On the popular television show "The Dog Whisperer" we see a man who has a remarkable ability to communicate with dogs, and train them as well. The book "The Man Who Listens to Horses" relays a similar story about a man who is able to do the same thing with horses. This book was written by Monty Roberts, and it takes the reader on a journey into the internal workings of a horse's mind. In this article I offer up my opinion of the book, and will hit upon what I think are some of the highlights other readers will enjoy reading about.
Monty Roberts is a remarkable man, with a story to tell. He grew up with an abusive father who not only abused him, but his horses as well. This formed a strong impression on the young Monty, and as he grew into a man he started to formulate thoughts on "there must be a better way" to communicate with these magnificent creatures.
The "join-up" technique is the author's technique to break and train horses. The book goes into great detail on the process, but here it is in a nutshell. You need a round pen and an unbroken horse to start. The handler will stand in the middle of the pen in a very authoritative and imposing way, while the horse is encouraged to run around the pen in attempts to get away. During the process the handler will be looking for signs that the horse wishes to communicate with him. These three signs are:
The horse will gradually turn the ear that is closest to the handler towards him/her.
The horse will start to chew and lick.
The horse will lower his head near to the ground as he runs around the pen.
At this point the handler will turn his back on the horse and move away. The horse will then usually come closer to the handler, and allow the handler to touch him/her. At this point, the handler is well on his way to the process of: saddling, bridling, mounting, and riding.
The book takes us on a journey into Robert's life (in addition to the "join-up" technique). We learn of the various stages of his life and the events that have helped to shape his view of horses, and the techniques he has developed along the way. Some of the highlights are:
-His successful childhood riding career
-His encounters with his father
-The development of the author's Thoroughbred racehorse facility
-His meeting with Queen Elizabeth II of England
-Wild deer and the use of the "join-up" technique
-The author's experiences with mustang horses
-Three of his favorite horses: Dually, Brownie, and Johnny Tivio
Anyone who loves horses and is looking for a humane way to communicate with them and train them should check out this book. Read it over and let the information wrap around your mind.
Monty Roberts is a remarkable man, with a story to tell. He grew up with an abusive father who not only abused him, but his horses as well. This formed a strong impression on the young Monty, and as he grew into a man he started to formulate thoughts on "there must be a better way" to communicate with these magnificent creatures.
The "join-up" technique is the author's technique to break and train horses. The book goes into great detail on the process, but here it is in a nutshell. You need a round pen and an unbroken horse to start. The handler will stand in the middle of the pen in a very authoritative and imposing way, while the horse is encouraged to run around the pen in attempts to get away. During the process the handler will be looking for signs that the horse wishes to communicate with him. These three signs are:
The horse will gradually turn the ear that is closest to the handler towards him/her.
The horse will start to chew and lick.
The horse will lower his head near to the ground as he runs around the pen.
At this point the handler will turn his back on the horse and move away. The horse will then usually come closer to the handler, and allow the handler to touch him/her. At this point, the handler is well on his way to the process of: saddling, bridling, mounting, and riding.
The book takes us on a journey into Robert's life (in addition to the "join-up" technique). We learn of the various stages of his life and the events that have helped to shape his view of horses, and the techniques he has developed along the way. Some of the highlights are:
-His successful childhood riding career
-His encounters with his father
-The development of the author's Thoroughbred racehorse facility
-His meeting with Queen Elizabeth II of England
-Wild deer and the use of the "join-up" technique
-The author's experiences with mustang horses
-Three of his favorite horses: Dually, Brownie, and Johnny Tivio
Anyone who loves horses and is looking for a humane way to communicate with them and train them should check out this book. Read it over and let the information wrap around your mind.
About the Author:
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