Dancing with Horses

by Klaus Ferdinand Hempfling, Kristina McCormack (Translator)

A groundbreaking book on developing trust and harmony between horses and humans through the use of an innovative visual language.

Genres: Horses, Nonfiction, Animals

205 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1996

About the author

Klaus Ferdinand Hempfling is a globally recognized coach, consultant, and bestselling author—renowned for his expertise in the fields of personal, professional, and social development, as well as holistic enhancement and renewal of coherent expression and perception experiences. With a background in engineering and communication sciences and decades of anthropological studies, the author draws on his vast perspectives regarding general human interactions and authentic, holistic forms of a genuinely positive and fulfilling way of life. As a globally recognized consultant, mediator, and troubleshooter, his reach on social networks has now grown to tens of millions. Although it represents only a smaller aspect of his many activities, KFH also became globally known for his unique, revolutionary, completely peaceful approach to working with horses—where he refers to the primal principles of non-verbal communication in terms of personal character and holistic growth. By helping people continuously develop their heightened awareness of body, senses, and mind, his approach is fundamentally different from other well-known systems. His childhood in the seclusion of the forests of his homeland gave KFH, as an author, a unique life perspective, enabling him today to articulate the subtleties of human experiences and the natural world with rare clarity. Born in Germany, the author has lived in Denmark for the past two decades, where he also runs his consulting organization.

Reviews

[Thomas Stroemquist · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish everyone that means to be with horses in any way would read this book. It may be a bit disorganized and Hempfling may be a bit harsh and sweeping towards practices he does not agree with, but that is really minor points to raise about his wonderful and down-to-earth philosophy about co-existing with our equine friends.

[Pete · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book that I loved, since I have practiced natural horsemanship with my horses for many years. Sometimes books like this get folks to treat their animals like members of the family and have more fun with them.

This book is a great read, and I read it again before lending it to a neighbor.

[Danuta Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it at least four times, brilliant book!

[Jantina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A classic and the first book I read from KFH. As a young girl determined to learn everything about horses, I remember getting my hands on this book—and I never looked back. It opened my eyes in so many ways, showing me the one and only way I wanted to be with horses. Now, more than 15 years and countless experiences later, this book still stands out as the most authentic path to connect with these majestic beings. It’s the only approach I’ve found that is truly, 100% non-violent, based entirely on trust and genuine communication. Yet it demands much from us as humans: a dedication to personal growth and the development of real leadership qualities. If you’re searching for a truly natural, pure way to be with horses, this is the book for you.

[Marina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked how he talks about moving mindfully around horses, how every action of our sends a message and so we should take take of what messages we are sending. His method is great, I'm all for leaving this equestrian culture of using horses as tools behind. But some of the exercises he explains sound easy when read but not so much when you are actually trying to do them on your own.
It's too bad that this guy asks for thousands of euros for his lessons in person, cause some parts left me a bit confused.

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finally finished the horse book!!! 3 stars because it was interesting and seems to be teaching effective strategies, but I did not do extensive horse training to actually test it out. I also feel like the pictures and explanations often left a lot to be desired. Most of the time the sequences of pictures really did not help explain the point, and the captions just restated what was in the text.

But I like this philosophy of treating the horses as natural beings and developing a strong relationship based on trust instead of forcing the horse to do things! It seems so awesome and magical to have that relationship with your horse, reading this did make me want to train a horse in this way. The things I did try were more difficult to execute than how he explained them to be, which makes sense because these are animals and all animals are different, but I wish there were more tips. For example he talks a lot about the proper place to sit on a horse, showing oh this person is too far forward or this one too far back, but honestly I could never tell the difference besides in the extreme cases. I don’t want to hurt the horse, but I truly cannot tell where I’m supposed to be sitting. I feel like there could be a helpful illustration for this. And if I need to know more about horses to understand, a little intro to anatomy or something would have been great!

Reading this, I had hoped to get more insight into horse behaviors and mannerisms, and I was disappointed that most of this was at the end instead of at the beginning when I really wanted to learn it. There also was not as much of this as I wanted and expected, but I understand it just was not the scope of the book totally.

The author seems like a very cool guy and I’d love to go to his horse ranch and picadero!

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Es ist nun schon gut 20 Jahre her, dass ich das Buch gekauft und zum ersten Mal gelesen habe. Mit Pferden tanzen ist ein absolutes Ausnahme-Buch und für mich war es die Rettung im Zusammensein damals mit meinem Pferd. Es ist keine Methode, sondern eine Philosophie, im Grunde für den Menschen in dieser Partnerschaft. Denn das Pferd braucht ja keine Anleitung - es braucht einen menschlichen Gefährten, der sich über sich und seine Realität im Klaren ist, gewillt ist, an sich zu arbeiten und die Ergebnisse dann ausstrahlt. Für ein Pferd der größte Schutz und die Basis für ein friedliches, erfülltes Miteinander.
Der Inhalt des Buches verbreitet eine versöhnliche und geerdete Stimmung und ich würde es nicht nur jedem Pferdeneuling oder „Pferdekenner“ empfehlen, sondern ganz allgemein, als Hilfe für den Umgang mit der Natur, allen Lebewesen darin und sich selbst.

[Wanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Klaus Ferdinand Hempfling lijkt een goede paardentrainer met veel gevoel en begrip voor paarden, paardentaal en paardengedrag. Maar veel van zijn methodologie en filosofie is toch moeilijk in woorden te vangen, waardoor ik het zelf erg lastig vindt om van boek naar realiteit te gaan. Een prima naslagwerk of inspiratiebron.

[Johanna Knopf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only a good read for someone who wants to deepen communication with their horse, but also a good reminder that how we act toward our horses is a reflection of who we are, and can also help us become a better person.

[Arlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating and helpful book in understanding the horse in order to train naturally, form a parter ship. Would recommend for all horse lovers.

[Princess · Rating 5 out of 5]

if you want to do liberty work this book is a must

[Jo-jean Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting and informative book! I appreciate the clear instructions and diagrams as well as the compassionate approach.

[Arska-täti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erittäin hyvä tietokirja ratsastuksesta ja hevosen käsittelystä, tavoitteena mahdollisimman kevyellä tuntumalla ja istunnalla ratsastaminen

[Maija Westergård · Rating 5 out of 5]

Det här är verkligen en bok alla hästmänniskor borde läsa. Ärligt talat, icke-hästmänniskor också

[Marsha]

Rita --

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far the best book I've read on horses, particularly if you'd like to ride or train ... but in any case if you want to understand these gorgeous creatures and what makes them tick!!!

[Adam Crown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although there have been some questions about him, I like some of Hempfling's ideas. definitely going in the right direction.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now if he could write one about the Lippizaners . . . .