It's About The Horse

Niek · Member Joined: 01 Feb 2009 Posts: 1065

Im a bookworm, i love reading especially horse books.

Im trying to add books and dvds to my collection frequently. The idea is that if ive got the time il post small reviews of the books i got and finished so far

Il add the first one and others feel free to jump in ofcourse :D

Nuno Oliveira - Reflections on Equestrian Art

I had high expectations of this book, as Oliveira is one of my favorite horseman. At first it wasnt what i expected, it turned out to be better.

Dont expect detailed info how to ride an exersise. The book is just wat the title says : His take and contemplations on all those things important to dressage and any good horseman, lightnes and the importance of a soft willing horse for both rider and horse.

The book is quite philosophical yet easy to read. It has bolt lettering and its setup in small subjects 2/3 a page. I finished it in half an hour. And reread it several times. It leaves room to lick and chew come back, lick and chew more. Every so often there is a wonderfull picture mixed in, these are of nice quality and just show his "calmness" as a rider.

The book is what we can expect of a great equestrian like Nuno Oliveira. Its true to his reputation and it contains something for every horseman dressage western recreation. I doubt this book can disapoint any horseman. A must have

5/5

Horse Gypsy · Posted: Mon Feb 02, 2009 12:11 am Post subject:

I am a horse book worm also. I just read Enlightened Equitation by Heather Moffat and I really enjoyed it- she studied with a student of Nuno, and is a classical rider- and the best part is she does break everything down in her book in terms of riding and the aides when to aide- how to ride etc. I really enjoyed her perspective- and I ended up buying one of her saddles.
I also have read Buck Brannamans book this fall- The Faraway Horses- I really enjoyed that book- I can connect with him on abuse unfortunately so I really got a lot from reading it. Plus he lives pretty close to me, and I am really interested in studying with some non PNH people this summer.
I also have read Ray Hunts book- Think HArmony with horses.
I want to read NAked Liberty, but haven't gotten it yet.

ElaineC · Posted: Mon Feb 02, 2009 1:38 am Post subject:

I just ordered Buck Brannaman's books, I'm really looking forwards to reading them. I am in the middle of a wonderful book called "Beautiful Jim Key". Its one of the most remarkable stories about a slave turned vet, who trained Jim Key to do amazing things at the turn of the century.

I heard about the book from a good friend who's very into animal behaviour and training. She says there are experts who are still trying to figure out how this man trained his horse, to the level that he did. They can reproduce parts of it, but not all of it. Its not as much about the horse as it is about that period and time, but its an excellent read.

bit · Member Joined: 02 Feb 2009 Posts: 4353 Location: Kansas

Have you read, "Saved by a Horse"? So well written, and course it was a tear jerker. I think Carol (brumbie) is going to write a book about the colt we saved this Christmas. I'll keep ya posted.
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"It was once said I should clear my head for one cannot ride a Thoroughbred. Hot they are. And too fast they be. Forever on the fly. But I stayed the course and have no remorse. I love my off the track racehorse!"

Autumn · Posted: Tue Feb 03, 2009 4:29 pm Post subject:

The Soul of A Horse By Joe Camp. Should be given to every new horse owner, or traditionalist...

Joe and his wife's journey into horse land. Includes natural horsemanship, pasture of paradise, barefoot trimming, & good feeding practices. Basically what we all know but in a really good story form, easy read.
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Niek · Member Joined: 01 Feb 2009 Posts: 1065

Ok some great starts here, I would like to suggest if you like the book you right a little review (like i did) nothing big. but containing things like whats the subject what to expect etc. Dvds can be posted to

appellativo · Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2009 4:00 am Post subject:

Melanie Bowles two books: Hoof Prints: More stories from Proud Spirit; The Horses of Proud Spirit

Stories of how some horses have come to her rescue, both REALLY excellent reads, make you laugh, make you cry, make you incredulous of people, in awe of horses, just so amazing! Proceeds from book sales help support her horses. She does not rehome or adopt the horses out, they are there to retire with her for life. She brings dignity and safety back to their lives. So heartwarming.

What Horses Say by Anna Clements Mews and Julie Dicker:

A lady who since childhood has been able to read and sense what animals are feeling and thinking shares stories of several horses she's helped over the years. Uncanny explanations of why some horses behave they way they did and how she helped solve those problems. After I read this, I went out just to be with my horse and perceive of her. While I didn't hear anything really specific, she relaxed totally with me and lay down in my presence for the first time.
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Nashama · Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2009 4:31 am Post subject:

The ones I use the most are:-

Tom Roberts: Horse Control and the Young Horse
Tom Roberts: Horse Control and the Bit
Tom Roberts: Horse Control and the Rider

Steve Brady's book Secrets to Success I think it's called

My Veterinary book, can't remember who it is by but Australian

Dr John Kohnke Anor: Feeding Horses in Australia
Robert McDowell: Herbal Horsekeeping
Catherine Bird: A Healthy Horse the Natural Way
Victoria Fergusson: Practical Horse Herbal

Snow, Zidonis, Anor: Equine Acupressure: A Working Manual

But my favourite horse book of all time is
Elyne Mitchell: The Silver Brumby
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"Altruism" does not equal "doormat"
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Julie · Member Joined: 07 Feb 2009 Posts: 1297

Niek - have you read much Sylvia Loch?

LiveLaughLove · Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2009 10:37 am Post subject:

The Revolution in Horsemanship by Dr Robert M Miller and Rick Lamb.

Product description as told by amazon:
Beginning with equine evolution and domestication, Dr. Miller and Rick Lamb focus on the contributions of such classical horsemen as Xenophon, Pluvinel, nineteenth-century "whisperers, tamers, and professors," and modern masters like the Dorrances, Buck Brannaman, Pat Parelli, John Lyons, and their disciples, and the connection between rodeo and natural horsemanship. The authors describe how the horse's mind works, how horses learn, and how the revolution has used those principles, especially with regard to a training regimen for newborn foals developed by Dr. Miller that produces positive results to last a lifetime. These training methods include new techniques in riding, such as preliminary groundwork and the independent seat, as well as visualization and other aspects of sport psychology, yoga, and allied disciplines. Appendices assess innovations in hoof care, nutrition, and veterinary treatment, including so-called "alternative therapies."

As told be me, I would agree with the amazon blurb and also add that anyone wishing to study horsemanship in depth should read this book at least once. It's a very how, when, why book of horsemanship but not in such great depth that it is heavy-going.

Niek · Member Joined: 01 Feb 2009 Posts: 1065

Pyrgirl · Member Joined: 07 Feb 2009 Posts: 1308

Niek · Member Joined: 01 Feb 2009 Posts: 1065

Pyrgirl · Member Joined: 07 Feb 2009 Posts: 1308

Niek - thanks.
As far as strong base - do you mean when doing it with your horse?
I'm no where ready to do any of it with my horse.
Just reading and learning. Trying to get a basic understanding of the concepts and terminology in my mind before attempting anything at all with my horse. I've watched all the WAZ DVDs and read a few other books.
So far my favorite is still Karen Rohlf.

Horse Gypsy · Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2009 3:14 pm Post subject:

I have some others I would like to add:

The Birdie Book by Dr Deb Bennet I really enjoyed this book, it brought an entire different awareness to how I interact with my horses. Dr Deb has studied horsemanship with some of the greats- Dorrances, Ray hunt.. etc and she really has an interesting approach.

I just watched the first Video of Classical vs. Classique- Phillip Karl-- sort of an interesting examination of the more normal German training and Phillip's school of lightness- definitely worth watching if you are interested in Dressage- SOme really cool horses- and some regular horses doing dressage really well.