Horses Never Lie, 2nd Edition

The Heart of Passive Leadership

By: Mark Rashid

Narrated by: Dan Lawson

Length: 7 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

A revolutionary approach to the techniques of working with horses, by a renowned instructor.

In Horses Never Lie, renowned horse trainer Mark Rashid challenges the conventional wisdom of "alpha leadership" and teaches the listener to become a "passive leader" - a counterpart to the kind of horse other members of a herd choose to associate with and to follow. Applying Rashid’s principles and techniques helps cultivate horse personalities that are responsive and dependable regardless of the rider. Reliving Rashid’s experiences with him, you will come to feel the same sort of compassion and appreciation for your horses that you do for the people in your life. This new edition features added introductory notes for each chapter that contribute to a more complete understanding of Rashid’s methods and philosophy.

©1993, 2010 Mark Rashid (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Informative

This book gave a lot to think about how my horse thinks and how I react to him.

Reminds me why I love horses

Would you listen to Horses Never Lie, 2nd Edition again? Why?

Several reviewers have derided the narrator but I have listened to all of Rashid's books along with almost 40 others books over the last two years and I enjoyed him. I had to keep reminding myself that he was not the author. He makes it feel personal, like he talking to me not reading a book.
I try to alternate listening to a history book, a self help book and a personal pleasure book. This series is all three. Above all, Rashid reminds me and reinforces just why I love horses. They bring grace, beauty, and companionship. Thru Rashid I have learned to listen to my horses more. I agree with him that they are trying to communicate with us. Owning a horse is a special duty. We expect things from the horse but we also own them a reciprocating duty. Whenever I have a horse "problem", I think, "what would Rashid do "?
Growing up I also had a very influential man in my life. He was my scoutmaster and in his later years we called him "The old man". Hence, I share Rashid's fond memories of that non-parental adult who helped us become who we are today.
Rashid brings me closer to my horses. He has made me a better horseman. But above all, he just makes me feel good about owning a horse. And he reminds me of the obligations I owe the horse. These gentle giants just warm our souls. I can think of no time when I am happier or more at peace than in my barn. The aroma is sweet to me. And I can picture Rashid standing along side me, his storytelling is this open and personal. I have recommended his books to my non-horse owning friends. It is just a good read.

Gives a whole new perspective on horsemanship.

Since I have three young horses to start this year I decided to purchase a few books that might give me some inspiration, direction, and advice. Almost against my better judgment I bought “The Man Who Listens to Horses” by Monty Roberts. Several years ago I bought a book by Buck Brannaman. Many, many years ago I read Ray Hunt’s book. The Ray Hunt book and philosophy have been very helpful to me over the years, but normally I have only applied his ideas in very specific circumstances. I think that there are definitely things a person could learn from Monty Roberts if you can take his attitude. For whatever reason I could not get much out of Brannaman’s book.
I say all that to say that I got more out of this book than I did all the others except for possibly Ray Hunt’s (but I found this one more enjoyable than Ray Hunt’s). For one thing, it seems much more practical for the average person wanting to wok with his or her own horse. I do not and never will have mustangs that have never had a human hand laid on them. I also have no reason or desire to take an unbroken horse and have it riding within 30 minutes. I can appreciate the horsemanship that allows some people to be able to do that, but I’m never going to be able to do that. Mark Rashid doesn’t ask people to work instant miracles on their horses. He encourages people to take their time with their horses and try to figure out what the horse is thinking and feeling at any given time. He encourages people to build a trust relationship with horses by moving slowly and calmly around them. He invites horse handlers to learn to listen for a horse’s “try.” These are things I can do.
In addition to the practical advice the book offers, I am especially grateful to Mark Rashid for illustrating through his stories just how intelligent horses are and how anxious they are to please. I’ve been around horses for most of my life, and in many ways have appreciated their intelligence and willingness to please, but have still underestimated both. This book has me excited about working with our horses and really listening to them and learning from them. Hopefully a whole new adventure in getting to know our horses is in store for me. Thank you, Mark Rashid!

Much to consider

I will use this information to slow down and think about what the horse is thinking or feeling while working with them, and look more closely for the small try. Too bad the narrator was unfamiliar with horses and terms, as the mispronunciations were distracting.

Fantastic book, excellent and clear narrator

Really great book. To the point, intuitive, no BS. I will for sure be buying this author (and narrator)'s other books in the near future.

excellent advice and examples

Mark Rashid is a wizard at recognizing the awareness of the horse and that of the rider. his ability to read the body language of the horse and choose how to guide us humans based on his observations is admirable. I listened to the audible version of this book with my adolescent daughters. both girls were fascinated with what Mark Rashid wrote and asked for his book over any other whenever we listened to an audio book. at first the narrator seemed too precise I. his diction and enunciation. but listening to this book while driving, with typical road noise, made me appreciate how easy it is to understand what he says with his even volume and clear speech. we're looking forward to listening to all of Mark Rashid's books on Audible.

Decision Reaffirming

Told in straightforward, easy to listen to style that made me want to just go out and hang with my horse again.

Excellent

This book is a game changer on how I will approach my equine going forward. He explains in a story form which is perfect and entertaining. It is wonderful read! I will be reading all his work.

Loved it!

First time book by Mark Rashid. This was just what I was looking for. Looking forward to more of his books❤️

Lovely way to understand more about the complexity of horses.

Great book to understand horses better. Mark’s stories allow the lesson to stick with the reader.