Have you ever seen the popular television show "The Dog Whisperer"? It highlights a man who loves dogs, and has a unique ability to communicate with them, and train them as well. The book "The Man Who Listens to Horses" offers a similar story, about a man who is able to train and communicate with horses. Written by Monty Roberts, it showcases the internal workings of a horse's mind. In this article I will be offering my humble opinion on this remarkable book, and offer what I think are some of the highlights that I think other readers might enjoy.
Monty Roberts has a story to tell; not only of himself, but of the horses he loves so much. Monty grew up in an abusive household, and his father was abusive not only to him, but to his horses as well. As Monty grew older he started to formulate a different viewpoint. There must be a better way to communicate with the horses that he loves so much, and he was determined to find out what it was.
This "better way" was to become a horse breaking and training technique which he calls "join-up". For starters, you need a round pen, and an unbroken horse. The handler stands in the middle of the pen, and the horse is encouraged to run away from him/her, circling the pen in attempts to get away. As the horse runs away, the handler forms steady eye contact, and assumes a very authoritative and imposing stance. As time goes by, the handler will look for three specific signs that the horse wishes to communicate with the handler. These signs are:
The ear of the horse that is closest to the handler will turn towards him/her.
The horse will begin a process of chewing and licking.
The horse will lower his head near to the ground as he runs around the pen.
When the handler is assured that the horse wishes to communicate, he/she will turn his back and start to gradually move away. The horse will then come closer to the handler, and permit the handler to touch him. Now that contact has been established, the saddling, bridling, mounting, and riding process can begin.
In addition to the "join-up" technique, the book takes us on a journey of Robert's life as well. We learn of the various stages of his life, how he developed his horse techniques, and what has made him into the man that he is today. Some of the highlights in the book are:
-The author's successful childhood riding career
-The author's relationship with his father
-The development of the author's Thoroughbred racehorse facility
-Meeting Queen Elizabeth II of England
-Wild deer and the use of the "join-up" technique
-Mustang horses and the author's experiences with them
-Three of his favorite horses: Dually, Brownie, and Johnny Tivio
If you love horses, and would love to learn of a very humane way to train and communicate with them, then this book is for you. Check it out, read it over, and let the information wrap around your mind. - 29943
Monty Roberts has a story to tell; not only of himself, but of the horses he loves so much. Monty grew up in an abusive household, and his father was abusive not only to him, but to his horses as well. As Monty grew older he started to formulate a different viewpoint. There must be a better way to communicate with the horses that he loves so much, and he was determined to find out what it was.
This "better way" was to become a horse breaking and training technique which he calls "join-up". For starters, you need a round pen, and an unbroken horse. The handler stands in the middle of the pen, and the horse is encouraged to run away from him/her, circling the pen in attempts to get away. As the horse runs away, the handler forms steady eye contact, and assumes a very authoritative and imposing stance. As time goes by, the handler will look for three specific signs that the horse wishes to communicate with the handler. These signs are:
The ear of the horse that is closest to the handler will turn towards him/her.
The horse will begin a process of chewing and licking.
The horse will lower his head near to the ground as he runs around the pen.
When the handler is assured that the horse wishes to communicate, he/she will turn his back and start to gradually move away. The horse will then come closer to the handler, and permit the handler to touch him. Now that contact has been established, the saddling, bridling, mounting, and riding process can begin.
In addition to the "join-up" technique, the book takes us on a journey of Robert's life as well. We learn of the various stages of his life, how he developed his horse techniques, and what has made him into the man that he is today. Some of the highlights in the book are:
-The author's successful childhood riding career
-The author's relationship with his father
-The development of the author's Thoroughbred racehorse facility
-Meeting Queen Elizabeth II of England
-Wild deer and the use of the "join-up" technique
-Mustang horses and the author's experiences with them
-Three of his favorite horses: Dually, Brownie, and Johnny Tivio
If you love horses, and would love to learn of a very humane way to train and communicate with them, then this book is for you. Check it out, read it over, and let the information wrap around your mind. - 29943
About the Author:
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