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The Happy Horse: An Amateur's Guide To Being The Human Your Horse Deserves
The journey of one rusty human and one mighty mare into a new horsemanship. And everything we learnt along the way.
163 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 25, 2016
294 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Tania Kindersley
36 books49 followersI live in Scotland where I write books and look after two antic lurchers and two gentle thoroughbred mares.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 7, 2017
This was a free borrow from Amazon Prime that was recommended by Amazon based on some other reading choices.
I'm happy to say I'm one of those fortunate mothers who has literally given birth to the new and improved version of herself. My precious daughter, the love of my life and my hero, loves everything I loved as a child, only she's generally better at everything than I could ever hope to be, which pleases and fascinates me to no end.
So, when at the age of two she started expressing an interest in horses, I wasn't surprised. After all, I had loved horses growing up--still love horses--and why not. They are such gorgeous and majestic animals. But the closest I ever came to owning a horse was the dozens of Breyers I treasured throughout my childhood.
Of course, at two then three and then four etc, my daughter didn't understand that not everyone can own a horse. So whenever she mentioned horses, I just smiled and then gently explained why owning a horse wasn't a possibility for us. (We didn't have the space, with four kids to support, we didn't have the money...you know...the truth)
But if my girl is anything, she's persistent, and by age eight she was still asking. So I did what any mother hoping to fulfill the dreams of her daughter would do; I did some investigating and found her a place just up the road where she could take lessons.
The once a week lessons quickly turned into two lessons a week, which quickly turned into two lessons a week along with an onsite-lease that allowed us two additional rides. Except before long that still wasn't enough.
We currently have a free lease which we board around the corner and which allows my daughter to ride 5-6 days a week as well as experience all aspects of equine care, and I am there every step of the way and loving every minute of it. Sure it's expensive, and sure we aren't rich...but hey, you only live once.
What I found is that I am still absolutely smitten with horses (just as much as my daughter is), and while I haven't ridden yet (and I stress yet as I toy with the idea of taking lessons myself everyday), I look forward to my days at the barn with my daughter. To say that I am pleased that she has the opportunity I didn't is an understatement.
Anyway...this book which is ultimately about horsemanship and for which I had no expectations is really a little jewel. The work of a writer and amateur horsewoman, it is beautifully written and packed with anecdotes and words of wisdom that not only apply to horses and horsemanship, but also, in many instances, to real life.
It's a book that celebrates the relationship humans have with the animals in their lives (particularly horses) and is sure to appeal to most animal lovers, but especially those who are involved with horses.
Its appeal and strength, in my opinion, is found in its ability to convey that while we like to anthropomorphize our animals, they are not humans. If you want to have the best relationship possible with any animal, you have to understand their behavior, their language, and their way of being. It's about learning to understand who your horse (or pet) is and why it is that way and finding an effective way to communicate with it. It's also about learning to understand yourself.
So glad I found this.
I'm happy to say I'm one of those fortunate mothers who has literally given birth to the new and improved version of herself. My precious daughter, the love of my life and my hero, loves everything I loved as a child, only she's generally better at everything than I could ever hope to be, which pleases and fascinates me to no end.
So, when at the age of two she started expressing an interest in horses, I wasn't surprised. After all, I had loved horses growing up--still love horses--and why not. They are such gorgeous and majestic animals. But the closest I ever came to owning a horse was the dozens of Breyers I treasured throughout my childhood.
Of course, at two then three and then four etc, my daughter didn't understand that not everyone can own a horse. So whenever she mentioned horses, I just smiled and then gently explained why owning a horse wasn't a possibility for us. (We didn't have the space, with four kids to support, we didn't have the money...you know...the truth)
But if my girl is anything, she's persistent, and by age eight she was still asking. So I did what any mother hoping to fulfill the dreams of her daughter would do; I did some investigating and found her a place just up the road where she could take lessons.
The once a week lessons quickly turned into two lessons a week, which quickly turned into two lessons a week along with an onsite-lease that allowed us two additional rides. Except before long that still wasn't enough.
We currently have a free lease which we board around the corner and which allows my daughter to ride 5-6 days a week as well as experience all aspects of equine care, and I am there every step of the way and loving every minute of it. Sure it's expensive, and sure we aren't rich...but hey, you only live once.
What I found is that I am still absolutely smitten with horses (just as much as my daughter is), and while I haven't ridden yet (and I stress yet as I toy with the idea of taking lessons myself everyday), I look forward to my days at the barn with my daughter. To say that I am pleased that she has the opportunity I didn't is an understatement.
Anyway...this book which is ultimately about horsemanship and for which I had no expectations is really a little jewel. The work of a writer and amateur horsewoman, it is beautifully written and packed with anecdotes and words of wisdom that not only apply to horses and horsemanship, but also, in many instances, to real life.
It's a book that celebrates the relationship humans have with the animals in their lives (particularly horses) and is sure to appeal to most animal lovers, but especially those who are involved with horses.
Its appeal and strength, in my opinion, is found in its ability to convey that while we like to anthropomorphize our animals, they are not humans. If you want to have the best relationship possible with any animal, you have to understand their behavior, their language, and their way of being. It's about learning to understand who your horse (or pet) is and why it is that way and finding an effective way to communicate with it. It's also about learning to understand yourself.
So glad I found this.
December 8, 2017
Really enjoyed reading about the journey of coming together with Tania and her horses. Tania very succinctly describes the path of equestrian enlightenment that those of us looking for a better way in communicating with your horses all hope to master in our own way. With great quotes from Warwick Schiller, Buck Brannaman, Ray Hunt, & the Dorrance brothers. Tania's experiences with her horses mirror similarly with my own educational path into a deeper bond and relationship with my horses. Worth the read.
May 15, 2018
I would not recommend this book as one that will further your horsemanship skill or offer you specific information, and I don't think that was the author's purpose. The title misled me into thinking that I would discover something that I have missed in my journey with horses that I didn't already know. I didn't. Being a follower of natural horsemanship, and having studied materials prepared by Natural Horse Clinicians, there weren't any profound discoveries in the book. In fact, I was already taught through Natural Horsemanship the Three Big Must Knows that the author conveyed in the book. But, and that's a really important BUT, if you just like reading beautiful writing, then I would recommend that you read this short book. You don't have to be a horse lover to appreciate this soulful writing. I highlighted many sentences, not because they offered me knowledge but because I just loved lingering over the way the words were strung together. I would be reluctant to lend this book to a horse person unless he or she is in love with words, like I am. But if they are a soulful person, and a horse lover, then I would say, "here is a book you might enjoy reading just because the words suggest horses are deserving of our admiration."
April 2, 2019
This is a love story!
This book had me in years at the end.! I felt I could relate to her earlier experiences and how her perspective on horsemanship had matured. As a woman in my early 50's with an empty nest, aging parents and a stressful job, I didn't realize how much I missed owning a horse. My little Bay gelding had died 10 years ago and I wasn't planning on replacing him. But as life surprises us sometimes, I have adopted a rescue horse who needs a lot of patience and love. Tania is the type of horse person you want to hang out with at the barn and if I'm ever in Scotland I would enjoy meeting her! This book is about the love and respect one has for their horse. It's an ideal overview of how to start the process of developing your relationship. In many ways, it's the same theories i followed (and often failed) in parenting 101. I'm a fan and on my new horse ownership journey, I am going to research many of the trainers and "cowboys" you mentioned in your book. I'm going to be patient with the process and enjoy every moment! I'm so glad you took this leap of faith and wrote your book. Thank you.
This book had me in years at the end.! I felt I could relate to her earlier experiences and how her perspective on horsemanship had matured. As a woman in my early 50's with an empty nest, aging parents and a stressful job, I didn't realize how much I missed owning a horse. My little Bay gelding had died 10 years ago and I wasn't planning on replacing him. But as life surprises us sometimes, I have adopted a rescue horse who needs a lot of patience and love. Tania is the type of horse person you want to hang out with at the barn and if I'm ever in Scotland I would enjoy meeting her! This book is about the love and respect one has for their horse. It's an ideal overview of how to start the process of developing your relationship. In many ways, it's the same theories i followed (and often failed) in parenting 101. I'm a fan and on my new horse ownership journey, I am going to research many of the trainers and "cowboys" you mentioned in your book. I'm going to be patient with the process and enjoy every moment! I'm so glad you took this leap of faith and wrote your book. Thank you.
January 21, 2025
When the student is ready, the teacher appears. Lao Tzu
It was the title of the book that captured my attention...The Happy Horse. And the content that inspired me to finish it.
If you are a follower of the masters such as Ray Hunt, Bill Dorrance, Tom Dorrance and Buck Brannaman you will enjoy the stories, experiences and wisdom Tania shares within the pages.
Whether you are a seasoned professional, or new to horses, this book is packed with nuggets of knowledge that make you think and can bring you closer to your equine partner, if that is what you seek. It's not for everyone, that is true, as there are those who believe horses are dumb animals. Anyone who has ever spent time around horses knows that is far from the truth. Ray, Tom, Bill and Buck all came to understand the why of horses, and that can make all the difference.
There is one confession: I started reading The Happy Horse in April 2024, and did not finish it until January 2025. Not because I lost interest, but because I was spending more time with my horse. Everything happens in its own time and place. I'll leave it at that and say I am so glad I resumed and finished reading this treasure.
It was the title of the book that captured my attention...The Happy Horse. And the content that inspired me to finish it.
If you are a follower of the masters such as Ray Hunt, Bill Dorrance, Tom Dorrance and Buck Brannaman you will enjoy the stories, experiences and wisdom Tania shares within the pages.
Whether you are a seasoned professional, or new to horses, this book is packed with nuggets of knowledge that make you think and can bring you closer to your equine partner, if that is what you seek. It's not for everyone, that is true, as there are those who believe horses are dumb animals. Anyone who has ever spent time around horses knows that is far from the truth. Ray, Tom, Bill and Buck all came to understand the why of horses, and that can make all the difference.
There is one confession: I started reading The Happy Horse in April 2024, and did not finish it until January 2025. Not because I lost interest, but because I was spending more time with my horse. Everything happens in its own time and place. I'll leave it at that and say I am so glad I resumed and finished reading this treasure.
December 30, 2019
A Horseloveers Must Read
This is not a "how to " book, but an insightful and personal retelling of her successes and failures in building relationships with her horses. Only a true horse lover understands the goal of respecting and partnering with your thousand pound friend. And Tania gives an engaging account of her journey of becoming the person her horses deserve. She gave me hope that I can do the same.
This is not a "how to " book, but an insightful and personal retelling of her successes and failures in building relationships with her horses. Only a true horse lover understands the goal of respecting and partnering with your thousand pound friend. And Tania gives an engaging account of her journey of becoming the person her horses deserve. She gave me hope that I can do the same.
November 15, 2017
As an adult returning to horses, I am utilizing as many resources as possible in addition to lessons. I love YouTube for some of the awesome learning it can provide, many magazines, books and audiobooks, and the occasional clinic. I still don't know what the purpose of this book was, but I found it to not be at all helpful.
May 2, 2021
This book took me awhile to read because it contains a vast amount of information that I really want to absorb. I really enjoyed everything she had to say and it is very relevant today to what is missing in the horse world today. I highly recommend it for anyone wanting a good relationship with their horse and a good connection.
September 22, 2021
I needed this book more than I thought I would. Not because I have a red mare but I have challenges in life I need to face and I need to give myself time to get the ground work done on my time first, even if I need to start at step one over and over again- just like my Red mare. Time. Patience. Effort. Trust. Courage. And I will get there, I won’t be perfect every day but I’ll get there too.
March 15, 2024
Tania’s wonderful writing
I’m part of the big group of loyal followers of The Red Mare on FB, and I’ve lost count of the number of horsy friends I’ve suggested the page to.
I loved reading Tania’s journey of becoming the human her horse deserves. I’m on the same journey and she shares many insights I’m keen to learn more about. As always her writing is a joy.
I’m part of the big group of loyal followers of The Red Mare on FB, and I’ve lost count of the number of horsy friends I’ve suggested the page to.
I loved reading Tania’s journey of becoming the human her horse deserves. I’m on the same journey and she shares many insights I’m keen to learn more about. As always her writing is a joy.
June 22, 2017
An honest little book which I am very thankful to have stumbled across. It's given me reassurance that I don't have to rush things with this little horse whom I am already very fond of and that any issues we encounter can eventually be overcome.
April 20, 2022
I really enjoyed Tania’s writing style and the way she presented her journey with The Red Mare. It definitely reaffirmed some choices I made recently and made me glad that I stumbled upon Warwick Schiller.
December 28, 2018
This is a great read for everyone, whether or not you consider yourself an "equestrian". There is so much to be learned from horses that applies to nearly every aspect of life.
July 12, 2021
Wonderful
Wonderful book wonderfully written..my thinking just how I would write it..!listening to the horse thinking of the horse ..thinking about yourself through the horse
Wonderful book wonderfully written..my thinking just how I would write it..!listening to the horse thinking of the horse ..thinking about yourself through the horse
July 14, 2021
Excellent
I loved this book. It taught me to embrace my self-doubt and fears of inadequacy and just try my best, armed with research on training.
I loved this book. It taught me to embrace my self-doubt and fears of inadequacy and just try my best, armed with research on training.
August 11, 2021
Beautifully written and very inspiring! Such a beautiful and honest story of her life with her red mare. It makes one want to be your very best version of you for your horse.
March 25, 2023
This waa about me
I could have written this same book. All the same experiences the
author had, I'm going through them now. I hope in the near future, I have a happy horse too.
I could have written this same book. All the same experiences the
author had, I'm going through them now. I hope in the near future, I have a happy horse too.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews