The Soul of a Horse: Life Lessons from the Herd

Through his work with Benji, it is clear that Joe Camp understands and gets along well with dogs. Working effectively with horses requires a whole different type of intuition and language. After all, dogs are predators and horses are a prey species. In his outstanding book, The Soul of a Horse, Joe Camp has demonstrated that he is adept at understanding and working with both ends of the spectrum. It is inevitably refreshing when someone approaches a subject with a "fresh set of eyes" and questions traditional paradigms. Joe has done exactly that and effectively describes his thought processes in an enjoyable narrative. Thanks, Joe for nudging the horse loving public to think about and reconsider things that have been taken for granted for so long.

A friend recommended this book to me and I wasn't sure why since I have never owned a horse..nor did I plan to own one. But I bought the book anyway....always up for learning something new. This book swept me away. From the first to last page I felt transported! I could imagine myself sitting on the porch of the Camp's home watching these magnificent creatures. I learned SO much about horses and their SOULS. With everything that's been going on in the world of horse racing, this could not have been written at a more appropriate time. The book is clever, witty and inspiring. A very fast read. I was sad when I finished it because I wanted to read more! And so many of the lessons can be applied to LIFE...not just horses. You will not regret reading this book. And I will never look at a horse the same way.

I love a book that makes me think, and Soul of a Horse did that and more. Told in a passionate, yet wonderfully easy, around the campfire voice, Joe Camp challenges his own perceptions and the perceptions of others as he seeks to learn what a horse needs, rather than what we think they need. His story not only deepened my understanding of horses and the impact of humans upon them, but offered metaphor upon metaphor for increasing awareness of ourselves in relationship to others. Part educational, part spiritual, this book has more than one important message...not the least being, that we are capable of doing better.

This is a wonderful glimpse into The Soul of a Horse, and it has changed how I think about horses, their care, and relationships between man and animal. The book reads like an affable but intense conversation with someone whose experience and research has in no way dulled his infectious enthusiasm. It is easy to read and hard to forget. Three separate perspectives braid themselves throughout the book: a wild herd of horses, a neophyte horse owner, and experienced voices of experts in their field. The three views create an ever evolving, ever building comprehension. The choices made in the book are not always the easy ones, but prove to be the right ones. As I was reading, I came upon a part and thought, "Ah, here's the crux of what he's getting at." That happened on page 40, and then again on page 79, and then on page 92, and then 109, and 116, 119... on and on. There is a lot to think about, whether is applies to horses, animals, friends, family, or oneself. The lessons and perspectives offered in The Soul of a Horse are an inspirational and thought provoking gift to the world of horses, the world of mankind, and ourselves. I feel as though I have peeked into a mystery and found some comprehension. If you love horses, it is an absolute must read. But if you have an on-going relationship with any animal, you will gain a lot from this book.

Lately I have read a number of books that seek to explain and satisfy the human yen to connect physically, emotionally and even spiritually with the horse. And yet The Soul of a Horse is the only one I've come across that speaks with a totally resounding note of truth. Coincidentally (or not?) it's also the only one I've read that is written with the unflinching insight that a deep and satisfying connection with another individual - human or otherwise - requires us to set aside our own aspirations, expectations and needs in order to clearly understand those of the other. The horse has largely lost its traditional place in human affairs as the ubiquitous beast of burden. But we still tend to value these generous and beautiful animals mainly for what they can do for us, whether it's feeding our egos through winning ribbons or races or providing therapeutic release from the stresses and strains of life. The Soul of a Horse examines the biological, physiological and emotional needs of the modern domestic horse and how successfully these are met by widely used and accepted methods of husbandry, handling and training. A delightful blend of autobiography, critical analysis and storytelling, this book engages the reader intellectually and emotionally from start to finish. Joe Camp presents his `life lessons from the herd' with the same humble, gentle yet persuasive persistence we admire in the very best horse trainers. A heartwarmingly affirmative read for the barefoot horse owner, this book is also a `must read' for any person who has ever owned and loved a horse.