Riding the Horse's Mind: The Psychology & Leadership of the Horse Paperback – September 26, 2017

Love this book and refer it to others often. I learned a everything i know about horses from the author. She’s an amazing inspiration to me.

I Have known Gerrie for three years and she has helped me train my horse as well as myself! Her book is a wonderful reflection of her skill and knowledge and follows along with everything that she teaches in the arena. I particularly like that she gives “the talk”before she ever works with you and your horse. This proves to be very helpful as you proceed to the hands on part of your training. Her book is clear, concise and easy to understand. Job well done!

It took me 1 day to finish (~2 hrs total). I liked needs' pyramids for comparison of humans and horses. This book gave me an idea I'd like to try. Overall, the book should be useful for an owner of Yorkie who decided she also needs a horse. The text felt too simplistic to my taste but I could be biased. Actually, I think, horses can make a "plan" in their brain if they learned in the past what consequences of their so-and-so actions would be. For example, there was a mare who bit me when I turned my back to her and started moving away. I turned around momentarily to smack her nose but she quickly retreated - there was a fence between us, and could not reach her :-) In this case, I think, she "planned" ahead. Apparently, in the past, she learned that she can get away with this :-) One advice is valuable - don't try to "teach" or "fix" a horse who is either panicking or is overran with hormones - this is not a teachable moment. Apart from safety issues, scared horse is not trainable, he also cannot be "consoled" by hugs and kisses. I am sure it's worth repeating over and over. Next edition of the book might benefit from descriptions of stereotypies in horses.

This book represents Gerrie's culmination of years of experience and the study of the horse and her students. She shares her knowledge and offers great advice to all levels of riders. You will learn how to have a respectful relationship with your horse and how to achieve your goals. A great book if you are a current horse owner or if you are considering purchasing a horse for you or your child.

I read Gerrie Barnes book and loved it. She brings a unique perspective to our partnerships with our horses and for anyone who wants to enhance their relationship with their horse I highly recommend you read it... Patty Ruwoldt

Should be a "must read" for prospective horse owners, recreational riders and folks beginning their horse journey. Many people struggle translating the human to horse language, this book helps the reader begin to open that door.

It is a great book that gives you insight into how the how thinks and acts.

Everyone who is involved with horses, even if you are not an owner, needs to have this book in their library to share, after you have read it of course. I am the executive director of a horse sanctuary and have volunteers who help us care for the horses. They come from every walk of life, from being afraid and never having touched a horse to 50 years of riding and showing experience. From now on I am going to require them all to read this book before they can be in the pens with the horses.The information is very basic and written simply and clearly for beginners. But it was also good for me as someone who has been around horses all my life. I have spent years reading, studying DVD's and going to workshops with all the best trainers, learning by example and experience. This book reminded me of how to stay safe in a way that no one else ever has in my studying. I understand that our horses have no desire to ever hurt me, but staying safe is their number one priority and I simply sometimes am not paying enough attention to that fact and end up hurt . . . being in their way of getting away. Gerrie Barnes has done an excellent job here of teaching us, or simply reminding us, of the most basic foundation of what we all need to know as we work with and around horses. Personally, I am buying a half dozen more copies for our library so we have enough to share always.