Reviews (13)

Great Jumping book for beginners
This book creates a great foundation to train yourself and your horse to excell in jumping no matter what your intentions may be. I personally would recomend this book for all ages and engligh riders even the one's with no intention on jumping.

A Great Book To Keep In Your Tack Room!
I have started to do some of these exercises with my Appaloosa gelding. He is ten, but has gone western the two years he has been trained and is very ignorant of english riding skills.
101 Jumping Exercises for Horse & Rider
I bought the book originally to add some variety to my training sessions and to obtain ideas on different exercises.Now both my trainer and I do not jump without the book close by.The different grid exercises have added so much to our workouts!Not only has it helped our horses become more confident it has helped our equitation tremendously.I would highly recommend this book for both beginers and the more experienced rider! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Equestrian    2. Horsemanship    3. Horses    4. Horses - Riding    5. Horses - Showing/Training    6. Jumping (Horsemanship)    7. Pets    8. Show jumping    9. Training    10. Horses & ponies    11. Pets / Horses / Riding    12. Riding & horsemanship    13. SPORTS & RECREATION / Equestrian   

Reviews (14)

Imperfect but a Great Start!!!
I purchased this book in an effort to make good on the commitment I made to my hulking 5th wife.She (Bessie) has been increasingly difficult to manage and in general, a bit of an overweight wild bronco.I, semi-correctly, thought this book would help.I note the following from the book's description:
An enjoyable read.
I am reading books on horsemanship.I had seleted various authors and cooresponding trainers. Each offer styles that work. Each are similiar. The difference is the preentation of the material. I have a dog and have brought him back from the meanest one I ever owned. He was abused and he has found a very loving home. He is no longer mean, showing his teeth on every approach. The things I see in horse training are very similiar to how I work with dogs.
Great book for new horse owner
I am new to riding and just recently bought a horse. This book, together with "How Your Horse Wants You to Ride," has been a great help to make sense of all the well-meaning advice and my observations.
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Subjects:  1. Animal Behavior (Ethology)    2. Behavior    3. Equestrian    4. Equestrian Sports    5. Horses    6. Horses - Riding    7. Horses - Showing/Training    8. Human-animal communication    9. Life Sciences - Zoology - General    10. Pets    11. Sports & Recreation    12. Training    13. Horses & ponies    14. Pets / Horses / Riding    15. Riding & horsemanship   

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Reviews (14)

It's not magic, just good horsemanship!
When I started riding, I asked an old cowboy to teach me to ride. He told me, "Keep one leg on each side of the saddle, and you stay in the middle". Lesson over!
Practical and easy to follow
Clinton Anderson's methods work, quickly and effectivly.this book is definatly helping me get my confidence back.Well written and easy to follow.

It HELPS
The most clear , concise book on working with horses both English and Westen I have seenin years.Especially helpful is information given by the participantsactually handling the horses about the mistakesthey make in each exercise, and how to correct them.. Pictures are lovely and informative- they show what should be done .A very common sense approach to horse handling using methods that really work, not gimmicks or short-cuts. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Equestrian    3. Equestrian Sports    4. Horsemanship    5. Horses    6. Horses - Riding    7. Pets    8. Sports    9. Sports & Recreation    10. Training    11. Western riding    12. Equestrian & animal sports    13. Horses & ponies    14. Riding & horsemanship    15. Sports & Recreation / Equestrian   

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Reviews (8)

Easy Read
This was very easy to read and extremely informative book.Couldn't put it down until I finished it.
John Lyons IS the best horse in the paddock!
As a professional horse trainer who lives her craft, I give John Lyons a TON of credit for making me the horsewoman I am today. John is known as America's Most Trusted Horseman and I'll take it a step further and call him the guy who writes THE how-to books on training. John's not a bells and whistles kind of guy, just one heck of a great trainer. If you purchase only one book on horse training, I suggest this reasonably priced book that beautiflly illustrates how John builds a foundation of trust and respect. If you are able to apply the basic principles illustrated, you will be able to improve any horse, regardless of age or experience - and I mean that for both you and your horse. The book features 20 progressive ground-work lessons to develop your horse into a reliable, accepting partner. I Give It 4 Hooves Up!

Good Book
I have this book and have used some of the things in it. It's not really what I need for my horse. She's two, really hyper, green and distracted. The instruction in the book is great. I just needed more of a detailed...do this, this might happen, fix it like this...book. I'm new at this. She's the first horse I've tried to train. I've been around horses for most of my life but training is alot different I'm learning. I have a new baby horse on the way though and I know this will be an invaluable resource for training her(or him). Along with Dr. Miller's Imprint Training. I would recommend this book. But I have really found alot of help in Clinton Anderson's new book. With all these books combined my horse and I are doing good and I know we'll both learn alot. It's a good book and valuable addition to anyone's library. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Horses    3. Horses - Riding    4. Human-animal communication    5. Pets    6. Training    7. HORSES_TRAINING    8. Pets / Horses / Riding   

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Reviews (4)

Wonderful teacher
The following is a copy of an email I sent to Kelly recently.
Very Helpful and Immensely Enjoyable
As an Equine (and Human) Therapist, I have to connect with horses in a professional setting quickly in order to do my job effectively whereby the horse can gain the most benefit in a limited amount of time.While there is definitely an innate ability one either does or does not possess in connecting with animals, Ms. Marks can help hone your skills and teach you safer horse handling.This helps make the horse feel more secure in your presence.A horse that feels safe will act safely.I feel strongly that even the most advanced horseman can benefit from reading it and have placed it on my "recommended reading" list at horseholistics.com.

Outstanding book!
If you could only buy one horse book, this would be it! This is a "must have" for all horse owners - I cannot stress this enough. I have read several books, but this one is my ultimate favorite and stands above the rest. We need more writers like Kelly Marks who truly understand the nature of the horse and how to handle and care for them humanely. If you do not own this book, I cannot recommend this book highly enough. You will be so amazed with the knowledge you will gain. For example, for behavior problems, this book teaches you to understand what your horse is trying to tell you, and to look to yourself for the answer, instead of looking for that quick, possibly inhumane, solution. She wants you to ask yourself, "Why is my horse doing this," as this is an important basis to determine a solution. Her psychological perspective will knock you off your socks. Not only will you have fun learning about your horse, but you will also have fun learning neat facts about yourself. She also provides excellent exercises that will help you to successfully build a wonderful relationship with your horse. There is so much important information in this book that you do not want to miss. Please read it; you and your horse will be so happy you did. :-)
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Subjects:  1. Behavior    2. Horses    3. Horses - General    4. Horses - Showing/Training    5. Pets    6. Training    7. ANIMAL BEHAVIOR    8. HORSES_TRAINING    9. Pets / Horses / Riding   

Reviews (13)

Great book for the Intermediate rider working at home.
This book is great for riders who can easily walk trot and lope/canter and depart on a correct lead.
In an enlightened age, Cherry is still old school
Cherry Hill has come up with some neat little exercise books to offer you training ideas. But she has some outdated ideas on horse training. Compare the advice you get in her book "The Formative Years" with some of the more enlightened trainers published in the last 20 years.

A valuable addition to your equestrian library.
The number of excellent reviews for this book reflect the application to riders of all levels and disciplines. The most valuable aspect of this book is that it encourages the rider to formulate a plan for their schooling sessions and make a conscious decision not to do the same thing day in day out - something we are all guilty of on occasion. Make your schooling sessions more fun for you and your horse with this informative guide. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Equestrian Sports    2. General    3. Horsemanship    4. Horses - Riding    5. Horses - Showing/Training    6. Pets    7. Study and teaching    8. PETS / Horses / Riding    9. Riding & horsemanship   

Reviews (5)

Great for Beginners
Only new to the horse training realm and this book with it's well laid out structure and diagrams has been invaluable. It is also easy enough for my 12 year old daughter to understand and use.

A Must for Every Equestrians Bookshelf
I can never get enough of books with exercises that challenge both my horse and I.This book is one that every Equestrian should have, whether for training purposes or just getting back in shape.Half of the Exercises are really basic and a waste for an intermediate to advanced rider, but then again I guess all horses can use a few lessons in the refresher courses. The last 30 Exercises focus on long lining which I use on all my younger horses. They advance from driving a horse in a yin yang pattern to change direction to Figure 8s and Lazy 8s (just a flatten figure 8). Eventually the horse graduates to haunches in and shoulders in. I find that even more advanced school masters benefit from these exercises.
Valuable addition to any equestrian library.
Spice up your ground work with this educational guide and develop a better relationship with your horse in the process. There are often days when we perhaps don't have the time to ride, but instead of just longeing around on the circle we could be more constructive - this book can help you. I find this book particulary useful when starting young horses. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals / Pets    2. Horses - Riding    3. Horses - Showing/Training    4. Long reining (Horsemanship)    5. Lungeing (Horsemanship)    6. Pets    7. Pets / Horses / Care    8. Showjumping   

Reviews (3)

Superb
Impossible that present day horses would beat any horse trained by Preston Burch.Just read the exercise prescriptions in this book and be blown away.I certainly was.Here is carefully controlled training by a trainer understanding that his horses are participating in an athletic event.This is a book about conditioning equine athletes and also contains every other aspect of training and caring for thoroughbred race horses in a well written book by an individual who apparently understood the great care required.I held off reading this fearing it was dated, but what a pleasant surprise to find the extreme if succinct comprehensiveness here, every aspect is covered by a fellow who tried to do everything correctly.This is Ivers before Ivers, and one does wonder whatever happened to trainers like Max Hirsch and Preston Burch.

Preston Burch, where are you?
If every owner had a trainer like Preston Burch, there would be a lot more owners. If you are just starting in this business...read this book.
If you are just starting out in this business, you should read this book.Preston Burch gives you a simple, direct and enlightening understanding of thoroughbred horses.This book may have been published almost 50 years agobut in every advancement man has made we constantly find ourselves goingback to old knowledge and wisdom. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals / Pets    2. Horse Racing    3. Horses    4. Horses - Showing/Training    5. Nature/Ecology    6. Pets    7. Race horses    8. Sports & Recreation    9. Thoroughbred horse    10. Training   

Reviews (50)

A Must Read
Anyone who spends time with horses owes it to themselves and the horses to read this book.

Sends a good message
An enjoyable read, well written, easy to understand.I have always questioned the integrity and motivation of the many clinicians out there who have invented and marketed a new mouse trap. He is right on the money when he discusses folks who get so hung up on minor technique that they lose sight of where they are trying to get.The author presents a common sense and deep thinking approach to horsemanship based on experiences learned and observed.Having started hundreds of colts myself, Marks insights into the nature of horses have added to my understanding of them and helped me to become a better horseman...something we should all strive to be regardless of experience or expertise. If you read the whole book and don't learn something worthwhile you aren't trying.

Great read,great philosophy!
This book is a fantastic read, I read it from cover to cover in one sitting.It also presents a great philosophy to training and working with horses.Mark Rashid describes how to be a leader that your horse not only respects, but likes and wants to be with.He also gives great examples of how to overcome resistance issues without any form of force.His approach comes from Aikido which is a martial art in which you use your opponents energy to overcome resistance.I loved this book and want to read all Rashids other books now. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anecdotes    2. Behavior    3. Colorado    4. Horse trainers    5. Horses    6. Horses - General    7. Nature    8. Nature/Ecology    9. Pets    10. Rashid, Mark    11. Training    12. Management & management techniques   

Editorial Review

Monty Roberts is, as they say, the Read more

Reviews (182)

Humane horse training
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.
Values?
The guy is a liar...where I come from that doesn't add up to much.

Well written fiction?
I read this book when it first hit the bookstores. Shortly thereafter it came to my attention that the author's claims may be mostly fiction. Certainly, it has been proven beyond any doubt that the author did not invent what he calls "join up" and it appears very likely that he learned the procedure from his father who may actually have been a very kind and humane man. There was an expose about the book in Horse & Rider magazine, Feb. 1999, and Time magazine and the San Francisco Examiner also published articles that cast suspicion on the truthfulness of this book. The author's aunt and cousin have published a book that offers alternate testimonies, Horse Whispers & Lies.
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Subjects:  1. Behavior    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. General    5. Horses    6. Horses - Showing/Training    7. Human-animal communication    8. Sports Psychology    9. Training    10. Sports & Recreation / Sports Psychology   

Reviews (3)

Lives up to it's promises
This book is everything it was promised to be.I saw an excerpt from one of the chapters in Dressage Today and ordered it.It has beautiful color pictures, is very comprehensive and extremely helpful.I have been riding dressage for 1 year and I know that this book will be a great resource for me for many years.

The Dressage Solution!
This is a mammoth book and encompases everything dressage.As a former Dressage and Saddle Horse Judge I decided to purchase this book as it was written presuming readers needed no prior knowledge of the art.An excellent book for someone starting out in this field and also a must-have reference book for the initiated.I do like the way it covers Bits to Saddles and even covers further reading, outfitters and all that sort of nitty-gritty.The one small fault I found was with the item about "on-the-bit".It clearly states what it is, how it should look, above/behind etc, and gives some possible reasons for this - but unfortunately there are no suggestions for exercises to help put your horse on-the-bit.Personally I should have liked to see a section on "how-to-do" and some exercises to help with this manoeuvre to help riders to work along correct lines towards this goal."Commonsense Dressage" by Sally O'Connor gives a beaut description of how to work to achieve this.Otherwise this is an excellent book.

A must have, must keep book!
Occasionally there are books that cross my desk that are so stunning and exciting that everything else is put aside because I'm compelled to read the one that just arrived. The USDF Guide to Dressage by Jennifer O. Bryant is one of those 'must-read' books.
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Subjects:  1. Dressage    2. Equestrian    3. Equestrian Sports    4. Horses - Riding    5. Horses - Showing/Training    6. Pets    7. Sports    8. Sports & Recreation    9. Riding & horsemanship    10. Sports & Recreation / Equestrian   

Reviews (5)

Great
this book is so awesome.carl nafzger is a well renowen trainer who cando wonders with a horse.this book tells just how good he really is. irecomend this book to other horsemen and horse racing fans all over theworld!!

worthwhile
This is a book by a very conventional trainer about the training and care of Unbridled to win the Derby and Breeder's Cup.Mr. Nafzger sets out the training program of Unbridled, and for his stable, and as such the bookgives a valuable insight into the methods of one successful trainer.Ithink Mr.Nafzger is to be congratulated and thanked for putting all this inwriting.If you want to know how the majority of your trainers at the racetrack operate, this book is most instructive.

Very informative and easy to understand
Carl Nafzger goes a great job going over the aspects of race horse training in a manor even a person not involved in racing can follow. Great Book for all horseman and wanna be horseman ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals / Pets    2. Horse Racing    3. Horses - Showing/Training    4. Pets    5. Race horses    6. Sports    7. Sports & Recreation    8. Thoroughbred horse    9. Training   

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Reviews (2)

Great book for anyone
I purchased this book to help keep my 30 year old Morgan supple.Some of it can get technical and some of the sections are oriented towards the jumping horses, but you can defintely piece together a nice stretching rountine for your horse, no matter what your goal.

Excellent for sore horses
I found this book to be excellent for my back sore horse and horses recovering from stall rest. It certainly cannot hurt for horses that you don't want to end up back sore or on stall rest. I have seen major improvements in the suppleness of my horses. The spiral bound format also allows you to keep it set up ringside for quick refrence and it won't close on you unexpectedly! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animal Breeding    2. Equestrian Sports    3. Horses - Riding    4. Horses - Showing/Training    5. Pets    6. HORSES_TRAINING    7. Pets / Horses / Riding   

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Reviews (3)

Lessons with Lendon
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
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
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. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Dressage    3. Horses - Riding    4. Horses - Showing/Training    5. Pets    6. HORSEMANSHIP    7. Sports & Recreation / Equestrian   

Reviews (2)

Buck's way has changed my life.
Please read my review for Buck's book "The Faraway Horses," and read that book before you read "Believe." I can't say enough good things about Buck-- his way has truly changed my life. This book has the added dimension of having every other chapter be a true account from individuals whose lives have been changed and affected for the better by learning about Buck's way. Highly recommend.

horses heal people
Buck has co-written a wonderful dedication to the healing power in the connection between horses and people. Having attended quite a few of his clinics and visited with him several times, I have seen how dedicated he is to the horse and to helping those people who are truly looking for a better way, not only in their horsemanship, but in their lives as well.
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Subjects:  1. Anecdotes    2. Animals    3. Behavior    4. Essays    5. Horse trainers    6. Horses    7. Horses - General    8. Pets    9. Reference    10. Training    11. United States    12. Horses & ponies    13. Pets / Reference   

Reviews (29)

Lyons On Horses
Informative step-by-step instructions for everyone, from a novice working with their first horse, to the experienced horseman. Makes problem solving easy in a sensible manner.

Lyons on Horses
This book is very informative.Easy to read and very easy to understand.The author does a good job of explaining training techniques.

Lyons on Horses
Everything happened as promised:A very nice (appearing unused) book arrived within a few days of ordering. Perfect! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals / Pets    2. Equestrian    3. Equestrian Sports    4. Horses    5. Horses - Showing/Training    6. Pets    7. Reference    8. Training    9. Sports & Recreation / Equestrian   

Reviews (7)

Best book I've read on the subject.
This is the book for anyone who is serious about training their horses for driving with no corner-cutting.It is obvious that this book was written by a true horse trainer for true horse trainers, people who love horses and are dedicated to making the training experience a joyful and life-long experience.Heike Bean's book covers everything you need to know starting with the very basics, horse anatomy, hoof structure and shoeing, conformation, collection, bits, harness, carts and carriages.

Best book on Carriage Driving ever written
This is truly the best book on carriage driving ever written.It is the bible for people who know the sport.This is the one book you truly need if you want to learn carriage driving.You can tell from the first page you are in the hands of an expert. Best book on Carriage Driving ever written
This is the best book on driving ever written.Extremely well organized and easy to follow.Answers all your questions just as you think of them.There is only one problem with this book -- it is very hard to find.People never resell their copies so if you can find one, grab it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Carriages and carts    2. Driving horses    3. Driving of horse-drawn vehicle    4. Driving of horse-drawn vehicles    5. Equestrian    6. Equestrian Sports    7. Horses    8. Horses - Riding    9. Pets    10. Sports    11. Sports & Recreation    12. Training    13. Equestrian & animal sports    14. Pets / Horses / Riding   

Reviews (6)

Great book to get an overview on American Miniature Horses
This is a great book to purchase if you are looking at an overview of American Miniature Horses and what is involved with their care, upkeep and what one can do with these unique equines from keeping them as pets to having them as show animals.
Very Disappointed
I bought the book hoping to gain some additional insight into the world of showing & breeding mini horses.If you have been around the show ring at all and have some showing experience - especially in hand, then this is not the book for you.Clipping a bridle path is the same regardless of size of horse.It is this type of elementary subject material discussed in the book.As for breeding, the author recommends live cover as AI for mini's is almost non-existent.I believe you could gain more knowledge from the miniature horse registry than from this book.
A must have for serious miniature horse enthusiasts
This is a great book for beginners and seasoned breeders alike.Heaps of information. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals / Pets    2. Horses    3. Horses - Showing/Training    4. Miniature horses    5. Nature    6. Nature/Ecology    7. Pets    8. Animal breeding    9. Horses & ponies    10. Nature / Horses   

Reviews (11)

Good Textbook
A great book that I often reccommend for anyone who asks a lot of questions about grooming, at shows or at home. I Love grooming my horses, and this book gives you many new ideas and 'tricks' to try to make your horse have good and healty coat. I doesn't matter what breed or disciplne you show, this book has it all. I show hunter-jumpers and eventing, but I also have two miniature horses that I show and this book helped me with all of them!

Making the dirtiest chores enjoyable!
This is one of those books you don't use every day, but when you're thoroughly confused or completely forgetting something it comes in handy. It has alot of great pictures and illustrations that make it great for kids as well as adults. I learned alot about alternative grooming methods that I had never even heard of before!

Grooming to win is a must have for any horse owner!
Grooming to win is for any discipline, and any breed.I used it as a reference for getting back into the show ring.It's like having your own trainer with you all the time.I show Morgan and Quarterhorses and it covers everything from conditioning to getting those braids in right!Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals / Pets    2. Equestrian Sports    3. Grooming    4. Horses    5. Horses - General    6. Horses - Showing/Training    7. Pets    8. Showing    9. Pets / Horses / Care    10. Showjumping   

Reviews (11)

This an interesting read
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
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
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. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Behavior    2. Horses    3. Horses - General    4. Human-animal communication    5. Nature    6. Nature/Ecology    7. Pets    8. Training