Natural Horse-Man-Ship: Six Keys to a Natural Horse-Human Relationship

This book has some key information to begin understanding how we can present ourselves to our horses in a way that can build communication, knowledge, skills, and relationship. It is a jumping off point to natural horsemanship from an inspirational horseman, Pat Parelli. It defines some aspects of horsemanship and is instrumental in starting many people in the direction of natural with horses.

Some of the highlights of Natural Horse-Man-Ship include safety aspects, considerations for improved communication to the horse, and goals to try to achieve. It is not intended to tell the whole story, but it does a good job of getting started in that direction. Principles are presented that can be utilized by the reader with imagination toward understanding the needs of the horse.

When I read this book the first time many years ago, not much made sense to me, but I began to see where I needed to make some changes. I pursued similar information to find assistance in application. I recommend this book to those getting started in natural horsemanship.

This is a great book, with great explanations and detailed (although dated, and b&w) photos. Some very inspirational photos of bareback/bridleless riding are there, and details of your first and most important steps to get to the goal of perfect communication. He uses horse language, habit and psychology to allow a human to ensure better communication, and how to be a hose's leader. He even has the old level 1 self - test in the back. He teaches other very important skills to have around horses, especially safety issues. (Of course the most important skill is self confidence without ego, which can not be taught) I like the way he presents the material - a bit of comedy to lighten the mood, while still making a point. Even my not so horsey boyfriend enjoys reading excerpts.
However if you want to follow Parelli, he has formed a new "Pattern" system which, although has less guidance, does allow you to progress beyond level 1 in one skill set (on-line, liberty, freestyle, finesse) even if you can't go forward in another skill set. (for example, not being able to ride your Mini used to work against you - Now you progress fully in the non riding disciplines of on-line and liberty.) I still use this book even following the "patterns" for better explanations on certain tasks.

This is a very good book for the novice or beginner wanting to learn more about how a horse learns and how they can help them learn.

I am finding this book very helpful. I love to learn new things about horses, and dealing with them, and anything that will help improve my relationship. And this book is giving me something new an positive on every page. Even after my 14 years of dealing with them!!!

I did not find this book helpful at all. Mr.Parelli is all over the place with his writing. There are no real instructions on how to train, just his philosophy. I did not find the book useful, it will be the first book to go in my garage sale pile. He's very "showy".