Customer Reviews

Breaking and Training the Stock Horse (and Teaching Basic Principles of Dressage)

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When we started Greentree Ranch in 1962, a dear friend gave us a copy of this book. After reading and using the methods described herein we discovered how dear that friend really was. My mother always said, "It is the only book the horses have read, too." and she was right. We have used it as the basis of our training here on the ranch since we began and will probably use it forever.

Extermely well written book that allows the reader to gain the knowledge to train their own horse. His easy to use well explained methods are great for the novice and begineer alike. He always has the horses best interest in mind. He covers the basics as well as many advanced manuvers. He was far ahead of his times with his horse training abilities. Master horseman Roy Yates is a Charles O'Williamson practioner if any are interested. END

Having been a horse trainer and riding instructor for the past 20 years, this is the best book I have found to use for both new horse owners and riders. it should be a "have to" for all horse people.

We always had horses as kids when growing up in southern Alberta. When I was finally able to move to an acreage and get my own horses I realized that the scanty training I got by osmosis from my Dad did not quite prepare me for starting a new horse nor win at local shows. This lack of knowledge led me to various libraries where I browsed several volumes varying from dressage to training jumping and race horses.

After reading several books and magazines and still feeling unsure, I stumbled across this book in the Cardston library. This book has it all in concise, easy to read language. Using the principles outlined I have become somewhat sucessesful in competive trail and pleasure showing of the Tennessee Walking horse.

Mr. Williamson grew up with circus horses and claims the methods for all training go back to classic dressage. He is famous in cutting and reigning circles. I found his book so concise that I made a check list of training steps and memorized the leg aids and never had a bit of trouble applying them. It really covers all areas of good horsemanship. I do not think I have read anything since that is not covered in this book. The title is deceptively restrictive. The book is very easy to read. I have often wished I had the book on my shelf!

This book was the most facinating book on training a horse I have ever read. Once you understand the process; put it to work; you will be amazed at how easy it is to train by this method. Uses all leg aids, body shifting, no pressure on mouth, no kicking or tugging. I have used it on a number of horses with great results. Horses learn with no stress. Be sure they know what you are asking of them before you go on to next levels. Wonderful basic training for either western or english riding - using snaffle or curb bit. It's the body language that works with horse and rider, not the equipment. I swear by Mr. Williamson's methods. Would work real well with Monty Roberts gentle approach to communicating with the horses' natural senses.

I love this book. I have read through it many times and would recomend this book to anyone who has horses. It teaches you how to train a green horse from square one. He teaches you how to lead your horse, how to do a high stepping trot, how to longe, how to do flying lead changes, and so on. Jam packed with lots of good information.

I was very fortunate to grow up on a large ranch in the Bitterroot Valley near Mr. Williamson's School of Horsemanship in Hamilton, Montana. I took lessons from Charles and visited him in his home. His grand white mare could pole bend at a trot forwards and backwards faultlessly. She did wonderful one tempi flying changes, the Spanish walk, etc. ridden in a bridle or only a halter. It didn't matter.

In no time at all Charles had taught me to ride my own horse lighter and with more abilities than I thought possible. For fun we would ride a square, so many paces forward, then so many paces to the left, so many paces back, so many paces to the right, and then so many paces forward to where we started. We did it at a walk and trot. It was fantastic training for a stock horse. Afterwards, when I put my leg on my mare's side she would slide sideways at whatever gait we were in: walk, trot, or canter.

Everything is in his book to teach a person how to work with his horse as a partner. It was a blessing to know Charles. It is equally wonderful to read his book. JK from Darby, Montana