The Man Who Listens to Horses\” Book Review

Have you ever seen the popular television show \”The Dog Whisperer\”? It highlights a man who loves dogs, and has a unique ability to communicate with them, and train them as well. The book \”The Man Who Listens to Horses\” offers a similar story, about a man who is able to train and communicate with horses. Written by Monty Roberts, it showcases the internal workings of a horse\’s mind. In this article I will be offering my humble opinion on this remarkable book, and offer what I think are some of the highlights that I think other readers might enjoy.

Monty Roberts has a story to tell; not only of himself, but of the horses he loves so much. Monty grew up in an abusive household, and his father was abusive not only to him, but to his horses as well. As Monty grew older he started to formulate a different viewpoint. There must be a better way to communicate with the horses that he loves so much, and he was determined to find out what it was.

This \”better way\” was to become a horse breaking and training technique which he calls \”join-up\”. For starters, you need a round pen, and an unbroken horse. The handler stands in the middle of the pen, and the horse is encouraged to run away from him/her, circling the pen in attempts to get away. As the horse runs away, the handler forms steady eye contact, and assumes a very authoritative and imposing stance. As time goes by, the handler will look for three specific signs that the horse wishes to communicate with the handler. These signs are:

The horse will gradually turn the ear that is closest to the handler towards him/her.

The horse will begin a process of chewing and licking.

The head of the horse will move closer to the ground as he runs around the pen.

At this point the handler will turn his back on the horse and move away. The horse will then usually come closer to the handler, and allow the handler to touch him/her. At this point, the handler is well on his way to the process of: saddling, bridling, mounting, and riding.

The book takes us on a journey into Robert\’s life (in addition to the \”join-up\” technique). We learn of the various stages of his life and the events that have helped to shape his view of horses, and the techniques he has developed along the way. Some of the highlights are:

-The author\’s successful childhood riding career

-His encounters with his father

-The development of his Thoroughbred racehorse facility

-His meeting with Queen Elizabeth II of England

-How the \”join-up\” technique was used on wild deer

-Mustang horses and the author\’s experiences with them

-Three of his favorite horses: Dually, Brownie, and Johnny Tivio

Anyone who loves horses and is looking for a humane way to communicate with them and train them should check out this book. Read it over and let the information wrap around your mind.

If you have read this far you obviously love horses. We do as well. We invite you to visit our web site on vintage horse jewelry. You might find the perfect gift for that fellow lover of gold horse jewelry.

What in the World is Horse Jewelry Anyway?

Jewelry with horses on it, otherwise known as horse jewelry, has fascinated people throughout the ages. Dating back to the most ancient of times, families and individuals would often incorporate the images of a horse on their most treasures possessions…including their jewelry. It was usually made from the most precious of metals and gems, such as silver, gold and of course, diamonds. Passed down from generation to generation, they were to become valuable keepsakes.

Where did this practice come from? This desire to put a “mere animal” into beautiful jewelry that will be owned and loved and yes, shown to others? When we think of the horse it’s not hard to fathom. The horse is an animal with a number of desirable traits…traits that we all hope to possess in our own character. Some of these traits are:

1) Horses are Strong. Throughout the ages horses have been asked to perform many of man’s most menial tasks. We need to think no further than the noble Clydesdale. It can spend all day plowing the fields, and then find time to pull the famous Budweiser Wagon. Any jewelry that incorporates the design of the horse will exude the shear power and strength of this wonderful animal. This form of jewelry is a very popular gift item amongst men.

2) A Horse’s Grace. When you think of grace what come to mind? A horse? This is true for many people. If you watch a horse running along a field you see grace in action. Every fiber of their being seems focused on propelling this beautiful creature along. Beautifully streamlined, this magnificent creature has become the heart’s desire of many a young boy and girl. What happens if we add diamonds to the mix? We come up with a very special blend. Diamonds are also known for their class and elegance, and it’s a gem that marries perfectly with equestrian design.

3) The Nobility of the Horse. Years ago, during the Middle Ages, knights would often deck themselves out in full battle armor and ride along on their horses. What emblem was etched into their shields? The emblem of a horse of course. How did the peasants get around? By foot…no horse…no armor…and no shield (let alone one with a horse design). If we fast forward to our world today we see that people of high-ranking are often honored with horse jewelry (such as gold brooches and medallions). Rings are another example of jewelry that is often awarded to others as a sign of their “high social class” or “nobility”.

Do you know the main reason that people wear horse jewelry? It’s that they love this magnificent animal and want to show this love off to the world. Whether they are going to work, or to school, or shopping, or to play, they can tell the world “I love this animal”.

In future articles we will be detailing some of the finer examples of horse jewelry, and we hope you will join us. If you find that you “just can’t wait” for these items, please visit us on our blog.

Want to find out more about Horse Jewelry, then visit Barb Jackson’s site on how to choose the best Horse Jewelry for your needs.

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