Know Better to Do Better: Mistakes I Made with Horses

by Denny Emerson

With horses, we don't get a “do-over button,” as much as we'd sometimes like one. We have to live with the choices we make, even when–looking back–we know there might have been a better way to communicate, a different way to teach a new lesson, or another means to reach the desired end. In this smart, honest book chock full of valuable takeaways, gold medalist and renowned rider and coach Denny Emerson uses stories of the standout horses from his own riding career, which spans almost 70 years, to detail some of the things he wishes he'd known “then” that he knows now. With a candid willingness to share mistakes he's made over the years and clearly articulated ideas on how others can avoid them, he commits himself and those reading to finding more conscientious ways to ride, train, and work with horses. From basics like aids and equipment to more specialized subjects, such as rider fitness, emotional control, and how to determine what success with your horse really means, riders of all skill levels can gain valuable, hard-won knowledge from his bite-size lessons in life and horsemanship. Perhaps most importantly, Emerson insists that it is never, ever too late to change–for the good of the horse and for the good of oneself.

Genres: Horses

232 pages, Hardcover

Published November 13, 2018

Reviews

[Ayla McIntosh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice read but generic

This is a nice book to read but my money would gave been better served on a book with more specific advice. Denny has a lot of wisdom, and there are some great pieces of advice in this book, but it is all quite generic.

[Lisa Hoenig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interspersed between stories of the champion eventer's life spent learning about horses and riding are tips on how to be a better rider and horseperson yourself. Because there is so much to know, every riding book has takeaways for me. I'm always pleased when I find there are things I already know or understand -- and this book actually had some of those. I've been fortunate to learn from those who really care about the animals, which is a big pillar. The book also praises drive, work ethic, and learning, biggies for me. One of my mantras has always been "learn something new every day," so I was impressed with 1) Emerson's being game to take on whole new disciplines later in life, and 2) his willingness to admit "mistakes" he made with each of his key horses -- things he'd have done differently if he knew the things he knows now. His modesty and personality and desire to lead by example are all on view and impress.

[Colette Auclair · Rating 5 out of 5]

An entertaining and educational ride delivered by an eventing superhero who looks back on his horses and reveals what he would have done differently. It's a master class in horsemanship, told with clarity, humor and honesty. Emerson's personality comes through in spades, and the lessons are clear and concise. I'm a dressage rider, and I devoured it, especially the value of the walk to get and keep a horse fit, and how it's best to "Give the horse a chance. Work a little. Ask a little. Get a little. Say thank you and go do something else." This advice is from one of the legends.

Required reading for anyone interested in doing right by their horse and building a solid and dependable partnership --no matter their discipline.

[Bridgette Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent informative read

Excellent book that it exposed me to new tools to have in my arsenal and new ways to view and approach things. Horses and their training is not a one size fits all and this book helps you approach a horse not with "you are bad" but with "why are you struggling with this and how can I help. "

[Haleigh Clements · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love his books! The information isn’t exactly “groundbreaking” per se, but he has a way of sharing his knowledge that’s really effective. So many times I found myself nodding my head and saying “amen!” to his many nuggets of wisdom. I hope he comes out with another one!

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable and well written. Plenty for riders of all levels to learn from and consider. This book includes lots of anecdotes from someone who has achieved great success in their field reflect on what the would do differently given the chance to do it all again. Really enlightening and informative.

[Stacey Stearns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another gem by Denny Emerson, an excellent book by a fantastic rider. Equestrians in any discipline and at any level will benefit from his advice.

[Alicia Velice · Rating 5 out of 5]

No nonsense horse riding advice from a man at the top of his field 100% do suggest reading for anyone who wants to ride better.

[Ruth Keeling-Holt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Common sense horsemanship

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the subtitle, "mistakes I made so you don't have to," I was expecting a lot more in the way of practical anecdotes. There's some of that, but not what I was expecting. That's fine, it's just a different book than I originally thought. A lot of very good advice, though somewhat generic. The book's general theses are: work hard, progress is slow, it's never too late, and please stop scaring your horse. These are all good theses.