Customer Reviews

Almost a Whisper: A Holistic Approach to Working with Your Horse

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought this book based on Amazon customers' effusive recommendations, and I tried very hard to like it. I did -sometimes-but I just don't think it worked for me overall. All of the previous customer reviews that address the book's content are pretty much accurate, including the reviewer who noted that the contents are wordy and repetitive; they are. So, to give additional information to the prospective buyer, this review focuses on what I would have appreciated knowing.

First, a good portion of the book is devoted to the authors' efforts to convince the reader to abandon the stereotypical "cowboy school" of horse breaking/training. It was as if they assumed their audience consisted of cowboys of decades ago. This is understandable given Sam's background, but if that's the target audience, I'm not sure the book's title is going to attract those people. The problem I had with the authors writing so much extolling the wisdom of the "horse whisperer" philosophy is that I was already there. That's why I bought the book.

Second, while they rightly criticize abusive horse breaking methods in favor of theirs, several passages come across like they're proselytizing. This tone wasn't completely off-putting. Neither entirely was the fact that they occasionally digress to opine on society's ills. Other readers may not be so charitable about these musings. (While other readers may high five them for it.)

Third, the book was generally well organized, but many points - mostly on why one should choose horse whispering - were repeated. Repetition does aid memory, but I would have appreciated more content on various situations involving the mature horse. Why is it that these sorts of books generally focus on the "starting the colts" stage? Don't many riders own older horses that know how to get away with a lot, are spoiled, domineering, etc.? From what Sam says in the book, it sounds like many of the attendees at his clinics are those riders or novice horse owners. If so, I don't suspect many of these people are into the starting the colts phase. Even if they are, examples on dealing with older horses other than trailer loading and spooking would help. For instance, I found it frustrating that the authors incompletely tell about horse owners who didn't think their horses had problems because the owners didn't ask the horses to do anything they didn't want to do. They relate the example of the horse that would not cross water or the filly that exploded when the owners tried to get her to move under saddle. Too bad the book didn't apply the horse whisperer method to these examples. Rather, they are mentioned only to illustrate why these owners need to readjust their attitude. I wholeheartedly agree that the rider's attitude is more than half of the problem, but finishing off these examples by employing the horse whisperer method would have been far more instructive, effective, and valuable.

Fourth, there are a few instances that really stick out as strange or incongruous. I was taken aback by the several references to misbehaving horses "going to dog food," even though these comments are always made by a hypothetical owner exasperated with his "misbehaving" horse. I similarly gave pause when Sam bluntly admits to laying horses down. (He does candidly explain the limited circumstances under which he does this, and emphasizes that he does not train others to do it.) I also looked askance when the authors unequivocally say that horses have a form of mental telepathy. I guess this added to the holistic part of the book? More of a petty irritation, probably better levied on the editor, is the fact that the index is not carefully compiled. Page references are not always correct (e.g., in my edition, Buck Branaman is mentioned on page 138, but is indexed as appearing on page 137).

In sum, the book is a readable amalgamation of biography, journal of one's journey in search of personal enlightenment, how to start colts, philosophy (life in general and life with horses), training manual, and "The World According To Sam and Lane." There is much in "Almost a Whisper" to learn, particularly to those who haven't read any natural horsemanship books, and especially to those who haven't broken out of the breaking method. The approach these authors take may not fit everyone, but it is the message that's important. Unfortunately, I found many aspects of the book distracting from the worthy points. Now forewarned, I'll hopefully be able to focus on those points when I reread this. This book may have been three stars for me, but if Sam and Lane's style effectively reaches others, and it appears it has, the book is worthy of five stars for them.

What an absolutely wonderful book. Sam Powell and Lane Carter have a wonderful understanding of horses and explain everything so well in a way that is easy to understand. I have already used some of the methods described in this book and now it will become my bible. If only more people were prepared to read and learn the world would be a much better place for all horses. I will be refering to this book all the time and hope to be able to meet the authors sometime in the near future. Whoever buys and reads this book cannot be disappointed!

"Wisdom, insight, and humor" sums up this informative AND enjoyable book. Working with horses as I do and seeing what I see in both horses and their people, I found (and continue to find) this book packed full of relevant concepts. And each time I read it, I find more. The focus here is on working with your (or any) horse rather than "against" his nature. I've bought several of these books and have given them with joy to some non-horse people as well as horse folks - the lessons contained within apply to more than horses! (Thumbs up to Sam Powell & Lane Carter.)

I had bought this book originally as a good all around read, but ended up needing a lot of its valuable information when I purchased a gelding at an auction. Something just made my hand go up, even though the horse reared in the ring. I thought I had brought home a mistake until I went back and started to re-read Mr. Powell's book. I even e-mailed him at his address for additional help. Needless to say, 18 months later, this horse is the friendliest, most willing-to-please horse in our pasture. The potential I saw him at the auction has come full circle thanks to the wisdom in Mr. Powell's book. Thanks Sam! This is a must read for all horse people!

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS INFORMATIVE, EASY-TO-READ BOOK TO ANY HORSE OWNER. SAM POWELL CONVEYS TO THE READER HIS EXPERT KNOWLEDGE OF THE HORSE AND HOW SAM WILL ATTEMPT TO TRANSFER HIS VAST EXPERIENCE IN "TEACHING BY ASKING" TO THE READER. SAM SYSTEMATICALLY EXPLAINS HIS METHOD OF OBTAINING THE HORSE'S RESPECT TO A DEGREE THAT ALLOWS SAM TO BRIDLE, SADDLE, AND RIDE AN UNTRAINED HORSE WITHOUT THE ATTENDANT RESISTANCE AND WILD BUCKING. HE DEVOTES A GOOD PORTION OF HIS BOOK TO THE HORSE OWNER, AND WHAT THE INDIVIDUAL SHOULD DO TO DEVELOPE GOOD HABITS IN HIS HORSE. I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS BOOK FOR THE LIBRARY OF EVERY HORSE OWNER. AS A FORMER HORSE OWNER, I WOULD HAVE BENEFITTED GREATLY FROM THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN SAM'S "ALMOST A WHISPER".

This book speaks volumes more than the 160 or so pages. Having read just about every book I can on Equine care etc., this is one that stays at the top. Sam not only communicates with the horse, but more importantly us all knowing humans.

One significant issue that struck me as so different is the character Sam demonstrates in giving credit to others. Very specifically his father for teaching him so much early on. Sam that is character. Something that is probably recognized by the horse quicker than the human.

This is a great book. Will it teach you something you have not already read in other trainers (whisperers) books. You bet it will. It has depth and a total lacking of self promotion. It has soul.

Sam and Lane, Thanks.

Mr. Powell's book was not only informative and well worth every dime spent on it, but, showed me a new more humane way to treat such a gentle giant as a horse. I give this book 2 thumbs up and HIGHLY recommend... too bad Amazon doesn't see fit to carrry this great book- yet! I wanted to give it as a gifts to several of my friends and as soon as I find them (copies of the book that is) I WILL - mine was given to me as a gift- best I have really ever gotten! 5 Stars..? Let us say 10 Stars on this one! Those of us who love horses will LOVE this book- it really blew me away!

Sam is the " genuine article", a true horseman. I read the book and then found Sam. I have seen or been to many of the hyped up, famous horse " whispers" clinics/productions, and three trainers. I've read a ton of horse books. Thanks to Sam's book, I have now met and had him help me with my horses. If you want glitz and hollywood glamour, you won't find what you are looking for in Sam's book. If you are looking for someone to tell you how pretty your horse looks with his whiskers sheared, you won't find this in his book either. If you are looking for a real horseman, you will find him in this book. My horses have found a true friend and knowledgeable horseman in Sam. My hope is that after reading his book, you will begin to see the horse from the horse's point of view as opposed to the Hollywood image. One book can't cure all your horse problems, but it does give you insight and a place to begin. Many thanks to ... for recommending this book. Many, many thanks to Sam and Lane for being such gentle souls and taking the time to write this book for the benefit of the horse.

Sam Powell and Lane Carter's "Almost a Whisper" provides a basic guide for horse owners who want to work with their horses. From the foundations of basic horse behavior patterns to understanding horse psychology for more effective training, this book provides a general focus on understanding and communicating with horses.

After reading several other books from trainers and horseman, I found Sam's book, wow! What a find. Sam has put into words what few other horseman can and in away that all will understand. Having worked with horses since he was a young man has given him wisdom to help both horse and man. His simple manner in which he uses in his book allows the reader to get the most from reading his book. I have learned more from his book than any other book, magazine or video I have reviewed. He has helped me to understand the horse form a perspective I never knew possible. This will be a book you will want to read over and over. This book has something for everyone that loves his or her horse. From the beginner to the advanced professional, you will learn a way of communicating that actually works. Communication that will open your eye to a new world for both horse and person, ENJOY!