Which Books to buy?

[wendi]

Hi All,

I live in NZ and unfortunately alot of the books that i would like are unavailable or hugely expensive here. I'm going to order some online, which seems to work out cheaper, but just wonder which ones give the most practical info and therefore which ones i should order first.

I 'd like to read Michael Peace, Gawani Pony Boy, Mark Rashid, Linda Tellington-Jones, Kelly Marks to name but a few in the natural theme, as well as Heather's book. Which one would i be best ordering first?

Any opinions much appreciated.

Cheers
Wendi

[Showjumper]

I'm a huge believer in TTEAM so I'd definitely recommend Linda Tellington-Jones! :D

[wendi]

Hi Showjumper :) Thanx for your reply

I hate to pin you down, but which of her books is the most beneficial if you had to choose one?

Thanx Wendi

[Showjumper]

:o I haven't actually read any of her books as I learnt all I know about it directly from Sarah Fisher, who's the highest qualified TTEAM practitioner in the UK. However, I've searched around a bit and I reckon "The Tellington TTouch : A Revolutionary Natural Method to Train and Care for Your Favorite Animal" can't possibly be bad! She also has a website: TTEAM site (http://www.lindatellingtonjones.com/)

[wendi]

Wow!! Thanx for that most speedy reply :D

We dont have anyone down here (to my knowledge) teaching TTEAM which is a real shame, as i find it can be heaps easier being able to have hands on learning as well as a book.

Thanx Wendi

[Showjumper]

Hands on training is definitely easier than learning from a book, but TTEAM is really easy - takes no time to learn, and it works wonders! :D

[wendi]

Thats good to know. I think I've found a copy on a 2nd hand book site, so I'll try and get that one ordered

Thanx Wendi :)

[Showjumper]

Excellent - you won't regret it at all! :D

[wendi]

I'm just having a look at her website which is pretty informative aswell. I'm sure my boy will be pleased with my new skills that i'll learn!!:)

[LindaAd]

I'd go for Michael Peace first, because that's the most generally useful to help you understand your horse, then Heather's for the riding...I haven't read all the others, but I know people think very highly of Mark Rashid.

[virtuallyhorses]

If you're not sure what to order first - go to Amazon.com and check out the previews, they often have several pages for you to read before you buy - it'll give you an idea of the writing styles and ideas in the books. They also sell used copies which are cheaper.

Know what you mean about finding books\prices - I have the same problem. Not sure what part of NZ you're in, but sometimes the library has books, the Hard to Find bookshop is good and of course swapping with mates is always handy...

Otherwise I bite the bullet and buy off Amazon - however, check out Half-Halt Press beforehand - they produce many of the dressage books - so compare price and availability.

Likewise many of the natural horsemanship books can be purchased direct from the website of the trainer e.g.

[Kerry's Partner!!]

I have quite a few and the only ones I would recommend are those by Mike Peace and Heather Moffett.

[wendi]

Thanx Showjumper, LindaAD, Viv and Kerry's Partner for the info :)

When the books are so expensive to get, its great to get feedback on whats worthwhile or not.

With the exchange rate at the moment its seems to be quite a bit cheaper to buy via America rather than the UK, and the books still seem to be cheaper than buying them (if available) in NZ. The wonders of the internet!! :)

Viv, My local library, unfortunately doesn't seem to have a very large horsey section. I live in Templeton, just on the outskirts of Ch-Ch. Where are you?

Cheers
Wendi

[ros]

I'm not saying anything new - just endorsing what the others have said! I've read hundreds of books over the years, and as far as practical advice on riding is concerned, Heather's is the only one that has actually made sense and enabled me to go out and try things and get results.

Mike Peace's book is also very good on psychology/handling; also I wouldn't be without Mark Rashid. Both of these guys have a lovely attitude to their horses and, I think, can really change your approach to horsemanship.

[wendi]

Thanx for that Ros,

Just wondering if you know if Heathers book is readily available in the UK? My parents live in Scotland and I'm just wondering if it would work out easier for me to get them to send me a copy?

[ros]

The hardback version is out of print now (although there might be odd copies in some shops); however it's out again in paperback in July, so it shouldn't be a problem to get hold of it. I think I'm going to order some spare copies in case it goes out of print again, 'cos I'm hanged if I'm lending mine to anyone!

[wendi]

Thanx Ros,

Maybe i'll have to enforce a strict booking system with stiff penalties for any friends who wish to read the book!!

[lamprellsarah]

Michel Peace is fantastic definatly worth a read!!!

[wendi]

Thanx Saz, I now have a copy of Think like your horse winging its way to NZ. Can't wait to read it!!

Thanx everybody again for your input

Cheers Wendi