For the Good of the Horse [Hardcover]

Mary Wanless (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1998

From the author of The Natural Rider and Ride with Your mind, a clear and informative survey of holistic methods of horse care, from dentistry and shoeing to herbalism and energy medicine.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Mary Wanless has spent nearly 20 years developing teaching strategies to enhance riding performance. Her previous books include The Natural Rider, Ride with Your mInd, and For the Good of the Rider.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Trafalgar Square Books (October 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570760837
• ISBN-13: 978-1570760839
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #661,295 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars HIGHLY informative, but not always an easy read., August 23, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: For the Good of the Horse (Hardcover)

Most of this book is a discussion of the vital systems of the horse from the viewpoint of a number of alternative and complimentary schools of therapy. The focus is specifically on the application of these views to addressing various problems with how the horse is going or behaving. It is without doubt a most comprehensive and superbly well informed work, and clearly demonstrates the author's breadth and depth of background. I found the book somwhat depressing though, as it leaves the impression that whatever the genuine and caring owner does we are inevitably damaging and even hurting our horses by using them in any way at all. Although many avenues for consideration of the horse's well being are explored, from the conventional considerations of balanced shoeing and correct saddle, to the more esoteric ideas of 'spiritual' balance, little practical help is offered to the ordinary owner with limited resources. I ended up feeling profoundly helpless, though immensely well informed. Partly for these reasons, and partly due to the sheer density and volume of information presented the book is a demanding read. This is not a book to be polished off in an evening, and is best reread several times. Nevertheless, overall, I highly recommend it.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This book changed my approach to horse care., January 27, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: For the Good of the Horse (Hardcover)

As a result of reading and rereading Mary Wanless's chapter on proper saddle fit, I looked into the Ortho-Flex saddle system for my horse. While Ms. Wanless doesn't endorse the brand, which uses a suspension system rather than a regular saddle tree, her explanations of equine biomechanics and description of the system spurred me to investigate it further on my own. I was pleased with what I learned and ended up purchasing one. I can't tell you how good I feel, knowing that I am probably not damaging my horse's back. My horse's movement also has improved as a result. In short, if you are a caring and thoughtful rider who is willing to sit down for a serious read, this book is for you. In fact, the only reason I didn't give it five stars is because the book can be tough going at times.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Every horse owner should read this book!, August 6, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: For the Good of the Horse (Hardcover)

This is an enlightening and beautifully written book which Mary Wanless did an amazing amount of research to produce. I found the chapter on saddle fitting especially interesting. In response to the "quackery" reviewer, the author by no means suggests that the reader should adopt every new treatment, therapy, or device for the horse. She presents a large number of options without making many recommendations at all--it is informative, but not a sales pitch. I don't find advice not to use cheap saddlery or untrained dental technicians suggestions that I leap on the newest bandwagon--it's common sense. Some of the chapters can leave well-meaning horsepeople feeling that we are not doing as well as we could by our horses...but we probably felt a little bit that way before, or we wouldn't have read this book.