Book Description

It is more often than not taken for granted that any reasonable horse or pony will abide all sorts of manipulations and engage in a variety of activities on our behalf. We are surprised and frustrated when they don't.What we ask horses to do is often quite incompatible with their natural instincts. From the behaviorist's point of view, the routine work and performance feats of domestic horses are truly remarkable. Equestrians have long been fascinated by those people who seem to possess extraordinary ability to interact effectively with difficult horses, to eke out superior performances from seemingly ordinary animals. Currently, interest in equine behavior and demand for the services of these specialists are at all-time highs. Training workshops and clinics have become almost as common as horse shows. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Very Basic - maybe helpful to a novice
I agree with the other reviewer here. This book barely scratches the surface on horse behavior. To me it raised more questions than it answered. Very brief and superficial discussion. I have been involved with horses for thirty years and just recently discovered the usefulness of understanding a horse's perspective in day-to-day handling and training. If you are looking for a good book on understanding why horses do what they do and what to do about it, read all three of Mark Rashid's books, available here at Amazon.

my review of understanding horse behavior
This book is very short and so is this review. I would only say that this book is good if you are a novice when it comes to horses. Anyone with experience would find this repetetive and boring. The book only covers very basic points about horses. The book also does not give details about anything- it's more of an outline. I would close by saying that this book is probably one to steer away from. ... Read more

Book Description

Filled with detailed illustrations and simple descriptions, this drawing book presents easy techniques for learning to draw horses. Included are finished horses to trace or to use in creating other pieces of art as well as saddles, blankets, leg wraps, and bridles that can be traced onto completed sketches of horses. Filled with detailed line illustrations, anatomical explanations, and author's notes, this guide offers the budding equine illustrator the footing needed to begin drawing horses. ... Read more

Book Description

The human love affair with horses is an ancient and far-reaching one. Moving effortlessly from history to literature, from science to sport, from anecdote to personal experience, Lawrence Scanlan sets out to discover the essence of our powerful, almost mystical attraction to this noble creature. Scanlan covers a wide territory: from the mythic horses of cultures long past to the real-life whisperers of today, to the timeless wild mustangs still roaming the Great Plains.

As he touches on each aspect of the equine-human bond, Scanlan makes perfect sense of "horse fever" -- that curious affliction that has been known to strike both the seasoned professional and the rider who has galloped only in his or her dreams. Written in lyrical prose with wit, humor, and an eye for drama, meticulously researched and complemented by fifty compelling black-and-white photographs, Wild About Horses addresses our need to know everything we can about the horse.

Reviews (12)

An excellent, excellent book for the horse fanatic.
I always knew that there were others of us out there...those horse crazed people who can't get enough of our equine friend. This book tries to unlock the secrets of our obession with horses through wonderful tales of people and their horses. It helps to explain why it is that we must stop our car and just look out at a pasture filled with horses silently grazing. What an excellent, excellent book. When you're, done, you'll want to read it again.

New Age Slant on good horse yarns
I gave "Wild About Horses" four stars instead of five because I'd already heard or read most of the stories in my fifty years of being 'wild about horses'. They're good stories though, and well worth repeating. Scanlan reports a variation on 'The Pacing Mustang' (one of my all time favorites): the wild stallion who threw himself off of a cliff rather than endure capture by men. He includes a chapter on 'Epic Rides' which made me want to just saddle up and go (one of his riders, A.F. Tschiffely rode 10,000 miles from the tip of South of America to Washington D.C. in two and a half years. Anyone game for a trip from Texas to Alaska?).

'Wild About Horses' would be an excellent book to give to your horse-crazy teen-ager. It's all about relationships (between horses and humans, in this case) and is written in a laid-back, New Age style that is easy to read. Scanlan talks about his own experiences with horses, and if you're a beginning rider you'll empathize with him!

One word - Fascinating!
I couldn't put this book down once I started reading it. Whether you are an expert horseperson or just a horse lover this book is for you! The chapters cover horses throughout history in war, sports, Hollywood, Greek mythology, and even where we get some of our common sayings (pass the buck, lucky horseshoe, getting on your high horse). I will definitely read this book more than once!

Nice collection of horse tales with a wide variety of themes
The author, Lawrence Scanlan, is something of a 'born-again' horse lover, by his own proclamation. He admits that for much of his life he failed to see the overwhelming appeal that many people find in horses. But as an adult, in preparation for his job as co-author of "Riding High" with show jumping champion Ian Millar, Scanlan started to take riding lessons. Soon he was hooked. Although he still does not have horses of his own, he now loves riding and spending time in the company of our equine companions. As he read more and more about the equine creature, he became fascinated with the intertwined histories of humans and horses. This is what led him to write "Wild About Horses," a collection of [mostly true, some fictional] stories celebrating this inter-species bond.

Scanlan does not really have a central thesis, but rather explores the numerous ways in which horses have participated in and impacted humans throughout history and into the present day. His writing is fluid and to the point. The book is divided into ten chapters, each with a slightly different theme, covering such stories as the following (these are not the only stories he addresses, but just a sampling to give you an idea):

Horses in rituals and sacrifices through history; Pegasus; the Trojan Horse; Scanlan's own horseback trip in Wyoming; the history of mustangs; Wild Horse Annie; the evolution of the horse; the domestication of horses; horses as a food source; Xenophon; Native American horsemanship; trainer John Solomon Raney in the 1850s; trainers Monty Roberts and Tom Dorrance; Alexander the Great and Bucephalus; the history of warhorses; the Huns and Mongols; Medieval knights; the Royal Canadian Mounted Police; Comanche and the Battle of Little Bighorn; Napoleon and Marengo; Wellington and Copenhagen; Roy Rogers and Trigger; Eadweard Muybridge's motion photography; the Lone Ranger and Silver; the books "Black Beauty," "Misty of Chincoteague," "My Friend Flicka," and "Smoky the Cow Horse"; the movie "National Velvet"; author and former jockey Dick Francis; equine athletes Ruffian, Northern Dancer, Secretariat, Phar Lap, Man O'War, Big Ben, Halla, and Arkle; cattle drives; Scanlan's own stay at a working ranch; A.E. Tschiffley's 10,000 mile ride across the Americas; Barbara Whittome's 2,500 mile ride across Russia; Welsh Pony breeders Dick & Adele Rockwell; the Pony Express, and Buffalo Bill Cody; Snow Man, a horse rescued from slaughter that went on to become a champion jumper; Marocco the 'dancing horse'; Clever Hans; horse psychic Fred Kimball; and the bonds horses form with other animals.

While I did enjoy reading this book, I have a few criticisms. First and foremost, Scanlan seems to have borrowed heavily from the book "The Man Who Listens to Horses" by Monty Roberts (for which Scanlan wrote the introduction and afterword). He has used material both from his own contributions to the book, as well as Roberts's own writing, often using identical phrasing. This parroting was especially evident since I have only just finished reading Roberts's book, and was somewhat disappointing. The sense of repetition is also furthered by the fact that most of these stories are very common ones, and I've heard about 75% of them before. They're not bad stories, but I do wish Scanlan had dug a little deeper for some less commonly heard-of accounts to include.

Furthermore, Scanlan's coverage is not balanced. He leaves out vast areas of the horse world. The book has plenty of material on riding horses and ponies, but almost nothing on draft horses. The "Sport Horse Legends" chapter focuses almost entirely on Thoroughbred racehorses. There are a few jumpers thrown in, but no Western horses at all. When he talks of horse trainers, he talks a great deal about Monty Roberts, and a little bit about a couple others, but does not even mention many of the most influencial trainers of the last few decades. At times I also questioned the author's analytical skills, particularly when he dismissed a story as false on the basis that the horse involved, reported to be a palomino, had a Spanish name that translated to Cinnamon (which he said was too dark a color for palomino). However, this does not seem so far-fetched to me, as my father once owned a small black dog named Big Red...

And finally, his writing is not completely focused on the supposed subject of the book - why humans love horses. He has included an overwhelming number of stories about horse abuse, and most don't even lead into more uplifting stories. In the "Epic Rides" chapter, he even commends several long-distance riders known for riding horses to death. Even more strange to me was the fact that, although much of the first chapter talks mildly and even respectfully about the ways horse skins and heads were used to adorn ancient holy spots, Scanlan later launches into a tirade against equine taxidermy and condemns horsemen such as Roy Rogers, who chose to have Trigger preserved and mounted.

However, despite its faults, I did like the book. It was not perfect, but it was enjoyable. I did find some of the stories to be new and quite interesting, and Scanlan's extensive list of recommended further reading has lengthened the list of books I plan to read. If you're a connoisseur of horse lore, "Wild About Horses" may not hold any surprises for you, but it is nevertheless a nice collection. It's easy reading, and the text is interspersed with many black-and-white photographs. This would be nice for a personal treat or a gift for a friend.

Delighful read for a lover of both horses and history
My mother bought this book for me when she worried that her online purchase "The Tao of Horses" might not arrive on time (It did! Amazon.com always comes through!) This was the only book on horses in the entire used book store where she loves to shop... so she was apologetic about having to get me 'any old horse book' as a substitute for the one I'd wanted.

I'm so happy she found this book.. I might never have found it on my own. I find it extremely easy to read, and quite informative in its' historical pieces. I love 'horse lore', but if it is written tediously, I don't often have the energy left to read it after a long day of teaching.

This book is a delight! ... Read more

Book Description

A photographic essay by prizewinning, National Geographic photographer, Medford Taylor, this book contains his best photos of the Pony Penning at Chincoteague taken over thirty years. Also included are the people of the Chincoteague Island, and gorgeous shots of the ponies in their natural habitat on neighboring Assateague Island, a national wildlife reserve.

Anyone who loves horses, and especially Misty of Chincoteague, will cherish and enjoy this book. It features nearly 100 pages of color photographs, many of the world-famous Chincoteague roundup. Taylor compares the event to one of the last cattle stations in the Australian outback, which he covered for National Geographic, saying that the two places are among a few where "real cowboys are still riding real horses and doing the job."

Like rounding up wild horses, photojournalism has its risks. During one penning, Taylor sank in mud and was trapped in a narrow fence opening as the herd galloped toward him. Seemingly out of nowhere, a rider appeared. Reaching down from his horse, the cowboy pulled Taylor out of harm's way just as the ponies rushed through the opening.

"It was just like in the movies," Taylor said. "My shoes are still out there under the mud." ... Read more

Reviews (2)

So much I never knew!
This book really helped me to know my horse better, to understand what his body language was trying to tell me and what he felt. The photographs are beautiful, and I loved all the little random tidbits of information that the author gives. (such as, where does the word "nightmare" originate and what does it have to do with horses?"

When you can't afford the trip
When you can't afford the trip to observe herd of wile horses then all you need to afford is this book. Desmond Morris has been the authority on horse watching, people watching, cat watching and many other things. It's only been a matter of time till he took out all the words and kept what mattered...the forms. The pictures. Sure this is a great coffee table book to sit down and look at all the pretty ponies, but more so he captures the pictures that really count...not necessarily the ones where their manes are flowing and they look majestic, but the ones that capture that unspoken herd law. ... Read more

Book Description

An inspirational best selling book about horses and life. A book that horse lovers read over and over again. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Introspection aids communication
Jill has many accomplishments to her name, but her skill as a true communicator is equalled by few.All her books work from the basic of learning to know yourself non-judgementally so you may have much deeper understandings of your horse, & anyone you have to deal with in the "real world" also. learning the lessons in all her books gives you the opportunity to have much more successful outcomes in any encounter-man or animal & leads you to a higher level of understanding yourself & what motivates. I've used her books as a reference for a communication skills seminar for fellow nurses I developed & Jill was of personal assistance on several occasions. We need more like her , Susan Harris ,Sally Swift, & jane Savoie

Mental bonding
This is one of the most helpful books I own. It helped me to really bond with my horse on more than a physical level. It teaches you how to spend time learning your horse and discovering their hidden talents and personality traits. I highly recommend it ... Read more

Amazon.com

"If you love horses and want to know as much as you can about them, then The Way of the Horse: How to See the World Through His Eyes is for you." Beginning with a thorough discussion of the equine background, including the evolution of horses, their heritage, hot- and cold-blooded breeds, and life-span characteristics, editor Jane Kidd proceeds to the senses in chapter 2--sight and hearing, horse as herbivore, balance and coordination, intelligence and survival--then horse behavior in chapter 3, and health and fitness in chapter 4. The final chapter is in Q&A format, with topics ranging from specific behavioral problems and health concerns to grooming techniques and gender-specific issues. Filled throughout with more than 300 full-color photographs and illustrations, this beautiful book is perfect for the devoted horse owner and those who admire this magnificent animal from afar. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Buy this one first!
Of all the books that I have read (a lot) since I got back into riding, this is the one that was most worth the money. The explanations of horse behavior, the reasons and what the response of the human should be are written in such a special way that isn't clinical or condescending to the reader. The beautiful photos are an added bonus to an already worthwhile book.

Absolutley wounderful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I reccomend this book to every one, it has stunning pictures, and correct information. I think this book was worth every penny and it answerd questions many horse people have. I have reccomended this book to all my horsey friends and they have all reccomended it to thier friends, with all of them coming back with the same answer, 'WHAT A GREAT BOOK!!! ' You have to have this book if you're a horseman!! ... Read more

Book Description

The tale of Aimé Tschiffely's ride from Buenos Aires to Washington DC, but told by the horses!

The journey of 10,000 miles took two and a half years and forced horses and rider to survive through near-impossible conditions.

A classic book for children of all ages. ... Read more

Book Description

Selected as one of the dozen best horseshoeing books ever published, this reprint of an exciting 1895 book written by a leading British veterinarian lays down correct principles andpoints out hundreds of highly technical details still essential togood shoeing.Some 100 years later, farriers still rely on ideas from this highly valuable book in their daily shoeing work.Must reading for anyone involved with hoof care! ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Classic information on working with young horses
This book contains no fads, no gimmicks, no buzz words, no hype. It gave me straighforward classic horse training information that I could understand and put to use. I've used it on my last 3 Warmblood foal crops and the foals and yearlings are confident, respectful, easy to handle and look forward to their work. I also found the chapter on Evaluating Potential of a young horse particularly interesting and useful.

A must have for all horse owners
This book was highly informative, and easily understood. I've always a been tying legs up and laying horses down, but to go back and read it in print just confirmed the value of proper, safe handling from the start. There is a fine line between respect and fear with horses, and firm, but fairness is constant throughout this book.

Even if one is not a handler, I recommend the book for a better understanding of the horse himself. This book is a must have for your home/business library.

Another good read by Cherry Hill
Cherry Hill writes another very informative book, filled with pictures, and written in easy to understand language. Would recommend it for anyone thinking of raising foals.

book review
This is a great book. It helps you know the little things to do when raising a foal. The things that most people wouldn't think of are in this book. Its a good book for beginner on up through experienced.

The Absolute Worst book I've EVER bought
I was so disappointed in this book. I have bought many horse books, but this one was certainly the worst. I think it is a pitty that force and strength is substituted for time and patience and really *teaching* a young horse to be confident and trusting rather than be afraid and just submit while it cant move, being tied in hobbles...every lesson praticly was introducing hobbles. I thought it was disgusting. If anyone would STILL like to buy the book, you can take mine for half price!kmrothmann@aol.com ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Classical teaching, modern presentation
Although the title would lead you to believe that this is a "easy goin"" type of book, this author has a grasp of Classical horsemanship methods. While the Masters books relay the same fundamentals, Marys presentation may let you see the Art of Riding in a less threatening light. Marys concern over how to use words to convey a skill based on "Feel" is especially appreciated, after all riding is really all about "feel" isn't it? She presents tools to convey this awareness, something that is not done as effectively in the older books. Her use of the "indirect rein" term is a bit out of sync with classical teaching, but all in all the title does not do the book justice.

Very informative, spiced with occasional humor!
I borrowed this book from the library, and am planning to buy a copy of my own. This is an excellent reference book to go back to for training, warming up, and building up your horse's athletic ability and responsiveness. Whether you are an experienced rider, or new to horses, Mary's style of writing is down to earth, and the exercises she gives are explained very well. She gives the reasoning behind the instruction.

Best introduction to dressage training ever!
I have been recommending this book to people new to horses or who want to improve their riding and training ability for several years. Mary Twelveponies writes clearly and non-technically about riding and training your horse using dressage methods without scaring people into thinking they are going to getting in over their heads. She instructs the reader in how to be a better rider which in turn helps your horse become more responsive. She utilizes both western and english disciplines to show that anyone can accomplish the goals in this book. It was the beginning for me in learning how to train my horses. I am a strong believer in dressage as a foundation method of training a horse for any discpline you wish to pursue and Mary Twelveponies makes it easy to understand and incorporate. You and your horse will be happier!

Good book for the average rider
Mary Twelveponies' book is a very practical,down-to-earth guide for those of us who want to enjoy our horses. This is not a guide to showing your horse,it is a guide for the average horse owner. It deals with problems we all encounter. Overall,I'd say I have thoroughly enjoyed this book. I bought it! ... Read more

Book Description

For the professional equine trainer/breeder as well as horse owners everywhere, this book covers topics dealing with the physiology and psychology of stallions, such as behavioral problems, sexual behavior, natural and artificial breeding, nutrition, training, and exercise of adult male horses.The easy-to-read charts and tables and informative illustrations help answer common questions about stallion health and well-being. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Understanding The Stallion - Technical but not practical
Understanding the Stallion is a fairly short, detailed book, bursting with information pertaining to stallion management and breeding. This book does not, however, go into the mental aspects of the stallion in much depth, as I was hoping it would. Also, the book fails to take into account the fact that every stallion has his own personality, and that they each require a different approach, whether this is in the breeding shed or in the stable.

This book cannot be flawed for its scientific and technical statements. The descriptions of the stallion's anatomy are very detailed, as are the diagrams, and the text is phrased carefully so that the author can be understood, even to the least scientifically inclined person.

This book is a worthwhile purchase for the first time stallion owner, or to anyone that is considering buying a stallion for the first time, either for competition or breeding. More experienced horse people may find the book a little light on practical information, but nonetheless useful. A recommended read to all stallion owners and breeders. ... Read more

Book Description

There are close to 40,000 wild mustangs in the United States - some on islands, some on mountaintops, some on vast prairies, and some on land where oil-drilling rigs and logging trucks are constant visitors.Most of this land is public and under the management of the BLM (Bureau of Land Management), making it accessible to anyone willing to drive the backroads to get there.The American Mustang Guidebook is a combination travel guide, horse lovers' publication, natural history, and American history resource book all rolled into one.Illustrated within the pages are the beauty and natural landscapes of wild horses in America, maps to help you find where they live, and sections on the history, behavior, and color genetics of this magnificent animal.Detail state-by-state directions and maps show where to best view America's wild horses in their native pastures, and complete information is included on BLM adoption and training of a mustang.Contact names and addresses of the state BLM offices, a list of wild horses handlers, local and national wild horse organizations, and a list of other resources are also included, making this a complete and unique reference for nature and horse lovers everywhere. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The American Mustang Guidebook
The best book on this subject on the market!! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

FEATS OF CHEMISTRY IN COUNTRY LAB STRAIN CREDULITY
GREEN HAS A BIG COW COUNTRY FOLLOWING. IN OTHER BOOKS HE TELLS OF VIRTUOSO PERFORMANCES IN AUCTION HOUSES, BRUSHY PASTURES, AND SMALL TOWNS WITH FIRST MONDAY HORSE SALES. NOW WE FIND GREEN ALL GROWN UP AND WORKING IN WEST TEXAS AS A VET. WITH LABORATORY EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE DURING WORLD WAR II, HE ANALYSES NOXIOUS WEEDS, FINDS SPECIFICALLY TOXIC SUBSTANCES, AND COMPOUNDS CURES RIGHT THERE. THIS IS PROBABLY NOT POSSIBLE WITH TODAY'S RESOURCES, SO THE ACCOUNTS IN THIS BOOK DO NOT RING TRUE TO ME. I'VE WORKED CATTLE IN A BRUSHY COUNTRY AND I'VE DONE SOME ORGANIC CHEMISTRY AND THE MORE I READ OF GREEN'S DOINGS, THE MORE SKEPTICAL I BECOME. I THINK GREEN MAY HAVE WORKED US TEXAS BOYS THE WAY CARLOS CASTENADA WORKED HIPPIES. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

No wild animal captures the spirit of North America quite so powerfully as the wild horse - nor has any faced such diverse and potent enemies. In this provocative account, Hope Ryden - who helped to ensure the passage of the Wild and Free-Roaming Horse and Burro Act, which grants mustangs special protection - combs the history of these proud and noble horses. Descended from the Spanish horses riden by the conquistadors, they evolved into the tough and intelligent ponies that Indians - and later, explorers and cowboys - learned to rely on. From the period when wholesale extermination of the buffalo was underway until recent times, commercial and political interests have sought to eliminate the wild horses as varmints. In the latest update to this classic story, Ryden tells of the successes and failures in the last ten years of regulation, and has added stunning new color photographs. The subject of a front-page article in The New York Times when it was first published, America's Last Wild Horses continues to be a compelling testament to the life of a uniquely American symbol of grace and wildness, and is a must read for horse lovers and Western history enthusiasts everywhere. (6 X 9, 360 pages, color photos, b&w photos) ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A classic for horse lovers
I had the original edition of this book and it was so tattered that this was a welcome sight. It's a beautiful, informative book that covers a lot of information about feral horses, especially Mustangs. The author gives a first-hand account of wild horse behaviour and a thorough history of the orgins. She also gives insights on the future of these horses and what steps we can take to protect them as a living symbol of the American West. This is the best book on the topic I have read so far.

Full of Information!
This is an excellent resource for anyone interested in wild horses and mustangs. The author does a great job of providing historical knowledge and facts about the early relationship between wild horses and men, and about how horses roamed America before they were reintroduced by Europeans. The author also discusses current issues involving mustangs and their future in the American West. This book is so good I definately needed it for my personal collection. ... Read more

Book Description

Photographs and written reflections of the American Horse.

Photographer Robert Dawson captures the romantic essence of these remarkable creatures in nearly 100 stunning images,photographed in some of the most breath-taking locations in America. Complementing Dawson's photographs are some of the most profound words and delightful observations ever written by horse lovers. Foreword by Tanya Tucker. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Unbelievable photographs
Robert Dawson's photographs are so moving. He captures moments that are truly beautiful. His books (Along the Cowboy Trail and this one) make wonderful gifts for those horse lovers and cowboys/cowgirls! ... Read more

Book Description

She's not just an observer. She's an active participant who actually talks to the animals -- and understands what they are saying.

Since the dawn of time, animals have communicated with one another. Now a remarkable woman hears their language and communicates directly with them. In this heartwarming account, you'll learn how Nicci Mackay transforms the lives of owner and animal. There's Aristotle, the naughty stallion with a heart of gold; Hector, the abused horse who learns to trust again; Gnasher, the balky herd-dog who makes a remarkable comeback; and Charlie, the forlorn spaniel who convinces Nicci that he doesn't need -- and will not tolerate -- a leg amputation.

Nicci Mackay is an enchanting storyteller who recounts a miraculous life dedicated to animals. In her years spent as a groom and jockey, she "spoke" in secret. Now she interprets everywhere on behalf of horses, as well as other animals. From horses to hounds, sheep to sheepdogs, these four-legged friends share the inability to speak to humans. But as the animals' translator, Mackay is second to none in making their voices heard. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Something a little different, and surprisingly convincing!
I received this book as a gift years ago, and until now it's just been sitting by the wayside. I'm always skeptical of people who call themselves "horse whisperers" - while I'm willing to believe there are levels of communication that most of us do not yet understand, it takes quite a bit to convince me that someone who claims to have any sort of telepathic abilities is actually the real deal. Not only that, but the term "horse whisperer" is incredibly hackneyed by now. Ever since the movie of the same title came out, the name has been slapped on just about every moderately successful trainer out there, even though their methods vary widely and don't actually involve any "whispering." However, when I finally gave the book a chance, I was very surprised. The first two chapters alone had me convinced that Nicci Mackay is something genuinely different.

The book is more like a memoir of her experiences communicating with horses (and other animals), and not actually a full biography. She takes up the story in her adult life, revealing the circumstances under which she first "came out of the closet" about her abilities. Believing most people would think her a quack if she ever claimed she could speak with horses, Mackay kept quiet about it for years. She only spoke out publicly when a close friend adamantly insisted that she do so, for the benefit of a particular horse. When she received a surprisingly favorable reaction, the author began offering her services professionally, helping people better communicate with and understand their beloved animals. And though horses are her most common subject, being her favorite animal and the one with which she first recognized her abilities, she has also successfully worked with dogs, sheep, cows, and even birds. The bulk of the book shares with us a series of the author's most interesting and touching cases.

Part of what makes Mackay's book so convincing is her down-to-earth nature. She does not come across as pretentious is any way. In fact, she freely admits to not fully understanding her abilities herself, and occasionally suffers doubts about the extent to which any as-yet-untried application will be successful. She never lords her abilities over anyone else, doesn't believe herself to be superior to other horse owners because of her communication skills, and nowhere does she attempt to argue the reader into believing everything she has to say. Rather, she lets the case examples speak for themselves. There is also an abundance of self-deprecating humor, as she shares some of her more comical and occasionally downright hilarious experiences. To me, Mackay's book reads a bit like something a telepathic James Herriot would have written.

Amazing as it may be, Nicci Mackay actually seems to be the real thing. Her book is utterly convincing and a joy to read. Mackay is also an excellent writer, and the text is vivid and captivating. Her style is very friendly and open. I wouldn't blame anyone for being initially skeptical - after all, I set the book aside for quite some time for this very reason - but for anyone with an interest in horses to entirely bypass this book would be a great loss. I'd urge any horse lover to give this one a chance, as it will broaden your horizons and is definitely well worth the read.

To believe or not to believe?
Okay, I'm a skeptic--or at least was. I bought this book to prove to myself that communicating with animals is not real. But before I reached halfway, I was already a believer. It's real, and it's strange. Nicci Mackay actually speaks her thoughts to animals, asking them questions about their behavior, feelings, etc, and receives answers from them. She's not a horse whisperer like Monty Roberts. This woman can carry on a conversation with any horse (although she can't always persuade them to do things for her!)

Nicci's writing is beautiful and captivating. Her book is nicely put together chronologically (unlike some autobiographies which keep jumping back and forth). Her stories can be dreadfully depressing or hilariously funny. Some of her experiences are downright eccentric, though not lacking charm. She has a brilliant sense of humor that caught me off guard in situations where I should have contained my laughter.

To sum things up, this book is a gem and I will read it many more times. I wholeheartedly urge you to pick a copy for yourself--regardless of whether you are a believer or not. Niccy Mackay, if you read this, please drop me a line as I would like you to talk to my horse.

Reader, what are you still doing reading this review? Buy the book!

Can you say "New Agey?"
I do believe that people form strong spiritual bonds with each other and animals too. I also believe we can sense things intuitvely when we're close to someone. HOWEVER, this book is a little wacho and new agey. You know the drill. . . 'We are one with nature" type book. No thanks!!!

Very enjoyable reading! Well written and thought provoking
In this book Nicci Mackay shares her experience of being able to communicate telepathically with primarily horses, but also a few dogs, goats and birds. It starts when she first shares her ability with some fellow horsemen, and then progresses as she gets more and more well known and works with many different animals. Very enjoyable, she doesn't try to "push" her views on the reader to hard. She just shares her experiences. This book is slightly different then The Man Who Listens to Horses by Monty Roberts. Mackay was very much into "psychic" communication with the horses, while Roberts was more into the body language of the horses. I don't doubt that they both incorporated both of these methods, to some degree or other. Personally, I'm still unsure about "psychic communication with animals" but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I also recomend Conversations with Animals by Lydia Hiby. ... Read more