Customer Reviews

Horsewatching: Why does a horse whinny and everything else you ever wanted to know

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book has an interesting look at a horses behavior, but i felt that it lacked depth and a true understanding of what a horse is really like. Morris attempted explanations on why horses whinny, shake their head, and what their body language means, but it is more of a textbook answer than real experiences. I have been around horses my whole life, and some of these things Morris says are true some of the time. It is a good supplement to why a horse behaves the way he does, as long as you can add in your own interpretations.

Mr. Desmond's book displays near complete inexperience with hroses. I wonder if he's even ridden a horse before. Furthermore, I thought the book was actually geared more towards children rather than adults. He has interesting facts here and there, but that's all I can say about it!

In "Horse Watching" Desmond Morris explains in adequate detail some of the lesser thought aspects when it comes to horses. Such questions as "Why does a horse whinny?" are answered in this injustly named book. When you read the front cover, the critics and publishers give Morris far too much credit for a book suitable for 8-12 year olds. Yes, this book is fantastic for the new equestrian, but no, for the older and/or more experienced person, this book wouldn't be of much help.

Because of the fact Desmond Morris has written so many books about various animals, it indicates that he most likely has no or limited experience with horses, and textbooks and research filled the pages, not actual experience and raw knowledge.
Thanks for reading my review!

Yours Truly,
Anna
The Equestrian Critique :)

I don't think this book could have been written any better. As a fellow horse lover I have actually found myself communicaing with my horse a lot more. I think that Morris did an excellent job with this book, and I would highly recommend it to anyone loking for more information on horses.

Horsewatching is an entertaining discussion about the horse. It covers such things as horse body language; how well horses can hear, see, and smell; how fast they run; how old they get; plus tidbits like why we call nightmares "nightmares." Best of all, this information comes in an interesting, easy-to-read, and easy-to-find format. It's a great book for horse lovers everywhere

Desmond Morris' insights and comments on horse behavior are written from the stand point of someone who has limited contact with horses, and who has ridden little, if ever.

... and some who have been around horses "all their lives." When my husband and I were teaching riding lessons, this was virtually required reading for all our students, regardless of age. It's so interesting that it's a quick easy read, and gives amazing insight into horse behavior.

It was given tio me on my 12th birthday. I simply love it. I've read it several times getting something different every time.

Though this book was written in 1989, it remains a valuable tool for horse owners and trainers today, particularly in light of the current climate of natural horsemanship with its refined ideas of starting horses in concert with their own inherent behavior rather than breaking their spirit to get them to do what we'd like them to do.

I expected a well-written book by Morris, renowned animal behavior expert, and was not disappointed. Very insightful, and despite it's slim size, packed with information that will assist people in becoming better horse caretakers. Not a how-to book, but rather a why book, covering all aspects from social needs to pasturing and dietary needs.

Darling Poor, the Horses Editor at BellaOnline

Enjoyed the book and learned some basics. Some questions are still not answered, but I think it's a good start.