Rating: 
Summary: Definitely A Great Beginner's Book
Review: ...Personally, I loved the book with its horse training ("Relationship Training") methods combined with Native American philosophy regarding human-animal relationships. However, .. Pony Boy does chunk all NA training methods together as if all tribes trained horses the same way. Naturally there would be differences between tribes, and it would have been nice if he'd mentioned these differences. And I'm sure there were some NA's that were cruel to horses, just as you find animal cruelty in all parts of the world. Maybe Pony Boy didn't want to portray any negative aspects of some tribes ... Also, while I think that most beginners with horses (such as I) would delight in this book, I would think (and judging by the previous reviews, my assumption looks correct) that opinions from experienced trainers would be much more mixed. I don't think the book was really targeted towards experienced trainers, judging by the simple, beginning exercises (including falling off, or what some refer to as the "emergency dismount") explained in the book. Most experienced horse people know how to fall off a horse properly. But this is essential information for a beginner (especially if you're gonna bareback ride!), and I'm glad Pony Boy included it in the book. But it doesn't surprise me that more experienced people are disappointed that the book doesn't contain more information. I know some reviewers weren't happy with the professional photography in the book either, feeling it's just fluff. Being an amateur photographer with a degree in Technical Communication, where you're taught good design, I simply cannot fault the book for it's wonderful imagery and good overall design. It also has good photos demonstrating many of the exercises Pony Boy describes, which helps me immensely with visualizing how to do it so I can duplicate them. Again, an experienced trainer probably has less need of so many descriptive photographs. The best & most important part of the book is the general idea that you don't just train a horse to tell it what to do: you have a lifetime relationship with your horse that includes much more than just training. I've just begun studying some different training methods, and I found several similarities between Pony Boy's ideals and methods and Pat Parelli's, and also, perhaps to a lesser extent, to Monty Roberts's. There may be similarities to others, but as I mentioned, I've just started my "horse training research." Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone beginning with horses who wants to learn positive ways of training and relating to their horse. I would also recommend it to trainers interested in different philosophies about horse training, though I would warn that there probably won't be as many exercises described in the book as you'd like, and it's not a cheap book. I, too, wish it were longer. But I feel I've already got a lot from the book, so I'm not complaining about the money spent on it.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful Book
Review: A beautifully presented book with stunning photographs. I especially love the photographs that capture the connection between horse and person. A truly beautiful horse book that teaches a kind approach to handling horses.
Rating: 
Summary: Nicely produced but lacking in some areas
Review: An avid and caring horsewoman for several years, when I saw this book I rushed to buy it in hopes I could learn more about "natural" horsemanship. I found that this book is beautifully produced, nicely written, and a compelling statement about how people can become one with their horses. But in my humble opinion it seems like more of a self-pat-on-the-back for GaWaNi PonyBoy than anything else. There are more photographs than text and nearly every photograph depicts PonyBoy posing on his horses, not truly demonstarting his horsemanship training techniques at all. Plus I fear that some of the information in the book is misleading to readers. For example, this book perpetuates the popular myth of the "noble savage" -- that all native people were somehow naturally and ethically connected to all living things. This was not and is not always the case. In reality, ample documented evidence exists that many historical Native Americans were downright cruel and rough with their horses. Several early American explorers commented on the animal cruelty that went on among certain tribes. Also, PonyBoy lumps "Native American Horsemanship" in one simple phrase and ideology when in fact the different tribes had different ways of training and riding and as I mentioned before they were not always "nice" methods. Some Native Americans were never really involved with horses at all. I have the deepest respect for Native Americans but I think facts about them should not be distorted. It is interesting that in one part of the book PonyBoy tells how an elder advised him that if he has horse problems he should consult his own horse for answers, not any "two-legged". I advise people to follow that advice before wasting money on this book with the intent of learning something valuable -- you'll accomplish more!
Rating: 
Summary: excellent book,,must read for horse and non-horse people
Review: as a avid horseman,,,having experienced everything to do with horses from rodeo to western pleasure,,this book has made me rethink my relationship with horses,,,it is a can't put down book,,looking forward to reading other titles by pony boy, also excellent introduction to native american thought and spirituality
Rating:
Summary: Exceptional, beatiful, nothing else like it!
Review: As a seasoned horsewoman, I appreciated the general context of the book, not specifically targeting one discipline. The photos were beautiful, and the training was basic and a good opener for what the author teaches. As a skeptic, I had to learn more and attended one of GaWaNi Pony Boy's lectures at a local horse expo, and was pleasantly surprised - an honest common sense approach without all the hype. For those who want more in-depth training techniques, you should check out this authors new releases. I am actually glad that everything is not all in one book, I like to purchase many different books, and enjoy the unique offerings of many horse trainers. As for the history and what other reviewers refer to as "lumping together" of all the Native training methods, I would have to disagree. I felt that this was a basic opener and was not intended as an intense review of tribal history and training practices. As for any methods used in the past by Native Americans that may have been cruel - well, I prefer to live in the here and now, and move FORWARD to do what I can to open my eyes to the disturbing practices going on today throughout the horse world. This can start with the guidelines in this book to create a meaningful relationship with your horse. The video which goes along with the book was also extremely helpful and has the same title. This clarified alot of the training techniques which are not thoroughly described in the book. I did however get a copy of his new book ( My Horse Series) which goes into great detail and explanation of training techniques. Horse Follow Closely just left me wanting more of the authors sound, common sense teaching. I highly recommend this book to those who own or even do not own horses.
Rating:
Summary: A work of art.
Review: Even if you aren't interested in training horses, you will love the beautiful photos and the spirit of this book. The richness of the Native American heritage is clear as Pony Boy blends the science and the art of communicating with horses into a practical, useable technique. This one is worth twice the price.
Rating:
Summary: Most Beautiful Horse Training Book Out There!
Review: Finally, a classy and interesting training book!! I was more than pleased with my purchase of this book; it is filled with incredible photographs and clearly explains the history, philosophy and training methods taught by GaWaNi Pony Boy. (Every person who sees it at my home wants to get a copy!) I have seen the author several times at horse expo's and am truly impressed by his common sense approach to training. Every serious horse owner will appreciate the emphasis put into his writing on developing a relationship with your horse. I have been disappointed by same old 'round pen talk' from most other trainers out there - GaWaNi Pony Boy's book is a welcome change for this rider and competitor, and has changed the way I approach all aspects of my equine activities. The two part video by the same name ("Horse Follow Closely Video Set") is even more incredible than the book and I recommend that you get both and see for yourself how to better relate to your horse. Well worth the price!
Rating:
Summary: It's not for you, it's for your horse!
Review: First, the pictures are amazing and informative in their own right. You simply must look. It's also an easy read that leaves you with time for reflection. This book is about realtionship building with your horse. It's not about quick fix tactics.It's not about turning on a dime in five easy steps. All horseowners need to realize that the realtionship you have with your horse is the basis for everything you hope to accomplish. Many readers may not understand Gawani Pony Boy's approach to teaching -you- as the human. It is an all encompassing philosophy that requires we as caretakers of the horse treat him as a whole. Those who are not able to apply knowledge to life in it's entirity instead of insisting on a specific answer for everything, are not ready for this book. If you have an open mind and the ability to accept a way of looking at things that is different from what you may already know, then you will benefit greatly from this book. I say this book is not for you, it's for your horse because if you take anything positive from it, your horse will benefit. But, then so will you. It's a beautiful relationship. And that's the point. *P.S. This can be the perfect gift for a horselover and may help her understand the commitment involved with taking that big step before buying a horse.
Rating:
Summary: nice photos and reading but not much practical material
Review: Good for a beginner to horses or a horse lover that wants some easy reading and pretty pictures but not much in the how-to department for actual horse training. The right ideas are there but not the specifics.
Rating:
Summary: If you love horses, you'll love this book!
Review: Great photos and nice layout, enjoyed hearing the beginning training methods from this awesome horseman. It is not a book which goes into detail, I recommend his newer My Horse Series for that, this is an introduction to his teaching methods. If you have an opportunity, see him yourself in person at an expo or clinic, he is an incredible individual with plenty of wisdom to share. What I din't like about this book is that it left me wanting more, especially more of the incredible photographs by Gabrielle, a talented artist. I also recommend Women and Horses, which will warm your heart with stories of other women and their passion for horses. It's about time that someone in the horse industry came out with beautiful books!
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