Life Lessons from a Ranch Horse: 6 Fundamentals of Training Horsesand Yourself

Learn the underlying principles of speaking both “horse” and “human” from an internationally acclaimed horseman.

Life Lessons from a Ranch Horse describes celebrated horse trainer Mark Rashid’s experiences with one special—and especially challenging—horse named Buck. Mark finds that Buck’s unique personality teaches him a wealth of information about how to build a strong relationship with what may initially seem like a difficult horse. During his time with Buck, Mark not only trains Buck but also observes how Buck “trains” other horses in order to maintain a stable and respectful group. Mark comes to understand that there are six underlying principles to both Buck and Mark’s most successful horse training techniques: non-confrontation, planning ahead, patience, persistence, consistency, and “fix it and move on.”

The second half of the book is devoted to demonstrating how horse owners can apply the six principles to their own experiences in horse training. Mark Rashid is unique among writers of horse training books for his skill at teaching trainers to lead by example rather than by force, using clear and consistent methods. In the afterword, Mark Rashid reflects on what he has learned since first writing about Buck, and how Buck’s life allowed Mark to dramatically improve his own emotional and physical well-being. Life Lessons from a Ranch Horse is essential reading for all compassionate horse owners who care about cultivating a mutually respectful and satisfying relationship with their horses.

Mark Rashid is an internationally known author and horse trainer. His books follow his Western training philosophy, which is to find training solutions by considering the horse’s point of view. He has contributed to Western Horseman and Western Horse magazines, and he conducts horsemanship clinics around the United States. Some of his books include Horses Never Lie; Considering the Horse; Whole Heart, Whole Horse; and A Good Horse Is Never a Bad Color. He lives in Estes Park, Colorado.