5.0 out of 5 based on 5 reviews. – Customer review on 08/07/2008

The original Parelli, before too much showmanship and the big corporation tended to take over.
Heaps of sense, and even if you don't do it completely "properly", it's still a far better deal for horses than the old fashioned way of terrorising them into submission.
It takes the mystery out of getting a young horse going under saddle, and hopefully eliminates the unwitting creation of bad habits.
I'm sure all horses would recommend it!

4.0 out of 5 based on 5 reviews. – Customer review on 07/07/2011

I'm returning to riding after a gap of 20 odd years & find this book great. Love the philosophy of working & bonding with the horse on the ground before getting in the saddle. The rider needs to act responsibly with their horse, ie don't blame the horse when things go wrong. You need the right attitude, the right tools & commitment.

Lots of information in the book & I find myself 'dipping back in to it' all the time. A book that I will be keeping.

4.0 out of 5 based on 5 reviews. – Customer review on 16/11/2009

I had pretty high expectations for this book but have to admit that I was dissappointed. I find the text quite repetitive and waffles a bit. I couldn't get into it as much as I hoped.

5.0 out of 5 based on 5 reviews. – Customer review on 02/02/2007

Pat Parelli's work is an excellent reference guide for equine enthusiasts at any stage of riding. While his writing style bears the signs of a real show-man, beyond the self-hype lie important ideas and techniques which have, repeatedly, proven exceedingly beneficial for all types of horse-people. He carefully (albeit often somewhat pompously) describes his programme, which consists first of ground-work and then of exercises to be performed in saddle. His very noble goal is to help humans to develop a subtle, understanding relationship with their equine partners.

Having read (and re-read) Parelli's work countless times in the past few months and having consistently applied his programme when "playing" (Parelli believes that humans should never "work" a horse) with my young Quarter Horse, I have witnessed enormous improvements in my horse's demeanour and, crucially, in the trust he has for me. By establishing dominance over my horse using the sensible, humane tactics Parelli recommends, I have made major progress en route to transforming this horse from a fearful, unridden colt into a willing, dependable, "true blue" mount.

I highly endorse Parelli's work; if his programme is applied with persistence, patience, and an open mind, the possibilities in the horse-human relationship are limitless.

5.0 out of 5 based on 5 reviews. – Customer review on 13/01/2007

This book should be a required read for anyone who is interested in caring for horses to the best of their ability and look after their mind, as well as their body, whether they be horse owners, horse workers, equestrians, or just an occasional rider. A book full of 'true knowledge' which teaches what is required to gain 'the knack' or 'gift' with horses.

Parelli, who is very experienced and knowledgable in the theory and practice of horse training, psychology and behaviour, gives us an understanding of how horses think and learn, so that we can learn to be more sympathetic, learning to do things with the horse, not to the horse, so that the horse can become a willing, safe, happy partner and enjoy your company too.

Parelli stresses that since 99% of problems with horses are 'problem people' not 'problem horses' his book is really a people-training book. He has developed a step by step program that is easily followed, that enables anyone with a fair attitude and fee! ling towards the horse to acheive outstanding results with any horse.