Saturday, November 28, 2009

HorseLibrary Book Reviews (2)

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
Probably one of the most exciting and beneficial breakthroughs in equine psychology and training in the last decade has been the procedure the author calls "imprint training," the behavior-shaping learning process that occurs immediately after a foal's birth. Renowned veterinarian, clinician and lecturer Dr. Robert M. Miller researched, developed and presented these techniques to a world full of horsemen and - women eager to bond with their horses, understand them better and help them to live more comfortably and willingly in a world full of humans.

Dr. Miller, like most of us, was taught the conventional wisdom that excessive handling of newborn foals would result in spoiled foals and the risk of rejection by the mare. However, in over 30 years of veterinary practice, he found just the opposite. Foals he was forced to handle because of obstetrical emergencies turned out to be gentle and unafraid of him later on, and they recognized him. Horses, like deer, cattle, sheep and certain fowl, are a "precocial" species and are imprinted by what they see moving around them after they're born.
Dr. Miller experimented with his own foals, maximizing their handling at the time of birth to imprint them. He added desensitizing procedures and later conditioned responses to create "imprint training," a technique that’s now in use all over the world, with all breeds and other precocial species, as well.

This book contains Dr. Miller's theories and techniques, including step-by-step procedures involving bonding, habituation and sensitization. He discusses how to properly handle the mare before, during and after imprinting. There are subsequent sessions detailing how to tie and halter-break the foal, and the added bonus of teaching performance basics that ultimately aid in under-saddle training. Dr. Miller also addresses problems and their prevention, plus the handling of special cases, such as race horses and mules.

About the Author
ROBERT MILLER, D.V.M. is a world-renowned veterinarian, animal behaviorist, author, and lecturer. Since 1965, he's been a much sought-after speaker at universities and veterinary and horsemen's groups on various aspects of veterinary science and horsemanship. His lectures and seminars have been presented all over America, Europe, Australia, and Africa. He's also appeared as an expert witness in many court cases. His other books include Health Problems of the Horse, Revised Health Problems of the Horse, and Most of My Patients Are Animals, plus the video titles Influencing the Horse's Mind and Imprint Training of the Foal.

Mike Kevil has been desribe as a 'horse whisperer', psychologist, magician and animal behaviorist, however he describes himself as just a plain old 'horse trainer'. He doesn't follow fashion or trend and plainly states that all he really does is train horses. He feels anyone can do what he does if they obtain the knowledge and practice the methods and skills. A few basic skills and a good work ethic are all that is needed to get started. In this practical guide Kevil provides the reader with these basic skills and much more, as the book is ideal for both the beginner and expert horse-person.

Based on a simple philosophy of Stimulus-Reward, then Repeat Kevil's method is ideal for horse people wishing to develop a better relationship with their horse. He describes the process of applying the stimulus until the desired response is achieved and immediately reward the horse to reinforce the desired behavior. Emphasizing safety, Kevil offers the reader an understanding of how to apply and cease the stimuli in a humane and beneficial manner. Safety and easy progress are emphasized along with a patient and steady approach in order to build confidence in both horse and handler/trainer.

From the Back Cover
You can use different words to describe Mike Kevil - horse whisperer, psychologist, magician, behaviorist--but he prefers just plain old horse trainer. "Whatever the current fad," he says, "all we're really doing is training a horse. It isn't magical, mystical, secretive, or even difficult for the most part. Most anyone can do it; but to do it well takes knowledge and practice. A few basic skills and a good work ethic are all you need to get started."

Kevil gives the reader all that and more in this practical guide to mastering horse-training skills aimed at both the expert and novice horseman and -woman. His philosophy is simple: Stimulus-Response-Reward, then Repeat. You apply a stimulus until you get the desired response, then you stop the stimulus and reward the horse. In the pages of Starting Colts, Kevil offers readers an understanding of how to apply and cease the stimulus in the best and most humane way possible. He emphasizes safety and going slowly with young horses. Patience and a steady approach build confidence in both the horse and trainer. Chapters include facilities, equipment, catching and leading, tying up, longeing, sacking out, first saddling, introduction to the bit, driving, first ride, first thirty days, developing the mouth, thirty to ninety days, and trailer loading.

About the Author
MIKE KEVIL has over thirty years' experience starting colts and changing the behavior of older horses. He's traveled all over the United States and Europe working with all breeds of horses and disciplines. He works with clubs, associations, schools, and horseman's groups. The countless colts Kevil has started have gone on to become champions in a variety of disciplines, but perhaps what's most important to him is that The horses have become winners in the hearts of their owners. When asked why he does what he does, he replied: "Two reasons. I like helping people learn, and I find the horse's mind fascinating. After all these years and all the horses I've worked with, I still get a kick every time a horse makes an improvement. My job is to teach the horse something so he's better than when I started with him."
About the Author
Erik Herbermann was born in Amsterdam in 1945. His initial equestrian training was with Patricia Salt FBHS, a pupil herself of the Spanish Riding School. Subsequently, he studied under the celebrated classical riding teacher, Egon von Neindorff. Now residing in the USA, Erik Herbermann devotes much of his time to lecturing, teaching and conducting clinics internationally. As well as producing three editions of his enduring classic, Dressage Formula, and narrating an audio version of its third edition, he has also written numerous articles for equestrian publications in the United States, Holland and Canada. Erik Herbermann is a staunch advocate of classical ideals. His ideology is based on an objective study of the horse's nature, which seeks the depth of understanding and quality of work perceived in the greatest of Renaissance Masters. In common with these luminaries he views equitation as a self-improving art, rooted in the utmost affections and respect for the horse.



Believe: A Horseman's Journey - Buck Brannaman and William Reynolds
Review
"Others have falsely claimed to be the inspiration for Tom Booker in The Horse Whisperer. The one who truly inspired me was Buck Brannaman. His skill, understanding and his gentle, loving heart have parted the clouds for countless troubled creatures. Buck is the Zen master of the horse world."--Nicholas Evans, author of The Horse Whisperer

"There's a point in horsemanship when horse and horseman know enough about each other that a third thing, another dimension, begins to be part of the relationship. It's upon this element that the real ride takes place and in Believe we can see the markers along the journey."
--Tom McGuane

"Buck Brannaman is a remarkable person. Remarkable in that he can communicate on a variety of levels--with people as well as horses--all with one desire, to help free the spirit in everyone involved."--Jill Rappaport, Entertainment correspondent on NBC's "Today Show" and co-author of People We Know, Horses They Love


"Each of the 13 stories here offers a variation on the central lesson. One of the most engaging things is that these are not all wealthy horse people with great means at their disposal: often the people represented here simply enoy a long-standing love affair with horses and the pleassures they bring."--Santa Barbara News-Press


Believe continues the on from Brannaman's best selling The Faraway Horses, and portrays the journey of twelve people with whom he has worked and in their words and Brannaman's perspective this book present s essays of firsthand experience hope and confidence Brannama is able to instill not only in these people but also their horses and their unique relationship.

  • Sherry learnt to replace fear with a knowledge of reality
  • Theresa acquired patience and a sense of timing in teaching her horse to accept saddle and bridle
  • Sissy credits her new found ability to dealwith life threatening illness to Brannaman's inspirational words and actions
  • Shane experienced the ability of horse to rebuild and strengthen a bond between him and his son.
From the Back Cover
In his best-selling The Faraway Horses, Buck Brannaman, extraordinary trainer and acknowledged inspiration for The Horse Whisperer, described how he found his calling and honed his art and craft. Following the book’s widespread acclaim, the universal application of Brannaman’s approach to interpersonal relationships has struck a responsive chord in the equestrian community and with the public at large.
Believe continues to chronicle the man’s efforts as catalyst and mentor as we meet thirteen people with whom he has worked. Through their words and through Brannaman’s perceptive introductions to each essay, we experience first-hand the hope and confidence that he has instilled in them and their horses.
You will discover through these stories how many untapped dreams and abilities you, too, possess, and how you can bring them to fruition. So journey with Buck Brannaman, learn from him, and profit from the voyage.

About the Author
Buck Brannaman is the widely respected horse gentler whose approach has inspired and revolutionized the equestrian world. He lives with his wife Mary and their three daughters in Sheridan, Wyoming.
William Reynolds, associate publisher of Cowboys & Indians magazine, lives with his family in California’s Santa Ynez Valley.



Natural Horsemanship - Pat Parelli, Kathy Kadash and Karen Parelli

Pat Parelli needs no introduction and this classic book on natural horsemanship is seen as the horse and rider training handbook.

From the Back Cover
Internationally known and respected as a horseman and clinician, Pat Parelli has helped thousands of riders understand and communicate with their horses through his Parelli Natural Horse-Man-Ship program. PNH offers riders achievable goals and measurable standards, no matter the discipline - English or western - or the activity - competitive or recreational. Pat's philosophies and concepts are based on a language of trust, leadership and respect, and a special bond between horse and human.
From the Back Cover
A horse-handling clinician's time-tested techniques for effectively preventing and solving common horse problems. Develop a willing partnership between horse and human.
This book includes the most common problems people consistently seem to have with their horses including: groundwork, riding foundation, trailer-loading, barn-sour, spooking, crossing water and bridges, herd-bound, pulling back when tied and much, much more.

About the Author
Marty Marten has devoted his life to helping people solve problems, start colts, and trailer-load horses by giving public and private horsemanship clinics. His career as a horsemanship clinician started in 1988, and since then he's added trail riding, cow working, and working ranch clinics to help people advance and apply their horsemanship principles to real life situations. In addition, Marty has given horsemanship safety clinics for feed-yard cowboys in Texas, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, and Kansas, and private clinics for owners and wranglers at Colorado guest ranches.
Given 5 out of 5 stars by purchasers as a instructional book on western riding.


A tremendous resources for both the beginner and expert trainer with wonderful photographs and diagrams, in which Loomis present s a clear and methodical training program. Beginning with his philosophy on horsemanship (think not intimidate) Loomis commences with ground work and basic conditioning training and progresses to suppling exercises emphasizing the importance of circles and advantaged maneuvers. Loomis teaches the reader to think, about how the horse thinks and how the horseman t thinks. Trainer or rider, with this book the reader will never stop learning how to improve from whatever level he is at. A tremendous resource! A must read for any western discipline, with well organized information for all levels.


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