Free Articles OnlineFree Articles & Content for Webmasters

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 has a love of horses, and he sure has a story to tell. He grew up with an abusive father, and this abuse not only extended to him, but to horses as well. This abuse formed a strong impression on Monty when he was young, and as he grew older he started to formulate an opinion that there must be a better way to communicate with the horses that he loves so much.

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 horse will turn his closest ear to the handler towards him/her.

The horse will begin a process of chewing and licking.

As the horse runs around the pen he will move his head closer to the ground.

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.

The book offers more information than the “join-up” technique mind you. It takes us on a journey as we learn of Roberts’ learning stages, and the good and the bad that have brought him to where he is today. Some of the highlights are:

-His successful childhood riding career

-The author’s encounters with his father

-The development of his Thoroughbred racehorse facility

-The time he met 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.

Interested in Horse Jewelry? Stop by Barb Jackson’s site where you can find out all about Beautiful Horse Jewelry for that perfect “someone”.