This book will help you learn how to understand your horse's nonverbal language, gestures, and behaviors so you can communicate effectively with them. When you learn how horses communicate with one another and adjust your nonverbal body language, gestures, and energy to communicate back in a similar manner, you can begin to create a two-way conversation that makes sense to the horse.

An eye-opening book leading equestrians into a brave new horse world, where we train horses their way, not ours. For years, Andrea Kutsch filled stadiums with spectators as she demonstrated remarkable transformations in “problem horses” using the Natural Horsemanship training methods she'd learned from leaders in the field. But something was bothering her—a feeling that had been with her since her childhood days, watching Icelandics in a field and coming up through a traditional German riding system. Despite the strides made in improving the horse's well-being through the worldwide adoption of Natural Horsemanship techniques, she knew that the methods were still missing something. They still trained horses looking at every situation from the human perspective and were dependent on a trainer's natural feel. This meant that, for the horse, there was stress involved in the training process. In addition, positive results gained by a professional often couldn't be replicated by a horse's owner; what the horse learned from one person wouldn't transfer to others. Kutsch set out to find the next stage in the evolution of horse training. She studied the results of methods she used with thousands of young horses at The Lewitz Stud in Neustadt--Glewe, Germany, the renowned farm owned by European champion Paul Schockemöhle. This provided the basis for what she calls Evidence-Based Equine CommunicationTM (EBEC), a means of reading the horse and understanding the world from his point of view. Here she introduces EBEC and how it can take our relationship with horses and their ability to perform as our partners to a whole new level. Inside find: Myth-busting popular assumptions related to typical gestures made by the horse, such as “licking and chewing” and “lowering the head.” Explanation of how ethograms can be used to map out equine body language and help us attain a clearer sense of the horse's true perspective. Discussion of how the horse's physical and psychological needs must be met in order for him to learn, including what those needs are. Exploration of the difference between inter- and intra-species communication. Introduction to a new reward-and-punishment model that looks at operant conditioning from the horse's point of view. Identification of the need for non-violent communication on the part of the trainer as well as the training skills she must have when working with a horse, and what these light look like not from our perspective, but the horse's. Certain to provide ideas for improving every interaction with horses, whatever your experience or discipline, From the Horse1s Point of View is a conversation-starter for all those looking to take their horsemanship to a whole new level.

"Utilizing a unique and original approach, this guide places riders in the horse's position, allowing them to experience the process of being ridden both physically and psychologically. The study expresses concern regarding modern training and its consequences for the horse, exploring alternative methods through classical schooling and modern competitive dressage from the horse's perspective. Drawing on the most recent scientific findings in psychomotor education, training theory, biomechanics, and equine behavior, this handbook offers precise courses of action for riders while identifying techniques that are more sensitive to horses."--Publisher's website.

The bible of North American Horsemanship, Horse, Follow Closely is GaWaNi Pony Boy's signature title about the relationship training methods that are steeped in common sense and the age-old wisdom of his Native American ancestors. Of mixed blood Tsa-la-gi, GaWaNi Pony Boy was able to conceive his philosophy and compile the methods of relationship training while touring the United States with a Native American drum band and consulting the Tribal Elders from many different nations and backgrounds. The methods and beliefs of relationship training come directly from the first great horsemen of North America. "Horse and rider are one. Theirs is a relationship of trust, harmony, and respect born of a way of life that is all but lost." The stunning full-color photographs by Gabrielle Boiselle capture Pony Boy's serenity and unity with his close horse companions. The author's simple eloquence forges a deep, profound relationship with his readers that few books ever hope to achieve. As Pony Boy writes in the introduction, "For many [the Native American horseman] represents the ultimate rider. The essence of a horseman, both his skill and intuition, goes beyond the hours he spends in the saddle;.the folklore of every Native tribe are stories, tales, and beliefs to exemplify human's relations to other animals." The book begins with an analysis of how horses came to live with the Natives of North America and horses' impact on Native life. The crux of relationship training, according to the author, is to understand "what it means to be a horse, react like a horse, and relate to other things like a horse;." Native Americans were able to create such strong relationship with horses in a short time because they understood that "a horse is a horse." Learning to balance the relationship between horse and human is the missing link to becoming a masterful horseman or horsewoman. The book describes not only the techniques involved for relationship training but also the belief system and attitude that must be applied to all methods of horsemanship.In addition to presenting the methods and philosophy of relationship training, Horse, Follow Closely also includes many stories and legends of Native Americans and their horses, all of which teach the reader something new about himself and his relationship with his horse.

A Colorado clone of James Herriot reveals the evolution of his trainingskills through well-told...

In this book, Lesley Bayley and Michael Peace have produced a unique, practical guide to help you to understand life from your horse?s point of view. The authors explain how to apply simple principles that will help you to achieve harmony with your horse on a day to day basis. The authors explain how to overcome the difficulties that many have when trying to see the world from an equine perspective, paving the way for the development of mutual respect. Taking readers beyond the concept of ?joining-up? with their horse, this book shows how to work with your horse each day, taking into account his specific needs. Whilst ideal for training the young horse, the authors also show how common behavioural problems in older horses can be worked on effectively. Self-assessment checklists at the end of each chapter enable you to test your understanding of the concepts as you go. All a better relationship with your horse requires is for you to keep an open mind and let the horse be your teacher. Let Think Like Your Horse show you how.

Learn how a horse thinks, perceives its environment, develops vices, and learns. You will also learn about bonding among horses and humans, as well as what is appropriate mare and stallion behavior. Dr. McDonnell is known for her scientific approach to the study of horse behavior. She has conducted research for the National Institute of Health on the physiology and pharmacology of sexual behavior in horses.