The Principles of Training: Understanding The Relationship Between You and Your Horse, and Why Effective Training Works.

by Warwick Schiller

“As to methods there may be a million and then some, but principles are few. The man who grasps principles can successfully select his own methods. The man who tries methods, ignoring principles, is sure to have trouble.” - Harrington Emerson

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of training decisions to be made when working with a horse? Should you speed up, slow down, turn left, turn right? What transition should you make next? Which body part should you move where?

What if you didn’t need to memorize a million techniques and scenarios, but just needed to understand the principles at play in each situation? The Principles of Training offers readers an understanding of the 12 fundamental principles that all successful horse people use and illustrates them with real-life examples to help readers fully understand why effective training works.

Genres: Horses, Nonfiction

250 pages, Paperback

Published February 28, 2023

Reviews

[Skye Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so so good. I tried to listen in small chunks so as to absorb it. I think all horseman should read this book.

[Susan Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the last chapter first and then read the entire book as Warwick mentions how important it is. I have been reassessing my horsemanship and trying to be more mindful to how I interact with my horses and what my body language is projecting to them.

I really like how Warwick breaks down the information and gives some examples. The examples at first would seem that they wouldn't have anything to do with the issue, but as illustrated - they certainly do. All things are connected and spending more time on the basics to be sure you have things solid will benefit you in the long run.

I've gone back to rethinking how I go out to halter my horse. I used to walk across the pasture to fetch her and slip on her halter. Now she comes to me and puts her head down. This winter I've really been trying to pay attention to any little, subtle sign of a "no thank you" from her and respecting that, by taking a step back, taking a deep breath and trying in a different way. Sometimes my mare still doesn't want to play. That's okay - I can change plans to do something else. It isn't all about riding, we've started doing much more from the ground and have discovered agility and how much fun it is to spend 20-30 minutes on something else. She's gotten better about standing for the farrier and when I have ridden this winter - it's been quite nice. I can't wait to see where we are a year from now.

I highly recommend the book and also to listen to Warwick's podcast. I've picked up some valuable information from that as well. I am sure that this is a book I will pick up to reread in a few months as I am sure there is something else that I will see or think about differently.

[Sue Werner · Rating 5 out of 5]

a different way of thinking

It takes awareness of what is happening and why and from there having you approach to make the horse more comfortable about what you are doing. This book has made me think in a different way not in a knee jerk way. It’s about controlling myself before I even think about having any control of the horse. I always thought I had to win in interactions otherwise the horse will run over top of me, but this thinking is so different and I am glad I have taken the time to read this book. I am keen to explore the method in more practical ways especially making the right thing easy and the hard thing less desirable in terms of how the horse operates. Also to pause and let the horse just get their bearings before just pushing on. I need to read and watch more for it to become a way of going that is second nature.

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is excellent for anyone interested in working with or being with horses. Warwick has lots on the internet and on his website about the principles. However there is nothing like holding this attractive book, reading the examples, pondering the advice. Warwick also ties the principles together as while you are working on one, for example, going back to basics, other principles will also be at play. This book deserves a read and it will benefit all horses if, "horse people", learn to use the principles.

[Jayne Bonner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent practical book for working with your horse and being aware of how and why to do the things you need to do. Warwick’s skill is in being able to explain clearly the why in layman’s term so the reader ‘gets it’.
I love the connection and atunement that runs through each principle, learning how to let my horse know I am aware and listening. And so much of this knowledge is useful in all your relationships with your children or your partner or anyone. Definitely a book I will go back to, anyone wanting to learn how to be better for their horse should read this book.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another re-read for me. I really like this book a ton. Schiller's writing style is clear and relatable and his 'principles' make sense and are effective. There's not much that's groundbreaking in this book, but the way Schiller organizes and presents makes it clear and easy to use. While this is a five-star read for me, I find some chapters/principles much, much more useful than others - that's okay though, it's still a useful guidebook.

[Adel Pheloung · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly wonderful book that thoroughly explains the “why” behind all the key principles of horse training. The only fault I found was there were a fair few editorial mistakes. But it was an excellent and helpful read regardless. A book that gives you great insight into the brilliant workings of Schiller’s mind.

[Ashley Magee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only will this deepen your relationship with your horse, Warwick’s insights will open your perspective on many fronts in your life. His own personal journey has many lessons we can learn from. This principles can be applied all over, I even used some of the principles when sleep testing my 10 month old. This book will stay on my shelf forever. Loved this from start to finish!

[Bruce L Kincaid · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book showed me how to put relationship before training

This book explains the principles to show your horse that you are aware of his thoughts which builds a mutual relationship. The horse can trust you to provide him with safety and comfort. This bond must be obtained before training which teaches your horse to be a willing partner and friend.

[Ariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every horse owner should read it. Very informative and well explained, a good starting point to being more mindful while working with horses. I wish more people put their horse's well being first. Horsemanship can and should be enjoyable for both the owner and, most importantly, the animal. Communication, understanding, and building the relationship is the key

[Lucinda Collier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to understand principles for training horses.

Recommended for everyday horse owners who want to learn more about how to have a solid healthy relationship with your horse and overcome obstacles in your ability to teach your horse to be relaxed, present and responsive.

[Nadine Mackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was the perfect amount story telling and perfect amount guided learning to keep the reader entertained, but also teach valuable lessons about horsemanship. Can’t wait to practice some of these principles.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book on Audiobook and then purchased the paper copy. It is written clearly and easy to understand. This is much more than principals to train your horse. It is principals for life. I highly recommend this book.

[Madeleine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant and valuable.
This and Warwicks Videos and Podcast as well as some of the amazing guests He interviewed helped me and my unridden young pony in more ways than i ever imagined.
One of the best horsebooks on relationship and training.

[Charlotte Sometimes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for all horsepeople!
Its even interesting for non-horsey people, because its principles that can be used for "All Species" interaction and communication, including the Homo sapiens :-D

[Lisha Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it!

Good book! Every horse owner should take the time to understand this book. I highly recommend it for a deep meaningful read.

[Laurel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best horse book I've ever read. Every time I have a problem I go back to Schiller again and again.

[Victoria Purnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Changed my thinking on relating to horses. His mindful approach makes so much sense …. Attunement as a way to approach life with our horses & life in general has made a difference in my life