BEGINNING GROUND WORK: Everything We’ve Learned about Relationship & Leadership

by Joe Camp, Kathleen Camp (Photographer)

When Joe Camp, bestselling author of The Soul of a Horse – Life Lessons from The Herd, and his wife Kathleen were first starting with horses less than five years ago they dove deeply into the training books and DVDs of several of the top clinicians in the United States. They owned virtually everything ever written or videoed by Monty Roberts, Clinton Anderson, and the Parellis and they were bouncing back and forth from one to the other testing what worked best with their horses. But Joe was longing for a compressed, congealed, shuffled together guide to the basics. Not just what works best but why. Now he has one. He wrote it. And now it's yours. A book of the good stuff crammed with everything Joe & Kathleen have learned about relationship and leadership. And why it all works. Including an entire chapter on fear. This book can change your relationship with your horse and teach you to trust yourself to trust yourself.With free Kindle apps, download this book to your computer, iPhone, Android, Blackberry, iPad, Kindle , or all of the above for one teeny little price of 99 cents! The stories you love and the information you need will always be with you.What Readers and Critics Are Saying About Joe Camp“Joe Camp is a master storyteller.” The New York Times“Joe Camp is a gifted storyteller and the results are magical. Joe entertains, educates and empowers, baring his own soul while articulating keystone principles of a modern revolution in horsemanship.” Rick Lamb, Author and TV/Radio host “The Horse Show”"This book is fantastic It has given me shivers, made me laugh and cry, and I just can't seem to put it down!" Cheryl Pannier, WHO Radio AM 1040 Des Moines“One cannot help but be touched by Camp’s love and sympathy for animals and by his eloquence on the subject.” Michae Korda The Washington Post“Joe Camp is a natural when it comes to understanding how animals tick and a genius at telling us their story. His books are must-reads for those who love animals of any species.” Monty Roberts, Author of New York Times Best-seller The Man Who Listens to Horses“Camp has become something of a master at telling us what can be learned from animals, in this case specifically horses, without making us realize we have been educated, and, that is, perhaps, the mark of a real teacher. The tightly written, simply designed, and powerfully drawn chapters often read like short stories that flow from the heart.” Jack L. Kennedy, The Joplin Independent“This book is absolutely fabulous! An amazing, amazing book. You’re going to love it.” Janet Parshall’s America"Joe speaks a clear and simple truth that grabs hold of your heart." Yvonne Welz, Editor, The Horses Hoof Magazine"I wish you could hear my excitement for Joe Camp's new book. It is unique, powerful, needed." Dr. Marty Becker, best-selling author of several Chicken Soup for the Soul books and popular veterinary contributor to ABC's Good Morning America“I got my book yesterday and hold Joe Camp responsible for my bloodshot eyes. I couldn't put it down and morning came early!!! Joe transports me into his words. I feel like I am right there sharing his experiences. And his love for not just horses, but all of God's critters pours out from every page.” Ruth Swander – Reader“I love this book! It is so hard to put it down. I don't want it to end! Every person who loves an animal must have this book. I can't wait for the next one !!!!!!!!!” Nina Black Reid – Reader“LOVE the new book… reading it was such an emotional journey.

Genres: Horses

84 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 17, 2012

Reviews

[Brittney Gonzalez · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was in the mood for a quick equine read that might expand my knowledge. However, I became worried how this book was going to be after reading "five years ago" they didn't even have horses. Like many things, the longer you practice something, the better you become at it. Reading, understanding, and knowing horses is one of those things. Five years is hardly any time to gain a full, or close to it, understanding of horses.
One good point this book DID make was on the first page of chapter one, Joe said, "If you love your horse why would you want him to have this amazing relationship with some stranger? You want that relationship to be with you, right?"
Despite the book's exciting first few pages, I was very let down. It was like this author was contradicting himself in certain areas. He claims he understands horses but then says things that aren't true.
My first major problem with this book was the author's major belief of the alpha theory (which has been disproven in horses, yet remains the major theme of this book?). On page 11, it says, "A horse will do virtually nothing for a hug. But he will do virtually anything for his respected leader. And he will continually test that leader to see if he or she is still worthy of the title." See where I am going here?
My second major issue with this book was on page 16, when Joe mentions that his horse Cash came with the note to never touch his ears. This immediately gave me red flags. While Joe might have been onto something in saying he thinks someone may have twisted or harmed Cash's ears at one point, I do not believe Joe handled the situation the best. All he did was make the horse do learned helplessness. The horse was likely in pain (or fearful, or both) and forcing the horse to deal with their fear with constant pressure does not solve the issue. He should have had a vet and/or equine physio/masseuse evaluate the animal before attempting to fix any "problems" the horse had.
My third issue with this a book was when the author wrote, "Leadership and respect do not come from bossmanship. And conversely it is not given to someone who showers horses with baskets full of love, without discipline. Sit and watch a herd sometime. Just watch. Make note of who respects whom, and how it’s shown. I respect you enough, and trust you enough, to subordinate my judgment and safety to you." When I read the first sentence, I thought, "yes! He is finally getting it!" But as I kept reading, I got disappointed. You're going backwards here...

This book felt more like a humble brag to what he sees as growth as an equestrian...mixed with an advertisement. He was very heavily pushing the methods and theories of other trainers and promoting his other books he has written.

[Lee Tyner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, but Light

There are some nuggets but the author not only repeats himself but is also repetitive ; )

This happens over and over as he bad mouths the other styles which may be warranted, but we get the point already.

There weren't many techniques offered but I did enjoy reading it. Also, the last 1/4 or so is basically a reference list.

[Pete · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Camp's books. I re-read this the day before I gave it to a young friend interested in natural horsemanship having a 3 day old colt. Understanding the whys of trust is foundational to getting good results.

[Jenn Cunningham · Rating 1 out of 5]

I expected more.

I really thought this would be a guide to ground work. This tiny book is more of an ad for his other books I guess?

[Justin Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book to tell you what books and dvd to buy

Tells you how he learned about horse from the big 3
Reference book.
Good leads to other sources of horse training and how toos