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Summary: Makes understanding the horse's point of view easy
Review: After reading several other books from trainers and horseman, I found Sam's book, wow! What a find. Sam has put into words what few other horseman can and in away that all will understand. Having worked with horses since he was a young man has given him wisdom to help both horse and man. His simple manner in which he uses in his book allows the reader to get the most from reading his book. I have learned more from his book than any other book, magazine or video I have reviewed. He has helped me to understand the horse form a perspective I never knew possible. This will be a book you will want to read over and over. This book has something for everyone that loves his or her horse. From the beginner to the advanced professional, you will learn a way of communicating that actually works. Communication that will open your eye to a new world for both horse and person, ENJOY!
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Summary: wisdom, insight, and humor
Review: Almost a Whisper is a common sense, humane approach to working with your horse no matter what age or level of training. Unlike other horse books Powell's principles apply to the young horse as well as the older already trained horse that may need retraining or "tuning-up." So many people feel the need to dominate their animals Powell points out that although you can do this with a 1,200 pound horse it is unnecessary, counter productive and sometimes dangerous to both you and the horse. Almost a Whisper shows us all a kinder gentler way that everyone that can use regardless of their previous experience with horses. A must for every horseman, horse-lover or anyone looking for a better way to do things. Out of all the so-called "whisperers" that have come out of the woodwork since the movie Powell is the real thing.
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Summary: Sometimes A Shout: A Horseman?s Attitude Adjuster
Review: I bought this book based on Amazon customers' effusive recommendations, and I tried very hard to like it. I did -sometimes-but I just don't think it worked for me overall. All of the previous customer reviews that address the book's content are pretty much accurate, including the reviewer who noted that the contents are wordy and repetitive; they are. So, to give additional information to the prospective buyer, this review focuses on what I would have appreciated knowing. First, a good portion of the book is devoted to the authors' efforts to convince the reader to abandon the stereotypical "cowboy school" of horse breaking/training. It was as if they assumed their audience consisted of cowboys of decades ago. This is understandable given Sam's background, but if that's the target audience, I'm not sure the book's title is going to attract those people. The problem I had with the authors writing so much extolling the wisdom of the "horse whisperer" philosophy is that I was already there. That's why I bought the book. Second, while they rightly criticize abusive horse breaking methods in favor of theirs, several passages come across like they're proselytizing. This tone wasn't completely off-putting. Neither entirely was the fact that they occasionally digress to opine on society's ills. Other readers may not be so charitable about these musings. (While other readers may high five them for it.) Third, the book was generally well organized, but many points - mostly on why one should choose horse whispering - were repeated. Repetition does aid memory, but I would have appreciated more content on various situations involving the mature horse. Why is it that these sorts of books generally focus on the "starting the colts" stage? Don't many riders own older horses that know how to get away with a lot, are spoiled, domineering, etc.? From what Sam says in the book, it sounds like many of the attendees at his clinics are those riders or novice horse owners. If so, I don't suspect many of these people are into the starting the colts phase. Even if they are, examples on dealing with older horses other than trailer loading and spooking would help. For instance, I found it frustrating that the authors incompletely tell about horse owners who didn't think their horses had problems because the owners didn't ask the horses to do anything they didn't want to do. They relate the example of the horse that would not cross water or the filly that exploded when the owners tried to get her to move under saddle. Too bad the book didn't apply the horse whisperer method to these examples. Rather, they are mentioned only to illustrate why these owners need to readjust their attitude. I wholeheartedly agree that the rider's attitude is more than half of the problem, but finishing off these examples by employing the horse whisperer method would have been far more instructive, effective, and valuable. Fourth, there are a few instances that really stick out as strange or incongruous. I was taken aback by the several references to misbehaving horses "going to dog food," even though these comments are always made by a hypothetical owner exasperated with his "misbehaving" horse. I similarly gave pause when Sam bluntly admits to laying horses down. (He does candidly explain the limited circumstances under which he does this, and emphasizes that he does not train others to do it.) I also looked askance when the authors unequivocally say that horses have a form of mental telepathy. I guess this added to the holistic part of the book? More of a petty irritation, probably better levied on the editor, is the fact that the index is not carefully compiled. Page references are not always correct (e.g., in my edition, Buck Branaman is mentioned on page 138, but is indexed as appearing on page 137). In sum, the book is a readable amalgamation of biography, journal of one's journey in search of personal enlightenment, how to start colts, philosophy (life in general and life with horses), training manual, and "The World According To Sam and Lane." There is much in "Almost a Whisper" to learn, particularly to those who haven't read any natural horsemanship books, and especially to those who haven't broken out of the breaking method. The approach these authors take may not fit everyone, but it is the message that's important. Unfortunately, I found many aspects of the book distracting from the worthy points. Now forewarned, I'll hopefully be able to focus on those points when I reread this. This book may have been three stars for me, but if Sam and Lane's style effectively reaches others, and it appears it has, the book is worthy of five stars for them.
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Summary: Sam Saved My Horse!
Review: I had bought this book originally as a good all around read, but ended up needing a lot of its valuable information when I purchased a gelding at an auction. Something just made my hand go up, even though the horse reared in the ring. I thought I had brought home a mistake until I went back and started to re-read Mr. Powell's book. I even e-mailed him at his address for additional help. Needless to say, 18 months later, this horse is the friendliest, most willing-to-please horse in our pasture. The potential I saw him at the auction has come full circle thanks to the wisdom in Mr. Powell's book. Thanks Sam! This is a must read for all horse people!
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Summary: Almost A Whisper
Review: I have always wanted horses since I was a small child, growing up with my Uncle's horses. There has always been a connection between me and horses. I just purchased two of the most beautiful Arabian horses, later in life. My little boy has been abused and is 4 years old and is in training. When I purchased him, you couldn't get close to him and put a halter on him, and now he follows me arround and wants to be right next to me. My little girl is 2 and has always been loved and is really sweet. I spent two weeks bonding with my little boy and we have such love and communication between us that he is a different horse and really trust me. I bought this book and realize that as a novice, I did the wrong thing of buying 2 green horses. I felt something when I saw them and knew that we were ment to be together. I will tell you that I could not put this book down until I finished it. I realized all the things I was doing wrong....and all the things that I was doing right. I love my horses so much and they know it as soon as they see me. I would really like to meet Sam someday and learn more from him. I highly reccommend this book to everyone. I know that I should of bought older, and trained horses, but the love I have for my beautiful babies grows everyday. I know I need to learn....and I belive in Sam's way of training. I know I will be alot more wiser in what I do now....but I have patience and hope I will be a good partner and companion to the two best horses in the world.
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Summary: A HORSE OWNER'S TRAINING GUIDE
Review: I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS INFORMATIVE, EASY-TO-READ BOOK TO ANY HORSE OWNER. SAM POWELL CONVEYS TO THE READER HIS EXPERT KNOWLEDGE OF THE HORSE AND HOW SAM WILL ATTEMPT TO TRANSFER HIS VAST EXPERIENCE IN "TEACHING BY ASKING" TO THE READER. SAM SYSTEMATICALLY EXPLAINS HIS METHOD OF OBTAINING THE HORSE'S RESPECT TO A DEGREE THAT ALLOWS SAM TO BRIDLE, SADDLE, AND RIDE AN UNTRAINED HORSE WITHOUT THE ATTENDANT RESISTANCE AND WILD BUCKING. HE DEVOTES A GOOD PORTION OF HIS BOOK TO THE HORSE OWNER, AND WHAT THE INDIVIDUAL SHOULD DO TO DEVELOPE GOOD HABITS IN HIS HORSE. I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS BOOK FOR THE LIBRARY OF EVERY HORSE OWNER. AS A FORMER HORSE OWNER, I WOULD HAVE BENEFITTED GREATLY FROM THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN SAM'S "ALMOST A WHISPER".
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Summary: Thank You Sam Powell
Review: I just finished reading your book, "Almost A Whisper". I wanted to let you know how much I truly appreciated that you wrote it. The book helped me to understand the responsibilities I have taken on by owning a horse
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Summary: Thank you Sam
Review: Sam is the " genuine article", a true horseman. I read the book and then found Sam. I have seen or been to many of the hyped up, famous horse " whispers" clinics/productions, and three trainers. I've read a ton of horse books. Thanks to Sam's book, I have now met and had him help me with my horses. If you want glitz and hollywood glamour, you won't find what you are looking for in Sam's book. If you are looking for someone to tell you how pretty your horse looks with his whiskers sheared, you won't find this in his book either. If you are looking for a real horseman, you will find him in this book. My horses have found a true friend and knowledgeable horseman in Sam. My hope is that after reading his book, you will begin to see the horse from the horse's point of view as opposed to the Hollywood image. One book can't cure all your horse problems, but it does give you insight and a place to begin. Many thanks to ... for recommending this book. Many, many thanks to Sam and Lane for being such gentle souls and taking the time to write this book for the benefit of the horse.
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Summary: Understanding horse psychology for more effective training
Review: Sam Powell and Lane Carter's "Almost a Whisper" provides a basic guide for horse owners who want to work with their horses. From the foundations of basic horse behavior patterns to understanding horse psychology for more effective training, this book provides a general focus on understanding and communicating with horses.
Rating:
Summary: Understanding horse psychology for more effective training
Review: Sam Powell and Lane Carter's "Almost a Whisper" provides a basic guide for horse owners who want to work with their horses. From the foundations of basic horse behavior patterns to understanding horse psychology for more effective training, this book provides a general focus on understanding and communicating with horses.
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