Gallop to Freedom: Training Horses with Our Six Golden Principles

by Magali Delgado, Frederic Pignon

In a delightful series of conversations, this copiously illustrated handbook demonstrates how to read horse behavior as well as how to develop a better partnership with horses. Balancing friendship and leadership, this guidebook presents the tools to appreciate horses in either a casual or performance environment. Written by two of the equine artists from Cavalia, an equestrian-themed show, this dynamic book features the author's own horses as well as other strikingly beautiful horses with whom they have performed. A visual and educational treat for equine lovers, this resource opens the gates of communication between horses and their owners.

Genres: Horses, Nonfiction

160 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Abby Burrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't agree with all the training methods proposed in this book. But there are many valid points, and based on the Cavalia show, which I have seen part of, it is clear I think that it does work. I especially like what they say about no particular training method being able to be applied inflexibly to each and every horse. I think I'd like to own a copy of it one day. And there are certainly many beautiful pictures!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book. I loved reading about the horses and how they are trained. They truly care about horses and what is best for them. The relationship they have with their horses is amazing and based on their respect for the horses. I thought of Magic often when reading this book and how I had communicated with him or read his mood or feelings. I recommend this book to anyone who loves horses.

[Susan Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book at a fundraising event. I started to read it and then put it down for some time. It really is a very nice read. To understand that there is a way to work with horses that doesn't demean them or resort to any kind of violence.

I enjoyed reading how both Magali and Frederic try to read their horses. The horses expressions and body language. That the horses are always trying to communicate. Most of their training is trial and error to see what the horse likes and how they express themselves.

I hope that more people will continue to work with horses in non forceful ways and make concerted efforts to understand the body language of the horse.

[Jesse Freedom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Most of this book was really good, but it had one big flaw. They compared a crappy, one-sided horse trainer to an autistic person, which is ableist and ridiculous. I suppose this isn't relevant to wheater or not they are good horse trainers. They seem like very good horse people, but I don't know if they are as good of horse people as they seem because they keep horses in stalls.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐️

[Heidrun Metzler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love the book Gallop to Freedom. Their great love and understanding for horses is obvious in this book. The book relays the feeling for connection between the horses and Magali Delgado and Frederic Pignon .
The Andalusian horses are sensitive horses and both Magali and Frederic describe different personalities for each horse, and their needs in approaching training with them. They clearly understand the mind of the horse. The book is exciting to read, and gives many insights to the personalties of the horse. The pictures of these magnificent horses are stunning.
Heidrun Metzler
author of "Skeeter's Dreams"
www.trickhorseskeeter.com

[Constance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredible photos of gorgeous horses....saw their amazing Cavalia touring extravaganza a few years ago.

[Danuta Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that shows with time, patience and love how deeply one can communicate with horses. The pictures are also wonderful.