Creative Horsemanship

by Charles de Kunffy

Discusses such equestrian topics as the nature of the ideal horseman, riding as an art form, and communication between horse and rider

Genres: Horses

197 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1975

Reviews

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this well written book covering a wide range of topics pertaining to the horse and rider was an excellent read. There are many photographs to illustrate the topics.
Charles gives what he believes an equestrian centre should include. I agree whole heatedly. However he is talking Spruce Meadows. Those facilities are few and far between although much on his list should be strived for no matter the size of a facility. Clean everything, teaching, quiet, (that has gone by the board today) safety, etc. I would dearly love to meet Charles deKunffy. I know I never will which is my loss.

[Adrienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

My riding instructor gave me this book for Christmas, and I was stunned by how beautifully written and broadly scoped it was. He writes about horses and training techniques, yes, but he also writes about life. He begins by entreating us in just the third paragraph of the introduction: "The attitude of an equestrian must change and grow to include patience, humility, tolerance, optimism, consistency, and empathy." I'd venture to argue this is true for parents, too. We are all, in one form or another, managing beasts, and they're not especially bright or coordinated for the first many years you're training them. It's incredible how well horse training maps onto so many other spheres of life, really. De Kunffy is also an excellent horseman. He writes in detail about using aids--much of it was beyond me--and he works hard to create a vocabulary for riders. Longitudinal and latitudinal flexing were new concepts for me, and they gave me awareness on horseback where I was previously doing my best to be a passenger. It's overall an excellent instructional manual and an inspiration piece for anyone beginning to ride. But beyond that, he inspired me to better myself in so many spheres of life. The way he changed my own riding was a sub-point to the broader claim that our experiences are elevated by education. He sees horses and horse facilities as a magnificent expression of the human capacity to honor Nature, and he reinforces that to educate ourselves and each other in any art form is to elevate ourselves from mere beasts.

[Laurie &quot · Rating 5 out of 5]

clearly written, anyone over beginner, and even they will learn from this book. basic to advanced communication through body language to the horse, created a wonderful, smooth, surprising ride for me!