Customer Reviews

Think Harmony With Horses: An In-Depth Study of Horse/Man Relationship

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Ray Hunt has captured what so many "how-to" training books fail to - the essence of the spiritual communication possible with an animal. He wisely recognizes that the technicalities of how you train hinge completely upon much deeper levels of who you are, and especially who the horse is. "Think Harmony" is well titled - the reader willing to slowly absorb, think about and then try to apply the philosophy of this book will find themselves in greater harmony not just with a horse, but themselves and all other creatures. All serious trainers of any animal would do well to read this book - over, and over, and over. Those seeking a recipe for success, and specific how-to hints will be disappointed. This is not a book that tells you *what* to do; instead, Hunt urges you to think about *how* you do anything with respect, awareness and trust in the horse. Inevitably, such an approach bounces the reader right up against their own issues, and thus, in trying to find a better way to work with a horse, you discover yourself. This is a book for folks looking for a deeper, more spiritual and truly holistic approach to their relationships with horses and other animals. Anyone who loved "Kinship With All Life" will cherish Ray Hunt's little gem.

Being a teacher and student of horsemanship, I found Ray's book to be like sitting down to dinner and listening to Ray talk about his relationship with the horse. It is much the same as what Ray tries to explain at his clinics, but as Tom Dorrance said this is something that you have to feel, it's difficult to put into words. You must open your heart, your mind and spirit to be able to have this work. I know that it does. This book can start you on a never ending journey of knowledge. It's not a magical cure for those who have problems with their horses. You must be able to get into a learning frame of mind. "Have patience grasshopper" And remember if it's not working, either fix it so it can or get someone to help you. This book does show you the trail less travelled, it's up to you how far you go.

This book is designed to LEAD the "smart human" to the watering hole of knowledge. It's your choice whether to drink from the source. We as humans profess how superior we are because of our magnificant brain. All Mr. Hunt is doing is challanging us to use that brain and THINK and find these things for ourselves as this IS an art and to it we all bring our OWN persona. There is NO black and white rules that apply to all. Our teachers of our children in schools should be so brilliant, maybe we would have children that thought for themselves for once. I appreciate this man and his techniques, he has allowed me to be an artist with my horses and my horses will tell you out loud they love it.

For those who are ready for a fundamental change in how they communicate with their horses, Ray Hunt shows the professional horseperson the path to true happiness with your equine. Ray explains exactly why horses do not understand English nor traditional training techniques. Even though beginners may find this book interesting, this book is for the advanced rider and/or trainer. Ray Hunt's methods work on all manner of horses, from wild Mustang to Olympic contenders. I had been training horses for over twenty years when Ray came along and showed me a much better way. If you are ready for it, this book may become your "bible", too.

Having had the experience of going to a Ray Hunt clinic and then having had some time to let what he was trying to say just soak in and work on through I was fortunate enough to buy this book some two years after. Reading Ray's book is like having him there and listening to him patiently trying to explain - OK let's try this. I know that he knows what to do with horses. I believe that it is his job to "fix it up and let me find it". This is one of his sayings and relates to the horse - "Fix it up and let them find it". This book is not for people looking for the quick fix and a lot of people reading it may not even see the fix in what he is saying in this book. Take the time that it takes to read the book - really read it - and like I did, let the ideas soak awhile and soon enough you'll get that (or I hope you get that)well I'll be darned feeling. Like any master at their craft Ray doesn't say a lot but like any worthwhile student in it for the long haul you appreciate later (not sooner)exactly what he said. Inside the pages you'll also read and get a glimpse of Ray's way of looking not only at horses and how they relate to us but humans (supposedly the smarter of the two)and how they relate to their horses. Overall I believe reading the book has made me try more for my horses and in doing so working more on myself, which can't be all bad.

Interesting book considering it was written over thirty years ago.
Ray was one of the originals in "Natural Horsemanship". Although
a little hard to follow sometimes, he helped me more understand
the term "feel", used by the Dorrance brothers, and others. A
good addition to any collection.

I don't loan this book out very often because I usually have a hard time getting it back! Like any book pertaining to Natural Horsemanship that is worth it's salt, "Think Harmony With Horses" is a sharing of knowledge by one of the Masters, Ray Hunt. It was Ray that taught me where I needed to go with a horse but even more importantly when to back off. If you are a serious student of horsemanship and have a desire to share the insights of a man who truly understood horses then make this book part your library. You will go back to it time and time again and get more out of it each time you do.

If I could give more stars I would. Ray Hunt, in words or DVD gives us a true mastery of what is termed Horsemanship through Feel. Once you begin to understand Ray Hunt's terminology the light bulbs begin to come on in understanding some of the more intense and important aspects of excellent horse training and handling. These include getting in time with the feet, reins connected to the feet, softness, timing, feel, rewarding the try, and similar principles that give us excellent communication and partnership with our horses. This is a book to come back to read repeatedly especially in combination with his DVD recordings!

Pamela DeMuth
author of
The Spirit of Horsemanship

Easy to read and understand. Anyone interested on Natral Horsemanship should read this book. This book gets you thinking in a different way. Hunt really was the master

From one of the best today, keep things simple. Buck shares how simple and pure it is to find and have harmondy and working with horses. What an honest and true relationship one can have by gettng back to the basics. Isn't that what life is about?