A Voice for the Horse

By: John Saint Ryan

Narrated by: John Saint Ryan

Length: 7 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

John Saint Ryan has travelled the world working with horses. John's behavior with all students, whether equine or human, is aligned with his principles, which is a rare practice, and he is also able to share his knowledge in an agile and even poetic way, with openness, humor, and grace. 

This audiobook is a joy to listen to. You'll discover John's love and humility when he describes the lessons his mentor, Tom Dorrance, set him up to learn, and enjoy his humor as he tells horse stories from earlier days. John has drawn from life experiences as diverse as martial arts and acting to develop the self-awareness and poise that make him the excellent educator he is for horses and riders today. 

The great gift that John is sharing is an approach that combines science and art. John digs deep and effectively shares the science of learning. This is the key to the kingdom of educating the horse. He debunks myths that are still prevalent in horse training, like dominance strategies and the implementation of coercive practices. Instead, John offers working alternatives that are sensitive, perceptive, gentle, and effective because they are based on the scientific principles of learning. 

It also documents personal studies and theories which he developed over the years, which build into a one-month training program to help people with their horses' education. This is not necessarily just for starting horses under saddle, but can be used as a checklist for any horse you are riding. It's a way to make sure your horse has the best education for his life with us humans.

©2017 John Saint Ryan (P)2022 John Saint Ryan

Horsemanship, Eq. Science, Lessons, Legends & Lore

There are very few virtuoso Storytellers. John Saint Ryan is in this category. He has a wealth of accents / voices that will invite you into and lead you through this equine adventure. The pace and emotion transport the listener into every scene.

John's first-hand accounts of his time with Tom Dorrance, the Horse's Lawyer, is delivered with respect, esteem and deference. Wholesome, heartwarming stories throughout had me feeling as if I was right there next to these two iconic gentlemen. The works of Ray Hunt, Tom Dorrance, Bill Dorrance and Pat Puckett might have an exalted place reserved in a horse aficionado's library. This book belongs there.

Through the presented equitation science principles, John sets learning theory at the forefront and gives the listener a series of practical exercises to work on. He always considers the horse as a partner and offers insight into how one might be able to put together a formula to find success. He'll guide you toward curing any existing issues at the root cause versus a band aid. The in-depth lesson plan is there to keep one clear of sowing seeds of resistance in the first place.

Lessons are given in easy to process segments. I particularly enjoyed #24, Greeting Your Horse. John has a quick wit and will lay something down - it is up to the individual to pick it up. His approach is quite amiable, gently prompting the human to think about how the horse may feel all the while doing this without crinkling anyone's current way of operating. He is a teacher that creates a learning environment conducive to confidence building.

Chapter 5: Riding with One Hand transported me all the way to Jack Palance's ranch during a branding of range cattle. I found myself riveted, wishing this was a podcast series in itself as a Cowboy Classic Radio Show. The next segment, Horses and Mules, had me in stitches because of Ned.

Another drop of wisdom that caught my attention on the subject of experience, John says: "This way of interacting with the horse cannot be loaded in and switched on like a new program in your old computer. The heart of the matter is deep within the person, the will and desire to come through with something special. Something that is to a greater degree inexpressible and ineffable."

John Saint Ryan's connection to one of the most elegant animals on this planet is pure, his background and knowledge is vast. He is not offering any shortcuts, what he is presenting is another way.

A good melding of stories and lessons

I liked that the author started out in classical dressage and found his was to Tom Dorrance and listening to what the horse has to say. His experience covers dressage, western, Spanish, mules, amature and professional aspects of training. An intelligent and insightful read.

True Horsemanship

I loved hearing the author recount his experiences with truly connecting with his horses. Valuable information presented in a way to better understand things and behaviors from the horse’s experience and instinct.

Just wonderful.

Both educational and entertaining. This book is both thoughtful and inspiring. A real pleasure to read.

Excellent

There is one of the best books about horses I’ve come across, and I read nearly everything I can get my hands on. The author’s attitude with horses is borne of his kindness, skill, experience, and coherence in thought, word, and deed. His calm, steady voice alone shows how we need to be with these magnificent horses.

Great read for better understanding

This is a great book for those that want to have a better understanding of horses and how to understand their thinking process and how to train and ride with this in mind. It’s a good start to the science behind training.
Easy to listen to and I enjoyed the conversations with Tom.

So Absolutely Amazing!

I Love the stories and the knowledge of horses he has! It is an Awesome Book

Wonderful audio book

Very Much Recommended - Thoughtful and kind advise with great stories… enjoyed very much, thank you

A gift for every horse and owner!

I love this! It's both entertaining and informative. There's so much to learn, I'll listen to over and over.

Excellent

Wonderful, applicable advice on life and horses with heartwarming stories layered throughout, this book as read by the author is a must listen for anyone seeking a deeper understanding and connection with their equine companions.