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Summary: A book all horse owners should have
Review: Horse, follow closely is one of those books that you have to have. Pony Boy has made a masterpiece. Horse,Follow Closely teaches you how to be strong, firm, and so gental it is amazing. For ages 1-111. A MUST READ
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Summary: Think differently about your relationship with your horse...
Review: I bought this book for my husband this past Christmas, but wasn't sure I would like it all that well. I am a classically trained English rider (have been riding on and off since I was 3) and have worked with horses in many different environments. My husband rides Western though, and I have spent some time on a Native American reservation, so I thought we'd like it. The surprise for me was how it has changed the way I think. Many riders are trained to dominate their horse, to "show him who's boss". This attitude works, sometimes, but doesn't always lead to a healthy partnership, and sometimes leads to frustration and agression. GaWaNi, like some other trainers these days (Mark Rashid comes to mind), suggests a different approach, one I was quite impressed with when reading. He speaks of Relationship Training, of the creation of the two-member herd, the "Itancan" (leader) and "Waunca" (imitator). When we are with our horse, we can establish such a relationship with him (or her), and using natural herd behavior, work together with our animals in a partnership, rather than force them to do things simply because we "tell" them to. It seems a very natural way to do things, and one I plan to put into effect with my own horse (I'll come back and write another review once I've tried these techniques). I have only a few tiny quibbles. The book is gorgeous, and that prevents me from taking it with me to the barn, which I'd like to do. It's almost a cross between a coffee table book and a manual, and frankly, I'd have had more use for a manual I wouldn't be afraid to get dirty. But, that just means I'll have to take notes, not a bad thing in and of itself. As well, I do think there was some generalization going on regarding Native American peoples that might have been avoided (not all NAs are alike, any more than any other type or race of person). All in all though, if you're looking for a fresh view at the relationship you have with your horse, this book can provide it to you. It made me think, and decide to change the way I do things with my horse. And I plan to try a number of the exercises listed in the book (I'm always looking for an excuse to ride bareback anyway!). So if you're a serious rider who respects and loves their horse, and who desires to learn to communicate more effectively with him or her, buy this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Pretty but disapointing
Review: I bought this book with great expectations that I would learn all about how Native Americans historically trained their horses and how I could apply that knowledge to building my relationship with my own horses. However, I was disappointed to find that the majority of its pages are covered with photographs of the author posing on his horses in beautiful settings rather than practical advice. I was also offended that the author seems to lead the reader to believe that the "Native American Horsemanship" principles outlined in the book represent the ONLY way that ALL Native Americans trained their horses. (Since reading this book, I found out that there were many different tribes of plains Native Americans who acquired horses since the beginning of the European conquest and they had different ways of training their horses (some of which most people today would consider inhumane). This is not even mentioned in the book, so that is why I feel that it does not give a full overview of Native American horsemanship. If you're looking to have a well-trained horse who has a deep relationship with you, there are many other books ou there that will give you results, not just pretty pictures. I recommend works by John Lyons or Buck Brannaman.
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Summary: This book is amazingly beautiful!
Review: I could not put this book down. The photography is supernaturally beautiful; it really captures the bond between Pony and his horses. I love the mixture of philosophical spirituality and common sense that Relationship Training provides, and I will definitely attempt to use it with my young horse. Reading this book reawakened my appreciation of the relationship that can exist between a person and a horse. It is definitely a must-read-must-own book, worth far more than the sticker price.
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Summary: Definite must-read for horse lovers
Review: I enjoyed every word of this well-written, well-photographed book. I don't think it was meant as a training book per se, as one of the earlier reviewers complained, but more as a guide to connecting with your horse on a more intimate level. A horse owner myself, with an equine companion that is a bit on the "feisty" side, I found the insights into the mind of the horse helpful, and I'm sorry, but I think it's a good idea to know how to fall off a horse correctly when riding bareback, my favorite style.
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Summary: Horse, Follow Closely
Review: I have wanted this book for a long time now and let me tell you, I HIGHLY recommend it to anyone interested in Native American culture and/or horses! I couldn't put it down, Gabrielle Boiselle's world reknown photography showed Pony, Kola and Mihunka in a most beautiful light, a TRUE light. A must for any horse lover. Can't get enough!
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Summary: I found this book to be well laid out and very informative.
Review: I liked every aspect of this book except one, I would have loved it to be longer. I found the layout and presentation to be exceptional. The way the author split the book into 3 sections as opposed to 30 chapters made it an easy book to read without the feeling of it never ending. In fact I was disappointed at reaching the end. The sections were also split at appropriate points: 1) history; 2) definition and goals; 3) exercises to put to practice. I liked the third section inparticular as it gives you something specific to work with as opposed to just a lot of information with no guidance as to application. I also found the information contained throughout to make sense. I did not undertake the exercise of confirming whether or not the information was factual. However, it followed common sense and contained answers to some questions that I had. I would recommend that anyone interested in developing a positive relationship with their horse should read this book and follow through with the recommended exercises.
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Summary: WONDERFUL BOOK! So glad I found it.....Read it for yourself.
Review: I was so thrilled to get my hands on a copy of this book. I had heard all different opinions from other horse people, most of them wonderful, so I decided to shell out the money for one. WOW! I was really thrilled to read a horse training book, which gave some background and philosophy, not just a "listen to me I'm a great horse trainer book", as a matter of fact, this led me to a horse expo in my area, and after seeing GaWaNi Pony Boy Speak, I am a true believer in what he teaches. This book is also beatifully done, and not a color cover black and white photos inside , but really beautiful photographs. I was happy to finally hear someone tell me that I didn't have to buy THEIR products, this line is getting pretty old in the horse world, and I recommend all of GaWaNi Pony Boy's books to any horse person who is interested in a deeper relationship with their horse....and it looks fabulous on your coffee table.
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Summary: I haven't read it but I saw Pony Boy in December 04
Review: I'm glad humane training methods are getting the press they are, but I'm frustrated with guys who dress up and/or sell their own brand of equipment. I saw Pony Boy demonstrating roundpen with a horse he hadn't met before. The audience clapped when he got the horse to take a step backwards by shaking a tassle - I could have done that quicker AND told you what was cool and useful about it. WAKE UP HORSE PEOPLE! If a guy can't tell you what he's doing and how you can apply that to your horse you are wasting your time and money.
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Summary: Buy this one today! You won't be disappointed.
Review: If you are looking for true harmony with your horse you will find how to acheive it in this book. Beautiful color photos enhance this ultimate in Horse Experiences. Everyone that owns a horse or just wants to have a deep understanding with one must by this book.
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