Customer Reviews

Horses Are Made To Be Horses

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Although the writing style and the frequent repetition in the text sometimes distracted from getting the point that was being made, the advice and lessons within the book are well worth digging for. I found the last few chapters had the most to offer with the last couple lines of the book really summing it up.

This book wonderfully led you into the mind of a horse. It was very well written. The only reason that I rated it 4 stars intsead of five was because I did not fully agree with everything said. That is ok, it was only my opinion. This book shows you how to reconsider everything you do on a horses back, near a horse or around a horse. It does no tell you how to do something or what it might feel like, but it tells you how to get there. I loved it. Any person that is even a little interested in Horses and would like to know more, I urge you to read this book.

This is a wonderful read, told beautifully but Mairinger also manages to get the philosophy of dressage across to the reader without going into details of the movement. This is more of a philosophy of dressage but in doing so Mairinger manages to explain and emphasise the need for consistency in your seat and aids. How starting off with a good seat enables you to build from there. I read it in upon recommendation by my instructer (a pupil of a pupil of Mairinger's) and it enabled me to understand what she was getting at in her lessons. His anecdotes and stories while explanatory also make for an enjoyable read.

Franz Mairinger shares his wealth of riding experience with his readers. His writing style can be quite philosophical and probably best received by individuals who really want to open their hearts and minds inorder to make themselves a better horse person.

Although this book was put together posthumously by Mairinger's wife, students and friends from his collected notes and lectures, Mairinger's powerful personality really shines through and this is the first riding book that has ever kept me up reading late at night (though Wofford is a close second).

Yes he was from the SRS. He also coached Australia's Olympic Equestrian teams from '55 to '78, leading them to gold in eventing in Rome, 1960.

Although it may not be for all tastes, I can't see my teenage niece enjoying his banter, reading this makes me want to ride my horse better, and it makes me miss a man I never met.

This is an excellent book, full of great information. Fantastic insight into the horse and his brain. Though the writing itself is a bit cumbersome in some respects, overall the philosophy and information makes sense and is interesting. I am recommending this book to all my dressage friends, but I think this is a must have book for anyone that rides.

A thoroughly enjoyable read and reference. Some real gems of wisdom with some light hearted moments. A real Champion for the horse!! Highly recommend!

The most valuable book I've read on training a horse. One point that Mairinger makes that I most particularly like is that you are never too old to learn to train a horse properly and fix your problems. A book for the mature rider ( a lot of text and not many pics) but inspirational and changed the way I ride and approach training my horse with every chapter I read.

This book was a joy to read, and explains carefully why horses behave the way they do. Should be required reading for anyone before they buy a horse. Gives one a deeper appreciation and understanding into the mind of the horse. All horses are neighing their thanks to Mr. Mairinger.

Mairinger (of the Spanish Riding School) does a fantastic job of explaining the theory of classical dressage. His insights into the mechanics of the horse's movement (balance, self-carriage, etc) are particularly enlightening. This is a must-read for any student of dressage.