best friends. I personally am influenced by practice natural horsemanship practices and ethos.




Reviews:

The Language of Natural Horsemanship - Sid Gustafson

Written by a lifelong horseman and experienced veterinarian, The Language of Natural Horsemanship is a unique tool for riders and horse owners of any skill level or discipline. In addition to natural training approaches, this book offers lessons in natural stabling that enhance equine health and sustain the horse in the appropriate mental space for training and performing optimally.






The Spirit of Horsemanship: Natural Training Through Feel for Harmony with Your Horse - Pamela DeMuth

We often come to horse ownership with a dream, which may have started as a child. In time our experiences may no longer match our expectations. Even though we have some success, there is always more we can learn enhancing our present skills and knowledge. This book is a wealth of information to fill in the gaps we often don't know exist in the horse's understanding or in our presentation.

Pamela DeMuth provides a rich blend of natural principles, skill building exercises, examples, and experiences to inspire a new and deeper way to improve your connection with your horse. These are based on her work with horses and people, and the teachings of master horsemen. As you apply the concepts contained within, your skills in reading and communicating with horses can be greatly expanded into joyous win-win horsemanship.


No matter your focus, discipline, or level of experience, the principles presented in The Spirit of Horsemanship can make dreams a reality for you and your horse. This book shows how small changes within you can lead to profound changes in what you offer to and gain from these magnificent beings-and all of life!

True Horsemanship Through Feel - Bill Dorrance and Leslie Desmond

A refreshingly straightforward and commonsensical approach to better communication with your mount-and therefore, better horsemanship

From the Back Cover
Expert horseman Bill Dorrance chose the name True Horsemanship Through Feel because feel is the language of horses. Learning that language can expand any horseman's knowledge and abilities - whether they are learning to rope, ride, or start horses. In language that is generously detailed and packed with meaning, Dorrance directs our attention to the many subtle thi ngs there are to notice about the ways that horses and humans operate. In these pages, he urges us to reach toward a deeper level of insight into horses and ourselves, as he ladles out a wealth of helpful information. With hundreds of illustrations, True Horsemanship Through Feel takes you step-by-step through the basic struggles that have characterized horse-human relations for centuries. Drawing on his years of experience, Bill Dorrance crafted a book that imparts the knowledge only previously available by word of mouth.


Discovering Natural Horsemanship: A Beginner's Odyssey - Tom Moates

Moates was an established author, writing on the subjects of homestead living and renewable energy. But in his midthirties, he felt like he was ready for a change. His wife, Carol, saw an ad for an "Amish trained" horse. When Carol met Niji, there was an instant connection, and she and the author began a new communication with horses that they call the Better Way. Natural horsemanship is largely about the relationship between horse and human, about seeing things from the horse's point of view. In plain language, Moates speaks of how he learned to work with Niji and with Sokeri, the mare he later bought. Moates was a total novice and unused to riding, so the emphasis on communication with the horse as a separate issue from the commands and aids used to guide the ridden horse makes for a refreshing addition to the large canon of books on horsemanship. This personalized account of learning the art of natural horsemanship will find a ready audience among horse lovers and anyone interested in animal training. Nancy Bent
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

"Tom has an easy, personal style of writing and he warns people gently yet
effectively of how much natural horsemanship necessitates our own self
development."--Linda Parelli

"What a unique and utterly refreshing approach to the topic of natural horsemanship. In a genre flooded with overbearing tomes that spout trademarked catch-phrases, Tom’s book stands out as a truly enjoyable read, with the added benefit of being incredibly informative. Rather than simply telling us what natural horsemanship is all about, Tom invites the reader to learn along with him. The journey is fascinating.

One of the most open-minded, inquisitive and contemplative people you’l l ever meet, Tom is continually asking “why” and gives careful consideration to each and every answer he receives. When he turns his attention to horses and so honestly shares with us what he discovers, the result is a gem of a book."--Christine Barakat, Equus magazine

"With his blatant honesty, Tom gives other beginners in this quest of plenty to relate to, but he also takes those of us who have never known life without horses back to revisit some of the perils, struggles, and life-changing discoveries that horses present all of us. Many of us have come to accept these as everyday occurrences and need the newness and freshness of Tom's insight that we might look anew at what life with horses has to offer us humans."—Harry Whitney

"The prose is wonderful, a smooth ride in itself. I have only just started, and already as I read I am worried that you can't keep it up. Can this continue so smoothly and so fun?" --Dr. D avid Williams, PhD, author of Sin Boldly! and Wilderness Lost

Moates was an established author, writing on the subjects of homestead living and renewable energy. But in his midthirties, he felt like he was ready for a change. His wife, Carol, saw an ad for an "Amish trained" horse. When Carol met Niji, there was an instant connection, and she and the author began a new communication with horses that they call the Better Way. Natural horsemanship is largely about the relationship between horse and human, about seeing things from the horse's point of view. In plain language, Moates speaks of how he learned to work with Niji and with Sokeri, the mare he later bought. Moates was a total novice and unused to riding, so the emphasis on communication with the horse as a separate issue from the commands and aids used to guide the ridden horse makes for a refreshing addition to the large canon of books on horsemanship. This personalized account of learning the art of natural horsemanship will find a ready audience among horse lovers and anyone interested in animal training. /Nancy Bent/Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved/--Booklist



Flight without Wings: The Arabian Horse and the Show World - Patti Schofler

From the Back Cover

The world's oldest horse breed, the Arabian, epitomizes equine versatility, participating in all disciplines of English, Western, dressage, driving, and in-hand horse show classes. Flight Without Wings sets forth rules and requirements and analyzes the essential qualities and capabilities needed for success in every Arabian show division, together with sharing sound advice from top trainers and exhibitors to prepare for and then compete in such divisions as:

• Saddle Seat
• Hunter Pleasure/Show Hack
• Western Pleasure
• Sport Horse In-Hand/Under Saddle/Show Hack
• Dressage
• Hunters and Jumpers
• Working Western
• Trail
• Reining
• Working Cow and Cutting
• Halter
• Driving

In his preface, noted judge Pete Cameron calls the book "the ideal tool for success, providing an in-depth picture of the Arabian horse and his show world in a solid, friendly, intelligent, and readable way. For that reason, it will pilot the beginning horse owner through the show world, providing both the big picture and the details. It also will serve Arabian owners and fans of the breed. . . . Further, the book will guide future horse people and horse show spectators who want to understand what they are watching when they attend Arabian shows. And it will introduce the breed to those intrigued by the Arabian horse."

About the Author
Patti Schofler is an active horse show manager and exhibitor who has written for Arabian Horse Magazine, Arabian Horse World, and other equestrian publications. She lives in Petaluma, California.



Catching Horses Made Easy (Intelligent Horsemanship with Kelly Marks) - Kelly Marks

Kelly Marks demonstrates her tried and tested method of catching any horse, explaining the psychology and body language essential to success.

About the Author

Kelly Marks, former showjumper and jockey, is a protégé of Monty Roberts.





Catching & Halter Training (DVD) - Shane Ramsley

Shane has a unique way of making things clear and simple, in this video Shane takes you through step by step in an easy to follow programme for all horses young or old that will encourage them to become confident and supple not only on the ground but though all levels of riding.

See how to prepare a young horse to lead with its first halter.

All horses should be trained to do what is shown in this DVD

Teach Yourself Natural Horsemanship In 14 Days: The Complete Horse Training Guide - David McMahon and Eric Bravo

Why spend money on expensive trainers when you can train your horses yourself? In Teach Yourself Natural Horsemanship in 14 days renowned horse trainer Eric Bravo reveals the secret foundation of natural horsemanship in 14 easy-to-follow lessons. Topics covered include round-pen work, catching and leading, groundwork exercises, basic riding skills, and trailer loading. Works with any style of riding, western or English.

About the Author
Eric Bravo is a highly-sought natural horsemanship trainer that lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He knows horses like no other and is widely renowned for his ability to solve horse behavior problems. His co-author, David McMahon, owns 3 horses and applies natural horsemanship techniques to keep his horses behaving nicely when he is not busy following Eric around.




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