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The Soul of a Horse: Life Lessons from the Herd
A heartwarming story of a couple and their horse exploring what caring for a horse can teach us about companionship—whether it’s with a four-legged friend or a fellow human.
A surprise birthday gift plunged Joe and his wife, Kathleen, into the world of horses as complete neophytes without a clue as to what a horse needed or wanted. They searched for logic and sense in the rule books of traditional horse care. What they found was not what they had expected.
Written for everyone who has ever loved a horse or ever loved the idea of loving a horse, this memoir leads us on a voyage of discovery as Joe and Kathleen navigate uncharted territory on their way to achieving a true relationship with their horses. Joe Camp’s inspiring book unlocks the mystery of a majestic creature who has survived on earth, without assistance, for fifty-five million years and teaches us that the lessons he learned apply not only to horses but also to our relationships with people.
A surprise birthday gift plunged Joe and his wife, Kathleen, into the world of horses as complete neophytes without a clue as to what a horse needed or wanted. They searched for logic and sense in the rule books of traditional horse care. What they found was not what they had expected.
Written for everyone who has ever loved a horse or ever loved the idea of loving a horse, this memoir leads us on a voyage of discovery as Joe and Kathleen navigate uncharted territory on their way to achieving a true relationship with their horses. Joe Camp’s inspiring book unlocks the mystery of a majestic creature who has survived on earth, without assistance, for fifty-five million years and teaches us that the lessons he learned apply not only to horses but also to our relationships with people.
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
April 30, 2008
New book speaks to Horse Lover’s Mind, Heart and Soul
Lately I have read a number of books that seek to explain and satisfy the human yen to connect physically, emotionally and even spiritually with the horse. And yet The Soul of a Horse is the only one I’ve come across that speaks with a totally resounding note of truth. Coincidentally (or not?) it’s also the only one I’ve read that is written with the unflinching insight that a deep and satisfying connection with another individual – human or otherwise – requires us to set aside our own aspirations, expectations and needs in order to clearly understand those of the other.
The horse has largely lost its traditional place in human affairs as the ubiquitous beast of burden. But we still tend to value these generous and beautiful animals mainly for what they can do for us, whether it’s feeding our egos through winning ribbons or races or providing therapeutic release from the stresses and strains of life.
The Soul of a Horse examines the biological, physiological and emotional needs of the modern domestic horse and how successfully these are met by widely used and accepted methods of husbandry, handling and training. A delightful blend of autobiography, critical analysis and storytelling, this book engages the reader intellectually and emotionally from start to finish. Joe Camp presents his ‘life lessons from the herd’ with the same humble, gentle yet persuasive persistence we admire in the very best horse trainers.
A heartwarmingly affirmative read for the barefoot horse owner, this book is also a ‘must read’ for any person who has ever owned and loved a horse.
Ysabelle Dean
Instructor, Associate Clinician and Australian Representative -
Dr Cook's The Bitless Bridle TM
Australian Equine Arts
www.ausequinearts.com
Vice President -
Australian Equine Barefoot Movement (AEBM) Inc
www.aebm.org.au
Lately I have read a number of books that seek to explain and satisfy the human yen to connect physically, emotionally and even spiritually with the horse. And yet The Soul of a Horse is the only one I’ve come across that speaks with a totally resounding note of truth. Coincidentally (or not?) it’s also the only one I’ve read that is written with the unflinching insight that a deep and satisfying connection with another individual – human or otherwise – requires us to set aside our own aspirations, expectations and needs in order to clearly understand those of the other.
The horse has largely lost its traditional place in human affairs as the ubiquitous beast of burden. But we still tend to value these generous and beautiful animals mainly for what they can do for us, whether it’s feeding our egos through winning ribbons or races or providing therapeutic release from the stresses and strains of life.
The Soul of a Horse examines the biological, physiological and emotional needs of the modern domestic horse and how successfully these are met by widely used and accepted methods of husbandry, handling and training. A delightful blend of autobiography, critical analysis and storytelling, this book engages the reader intellectually and emotionally from start to finish. Joe Camp presents his ‘life lessons from the herd’ with the same humble, gentle yet persuasive persistence we admire in the very best horse trainers.
A heartwarmingly affirmative read for the barefoot horse owner, this book is also a ‘must read’ for any person who has ever owned and loved a horse.
Ysabelle Dean
Instructor, Associate Clinician and Australian Representative -
Dr Cook's The Bitless Bridle TM
Australian Equine Arts
www.ausequinearts.com
Vice President -
Australian Equine Barefoot Movement (AEBM) Inc
www.aebm.org.au
January 29, 2015
I REALLY wanted to like this book but I just couldn’t. The preachy aspect and alluding you can’t really care about or love your horse if they have a stall, wear a blanket or have shoes is just too close-minded for me. Not all horses fit in the cookie cutter. Camp talks about “research” but then blatantly states “facts” that are NOT cited. One such example is “horses in the wild live longer” p 60. Where is the information from? Are we talking about mustangs, Chincoteague ponies, Przewalski, what? I also disagree with the statement and want to see the research he is quoting.
The author also states that high end breeding will end and be replaced by the “family” horse. I also disagree with this, as long as Olympic level horses and racing thoroughbreds sell for MILLIONS of dollars (many to Middle Eastern countries) they will not be replaced by $1000 backyard breeds.
I also think horses should be given choices so saying “my horse will never be blanketed” is NOT giving the horse a choice. A recent study out of Norway taught the horses to point to their blanket preferences 1) blanket on 2) blanket off 3) no change (http://www.thelocal.no/20140204/resea...) These horses actually seemed to make logical blanket choices and asked for a blanket in wet and cold weather but none in nice weather. Yes, they ASKED for a blanket some of the time.
I agree that a horse owner should “make decisions based on knowledge & wisdom, not hearsay” (p217) but listening to Camp would just be another form of hearsay. Know your own horse and speak to experts who also know your horse. Take into account, age, conformation, temperament, health, teeth, breed and other things unique about your animal. Blanket, shoe or stall if they need it!
I wish Camp just stuck to antidotes about his own horses.
PS: Clinton Anderson, one of Camp’s heroes sells hobbles, splint boots and spurs on his web site
The author also states that high end breeding will end and be replaced by the “family” horse. I also disagree with this, as long as Olympic level horses and racing thoroughbreds sell for MILLIONS of dollars (many to Middle Eastern countries) they will not be replaced by $1000 backyard breeds.
I also think horses should be given choices so saying “my horse will never be blanketed” is NOT giving the horse a choice. A recent study out of Norway taught the horses to point to their blanket preferences 1) blanket on 2) blanket off 3) no change (http://www.thelocal.no/20140204/resea...) These horses actually seemed to make logical blanket choices and asked for a blanket in wet and cold weather but none in nice weather. Yes, they ASKED for a blanket some of the time.
I agree that a horse owner should “make decisions based on knowledge & wisdom, not hearsay” (p217) but listening to Camp would just be another form of hearsay. Know your own horse and speak to experts who also know your horse. Take into account, age, conformation, temperament, health, teeth, breed and other things unique about your animal. Blanket, shoe or stall if they need it!
I wish Camp just stuck to antidotes about his own horses.
PS: Clinton Anderson, one of Camp’s heroes sells hobbles, splint boots and spurs on his web site
May 6, 2021
This is a book of Monty Robert’s horse philosophy in practice. Giving the horse a choice of whether to follow you or not. It is also a book of mind open to learning new methods. Such as taking the shoes off. A horse’s feet is designed for hard surfaces and they don’t need shoes. Right. The first time I encountered a shoeless horse I thought the owner was crazy. Maybe she was right. It takes a horse a few months to adjust but after that the hooves are healed.
You don’t need a stable full horses to enjoy this book. If you are around horses on any regular basis you will likely find it useful. I definitely did.
You don’t need a stable full horses to enjoy this book. If you are around horses on any regular basis you will likely find it useful. I definitely did.
August 13, 2018
I never finished this book which is very rare for me. But how could I? Joe is so negative and puts all other horsemanship down. Even if I agreed with his methods (which I don't) I still couldn't recommend this book. Also it was extremely repedative, labouring and re-labouring his points. There was no new training information as it seemed to claim. Only some rehashing others methods.
I don't like writing bad reviews but I wanted to save you the frustration of buying this book.
I don't like writing bad reviews but I wanted to save you the frustration of buying this book.
January 31, 2023
I don't have a horse. But my daughter does. I picked this up at the library to get some insight about how horses think. Camp is advocating for the Wild Horse Model in this book, which sounds cool. (I don't have a frame of reference to oppose it.) He speaks with research and experience and how he cares for his horses.
I especially like how he speaks of the social order of horses and how they think. I learned a lot from reading this book. First, about what horses are like, and second, about the philosophies for caring for them.
I especially like how he speaks of the social order of horses and how they think. I learned a lot from reading this book. First, about what horses are like, and second, about the philosophies for caring for them.
December 3, 2018
A nice blend of fact and fiction.The training seems logical and well thought out.If I ever get my own horses,this would be my go to for instruction.
September 15, 2009
Oh, Joe.
You made your point in the first dozen pages. Then you beat it to death. You may be kind to equines but you are brutal on homo sapiens.
I know this is meant to be heartwarming--your account of acquiring a half-dozen horses, learning how to care and understand them, and ultimately how the experience changed your life.
Unfortunately, the writing is clunky and uninspiring. Every other chapter deals with your learning curve. The in between chapters recount an imagined story of a stallion in the wild and its encounter with the first humans. This is so bad I ended up skipping it and sticking with the even numbered chapters.
I was raised with horses. I get it. Horse shoes are bad. Leggings are bad. Breaking is bad. The horse does indeed have a soul. And they are intelligent. You don’t have to overstate this.
And that is what happens. Make a point and repeat it over and over again. Then tell stories from other sources. And make references to books and DVD’s that none of us have ever heard of.
You quoted another author so many times I thought why aren’t I reading that book?
I wanted to find those warm and fuzzy moments, but just as you would focus your writing in that direction, you’d loose it and start preaching—an old sermon from a previous service.
If you had recounted one more time how you prepared the open pasture for your burgeoning flock, I would have been forced to buy a can of horse meat cat food out of spite. You saved me from this by mercifully ending the book.
I wish I could get you to re-write it because there really is a good story here and one people would be interested in. Can you take it back? I guess not. I am sorry you come across as an obnoxious jerk. I am sure your neighbors want to smack you with an old hitching post (did you need an entire chapter on the evils of the hitching post?).
Sorry dude. I wanted to like your book. I just couldn’t be a part of your home on the range.
You made your point in the first dozen pages. Then you beat it to death. You may be kind to equines but you are brutal on homo sapiens.
I know this is meant to be heartwarming--your account of acquiring a half-dozen horses, learning how to care and understand them, and ultimately how the experience changed your life.
Unfortunately, the writing is clunky and uninspiring. Every other chapter deals with your learning curve. The in between chapters recount an imagined story of a stallion in the wild and its encounter with the first humans. This is so bad I ended up skipping it and sticking with the even numbered chapters.
I was raised with horses. I get it. Horse shoes are bad. Leggings are bad. Breaking is bad. The horse does indeed have a soul. And they are intelligent. You don’t have to overstate this.
And that is what happens. Make a point and repeat it over and over again. Then tell stories from other sources. And make references to books and DVD’s that none of us have ever heard of.
You quoted another author so many times I thought why aren’t I reading that book?
I wanted to find those warm and fuzzy moments, but just as you would focus your writing in that direction, you’d loose it and start preaching—an old sermon from a previous service.
If you had recounted one more time how you prepared the open pasture for your burgeoning flock, I would have been forced to buy a can of horse meat cat food out of spite. You saved me from this by mercifully ending the book.
I wish I could get you to re-write it because there really is a good story here and one people would be interested in. Can you take it back? I guess not. I am sorry you come across as an obnoxious jerk. I am sure your neighbors want to smack you with an old hitching post (did you need an entire chapter on the evils of the hitching post?).
Sorry dude. I wanted to like your book. I just couldn’t be a part of your home on the range.
January 30, 2018
Wow. This is a must-read for anyone who owns or wants to own horses. Joe Camp presents solid proof that several of the things we do for our horses is completely wrong. In fact, even though we think we're doing everything for our horses, half the time (more like 99% of the time!), everything we do is for us.
How else would you explain why we still, even in the 21st century, feel it necessary to slap horseshoes on every horse we see even though research shows that this is actually NOT GOOD for the horse?! Why else would we blanket our horses just because we think that because WE'RE cold, THEY must be cold??
This book was hard to put down. Each page enlightened me further and I can't believe that the author has such a wonderful relationship with his horses!
We all think that wild horses die very early because they don't have all the conveniences of domesticated horses.
Not true.
Wild horses live longer and are healthier than our horses because they are living the way they're supposed to live! Horses aren't supposed to stay in a stall, be turned out now and then (usually alone), blanketed whenever the temperature drops slightly, or fed two large meals a day.
Horses are supposed to roam miles per day, use their own system to regulate their temperature, and eat practically 24/7!
I am definitely going to keep this book on hand for the rest of my life, andif when I buy a horse, I will put everything I learned from reading this book to use.
Joe Camp is a wonderful storyteller. The entire book is very heartfelt and interesting, and a surprisingly quick read. I'd love to meet Mr. Camp and his wife someday and be introduced to his herd.
How else would you explain why we still, even in the 21st century, feel it necessary to slap horseshoes on every horse we see even though research shows that this is actually NOT GOOD for the horse?! Why else would we blanket our horses just because we think that because WE'RE cold, THEY must be cold??
This book was hard to put down. Each page enlightened me further and I can't believe that the author has such a wonderful relationship with his horses!
We all think that wild horses die very early because they don't have all the conveniences of domesticated horses.
Not true.
Wild horses live longer and are healthier than our horses because they are living the way they're supposed to live! Horses aren't supposed to stay in a stall, be turned out now and then (usually alone), blanketed whenever the temperature drops slightly, or fed two large meals a day.
Horses are supposed to roam miles per day, use their own system to regulate their temperature, and eat practically 24/7!
I am definitely going to keep this book on hand for the rest of my life, and
Joe Camp is a wonderful storyteller. The entire book is very heartfelt and interesting, and a surprisingly quick read. I'd love to meet Mr. Camp and his wife someday and be introduced to his herd.
June 15, 2009
I recieved this book as a Christmas present in 2008. It's WONDERFUL!
The book itself is very intriguing, and well written. Joe Camp alternates between writing about his own experiences, and writing a small story in alternating chapters about a wild horse herd, from their perspective. He covers well-known topics like doing "join-ups" and natural training, and topics you don't see.
Before reading this book, I shod my quarter horse mare each summer because she has white, soft hooves and got bruised easily. After reading this book, I was completely turned around and convinced that I shouldn't use shoes. I was going to pursue Easycare boots to put on for riding, but ordered hoof supplement beforehand (SmartHoof, from Smartpak). I'm SO glad I read this book! My mare is doing wonderfully with just a supplement; riding on roads, pavement, gravel, grass, you name it. It's saving me so much money not to shoe her, and it's allowing her to be healthier by letting her hooves flex naturally.
This book has really caused me to not be afraid to question what other people believe. Just because the majority of people do a certain thing, does NOT mean you need to follow! Question EVERYTHING and strive to make your animal's life better, always.
Do yourself a favor; read the book! It's WONDERFUL! Give it a try!
The book itself is very intriguing, and well written. Joe Camp alternates between writing about his own experiences, and writing a small story in alternating chapters about a wild horse herd, from their perspective. He covers well-known topics like doing "join-ups" and natural training, and topics you don't see.
Before reading this book, I shod my quarter horse mare each summer because she has white, soft hooves and got bruised easily. After reading this book, I was completely turned around and convinced that I shouldn't use shoes. I was going to pursue Easycare boots to put on for riding, but ordered hoof supplement beforehand (SmartHoof, from Smartpak). I'm SO glad I read this book! My mare is doing wonderfully with just a supplement; riding on roads, pavement, gravel, grass, you name it. It's saving me so much money not to shoe her, and it's allowing her to be healthier by letting her hooves flex naturally.
This book has really caused me to not be afraid to question what other people believe. Just because the majority of people do a certain thing, does NOT mean you need to follow! Question EVERYTHING and strive to make your animal's life better, always.
Do yourself a favor; read the book! It's WONDERFUL! Give it a try!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2008
This book is a wonderful and engaging read. If you love animals of any kind, or if you want to learn to communicate better with people, this is a must read. It shows how one man couldn't accept the traditional thinking of how to commune with a horse...he sought out how to form a relationship with his beloved Arabian, Cash. He succeeded. His quest is funny, sad, poignant and very moving. As in the book, it's for anyone whose ever loved a horse or loved the idea of loving a horse. The bond between Joe and Cash is mirrored by the relationship between a young Powatan and a wild stallion.
Merged review:
This book is a wonderful and engaging read. If you love animals of any kind, or if you want to learn to communicate better with people, this is a must read. It shows how one man couldn't accept the traditional thinking of how to commune with a horse...he sought out how to form a relationship with his beloved Arabian, Cash. He succeeded. His quest is funny, sad, poignant and very moving. As in the book, it's for anyone whose ever loved a horse or loved the idea of loving a horse. The bond between Joe and Cash is mirrored by the relationship between a young Powatan and a wild stallion.
Merged review:
This book is a wonderful and engaging read. If you love animals of any kind, or if you want to learn to communicate better with people, this is a must read. It shows how one man couldn't accept the traditional thinking of how to commune with a horse...he sought out how to form a relationship with his beloved Arabian, Cash. He succeeded. His quest is funny, sad, poignant and very moving. As in the book, it's for anyone whose ever loved a horse or loved the idea of loving a horse. The bond between Joe and Cash is mirrored by the relationship between a young Powatan and a wild stallion.
April 29, 2008
This wonderful glimpse into The Soul of a Horse has changed how I think about horses, their care, and relationships between man and animal. Reading like an affable but intense conversation with someone whose experience and research has in no way dulled his infectious enthusiasm, it is easy to read and hard to forget.
Three separate perspectives braid themselves throughout the book: a wild herd of horses, a neophyte horse owner, and experienced voices of experts in their field. The three views create an ever shifting, ever building comprehension. The choices made in the book are not always the easy ones, but prove to be the right ones.
As I was reading, I came upon a part and thought, "Ah, here's the crux of what he's getting at." That happened on page 40, and then again on page 79, and then on page 92, and then 109, and 116, 119... on and on. There is a lot to think about, whether is applies to horses, animals, friends, family, or oneself. The lessons and perspectives offered in The Soul of a Horse are an inspirational and thought-provoking gift to the world of horses, the world of mankind, and ourselves. I feel as though I have peeked into a mystery and found some comprehension.
Three separate perspectives braid themselves throughout the book: a wild herd of horses, a neophyte horse owner, and experienced voices of experts in their field. The three views create an ever shifting, ever building comprehension. The choices made in the book are not always the easy ones, but prove to be the right ones.
As I was reading, I came upon a part and thought, "Ah, here's the crux of what he's getting at." That happened on page 40, and then again on page 79, and then on page 92, and then 109, and 116, 119... on and on. There is a lot to think about, whether is applies to horses, animals, friends, family, or oneself. The lessons and perspectives offered in The Soul of a Horse are an inspirational and thought-provoking gift to the world of horses, the world of mankind, and ourselves. I feel as though I have peeked into a mystery and found some comprehension.
March 19, 2015
The Soul of a Horse: Life Lessons from the Herd by Joe Camp was an insightful read into treating horses like you would any other domestic pet, with loving care and bonding. Establishing rapport with horses is easily understood in this book describing communications techniques which do not require whips and ropes and forceful discomfort for the horse.
Traditionalists and lots of fans of rodeos and equestrian shows frequently see a totally different interaction with horses and may not be able to relate well with this story. When the human comforts of western saddles, bridles with bits, halters and restraints are not available doesn’t feel good.
Knowing both sides of horse training, for me natural horsemanship is genuinely more satisfying and equally challenging. Joe Camp exposes a lot about mistreatment, but shows a lot about barefoot pasture friends that enjoy being taught, play with their owners and relish rapport.
There are lots of YouTube videos from organizations which would complement this books message very well, and visually demonstrate what is said in this book.
My favorite is Honza Bláha – Open Borders
This was a delightful read to show how some might understand and love horses.
Traditionalists and lots of fans of rodeos and equestrian shows frequently see a totally different interaction with horses and may not be able to relate well with this story. When the human comforts of western saddles, bridles with bits, halters and restraints are not available doesn’t feel good.
Knowing both sides of horse training, for me natural horsemanship is genuinely more satisfying and equally challenging. Joe Camp exposes a lot about mistreatment, but shows a lot about barefoot pasture friends that enjoy being taught, play with their owners and relish rapport.
There are lots of YouTube videos from organizations which would complement this books message very well, and visually demonstrate what is said in this book.
My favorite is Honza Bláha – Open Borders
This was a delightful read to show how some might understand and love horses.
July 15, 2015
What a breath of fresh air in the world of horse writing. I am glad that Mr. Camp wrote this book abut his foray into horses, mistakes and all. More people need to read works like his and understand the reality of the horse and give the horse freedom of choice when it comes to certain areas. It is our responsibility when we own them to learn all we can about not only horses, but about each individual horse that we welcome into our life. Each horse is different and our journey with each of them needs to be tailored somewhat differently as a result.
September 9, 2009
Every horse owner, rider, or caretaker should be required to read this book!! The author has very plainly explained how best to care for a horse, and more importantly... why. I was amazed that his philosophy on horses so closely mirrored what I've learned over the past 20 years... but he puts it into words much better than I ever could!
Horses everywhere would be much happier if people would read this book and open themselves to the possibilities.
Horses everywhere would be much happier if people would read this book and open themselves to the possibilities.
Read
April 29, 2008Everyday we should learn something to enhance our life. This book will not only enhance the horse population, but it could enhance the human population. You touched my Soul. Thank you.
P.S.
Someone should sent a copy to Mr. Bush.
P.S.
Someone should sent a copy to Mr. Bush.
August 18, 2017
A must read for everyone, even non- horse owners. The reasoning itself is so logical that the answer is plain to see. The ONLY thing is that Camp talks about the millions of years of genetics which is not true. The book is one of the most amazing I've ever read, and I am picky about books.
Read
April 12, 2011This is one of the most insightful books about horses I have ever read. So glad I found this book.
April 15, 2023
There is a world of people “using” horses. Then there is Joe Camp who took the time to understand the horse and tell us how to build that relationship as well. This is not a ‘how to’ book, it is a rich story born of personal experience and influenced by deep research and time. Joe Camp dedicated his time to knowing and deeply understanding his horses through their eyes on the world. His approach to horse keeping is based on fundamentals of how they have survived through millennia and why our more recent styles of horse keeping are creating health issues for the horses we love. It is not a partnership until you listen to their side of the equation, to allow them to make choices. When we step away from chasing the ribbons and awards and pursue the ultimate relationship the horse and the rider both win.
November 24, 2021
Bad, repetitive writing combined with a know-it-all attitude after less than two years of experience.
It’s one thing to promote natural horsemanship, which I believe in.
It’s one thing to acknowledge you’re new to something and offer to share your experiences and what you are learning.
It’s another to act like you’re the expert and publish a book condemning and belittling anyone who doesn’t listen to you. Ugh.
Also the way he writes about his wife pissed me off. He acknowledges that he doesn’t listen to her and sets her up for failure buying horses neither of them are experienced enough to handle and putting her in dangerous situations yet does so not to show how he’s learned from mistakes but to make it seem like if she’d just “trust the process,” she wouldn’t have these issues.
It’s one thing to promote natural horsemanship, which I believe in.
It’s one thing to acknowledge you’re new to something and offer to share your experiences and what you are learning.
It’s another to act like you’re the expert and publish a book condemning and belittling anyone who doesn’t listen to you. Ugh.
Also the way he writes about his wife pissed me off. He acknowledges that he doesn’t listen to her and sets her up for failure buying horses neither of them are experienced enough to handle and putting her in dangerous situations yet does so not to show how he’s learned from mistakes but to make it seem like if she’d just “trust the process,” she wouldn’t have these issues.
January 4, 2024
This appears to be a horse book, and it is, but it’s so much more. Camp shows how to approach anything in life, not just caring for horses. Don’t assume that the way things have been done, the way things ARE being done, are correct or best for everyone involved. Do your research to find out the reality. This book also includes the beautiful story of a horse, with a surprising ending, that is interspersed between the factual chapters. This book is worth reading even if you have no interest in ever owning horses. If you love animals, you have to read it.
July 22, 2017
Mr. Camp weaves fictionalized dreams of his beloved horse's origin story with tales of his journey in to natural horsemanship. I was moved by much of his logic around bare feet and life that mimics wild herd life as what is in the best interest, and yet sadly missing, from the modern horse. While passionate on the topic, it got a bit preachy for my taste by the end. Easy and quick, would have been a tremendous essay or long read, maybe just a bit too long for a book.
February 7, 2019
Joe Camp writes from a place of respect and forging relationships with his horses. He's honest about making mistakes, early on, and finding a better way to connect with his herd. It's a well-written example of how to build trust with a horse and how putting the horse's needs first is always the best approach.
October 17, 2021
I liked how the author honestly confronted the flawed assumptions we often hold about our relationships with horses. He tells his own story of failures and successes in a relatable way. He describes at length his use of Monty Roberts’ join-up method, so in a way if you read Monty’s book you may not need to read this one. But it was a sweet, if somewhat cheesy read.
March 29, 2022
Joe Camp, well known for all things Benji movies, now shares his world of horses.
So much good thoughts shared in this brief book. He debunks the traditional methods of owning your own horse. Returning to the ways of the world of horses, without man, Camp explains the pros and cons of caring for his horses. I loved this book. And I really appreciate his writing style.
So much good thoughts shared in this brief book. He debunks the traditional methods of owning your own horse. Returning to the ways of the world of horses, without man, Camp explains the pros and cons of caring for his horses. I loved this book. And I really appreciate his writing style.
April 29, 2024
Three stars isn’t such a bad grade from me. This book is a niche book, is suppose there is universal wisdom in it as well. I loved it for the encouragement and confidence it gives me to be with my horses. I just gotta take my time. Recommended for anyone who is, well, interested in knowing the soul of a horse.
January 19, 2020
What a phenomenal read! If you loved books by Monty Roberts, or anything by Jon Katz, you'll appreciate the clarity with which Joe approaches his writing and his experiences with horses and the gentle way to live alongside them today, in join-up. Beautiful and delightful. Very inspiring!
August 28, 2022
This is a must read for anyone who loves horses or wants to lease/own one. This book changed the way I think and I will never look at the “traditional” way of handling horses again. Joe Camp, thank you!
July 18, 2024
Reallllyyyy good summary of tried and true research the author did when he got his first horses. The author, who still worked in a career of animal training but for dogs, uses an his instincts and outsiders perspective of the horse world to ask questions. He made me change my beliefs on a number of horse world norms.
July 10, 2017
Beautiful and inspiring. One man's journey into his relationship with horses by sharing what he learned along the way.
December 5, 2017
So helpful as we embark on this journey of owning horses.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews