Book

While many beginner horse lovers may be entertained by the stories in this book, long time horse owners may recognize some situations described as being the result of inexperience, poor handling or poor training. I found myself cringing at some descriptions and the potential danger in them.

This book is a compilation of fifty stories by thirty-nine different writers. Many of the stories are heart warming and speak of the bond between human and horse. Who couldn't love a story about getting a horse for Christmas? There are also stories of adventures and self discovery. Julie Goodnight gives good advice in her contribution about a very dominant mare.

My disappointment though was the emphasis on gender being an excuse for poor behavior. In one story a young rider is taking a lesson on a horse (mare) that is being held on the end of a long pole, who then spooked and reared. Instead of recognizing a dangerous situation the writer surmised that "mares will do whatever they feel the need to at whatever time they feel they need to do it". Although there are more stories in a similar vein this one really alarmed me.

Rather than make excuses for a mare's undesirable behavior one should always ask 'why'. Is there a hormonal issue that could be corrected? Are cystic ovaries a problem? Are there chiropractic, or other health or soundness issues? Does the trainer or handler really know how to deal with behavior problems?

While I did find many of the stories fun and a good read I was troubled by the bias and anthropomorphizing in some to the stories. Read this book for entertainment but take its promise to 'aid' mare owners with a grain of salt. A well trained and handled horse is a well trained and handled horse regardless of its gender.