Gallop to Freedom: Training Horses with Our Six Golden Principles [Hardcover]

Magali Delgado (Author), Frederic Pignon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2009

In a delightful series of conversations, this copiously illustrated handbook demonstrates how to read horse behavior as well as how to develop a better partnership with horses. Balancing friendship and leadership, this guidebook presents the tools to appreciate horses in either a casual or performance environment. Written by two of the equine artists from Cavalia, an equestrian-themed show, this dynamic book features the author's own horses as well as other strikingly beautiful horses with whom they have performed. A visual and educational treat for equine lovers, this resource opens the gates of communication between horses and their owners.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The greatest show I've ever seen!"  —Larry King, CNN, on the show Cavalia

"Frédéric and Magali exemplify the art of humane training and illustrate the magical results of what is meant by the human-animal bond. To watch them interact with their horses is breathtaking."  —Karen Rosa, vice president, film & television unit, American Humane

"I believe Frédéric Pignon and Magali Delgado are two of the finest horsemen in the history of horsemanship. Their unique ability to relate to the hearts and minds of horses has inspired millions of horse lovers who have been awed by their performances in North America and Europe."  —Linda Tellington-Jones, creator, Tellington TTouch

"Seeing Frédéric Pignon and Magali Delgado work their horses is a joy to behold  . . . We all thank them for letting us, as an audience, get that glimpse of their world."  —Tim Farley, theblackstallion.com

"[Cavalia's] star ‘horse whisperer’and equestrian co-director, Frédéric Pignon, engages in a scene of blissful play with three beautiful white stallions. Of course, I can’t say what’s really going through the horses’ minds, but the impression is one of an intense bond between horses and man—the most emotionally charged moment of the show."  —Los Angeles Times

"When [Frédéric] Pignon simply plays with the horses, he provides some of Cavalia's best moments."  —The Oakland Tribune

"This maybe the ultimate equine coffee-table book that is equally at ease in the barn."  —Trail Blazer

"There is very valuable information here regarding 'reading' your horse and developing a relationship with him based on trust and respect . . . There are many gorgeous color pictures that augment the text, like a miniature coffee-table book. The more you hear this book and reflect on the principles it puts forth, the more valuable you will find it."  —California Riding

About the Author

Frédéric Pignon is an equine performer and the owner of his own stable. He and his wife Magali Delgado worked with Norman Latourelle, the pioneer of the Cirque du Soleil, in the multimedia spectacle Cavalia. Magali Delgado trained under master horsemen Jose Ataide and Carlos Pinto and is a state-certified dressage instructor. She furthered her competitive dressage career through the upper levels representing France and performing in shows such as Cavalia and Passion Cheval.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Trafalgar Square Books (October 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570764204
• ISBN-13: 978-1570764202
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 8.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #161,244 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gallop to Freedom, March 10, 2010

By 

Arthur Sudik (edmond ok) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Gallop to Freedom: Training Horses with Our Six Golden Principles (Hardcover)

My wife has been obsessed with horses her entire life. For the forty nine years of our marriage we've lived with her horses. This book has been the validation of all she has believed about the heart and soul of these magnificent animals. If one is a true lover of horses this is your book.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great read, December 13, 2009

By 

Linda E. Evans (Morriston, FL) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Gallop to Freedom: Training Horses with Our Six Golden Principles (Hardcover)

I recently went to see the performance Cavalia in Atlanta, Ga. and wanted to read the book before seeing the show. I love the philosophy behind the training of the horses used in the performance. Making training fun for the horse leads to a better relationship with it. I came home, tried some liberty work with my Lipizzan and was astounded at the outcome. All I can say is WOW!

34 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Not a Training Resource, January 10, 2010

By 

Knitting Cat (New England) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Gallop to Freedom: Training Horses with Our Six Golden Principles (Hardcover)

Given that few horsemen would disagree that all living creatures need to be treated with kindness and as individuals, it was disappointing to purchase this book hoping for concrete information. I was hoping for information I could apply to my own horsemanship. I would have loved to have read of their techniques, procedures, schedule and the steps taken to train the horse to perform any given action (for examples, a reverence or sitting. How would they modify their program if an individual horse required it? How would they make that judgement beyond the telepathy they seem to hint at. What are the subtleties they observe (beyond the broad brush of watching the body language and the eye)?

This book strikes me as a vanity or promotional project. I would love to catch the show at some point but that feeling was not strengthened by this book.