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Shy Boy : The Horse That Came in from the Wild

Shy Boy : The Horse That Came in from the Wild

List Price: $17.95
Your Price: $12.57
Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Really wonderful proof of kind training methods
Review: "Shy Boy" is both a heart warming story and an entertaining look at the newer methods of horse training work. Mustangs have been legendary for their iron wills and intelligence and the difficulty many people experience when they try to "break" them. This story is especially interesting because instead of fighting against the animal, the training process partners with him, letting him stay in his own comfort level; the horse has the choice to learn or leave. You can almost see the gears grinding inside Shy boy's head as he makes decisions about what to do. I really enjoyed this book both as a story and as a tool; I'll remember Monty Roberts and Shy Boy the next time I come across a wild or difficult animal. Very recommended for the equine-minded.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Testing
Review: "The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation," said Thoreau. Helming points out that the American psyche of today is surely not in better shape. The only novelty may be that ours is, if anything, a less quiet hopelessness. Beginning with the most fundamental aspects of the "pursuit of happiness" and eschewing both the rarefied and insubstantial in contemporary talk about virtue and moral self-improvement, Helming shows how a patient and sincere consideration of our failures and defects, as well as our good inclinations, may set us firmly on the road to a better life. We require only a willingness to seek the truth and abide by what we discover. g'

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: A compelling story with beautiful pictures
Review: Although I knew a bit about Roberts, I had not read his previous book. I bought this book because of the photography and my own admiration for horses. I had seen the PBS documentary that is the setting for much of the book and found it fascinating; thought it might be interesting to learn more details of the "gentling" of Shy Boy. I didn't know what I was about to experience.

I have never read a book more quickly. I couldn't put it down and finished it in about 24 hours (managing to show up for my job and get a few hours sleep during that time). It's not a long book, and it's half photos. Nevertheless, I think it's amazing that a slow reader such as myself would plow ahead. It was fascinating to discover how Roberts learned the body language that has helped him relate well to horses, the details of the documentary (not all exactly as they seemed on TV), and how the horse fared in "captivity." (I put captivity in quotes, because anyone who has read the book and paid attention should question if this horse felt held against his will once he got through his initial difficulties and fears related to humans.) I admire that Roberts gave those who questioned his decision to take Shy Boy in from the wild the answer to the question "What would be this horse's choice if offered life on the farm or 'freedom'?" (By the way, a freedom that stunted his growth, gave him parasites, and made him vulnerable to predators. I'll take a meal I don't have to hunt for and a warm bed any day!)

For those who like a good tear-jerker, this can't be beat. Animal lovers will be in heaven. Those who don't know a thing about horses will love learning. Even those who abhore melodrama will have to admire Roberts's efforts to eliminate violence from the training and "breaking" of horses (and his recommendations for communication and non-violence in other life arenas). Only a heartless cynic with an axe to grind could deplore this book. And even if you are one, the pictures can't be beat!

Epilogue: I went out and bought the first book and read it in 48 hours - and it doesn't have nearly as many pictures! (And in spite of the rumors about much of it being untrue, I've yet to find a reputable publication give hard evidence that adequately supports these rumors or one that paints Monty Roberts as a selfish man out for his own glory. How could a man who's helped 47 foster children possibly be?)

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: Shy Boy- A mustang? Not!
Review: Antoher fibber. I thought this a good- great book. I enjoyed it adn then I leared something. Shy Boy was not reallly a mustang. Monty Roberts took a GREEN BROKE horse adn staged him as a mustang. A green broke horse means that he was already adjusted to a halter, bit, and maybe a saddle and cinch. When I leanred this, I was crushed. Monty Roberts had become a hero in my eyes and now he isn't a real horse whisperer. I'm really sorry for all of you I've disappointed, but I didn't want you to go on thinking that Monty Roberts was real.

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: SHOW OFF!
Review: Hey don't get me wrong, I do beleive in Monty's mehtods and use them frequently. However I think Shy Boy was a complete publicity stunt. Chasing a horse for what was it 36 hours? It goes against everything Monty said about being kind to horses. Especially when he could have done everything in a round pen. I just feel really sorry for Shy Boy because of what Monty put him through when it could have been made easier.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Grow up people!
Review: hey! I would like to say something to those two people who said wrong, untrue things about Monty Roberts, one of my personal role-models. GROW UP! He did no such thing as run those horses to death, or deprive Shy Boy or his own horses of anything! He says so himself at his website and has many letters from eye-witnesses to back him up! So before you go throwing accusations around, get it from the source. I havent yet read this book, but I have read The Man Who Listens to Horses, and have seen the video of the Shy Boy join-up on PBS. Both were touching and wonderful. I recommend all of his work to any person serious about his/her horses well-fare. There is no need for whips, ropes, or spurs. All you need is love and understanding. Here is Monty's personal website address: montyroberts.com. c-yall!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Inspiring, uplifting, filled with hope and peace
Review: I am a psychologist who works with abused adolescents. In group therapy we watched Monte Robert's video of him joining up with Shy Boy. The story contains an important message about how we can build trust against all odds if we are willing to be patient and communicate with someone on their terms. There is another horse in the video that sends a dramatic message as well about the healing process. My clients seem to understand that if a horse can heal through love and guidance perhaps they can as well. So, I was very excited when I saw this new book come out. Not only is the story of the relationship between Monte Roberts and Shy Boy moving and full of wonderful messages, but there are other stories in the book that speak to the importance of how communication and gentle interactions are always more powerful than violence. I read the book straight through and then kept flipping back because I didn't want it to end. This is such a wonderful book with a valuable and important lesson for any reader looking for peace and hope.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Mustang Adoption Program Is Great
Review: I cannot believe the comments in the review titled "reader from Back from a visit to Monty's farm, May 18, 1999". The wild horse adoption program conducted here in Nevada is probably the best thing the Bureau of Land Management has ever accompolished. It makes homes rather than "chicken Feed" for those horses who are adopted. Thinning the herd also provides adequate feed and living conditions for those remaining in the wild.

I enjoyed Monty's book and appreciate his method of "joining-up" with a horse. Anyone familiar with the traditional method of "breaking" a horse has to be impressed that there is a better way. Our family has had an adopted mustang (Shadow) for 25 years. He's retired now but still a member of the family. I have to believe that he has had a more enjoyable life with us than with the coyotes, mountain lions, hunters and overgrazing during the drought years.

I know the mustang program intimately--I live here in Nevada. Obviously the person referenced doesn't. It frustrates me that someone good like Monty is fighting for mustangs and trying to change training methods so these horses can be treated well.

"Shy Boy" is a "great read" for everyone. It is inspiring to learn of a method of training horses without violence and about eliminating violence in our lives.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: great book would recommend it to everyone!!!!
Review: I have read the man who listens to horses and shy boy. I loved them both, didn't want them to end. I thank God that Monty can continue his wonderful work.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would!
Review: I loved this book! I recommend buying it - you're sure to love it, too


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