BOOK REVIEWS
Equus Spirit brings you the best
in natural horsemanship, equine therapy, equine assisted learning, and
equine facilitated psychotherapy books, and inspiring horse stories. We
also review leading edge equine related psychology, spirituality, healing and energy
books.
The
Revolution in Horsemanship and What It Means to Mankind
Robert M. Miller, D.V.M. and Rick Lamb
The Lyons Press, 2005
354 pages
Veterinarian Robert M. Miller and Rick
Lamb, creator of The Horse Show radio program, have penned
an extensive overview of the history and current personalities and
methods in natural horsemanship.
Look into the past to see the seeds of
today’s natural horsemanship from ancient times’ Simon of Athens and
Xenophon to the horsewhisperers of the 1800’s and early 1900’s.
Miller and Lamb present short
biographical pieces about the founders and current top clinicians in the
natural horse world. Tom Dorrance, Buck Brannaman, John Lyons, Pat
Parreli and many others are covered. Miller and Lamb also show the
cowboy and rodeo roots of contemporary natural horsemanship. There are
pictures of young saddle bronc riders Pat Parreli and Dennis Reis, as
well as others.
In a field that is becoming
increasingly crowded and competitive, it’s helpful to have trainers
described succinctly as to personality, style, method and specialization
in one handy collection. If you have wondered what differentiates one
clinician from another as you consider attending a clinic, this book may
help you decide who to investigate further.
Natural horsemanship methods are
outlined as well as the reasons why natural horsemanship is taking hold
here at the dawn of the 21st century and why natural
horsemanship is important.
There are chapters or segments on
newer riding techniques, tack, hoof care, equine health care,
alternative therapies, and nutrition. Therapeutic riding programs and
examples are described. Also mentioned are equine assisted personal
development and equine assisted therapy.
The book as a whole shows the shift
from humans using horse-as-object to our growing understanding of the
horse, behavior, communication and the horse’s perspective, and
partnering with the horse in a respectful, cruelty free manner.
The emotional aspect of the
horse-human relationship is touched upon at various places in the book.
The authors stop short of delving into the spiritual bond that is so
fulfilling for many horse people.
The authors of The Revolution in
Natural Horsemanship took on tall order in their coverage of the
history, people, methods, reasons and importance of this growing shift
in horsemanship. It’s a big topic and they have done an excellent job of
providing clear, succinct coverage in an engaging and easy to read
format.
The Revolution in Natural Horsemanship
is a ‘must have’ reference book for your equine library.
Unbridled Brilliance
by Kendall SummerHawk
Heart of Success, Inc., 2006
159 pages
Kendall SummerHawk inspires you and your
business in this coaching book where the horses are the coaches. With a
blend of personal sharing and extensive horse and coaching experience,
she and her equine friends guide you toward new levels of success for
your business and satisfaction in your personal life.
SummerHawk uses equine metaphors for the steps you need to take to facilitate success
in business and in life. Kendall believes each one of us has a special
gift and passion that is truly our own "Unique Brilliance" which we can
unbridle and encourage to flourish. Her conviction is contagious and the
reader begins to feel the power to move forward and succeed like a well
collected horse.
She
explains how to "trust your instincts" as horses do, "let go of the
reins" to reach where you want to go, stay focused, leap your
income upwards and get paid what you're worth, develop a powerful brand,
"buck up" to paradoxically move forward, "reward the slightest try", and much more.
Kendall weaves horse stories and examples of
clients' process and success throughout.
Written exercises to spur you to deeper
awareness and action are offered at the end of each chapter.
Unbridled Brilliance is helpful
for the owner of an established business looking to take it to the next
level or break through a stuck point. New business owners and people
contemplating going into business or career issues will find it equally useful.
Any horse lover wanting a dose of optimistic ideas for their own growth
will enjoy it.
Kendall SummerHawk has written an
upbeat, inspiring book
offering horse wisdom and specific steps to transform the rat race
into a dance equine in the center of your own winner's circle.
Learn more about Kendall Summerhawk, her book,
and her
work at
www.KendallSummerhawk.com .
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