Which books will help me?

[Sonia]

Hi
My new (first)horse is only 5 and so will need some bringing on. I am keen to do things the "right" way and wondered if anyone could recommend a good book on bringing on a young horse and also on understanding the equine mind - using this with human body language to get a message over loud and clear (such as how to use my body language to reassure her etc).

I've looked in Amazon, but am a bit overwhelmed at the choice available.

Thanks
Sonia

[ZoeEnglish]

Try Mark Rashid's books--His latest is Horses Never Lie, and his earlier ones, Considering the HOrse and A Good Horse is Never a Bad Color are also very interesting. It sounds as if you want to go the Natural Horsemanship Way. I think Mark is the best of the bunch. His website is http://www.markrashid.com.

John Lyons is also very good--he has numerous books out, a monthly newsletter Perfect Horse, and many videos. Perfect Horse might be a good place for you to start. I believe his website is http://www.johnlyons.com.

Another great book, somewhat expensive, which I would highly recommend your investing in is Bill Dorrance's True Horsemanship Through Feel. Dorrance was the acknowledged grandaddy of the Natural HOrsemanship movement. He died recently at the age of 92. His book is a gem, a real bible. If you just work your way through it systematically, you will learn mountains.

This should be enough to get you going. :) Good luck!

[fionahogg]

I would get the help of a really good instructor who is experienced with young horses, rather than relying soley on books to help. One-to-one instruction with someone who will get to know your horse and you will in my opinion be better than any book. Of course books are a great help but I'm just saying I wouldn't rely on them.

[Ina]

Hi Sonia

Yep, It seems like the Natural Horsemanship thing is what you will find most satisfying, because it fosters a life long relationship between you and your horse. The books already recommended are excellent, you could also visit http://www.parelli.com for more info and support.
I love learning from books as well, but remember that you will have to read one book many times because with each read you understand something new, things fall into a new perspective. The more you hang out with you horse and play with him/her, the more sense those books will make!

Let us know! Best wishes from South Africa!

[Sonia]

Thanks for suggesting Mark Rashid's books - I'm on his third one now (having read the first two). He's excellent and I can whole heartedly recommend him to anyone!

[Mossy]

I agree with Fiona. You cannot beat one to one advice from a good instructor. Try the Mary Wanless approved list for a human civilised instructor as oppose to a do it this way 'cos I say so and * the horse's feelings. S/he will pick up things you had not noticed. I have always had a straight seat, and was told yesterday that I had developed a list to port, probably to compensate for a leg injury, but no excuse.