Horse, Follow Closely: Native American Horsemanship

Is a well written book complete with powerful illustrations that gives the reader the ability to imagine what it was like to live, care for and train your horse the way native Americans did many decades ago.Very few horse training books allow you to imagine and take the time to connect with your horse in such a way that you can see the benefits of sleeping, eating and living with him as a valued member of your family. Then and only then you can appreciate why these proud and regal animals would go anywhere and do anything for their riders, including literally risking their lives for them. Horse, Follow Closely teaches it all to the serious rider, owner and lover of horses. I highly recommend this book as a keeper. It's a book you can read over and over, while never getting bored and always learning from it. The cover and inner book has been done in such beautiful illustrations that speak volumes by enhancing what the author tries to portray. This book is a keeper for many years to come for my bookcase.

I bought this book for my husband this past Christmas, but wasn't sure I would like it all that well. I am a classically trained English rider (have been riding on and off since I was 3) and have worked with horses in many different environments. My husband rides Western though, and I have spent some time on a Native American reservation, so I thought we'd like it. The surprise for me was how it has changed the way I think.Many riders are trained to dominate their horse, to "show him who's boss". This attitude works, sometimes, but doesn't always lead to a healthy partnership, and sometimes leads to frustration and agression. GaWaNi, like some other trainers these days (Mark Rashid comes to mind), suggests a different approach, one I was quite impressed with when reading. He speaks of Relationship Training, of the creation of the two-member herd, the "Itancan" (leader) and "Waunca" (imitator). When we are with our horse, we can establish such a relationship with him (or her), and using natural herd behavior, work together with our animals in a partnership, rather than force them to do things simply because we "tell" them to. It seems a very natural way to do things, and one I plan to put into effect with my own horse (I'll come back and write another review once I've tried these techniques).I have only a few tiny quibbles. The book is gorgeous, and that prevents me from taking it with me to the barn, which I'd like to do. It's almost a cross between a coffee table book and a manual, and frankly, I'd have had more use for a manual I wouldn't be afraid to get dirty. But, that just means I'll have to take notes, not a bad thing in and of itself. As well, I do think there was some generalization going on regarding Native American peoples that might have been avoided (not all NAs are alike, any more than any other type or race of person). All in all though, if you're looking for a fresh view at the relationship you have with your horse, this book can provide it to you. It made me think, and decide to change the way I do things with my horse. And I plan to try a number of the exercises listed in the book (I'm always looking for an excuse to ride bareback anyway!). So if you're a serious rider who respects and loves their horse, and who desires to learn to communicate more effectively with him or her, buy this book.

I have wanted this book for a long time now and let me tell you, I HIGHLY recommend it to anyone interested in Native American culture and/or horses! I couldn't put it down, Gabrielle Boiselle's world reknown photography showed Pony, Kola and Mihunka in a most beautiful light, a TRUE light. A must for any horse lover. Can't get enough!

as a avid horseman,,,having experienced everything to do with horses from rodeo to western pleasure,,this book has made me rethink my relationship with horses,,,it is a can't put down book,,looking forward to reading other titles by pony boy, also excellent introduction to native american thought and spirituality

I could not put this book down. The photography is supernaturally beautiful; it really captures the bond between Pony and his horses. I love the mixture of philosophical spirituality and common sense that Relationship Training provides, and I will definitely attempt to use it with my young horse. Reading this book reawakened my appreciation of the relationship that can exist between a person and a horse. It is definitely a must-read-must-own book, worth far more than the sticker price.

The generous sharing in this book about the author's Relationship Training with horse and human makes it a valuable reading experience. The focus is not on some mysterious innate talent designed to make the author look superior to others. Instead, the book presents an articulate expression of the wonderful insights and practical tools that GaWaNi Pony Boy has acquired through years of work with horses and Native American elders. This book is finely written, beautifully illustrated and photographed. Reading it will leave one with the sense that she has been welcomed into a remarkable tradition that can soothe the soul.