Mark Rashid

[flintfootfilly]

I've loved reading most of Mark Rashid's books, especially his first 3, and then the "Whole Horse, Whole Heart" one which I've just finished reading.

I think I missed out on one of his books, though.  This one:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Life-Horses-Spirit-Work/dp/1555664075/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1282661065&sr=8-7

Just wondered whether anyone here has read it, and how they feel it rates compared to the others.  The ones I really liked seemed to be a very easy chatty read, whereas a couple other of his books seemed to labour the point a bit.

What's this one like?

Thanks in advance

Sarah

[DollysMum]

I've got it - and although I can't find it right now, I think it's the one that's just photos and tiny bits of text. Very different to the rest.

[flintfootfilly]

Ah, yes that makes sense.  From the cover on Amazon, I thought it looked somehow more of a coffee table book, but couldn't look inside it on there.

Are the short bits of text very useful..... or are they just ok? 

Is it the sort of thing that would be quite inspirational, or just ok for a flip through?

Hoping I don't have to pass yet more money over to Amazon!!!   

Sarah

[DollysMum]

Given it's the only book from my Mark Rashid collection that I can't find, I'm guessing it's not as good It's a collection of photos that Kathleen took with a bit of information about each one. Interesting, and some lovely horses but definitely one for the wish list rather than the must-buy-immediately list

[intouch]

I haven't read that one, but the review on Amazon is very positive.  However I think it is the "coffee table" book rather than a deeper insight into his work.

[Madigan]

Bought this a while ago,  definately a coffee table book.

[flintfootfilly]

Thanks everyone.  Think I'll wait til I can see it in real life, and decide then.  Plenty other books to read in the meantime!

Sarah

[ros]

I have to say this: I enjoyed his books, and the main thing I took away from them was the principle of "finding the try". That's SO important.

However, 1st hand reports of a clinic, and pictures etc. from his website, sadly convince me that he talks the talk but doesn't walk the walk.

[Bradders]

Have just started reading Horses Never Lie - what an amazing book

Have found myself nodding as I read it.

He comes accross as a thoroughly nice, gentle man.

A friend in the US is getting involved in a clinic later in the year - will let you know what she thinks

[ChrissieW]

I spectated at one day of a clinic a few years ago and came away with some really good info and nothing that caused me to go  .   

However, he is negative reinforcement, so maybe not to everyone's taste, but I liked the way he applied it from what I saw (but this was just a snap shot and not the first day of a clinic, so most of the horses had been worked on previously I think).

I don't think he presents himself any differently from his books, but maybe as with everything its how we all interpret what we read and see differently depending on our own personal experiences and viewpoints.

I do know that one of the IH associates was in the audience and made a bit of an issue over the bit a horse was wearing, which for me was a case of questioning for the sake of questioning and make a point/issue, rather than what was going on with the horse, but again, open to individual interpretation.

As for the book, don't have that one, so can't comment.

[maggiesmum]

He;s fab! I spent 3 days at the kingswood demo a few years ago and it was fantastic although exhausting!
Yes there were some times where negative reinforcement was used but he also helped a lady perfect her flying changes by changing her breathing and improved her half pass by timing her aids with the horses foot fall so he uses different methods depending on the problem he has put in front of him.
I like his motto with regards to pressure - as little as possible, as much as necessary. 

[Magsndan]

 I used to hear some quite positive stuff that made me want to read his books but that artical with him tying a horses leg up put me off. Made me uncomfortable enough that that is my main impression of him now despite there been alot good

[Louise C]

I've seen him in action twice one at kingswood where I couldn't believe that lady with the flying changes - she was soooooooooooooooo negative about that lovely horse wasn't she maggiesmum?  Also do you remember a black Welsh Cob there called Lacy - she was extremely highly strung and he made a huge difference to her.  I know her owner and it was a real turning point for her - that mare is incredible now - sensitive but a real fun pony.  The other time was at Patchetts the following year I think where he worked with several friends horses with good results for the most part.

I've been on a 3 day clinic with kathleen Lindley - was Flynn's first ever and it had a very positive impact on him - we even managed a trot calmly by the third day - he was extrimely hyper!

Haven't read this particular book though!  Read most of the others.

[Magsndan]

we even managed a trot calmly by the third day

Sorry im digressing here, I cant tell you how much better that comment made me feel. I am not alone 

[Louise C]

 

Well he was at least 9 yrs old by then!  Sometimes I wonder how I survived! Glad to give you a laugh!