by Linda Tellington-Jones & Ursala Bruns

Published by Breakthrough Publishers, 1988

One of the first to write about the importance of understanding horse behavior from an 'inner' perspective.  This is an important book to read as you evaluate all the information on 'natural horsemanship'. 

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Beyond the Mirrors: A Study of the Mental & Spiritual Aspects of Horsemanship

by Jill Keiser Hassler

Illustrated by Eleanor McDonald

Goals Unlimited Press, 1994

An inspirational book about love, life & horses. Readers report they LOVE to read this best selling book because it helps them to feel "good". It is easy to read, and helps the reader understand more about themselves through their love of the animal. It is the only book of its kind. It takes the reader beyond the face of the mirror into their mental and spiritual being.

From the late Col. D.W. Thackeray, well respected AHSA & FEI judge, "Beyond the Mirrors should have universal appeal. Anyone involved with horses should be sure to reach it in order to better understand the relationship between himself & his horse."

From Western trainer & AHSA judge, J.L. Gochenauer, "This book should be helpful to many people, not just 'horse’ people. In so many ways it points out different ways to approach life and its many small problems."

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by Sally Swift

A Trafalgar Square Farm Book, David & Charles Inc., 1985

entered Riding shares the imaginative and innovative philosophy of Sally Swift. We are guided, step by step, through wonderfully accessible ideas and visualizations. Based on years of experience as a successful instructor, the author gives a refreshing contrast to the all too often mechanics-only school of training. Harmony of human and horse, mental and physical, is offered as the guiding principle.  This book will appeal to riders of all levels, especially those who seek to merge the visual mind with the physical self. Includes photographs, diagrams and often delightfully humorous illustrations.

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Equestrian Instruction: An Integrated Approach to Teaching and Learning

by Jill K. Hassler-Scoop and 16 additional contributors

Illustrated by Emily Covington

Goals Unlimited Press, 2000

Equestrian Instruction is an excellent source of comprehensive information for aspiring instructors, accomplished instructors, and riders of any discipline. This handbook reveals the process of successful learning and teaching. The ideas and techniques presented create independent, confident, well-balanced riders on happy, comfortable horses performing optimally to the delight of their inspired instructors.

From Lendon Gray,  "For years I have been frustrated that I had no book to recommend to supplement riding teachers' practical experience. Here is a book to encourage equestrians to think about and analyze what they are doing and to reach out to other areas of life to improve their riding and teaching. If every riding teacher spent time with this manual, the quality of instruction in our world would rise dramatically. Likewise, students who read Equestrian Instruction will greatly increase their ability to become the best that they can be."

From Jim Wofford, "This book is bound to be a valuable source for every instructor who is trying to improve their skills."

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By Linda Tellington-Jones

Published by Trafalgar Square, 1995

This book is about determining your horse's personlity through the conformation of its head. Explanations and examples are given to help you analyze the meaning of the different conformation traits of your horse.

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Heads Up! Practical Sports Psychology For Riders, Their Families & Their Trainers

By Janet Sasson Edgette

Doubleday, 1996

One of the first books written about the role of sports psychology for the rider, Dr. Edgette gives some practical stories about its role in a rider's life. This book offers an interesting and relatively new approach to horsemanship.  

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Horse Sense and the Human Heart:
What Horses Can Teach Us About Trust, Bonding, Creativity, and Spirituality

By Adele Von Rust McCormick and Marlena Debora McCormick

Health Communications, 1997

This book reflects on a horse as a mirror, thus enabling horses to become four-legged therapists. Horse Sense is filled with case histories and photos that illustrate the author's experiences. A great book for those who love horses and are on a journey of self understanding and growth.

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By Henry Blake

Published by Trafalgar Square, 1994

Henry Blake's third book helps you discover how to reward and motivate your horse because you understand his personality. This book includes understanding different personalities and our ability to influence them.

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By Franz Mairinger

Published by: Howel Book House, 1997

A book filled with compassion, love, understanding and insightfulness. This book contains dressage philosophy without details of movements. This book is for riders who want to learn from their heart and understand the deeper relationship between horse and man.  Franz studied at the Spanish Riding School and went on to become the Australian Olympic Equestrain trainer.

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In Search of Your Image: A Practical Guide to the Mental & Spiritual Aspects of Horsemanship

by Jill Keiser Hassler

Illustrated by Jeanette Manley & Emily Covington

Goals Unlimited Press, 1993

This practical book requested by readers of Beyond the Mirrors, is positive, encouraging and full of suggestions on how to increase your ‘mental skills tool box’. The more ‘mental skill tools’ we have the more we can enjoy our riding, improve our horsemanship and get the results we want. It will help you understand yourself and through your work with horses overcome some of the obstacles in riding and maybe life!

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by Jill Keiser Hassler

Goals Unlimited Press,1993

The Workbook helps you learn the ‘mental tools’, map your progress, and get new ideas, thus becoming more aware and confident about your training. It also offers practical ‘how to’ exercises to speed up learning and develop a strong foundation. A popular book that serves as a great annual journal format!

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by Leslie Skipper

J. A. Allen and Company, 1999

A book about the relationship between humans and horses, from a scientific point of view. It includes information about communication between horses and humans. It may help you understand more about horses and challenge your understanding of them. Not for beginners in the horse industry.

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by Pat Parelli

Published by Western Horseman, 1993

A book well illustrated and explained in the area of 'Natural Horsemanship'. It covers how horses think and learn from experience.  Parelli's goal is to give you the understanding and skills to help you have a willing, safe, and happy partner.  The author believes that the handlers must be trained as much as the horses, and perhaps first, thus he feels it is a MUST for all horse handlers. A must for readers seeking to understand the ground training principles. 

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by Jackie Budd

Published by Howell Book House, 1996

Budd, an English event rider, who writes for magazines in England, shares her insight on the importance of understanding the 'natural' horse. Her book covers subjects from handling and feeding to how to ride, all built on awareness and trust. A very interesting book considering it is written by an event rider who uses 'natural' horsemanship.

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By Mary Wanless

Trafalgar Square Publishing, 1992

A very good book to explain and relate to our cognitive thinking. Mary believes that understanding what ‘ought to be’ helps to produce results. She has tried to make simple, detailed explanations. A great book to help understand the connection between our mind and body.

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By Henry Blake

Published by Trafalgar Square, 1991

A must for those who want to understand their horse's language and create a better relationship using touch, feel, body language, vocal sounds, telepathy and ESP. A fascinating book, a must for those who want to learn to better communicate with their horse.

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by Jane Savoie

Trafalgar Square Publishing, 1992

A book full of concepts and ideas on how to change luck, worry, dreams, criticism & frustration into positive thinking. An excellent book for competitors in dressage, eventing and show jumping, about the power of POSITVE THINKING and how attitude affects success. Endorsed by Sally Swift, Robert Dover and Anne Kursinski.

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by Tom Ainslie & Bonnie Ledbetter

Published by William Morrow & Company, 1980

A wonderful study of horse behavior.  To develop a broad base of natural horsemanship, and understand the horse, a good way to start. It is based on developing a relationship with your horse on trust and affection rather than fear. Some behavior problems are discussed. ***Recommended for the new horse owner or for the horse owner just beginning to look into the 'inner' horse.

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By R.H. Smythe

Books Sales, 1997

This book was first published in 1965! A super book to help understand the mind of a horse. The reader is treated to the opportunity of viewing life through the eyes of a horse! What better way to understand a horse! A must for any reader who loves horses and would like to share a horse’s perception of the world!

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by Jaime Jackson

Illustrated by Larry Lindahl

Published by Star Ridge Publishing, 1997

Jackson, a lifelong farrier, writes about what he feels will improve the life of a horse based on horses nature from the wild.  The book contains valuable information on communication, movement, nutrition, and hoof care.  A book that explores ideas and promotes deeper understanding of your horse and his care.  A book that is particularly interesting for the horse owner who wants to understand the role of a horse's 'history' from the wild to domestication. Excellent illustrations.

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by Stephen Budiansky

Published by Free Press, 1997

Based on science, the author dissects the horse's being and interprets these findings both philosophically and socialogically covering origins and evolution, communication and behavior, physiology and biomechanics. A book for the serious reader

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By Henry Blake

Published by Trafalgar Square, 1993

From talking with your horse to thinking with your horse, Henry Blake helps the reader enjoy a fascinating experience of 'inner connection'. His book is easy to understand and filled with practical information.

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By Lesley Bayley & Richard Maxwell

Trafalgar Square Publishing, 1997

Bayley's book begins with explaining how horses communicate with each other and what confuses or frightens them. It then leads into how she uses Richard Maxwell's system of training from starting foals to dealing with difficult horses. It is a down to earth, easy to understand book. Includes Problem behaviors.

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