Horses in Translation: Essential Lessons in Horse Speak: Learn to "Listen" and "Talk" in Their Language

by Sharon Wilsie

With her landmark first book Horse The Equine–Human Translation Guide , trainer Sharon Wilsie upended conventional methods of human–equine communication (using words and ropes, for example) with her clear classification of the language horses use with each other (body, breath, and intent), as well as an unparalleled explanation of how we as humans can effectively mirror it. Learning to “listen” and “talk” to horses in their language, instead of expecting them to comprehend ours, is a milestone in the progressive philosophy of horsemanship, helping find positive solutions to behavior and training problems and ultimately leading to fewer misunderstandings between horses and humans. In her much–anticipated follow–up, Wilsie uses true stories to relate examples of “problems” and how they were solved using Horse Speak. Her engaging narrative introduces readers to dozens of real–life scenarios from different barns, various disciplines, and riders and handlers with contrasting experiences and backgrounds. Wilsie highlights her Horse Speak process, the clues that point to the best course of action, and the steps she takes to connect with horses that have shut down, grown confused, or become sulky or aggressive for any number of reasons. The result is a book full of incredible insight and exciting possibilities.

Genres: Horses, Nonfiction, Animals

248 pages, Paperback

Published May 15, 2018

Reviews

[Susan Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful offering from Sharon Wilsie. The beginning of the book is a review of some of the Horse Speak book, which is a helpful reminder of how to start simple conversations with your equine partner.

Working on your X's & O's, being at zero, learning to pay attention to where the buttons are on the horse. Practicing greetings, holding, activating a button and drawing are all important pieces to the conversation. Start slowly with small gestures. It is amazing how quickly the horses respond to the human try.

Learning to remain zero in all horse handling situations will be a huge part of my continuing conversation with horses. Quiet confidence over aggression. Being able to transfer that zero into the saddle is my next challenge.

It was funny how many times I took a deep breath as I read a passage. I could picture my horses sighing as well.

One of the biggest take away pieces from this book for me was from page 166. "Learn to resist drama. The temptation to rise to a horse's dysfunctional level of aggression with your own aggression is not going to offer lasting value." This applies to some of the horses I've worked with as well as several coworkers.

I highly recommend reading both of Sharon's books. Attend a clinic if you have the chance, you won't be sorry.

[Barbara Schmid · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has improved my understanding of communication with horses. Many of the things she talks about are so subtle that I must confess, I didn't notice them. I hope that my relationship with my horses improved each time I work with them. This book is worth rereading.

[Melissa Surderski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read if you want to better understand and connect with your horse/s. It's a little slow to start but push through! Amazing information awaits! I've taken this information to the barn with me and was so surprised how it changed the way I think about connecting with my horses! If you want a deeper connection with your horse...read this book!

[Jo-jean Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had read Horse Speak and found the information interesting and helpful for my interactions with my horse. Horses in Translation is equal helpful as it gives specific examples of how to integrate communications with certain challenging situations. Readable and helpful.

[Leah Mack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life changing!

I can't recommend this book enough, to anyone who longs to understand horses better or connect more deeply with them. Just a fabulous contribution to our understanding of equine communication and relationships.

[Susan Lejonhud · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading about horse behavior and language so I could better understand and communicate with my horses.

[Shannon Ryan-Dinmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great companion to the original Horse Speak book. This one gives real life examples and stories of how Horse Speak helps build connections and break language barriers between humans and equines.

[Lily Scarlet · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such a helpful book. I loved reading it. At times I was bored, but it provided great guidance when I was training Pal.

[sophie parnel · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

This book describes very well the horses’ behaviour and interactions. The different examples make it easier to understand the application of the theory.

[Amanda Stamm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helped me learn so much about the subtle ways horses communicate that can easily be overlooked. Highly recommend if you're around horses.

[Skadi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ein revolutionäres Buch, was einem sanft und gleichzeitig eindrücklich den Zugang zum Thema „ Kommunikation mit Pferden“ verdeutlicht und zum Nachdenken anregt ✨