Natural horsemanship is an approach that emphasizes the understanding and connection between horse and rider. By focusing on the horse’s natural instincts and communication methods, these techniques can help create a partnership based on trust, respect, and mutual understanding. If youāre looking to improve your skills in natural horsemanship, there are many insightful books that offer valuable guidance.
In this guide, weāll explore some of the best horse training books for natural horsemanship, providing you with a range of approaches to deepen your bond with your horse and enhance your training methods.
1. What is Natural Horsemanship?
Before diving into the books, letās take a moment to define natural horsemanship. This training philosophy is based on observing and understanding the natural behaviors and instincts of horses. Rather than relying on force or punishment, it uses gentle techniques that emphasize communication, respect, and trust. The goal is to create a cooperative relationship between the horse and rider, rather than one based on dominance or fear.
Benefits of Natural Horsemanship:
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Trust-based relationship: Builds mutual respect and communication.
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Gentle techniques: Uses pressure and release, not harsh methods.
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Improved connection: Helps riders understand their horseās body language and needs.
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Increased responsiveness: Encourages calm and consistent reactions from the horse.
2. Top Horse Training Books for Natural Horsemanship
Here are some of the most popular and effective books on natural horsemanship that every rider should consider reading:
1. “The Horse Whisperer” by Nicholas Evans
Price Range: Mid to High
Overview:
While “The Horse Whisperer” is technically a novel, it beautifully integrates elements of natural horsemanship with its compelling storyline. The book follows the journey of a young girl and her horse, focusing on the healing process and the bond that forms between them through gentle training methods.
Why Itās Great for Training:
Though fiction, “The Horse Whisperer” offers valuable insights into the power of gentle communication with horses. It introduces the emotional and psychological aspects of horse training, highlighting the importance of patience, empathy, and understanding.
Key Takeaways:
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Emphasizes the connection between horse and rider.
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Illustrates the healing power of natural horsemanship.
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Focuses on how horses respond to kindness and understanding.
2. “The Man Who Listens to Horses” by Monty Roberts
Price Range: Mid
Overview:
Monty Roberts is a legend in the field of natural horsemanship, and this book is one of his most famous works. In it, Roberts shares his journey and his training techniques, including his join-up methodāa technique that involves using body language and subtle cues to communicate with horses, building trust and cooperation.
Why Itās Great for Training:
Roberts’ join-up method has been widely praised for its non-violent, non-coercive approach to training horses. This book provides practical insight into the horse’s natural instincts and how we can work with them instead of against them.
Key Takeaways:
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Join-up method: A non-verbal technique for building trust.
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Explains the psychology behind a horseās behavior.
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Teaches how to communicate with horses in their language.
3. “The Natural Horsemanship Manual” by Pat Parelli
Price Range: Mid
Overview:
Pat Parelli is a well-known advocate for natural horsemanship. This book offers a comprehensive guide to his Parelli Natural Horsemanship program. The book covers a range of groundwork, riding techniques, and relationship-building strategies designed to strengthen your connection with your horse.
Why Itās Great for Training:
Pat Parelliās method is known for its structured system that includes 7 “games” designed to teach both horse and rider to communicate more effectively. Whether youāre a beginner or an experienced rider, this book offers step-by-step instructions and exercises that can help you progress.
Key Takeaways:
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Covers the Parelli Natural Horsemanship system.
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Structured exercises for improved horse-rider communication.
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Focuses on relationship-building and mutual respect.
4. “True Horsemanship Through Feel” by Bill Dorrance and Leslie Desmond
Price Range: Mid to High
Overview:
Bill Dorrance, one of the founders of natural horsemanship, has a deep understanding of how horses communicate. In this book, Dorrance and Leslie Desmond discuss the concept of “feel”āa subtle, intuitive way of communicating with horses that emphasizes connection rather than control.
Why Itās Great for Training:
This book focuses on developing feel as a riderālearning to understand the horse’s emotions, responses, and body language. It offers a more philosophical approach to horsemanship, aiming to cultivate a deeper emotional connection with your horse.
Key Takeaways:
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Emphasizes the development of “feel” when riding and training.
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Focuses on communication and trust-building.
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Provides insights on building a true partnership with your horse.
5. “Starting Right with Horses” by Steve Halfpenny
Price Range: Mid
Overview:
Steve Halfpennyās book is a comprehensive guide to starting horses under saddle with a focus on natural horsemanship principles. The book covers everything from groundwork to starting the horse under saddle, offering tips for creating a calm, confident horse from the very beginning.
Why Itās Great for Training:
This book provides practical advice on starting young horses, but itās also full of general training principles that can be applied to horses of all ages. It provides a clear, step-by-step approach to training thatās easy to follow, even for beginners.
Key Takeaways:
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A clear, step-by-step guide to starting horses.
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Focuses on groundwork and gentle handling.
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Offers methods for creating a calm, confident horse.
6. “The Complete Guide to Natural Horsemanship” by Dorrance and Desmond
Price Range: High
Overview:
This guide is a comprehensive resource for anyone interested in the principles of natural horsemanship. Dorrance and Desmond take a holistic approach, focusing not only on the horse’s training but also on understanding the horse’s psychology, body language, and the rider’s role in establishing a partnership.
Why Itās Great for Training:
This book is well-rounded and covers various aspects of horsemanship, from understanding a horseās emotions to refining communication during training. Itās a fantastic resource for both beginner and experienced riders who want to deepen their understanding of natural methods.
Key Takeaways:
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Offers in-depth knowledge of natural horsemanship principles.
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Focuses on holistic training and understanding the horseās psychology.
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Provides a comprehensive approach for all levels of horsemanship.
7. “A Good Horse is Never a Bad Horse” by Mark Rashid
Price Range: Mid
Overview:
Mark Rashid is a respected trainer known for his calm and intuitive approach to working with horses. This book explores the relationship between horse and rider, emphasizing the importance of creating a positive environment for the horse, as well as addressing common behavioral issues in a natural, gentle way.
Why Itās Great for Training:
Rashidās philosophy is all about creating harmony with your horse through understanding, rather than domination. This book provides insightful case studies and examples of how to correct problem behaviors using natural horsemanship methods.
Key Takeaways:
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Focuses on behavioral issues and solutions.
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Emphasizes the importance of understanding the horse’s needs.
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Teaches riders to approach problems with patience and empathy.
3. Conclusion: Choosing the Best Natural Horsemanship Book for You
The best natural horsemanship book for you depends on your level of experience and your specific training goals. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your existing skills, the books listed above provide a range of philosophies, techniques, and practical advice.
If youāre new to natural horsemanship, “The Man Who Listens to Horses” and “Starting Right with Horses” offer approachable insights. For more advanced riders, “True Horsemanship Through Feel” and “The Complete Guide to Natural Horsemanship” provide deeper exploration of horse psychology and advanced techniques.
No matter which book you choose, remember that natural horsemanship is about building a partnership based on trust and respect.