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Summary: must have for horse lovers!
Review: An excellent book you'll want to keep forever! The thoughts, ideas, techniques presented will be well used by the beginner and the expert. Really makes you wonder why some horse owners find the need to use excessive force with their horses. Buy it, read it, and re-read! You and your horse will benefit!
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Summary: Most Helpful of Horse Books
Review: As a novice horse person, I have purchased many books on horse behavior and training. Of all the books I have, I have learned the most from Mark Rashid's books. He doesn't tell you "how to" but he gives you enough insight to develop your own how to. The most helpful thing I learned is that I don't have to win every "little" battle with the horse. It's a process, and one I've enjoyed more since I am no longer trying to be the alpha-mare; a concept that never worked for me. I will be recommending these books to all of our 4-H kids.
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Summary: HORSES NEVER LIE
Review: I found the book interesting and very easy and fast to read. I am an avid horse fan/owner and try to absorb any information out there to include anything regarding "natural horsemanship" . I enjoyed the book but was put off by the subtle put downs he had for other trainers. I think any attempt to get people to switch to "Natural Horsemanship" is a wonderful thing and should not be
put down or criticized especially considering the alternative. I felt each reference to other "natural" trainers (and most true horse lovers know exactly who he is referring to) was a blow to horses in general. Followers of these trainers may not be doing it exactly right but at least they are trying. I was confused as to what he was trying to tell me exactly, did he consider this wave of natural horsemanship a bad thing as long as it came from other trainers. Having said that I enjoyed hearing about how smart and forgiving horses really are. I would buy another of his books and hope he writes more but without the underlying jabs at others.
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Summary: HORSES NEVER LIE
Review: I have three of Mark Rashid's books and am here to get the fourth. His writing is friendly and fun to read, and I hate coming to the end of a book. That said, if like me, you're fairly new to owning horses and looking for tips on training and communicating with horses, be sure to start with Mr. Rashid's "Considering the Horse". It has a plethora of useful information for the beginner and helps you think through how to work through problems with your horse. "Horses Never Lie" is a tribute to a horse with which the author has an outstanding relationship. It has some food for thought, and is of course enjoyable to read. I happen to be looking for the line between becoming assertive enough to keep horse and self safe on a ride, and just being over bearing. Some of the stories in this book confused me as to where that line should be drawn. On the other hand, this book would be interesting even to horse lovers who don't own horses. What the heck, while you're here, you might as well just get all of his books. If you're a horse lover you're going to want them.
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Summary: Good read, but not the FIRST Mark Rashid book to buy
Review: I have three of Mark Rashid's books and am here to get the fourth. His writing is friendly and fun to read, and I hate coming to the end of a book. That said, if like me, you're fairly new to owning horses and looking for tips on training and communicating with horses, be sure to start with Mr. Rashid's "Considering the Horse". It has a plethora of useful information for the beginner and helps you think through how to work through problems with your horse. "Horses Never Lie" is a tribute to a horse with which the author has an outstanding relationship. It has some food for thought, and is of course enjoyable to read. I happen to be looking for the line between becoming assertive enough to keep horse and self safe on a ride, and just being over bearing. Some of the stories in this book confused me as to where that line should be drawn. On the other hand, this book would be interesting even to horse lovers who don't own horses. What the heck, while you're here, you might as well just get all of his books. If you're a horse lover you're going to want them.
Rating:
Summary: He's the best
Review: Mark Rashid is the best storyteller ever. I like him better than the other "natural horse" trainers. Down to earth, matter of fact, simple: that's all we need. If there were more stars to give, he'd get 'em.
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Summary: Reviewer #39
Review: Out of 38 reviews only three folks ranked this book below 5 stars. I was a bit skeptical but decided to bet the price of the book on those odds, and am very happy I did -- it was money well spent. What I received for taking a chance is immeasurable. I'm buying two more of his books today.
Mark covers the various aspects of a horse's world through entertaining stories that illustrate why it's worth the awareness, consistency, time and patience required to truly understand your horse. The horses and people are of different types which offers a fair view of the big picture. It's a fast, easy read full of interesting insight which will stay with you on the trails, in the arena, or just hanging out at the barn.
If you are seriously interested in establishing a partnership with your horse you will most definitely enjoy and benefit from this book. You will learn how to read your horse better both in and out of the saddle. You'll find out how to strengthen the bond of trust between you. You'll gain insight into a horse's psyche, and more. All of this for under $12.00?!! Amazing but true.
If you need to dominate your horse to achieve the results you want, you too will benefit from the stories. They will show you a more harmonious way to communicate with each other. Even if you can only find one digestible concept, you'll be on your way to a happier and healthier relationship. Your horse will thank you.
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Summary: Horses Never Lie by Mark Rashid
Review: Rashid's easy-reading style is both entertaining and informative. His book is full of personal stories (actual true horse stories) which makes it "fun" as well as informative reading. He contrasts numerous training "styles" (good and bad)rather than step-by-step techniques, but carefully lays out the difference between "aggressive dominance" and "passive leadership". His book "Considering the Horse" goes well with this one, and I purchased both. Rashid's writing style keeps the pages turning...I find myself absorbed in his books. They only recently arrived and I have read nearly through both!
Like his other book, "Considering the Horse", this book, "Horses Never Lie" is worth reading. I would recommend this book for all who wish to become better horse handlers, and also for those who just love horses and want a wonderful and informative book to read on a rainy day. It is thought provoking. Even if you only have an "over-the-fence" relationship with horses, your equine-relationships will still greatly benefit from the information in this book. Rashid's love of horses is evident...and his discriptive writing style is most enjoyable.
Rashid's training techniques are not exacting in their implemetation-one must absorb the general flow of information and concepts, then put the stories to memory and use the techniques described in any given situation, essentially with a general bent toward the kind of relationship you (hopefully) desire with a horse. This book doesn't explain the exact methods one might need to know to turn out a high-schooled horse. It isn't a training manual, but more of a mind-emotion altering challenge, and I believe horses are the more blessed for his training ideas...he definitely loves horses and wants the best for them. You can't go wrong with this book for learning to be a more honest, capable and likable person around the barn!
After reading this book, I understand that some trainers have taken the "Alpha" role a bit too far...Rashid restores the Alpha method to what it should be--horse and handler having a healthy and mutually respectful relationship.
While I have not personally seen the Alpha idea taken to such extremes, Rashid apparently has seen far too many instances where "trainers" think they are in a wolf-pack! He implores us as horse-handlers to maintain a correct balance with our equine partners. He clearly opposes unnecessarily harsh training methods...with good reason. It is evident that Rashid has a passion for horses.
I also previously purchased "Horses Don't Lie", by Chris Irwin with Bob Weber. The three books together make a great set. Irwin's is much more a technical "hands-on" type of book, and applying his techniques and understanding along with Rashid's tempering of self makes for a whole new approach toward understanding and dealing well with our horses. Valued books, all!
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Summary: Horses Never Lie
Review: This book, along with Rashid's other 2 titles, are the most useful and practical horse training books I've ever read. This title well establishes his concepts and philosophy through a storytelling style that makes it difficult to put down. Enormously engaging, he presents his conclusions and insights into working with horses while sharing the experiences that developed them. Rather than providing formulas, he provides a mindset, along with some specific ideas, that enables the reader to creatively compose their own solutions to difficulties that may arise when working with their own horse. He gives you a framework that requires creative but effective problem solving that is more relationship focused that task oriented...meaning he helps you to avoid sacrificing a trust relationship to accomplish the goal. He gives examples of ways to keep and even reinforce trust between you and your horse while accomplishing your goal. This is an alternative approach to manhandling or "John Wayning" a horse as I call it while remaining entirely practical. Written in an honest and vulnerable style. Excellent tool for developing creative solutions to difficulties with your horse designed to further establish trust and avoid a fight with a 1000+ lb. animal. Truly excellent!
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Summary: Excellent Reading!
Review: This is one of the best horse 'training' books I've ever read. I found that Mark presented his theories in a unique format, where each story teaches you something about horses. I was able to read through the book in a matter of hours and was not only entertained, but felt like I could apply many if not all of his practices to the horses I deal with everyday; it isn't your typical how-to at all. I especially like the way Mark explains how horses view us and how, many times, it is miscommunication between humans and equines that becomes the culprit in many 'problem' horse cases. Bravo to Mark Rashid for taking a new approach to writing about horse training and keeping it humble, down to earth, and honest (just like our horses!)
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