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Summary: The basis of horsemanship!
Review: Bill Dorrance is one of the fathers of horsemanship and his exercises form the basis of modern groundwork. If you are looking for a summary of Bill Dorrance's philosophy and lifestyle with horses, this book may be for you. If you want easy to follow, clear instructions of horsemanship exercises form the ground and in saddle look elsewhere, in one of the newer books on that topic (e.g. Lyons).
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Summary: Soak up every word
Review: From this humble un-assuming gentleman comes some of the most valuable and useful information I have ever received. I read a lot of books and attend a lot of clinics and seminars on horse-man relationships and this book is my number one pick so far. Bill says, "Not everyone is going to want to do this. And, not everyone who wants to work this way with their horse will understand this book, and maybe they won't for a lot of reasons, but not because it's too difficult...If they want to learn this and get along better with their horse, they will."
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Summary: Soak up every word
Review: Horsepeople everywhere, change your relationship with your horse. This is no "quick fix" book, and there aren't any gimmicks or tricks here. You aren't required to buy certain bridles manufactured by the author, and there are no product endorsements through which to wade. You're simply required to listen to Mr. Dorrance's very wise words and give them a shot.What this book has to offer is a rare chance to have some timeless instruction from a man who is no longer with us who shares an age old (but too often overlooked or forgotten) method of making your horse your partner. Mr. Dorrance has been the mentor for some of the most respected horsemen of our time, including Ray Hunt, and Buck Brannaman. There's a reason for this, and if you put the book into practice you'll see why. Buy the book, read the front story from Buck Brannaman and keep it in mind as you read the rest of the book. You'll never regret it. Nathalie Ross, Houston, TX
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Summary: true horsemanship through feel
Review: I can attest through daily experiences that this book is truly one of the greats on horsemanship. I have suffered many bumps and bruises in my years of training horses, and I must say that this book would have helped me from making those mistakes. I do feel though that one must have an understanding of horses and horsemanship in order to truly "feel" the meaning of this book. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn what it means to "feel" their horse and achieve a greater relationship with the horse than imagined.
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Summary: One of the most valued books I'll Ever Own
Review: I recently moved my young horse from a well established dressage trainer to a wonderful horseman/trainer who does foundation work. I had bought my colt from an "unknown" owner and I just felt that my horse had missed the "basics".
My new trainer recommended I read Bill Dorrance's book, True Horsemanship, because he practices many of Bill's methods. True Horsemanship offers horse owners basic approaches that make sense and lead to better communication and successful results. With this foundation work completed, I now know that my horse will be better prepared to go into any discipline from here. Amazingly, I'm realizing how much re-training my older "finished horse" needs. I am anxious to try some of the training methods in this book on him, as well. Bill has so many years of good horsemanship experience and I just wish I had exposure to his philosophies and training earlier in my life.
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Summary: Pretty Helpful
Review: If you already have a basic knowledge of horse behavior, this book can help you add some new depth to your equine relationships. It is a bit unorganized with its photos, and the ol' boy rambles a bit, but overall it is a good book.
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Summary: A Bible for the true horseman!
Review: If you want to really feel with your horse and benifit from your horse as well as learn from your horse using this book is the answer. Some reviews say that this book is no good; which tells me that they are a person who is not open minded! Also this book will help a person work well with all horses; horses are just like people, they have feelings, they get sore muscles, horses also have good days & bad days, working with this book will help those who want to learn to work around these problems. Horses like people are not the same, every person and every horse is different, different personality, looks; charm and inteligence; it would be a boring world otherwise. Read this book to help you understand your horse, those who rely on the mechanical gear designed to designed to force the horse to do what you want can throw away the spurs, whips, chains and use the lightest touch to get results. That way the horse will not be looking for the first opportunity to dump you! Those who really learn to understand what Bill is trying to teach us can apply the knowledge to troubled people, kids, dogs; cats anything, this book is awesome. Anyone who says this book is 'just an old man rambling on!" should stop and listen to the rambling; Bill has important things to say; pay attention, this book could solve a lot of problems in this world if applied right. A happy contented horse makes a happy and contented rider. Bill Dorance is the guru of horseman as is Tom Dorrance and Ray Hunt, if we could get a third of what they can teach us we would be very fortunate! I just wish I could spend a year with either one of them!
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Summary: The Horseman's Bible
Review: If you work with or around horses you need this book. I teach horsemanship and use the methods Bill teaches in his book everyday. It really works when you give the horse a chance. ENJOY!
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Summary: True Horsemanship Through Feel
Review: If you're open to learning at a level that requires you to really THINK and bring the pieces together as you learn...BUY this book and read it 'til the pages wear thin.
To accelerate your learning curve...read this book, go to a Buck Brannaman clinic (audit or enroll) and read this book some more.
'True Horsemanship Through Feel' sits at the top of my bed for easy reference at the end of every day.
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Summary: Wonderful book - all horse owners should own this!
Review: This is a wonderful book. This author has been the mentor for all of the current top teaching professionals relative to horses and communication (i.e. Pat Parelli, Buck Brannaman, Clinton Anderson, Dennis Reis, etc.). Every horse owner should buy this book if you never buy another. Learning to speak "horse" is the ultimate way of communicating with your horses. It is amazing what you can do utilizing these techniques. If your horse is one of the calmest or the most spirited, you can learn to help yourself and your horse. A truly inspiring book. Everyone should be willing to take the time to learn so you can have the ultimate partnership with your horses. The horse world would be much better overall if everyone aspired to the techniques in this book. It's a shame some people will never know the joy and wonder of such a wonderful relationship - it's more of a shame for the horses these people own. This is just a great book!
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