True Horsemanship Through Feel

by Leslie Desmond, Bill Dorrance

Expert horseman Bill Dorrance chose the name True Horsemanship Through Feel because “feel” is the language of horses. Learning that language can expand any horseman's knowledge and abilities—whether he or she is learning to ride, train, or compete. In a writing style that is generously detailed and packed with meaning, Dorrance directs the reader’s attention to the many subtle things about how horses and humans act and interact. In these pages, he urges us to reach toward a deeper level of insight into horses and their riders, as he shares a wealth of helpful information. With hundreds of illustrations, True Horsemanship Through Feel takes the reader step by step through the basic challenges that have characterized horse-human relations for centuries. Drawing on his years of experience, Bill Dorrance has crafted a book that imparts knowledge previously available only by word of mouth.

Genres: Horses, Animals, Nonfiction

384 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1999

Reviews

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

On of the best horse books. He talks funny and Leslie wrote it just like he said it, but the man had a lot of important stuff to say. There are a lot of pictures and Bill tells us what the horse and human are thinking in each picture. It made me realize that it is possible to understand the horse, you just have to listen, or feel, carefully.

[C.J. Darlington · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that's so exhaustive and full of meat, you have to read it more than once. Learning to work with horses through feel is a lifelong pursuit, but this book brings you a little closer.

[Nancy Rojo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful look at horsemanship through the eyes of a lifetime true horseman. His journey is done, but with the help of Leslie Desmond, the words of Bill Dorrance will live on to give thought to those who want to find the path to understanding the horse's mind.

[Danny Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Treat it like a manual for how to work with horses, if this is what interests you. I am fascinated by the feel of a horse, and I have studied the teachings of Bill and Tom Dorrance, Ray Hunt, Buck Brannaman, and of course Leslie Desmond. I've also been fortunate to have her as a guest and learn from her firsthand. She did a great job with this book, but it's best to spend time with her if you ever have the opportunity.

[Susan Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has taken me years to get through this book. I went to a Leslie Desmond clinic many years ago. I enjoyed watching her in a demo, but hated her in the clinic. Not sure if it was an off day - but I don't think I was alone. Every time I picked up this book I could hear her voice and couldn't read it. Finally I was able to pick it up and read it with no memory of her. I never met Mr. Dorrance, but I like how tells you to experiment with feel and how best to do things with your horse for a harmonious experience. In reading the book, I liked how Mr. Dorrance continues to add information on keeping the horses at the forefront and working on being light with feel so that the horse can be responsive and light without resistance from the animal.

There is some good information in this book if you care to continue to think deep and keep the horse in mind in all that you do in your relationship in hand and under saddle. Whatever you do in hand transfers into the saddle. Take care of your horse and your horse will take care of you.

[Pete · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book since the subject matter is dear to my heart. I love horses, and natural horsemanship. Bill's leaning toward "feeling" is so true to how to build unique friendships and trust between humans and horses.

When you can think of your horse as a buddy, who's willing to play with the owner/rider with complete trust, you'll understand Bill's detailed meaning.

I truly enjoyed re-reading this book before I loaned it to a young person trying to understand how a horse thinks and feels.

Great book!!!

[Saadiah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a terrific and practical 'natural horsemanship' manual. The book's conversational tone conveys the sense that the late Bill Dorrance is speaking directly to the reader. While Bill Dorrance's unique idiom takes a little getting used to, his gentle, often droll insights about horses and their riders make reading this book a pleasure. The book is also packed with useful photographs and drawings, which help to illustrate the often subtle concepts being discussed.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A classic about one of the original Horse Whisperers. There are not a lot of people/riding instructors/clinicians who can explain "feel" and Bill Dorrance and his co-writer Leslie Desmond do a thorough job in this book. There are many astute quotes and the language is "flavorful" and left as Bill Dorrance said things. Not an easy read but well worth the time!

[stephanie]

love the inclusion of images. it helps so much when trying to put the strategies into practice.

and yes, i'm trying to read it from cover to cover, even though it sounds like he narrated this over the phone and it was written down verbatim.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book to prepare for an interview with one of the authors (only one is still living). It truly takes horsemanship to another level.

[Gary Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellant book. Readability a little difficult at times, but information was Great!!

[Jennifer Ricker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never thought about "the feel" of true horsemanship, but now, I can't think of anything else! Great book!

[Tery]

always a go to book.

[WilliamTellSix · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the very best books on horsemanship that I've read.