The Revolution in Horsemanship: And What It Means to Mankind

There has been a change in how we treat our horses: We no longer “break” them to harness or saddle; we “gentle” them, so they become our partners, their natural grace and athleticism restored and enhanced through humane and thoughtful methods. Beginning with equine evolution and domestication, Dr. Miller and Rick Lamb focus on the contributions of such classical horsemen as Xenophon, Pluvinel, nineteenth-century “whisperers, tamers, and professors,” and modern masters like the Dorrances, Buck Brannaman, Pat Parelli, John Lyons, and their disciples, and the connection between rodeo and natural horsemanship. The authors describe how the horse’s mind works, how horses learn, and how the revolution has used those principles, especially with regard to a training regimen for newborn foals developed by Dr. Miller that produces positive results to last a lifetime. These training methods include new techniques in riding, such as preliminary groundwork and the independent seat, as well as visualization and other aspects of sport psychology, yoga, and allied disciplines. The role of tack and equipment is also discussed and evaluated in depth. And because the modern attitudes are reflected in equine care, appendices assess innovations in hoof care, nutrition, and veterinary treatment, including so-called “alternative therapies.” With its exploration and analysis of modern attitudes and approaches, THE REVOLUTION IN HORSEMANSHIP is one of the most important equestrian publishing events of this decade, and ensures its position as a classic in the field.