Dancing with Horses (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "This book describes and depicts, with many colour photos, very practical exercises to practise with the horse..." (more)
Key Phrases: collected riding, subtlest aids, lunge line, Position Circle (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This first English-language edition of a European best seller shares Hempfling's unique horse training techniques, which are now catching the interest of North Americans. The author's approach combines his backgrounds in communications, theater, and dance with more traditional means. The result is an unusually harmonious relationship between horse and trainer, in which there is complete understanding and communication through body language. Hempfling's method has proven successful with all breeds of horses and makes the learning process fun for both horse and rider. Complemented by color photographs, this book is recommended for equine collections and for those interested in alternative approaches to horse training. Deborah Emerson, Rochester Regional Lib. Council, Fairport, NY
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

A groundbreaking book on developing trust and harmony between horses and humans through the use of an innovative visual language. Featuring 400 color photos. An Equestrian Edge Book Club Main Selection

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 205 pages
• Publisher: Trafalgar Square Books (September 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570761841
• ISBN-13: 978-1570761843
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 7.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (40 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #140,853 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

114 of 116 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Guide to Ground Work, January 11, 2002

By	K. Havis "avid reader" (Sandy Ridge, NC USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I own a challenging horse, and have tried many different systems of ground work with her - Parelli, Lyons, Centered Riding, etc. All of them had some effect, but none have really changed her exciteable nature and dominant attitude.
After using some of the exercises in Dancing With Horses, my mare has a totally different attitude. She is much more submissive, much more trusting. It is remarkable.
The book is visually beautiful. The photographs are very helpful in demonstrating the exercises, and are very pretty. The instructions in the text are clear. The horses - and the author - are very handsome, so there are aesthetic benefits as well.
The author describes a certain exercise, and says it will have a profound effect on the horse. I'm accustomed to marketing hyperbole, so I read it, but took it with a grain of salt. And what he wrote was true. Doing that one exercise made an immediate difference in my horse's attitude.
I can't say enough good things about this book. I hope you'll buy it and reap the benefits.
...
Happy trails.

77 of 79 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Really fantastic magical book for true horse lovers, December 30, 2002

By	Julie Steele (UK) - See all my reviews

This book held me absolutely transfixed. It is the best horse instruction book that I have ever seen without doubt. I have recently become the owner of a 4 year old thoroughbred gelding who has been taken out of race training. I spent a long time playing with and getting to known this horse in his paddock before I owned him, and this book has given me superb instruction on how to continue with his development and continue to strengthen our bond day by day.
I was becoming very disillusioned with traditional horse training books, which were totally focused on pleasing the rider without any concern for the horse whatsoever. This book is wonderfully visual, very easy to read, very uncluttered and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to understand horses, because these methods really do work.

45 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dancing With Horses, May 10, 2001

By	Kim Walnes (Milford Square, PA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I am a former member of the USET 3-Day Team with my horse, The Gray Goose. This book is phenomenal, and is the missing link between natural horsemanship and classical dressage.. Klaus's techniques were learned from Spanish monks who kept alive the traditions of training from the Knights Templar. He emphasizes the person's responsibility in training their horses, and gives clear, consise instructions about how to achieve leadership with horses while maintaining their wonderful spirit and personality. Exercises for both horse and rider are given to achieve oneness in handling and riding, and the spiritual aspect of training is also covered. I have started my own horse over using these techniques, and the effects have been profound and dramatic. I highly recommend this book, and also his video tape of the same name.