Teach Your Horse Perfect Manners: How You Should Behave So Your Horse Does Too

by Kelly Marks

Book Overview

The book begins by explaining the philosophy and concepts behind Kelly Marks' techniques and moves onto foundation exercises and groundwork training--including "join-up" work--presented in... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1570762147
• ISBN13: 9781570762147
• Release Date: March 2002
• Publisher: Trafalgar Square Publishing
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 2.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 7.7" x 9.9"

Customer Reviews

Save time & money, this one book is like having a personal coach.

I have bought scads of books as I bought my first horse and was very hungry for guidance. Many books 'assume' alot about where you are in your progress and experience level and many important facts can be overlooked or touched on briefly without enough discussion. Some books even come right out and say, if you don't know how, don't proceed, etc. Thats a fine how do you do after you just spent $20 for a book entitled the first 2 years!!!! Horses are big, unpredictable animals. Be smart, spend a little money and get professional help in the beginning. If you are determined to learn everything you can, you will be fine. Don't ever be complacent. Friends and neighbors at the boarding stable are always helpful but noone is perfect or knows it all. If they say they do, run, don't walk! Of all the books on horse behavior, relations between the handler and horse, problem solving, and starting young horses, this one has been the most helpful and complete and sure to stay here in my library for many years to come. I can't recommend it enough.

Wonderful teacher

The following is a copy of an email I sent to Kelly recently. Hello Kelly, My name is Laura and I live in California...I need to thank you for your inspiration....I purchased your book....How to teach your horse perfect manners....2 months after I purchased an 8 yr old Morgan gelding...He was a barrel racer and had terrible manners....With time and patience and tips from your book i was able to catch him and join up....Also taught him to stand still to be mounted...This even the trainer could not do...Anyway My husband is interested in a horse that is kept out where i board my Morgan....The new horse is a 6 yr old Quarter horse...When I asked the stable owner if I could work with this horse her response was...."If you can catch him, he is uncatchable"....With patience I caught him.,,,It took 20 minutes but I did it....My husband has no horse experience except to ride a rental horse, so he sat back in awe as I worked this "Uncatchable" horse....I handed my husband the lead rope and said "There you go" He said "You looked like the lady in the book you have" I couldn't have been prouder....We took the horse to the stable and groomed him....He seemed to like it... So today I went to the ranch...Just me....And went to the horse's pasture...3 minutes later I have the "Uncatchable" horse again in halter....This time we went to the round pen and I have to tell you that we joined up in less then 4 minutes....he so wanted to be with me,,,,he kept turning and looking at me.....but I kept him going for a few circuits then released pressure and turned away.....he walked right up behind me.....and followed me....I cried.... My husband then showed up.(I called him and told him to come). I taught him how to halter and then stepped out of the round pen....the horse Joined up with my husband....I cried again....My husband was literally beaming with pride....He then took the horse for a nice walk around the stables.... I have to again thank you....I can catch the most uncatchable horse at the boarding faciliy thanks to your book.....Much to the amazement of the stable owner,,,,who states she has never been able to catch him.....She said he was a cowboy horse and they had to rope him to catch him.....NOT anymore....Now he is my husbands horse.... Thank you. Also I may add that a few days later after working with my husband and teaching him the right body language, he was able to approach the horse and halter him, in pasture.

Very Helpful and Immensely Enjoyable

As an Equine (and Human) Therapist, I have to connect with horses in a professional setting quickly in order to do my job effectively whereby the horse can gain the most benefit in a limited amount of time. While there is definitely an innate ability one either does or does not possess in connecting with animals, Ms. Marks can help hone your skills and teach you safer horse handling. This helps make the horse feel more secure in your presence. A horse that feels safe will act safely. I feel strongly that even the most advanced horseman can benefit from reading it and have placed it on my "recommended reading" list at horseholistics.com.

Outstanding book!

If you could only buy one horse book, this would be it! This is a "must have" for all horse owners - I cannot stress this enough. I have read several books, but this one is my ultimate favorite and stands above the rest. We need more writers like Kelly Marks who truly understand the nature of the horse and how to handle and care for them humanely. If you do not own this book, I cannot recommend this book highly enough. You will be so amazed with the knowledge you will gain. For example, for behavior problems, this book teaches you to understand what your horse is trying to tell you, and to look to yourself for the answer, instead of looking for that quick, possibly inhumane, solution. She wants you to ask yourself, "Why is my horse doing this," as this is an important basis to determine a solution. Her psychological perspective will knock you off your socks. Not only will you have fun learning about your horse, but you will also have fun learning neat facts about yourself. She also provides excellent exercises that will help you to successfully build a wonderful relationship with your horse. There is so much important information in this book that you do not want to miss. Please read it; you and your horse will be so happy you did. :-) P.S. This book would also make a perfect gift for any horse lover.

Positive Reinforcement for Horses

I have been looking for the "perfect" behavior book for horses and this is it! Thorough, easy to understand, and humane, this book discusses techniques, join-up, ground manners, loading, and a host of other behaviors. The descriptions are clear and the instructions are easily laid out. If you want only one reference book for behavior, make it this one!