Nature in Horsemanship: Discovering Harmony Through Principles of Aikido

The content in this book never ages. It is full of insightful wisdom that pertains to both horses and people. The ultimate goal is to be at peace both internally and externally which is a work in progress throughout life. Excellent stories and great read for anyone.

I had hoped for a long time that Mark would write a book that spent more time discussing aikido and horsemanship. When this book was announced I Immediately pre-ordered it and when I finally got it 5 months later I was not disappointed. All of Mark's books are wonderful and it was through them and from seeing him in a few clinics at a horse expo that a 39 year old who had never had the remotest interest in martial arts came to be intrigued by aikido. If it can make me a better horse-person then it is worth trying right? Well little did I realize how huge an impact this martial art would have. Not only did it improve my riding and my relationship with my horse but it helped to improve my relationships with people and my entire outlook on life. Here three years later I am a brown belt in aikido with plans to take my shodan in a couple of years and continue on for as long as I can. This book only deepened my resolve to do so. I had the oportunity recently to thank Mark in person for his wonderful books and for introducing me to aikido and a new way of thinking about horses.

Mark Rashid's ability to understand the inner life of both horses and humans is revelatory . Having ridden and studied horseman ship for much of my life I did not expect to find so much that was new . The book offers insights into horse behavior that creates a new perspective on communication between rider and horse, and layered expectations for what the art of horsemanship can accomplish. It provides the underpinning for a truly humane and effective way of training.

I have read and at times re-read all of Mark's previously published Books. When I saw the title on this book, at first I passed. My thinking at the time was that I really wasn't interested in any form of the Martial Arts, even if it did somehow pertain to horsemanship. Then a few months later, I came upon it again. I had enjoyed and learned so much from his other books; I re-considered and order it. I'm very glad that I did! Another great book about how we learn about ourselves through our horses. I love the way Mark makes you think and doesn't make you think. Rather to feel and and look at issues that you may have with your horse from a different perspective. So, don't let the title fool you. There are many insightful ideas and stories, which I thoroughly enjoyed reading.

The content of the book is solid. I bought new but cover is torn.

I've been a avid reader of horse and mule books for over 50 years. Mark Rashid is by far the best writer on the subject of relationship building with your equine partner, I have ever read. His insight on the mind of the horse and why it does what it does is brilliant. I have read all of his books and they captivate my attention from the very beginning. I have learned so much about my horses and mules and I continue to be thrilled that he never runs out of relevant material. I can't wait for his next, soon to be released, masterpiece. I highly recommend his books to anyone who really wants to understand their equine partner and do what is best for them and yourself in the process.

I just stumbled on Mark Rashid this winter and was very taken with this book-which is not only applicable to horses, but our own struggles as human beings as well. I've always felt that horses give us the grand opportunity to become better, more patient, more observant and less worried and judgmental in ourselves and this book brings that out in some very intriguing observations, experiences and stories. It reads easily, builds on itself and brought home how much actual time it takes to do anything well, and how the learning just keeps happening. This is an awesome book.

I've read all of Mark's books and just love his style and perspective, it's very practical and real. This book talks about the different viewpoint Aikido has given him with his work with horses, and you can see how it really does apply through his stories. This book isn't as much of a book about the horses that he has worked with as the other books, altho there are many stories related in the book as he applies the Aikido principles to horse training, as well as to how horses think and react. This one gave me some interesting new perspectives to think about. All of his books are keepers-- ones I will read over and over, and this one is no exception!

Mark Rashid's books are all a cut above those of any horsemen I have ever read, but this may be the very best. He is the only well known horse trainer I completely respect and trust. No gimmicks, products for sale or step-by-step instructions here. Just refreshing humility, respect for the horse and compassion -- for people and horses.

mooi boek met snelle levering

Concepts of the nature within Horsemanship made accessible to anyone through interesting anecdotal experiences on the trail, in the arena or in the aikido dojo.

Written in such simple and enjoyable language - it's as if you're sat chatting with the man himself - with invaluable lessons on every page. Having read a great deal on the subject, this is possibly the very best and most useful work of them all.

When I read all of the Kindle version of Mark Rashid's books, I felt that he wrote as if he was actually speaking directly to the reader. Some months ago, I had the absolute pleasure of watching him teaching in Scotland and 'yes', he really does write as he speaks. If any of you horsey people ever get the opportunity to see him teaching, don't hesitate to go. His methods and advice are simple, easy to understand, and eye-opening.