Horse Speak: The Equine-Human Translation Guide

by Sharon Wilsie, Gretchen Vogel

Horse Speak is not a training method or technique—it is a practical system for “listening” and “talking” to horses in their language, instead of expecting them to comprehend ours. Horse Speak can be used by anyone who works with horses, whether riding instructor, colt starter, recreational rider, or avid competitor. It promises improved understanding of what a horse is telling you, and provides simple replies you can use to tell him that you “hear” him, you “get it,” and you have ideas you want to share with him, too.

The result? Time with your horse will be full of what horse trainer and equine-assisted learning instructor Sharon Wilsie of Wilsie Way Horsemanship calls Conversations , and soon the all-too-common misunderstandings that occur between horse and human will evolve into civil discussions with positive and progressive results! Learn Horse Speak in 12 easy steps; understand equine communication via breath and body language; and discover the Four Gs of Horse Greeting, Going Somewhere, Grooming, and Gone. Practice regulating your intensity, and sample dozens of ready-made Conversations with your horse, as step-by-step templates and instructional color photographs walk you through the eye-opening process of communicating on a whole new level.

Genres: Horses, Nonfiction, Animals

224 pages, Paperback

First published June 7, 2016

Reviews

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hardly ever give books a 5 rating. I have never rated a book before completing it with exception of the truly rare times I've not finished a book, yet left a rating.

I'm about 25% of the way into this book and can tell you now I WILL be purchasing this book. (I'm currently reading a library borrowed copy.)

I've been addicted to horses all my life. I've been riding since I was 11, have had my own horses for 34 years. Were it not dark I could see my current herd of four outside my window. I read many, many books involving horses, equestrians, trainers and clinicians each year. This book has provided me more "Ah-HA!" moments and new to me info in the first 40 pages than the last 40 horse books - or training DVDs for that matter - have provided. Can't recommend it highly enough.

I'll add another comment or two after completing the book and trying some of the "language" on my horses.

[Loni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was revolutionary in my interactions with my horses. Highly recommended.

[Susan Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed reading the interpretations of horse breath and movement as all parts of horse body language. It all reads as innately true when you've been around horses. There are many subtle cues that humans miss because we misinterpret what the horse is expressing or because humans are too busy with other human activities to have fully noticed and respond appropriately.

I found the information on all the different breathes the most compelling. As I have seen horses use all of these breathes, but hadn't made the same connections to mimic them to help horses feel comfortable in situations where they might feel more claustrophobic or unsure.

I really liked the breakout story about Joe and how the Horse Speak language helped his owners understand him in a better way so they could work in a more harmonious way to gain in their relationship.

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would rate this one of the better horse books I have ever read. It all starts with clear communication. I also liked Sharon's manner of teaching and understanding and even had a chuckle as I read along. I am surprised that this woman in not a house hold name. She mentioned Monty Roberts. I think she would also be familiar with Tom Dorrance's philosophy. Many people who knew Tom felt he was half horse. A must read for all horsemen and horse lovers.

[Grace Roat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enlightening

This book is phenomenal! I came to read after applying for school to become a horse trainer and all of the author's techniques will be utilized and should be worshipped. She offers a unique, subtle, yet impressively intelligent way to communicate with horses. Everyone who is around horses should read this book

[Marieke Bos-Wu · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me understand my heart horse a bit better. Very nice to read about how horses interact and “talk” to each other. The book gives very simple tools to communicate better with horses and I can tell it works! No I can’t “talk” with my mare but I understand more about her way of communicating. Thank you Sharon!

[Ruthie Briggs-Greenberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book that gave me clarity on how to be aware of how a horse may see a new person. The idea that an approaching person needs to be calm, quiet and not intrusive out me more at ease when I last went horse back riding.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful. I noticed a change in how my horses reacted to me when I started using the methods. Especially the calming techniques as my horse tends to be anxious.

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for every horseman and horsewoman!

[Jessica Richters · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good book for people who have horses, work with horses, are around horses, or just like horses.

[Jo-jean Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazingly informative and useful book. I continue to work on my relationship with my horse, using many of Wilsie's ideas I particularly find the notion of levels of intensity helpful in initiating conversations and responding to actions.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is worth a spot in horsemen's library. I think the information is necessary for the budding horseman to know and it will serve as reminder to those more experienced. For all levels it will remind us that horses aren't machines, they do have a brain, and they appreciated a conversation.