[See February 4th, 2007 edit at the very bottom of this post.]
There is a man named Monty Roberts who is also called the Horse Whisperer.
As a boy, he watched horses, and he learned their body language. He also learned how to 'start' horses (instead of 'breaking' them) in a way that made the horses WANT to be with him, to work with the human companion.
I saw the KCTS, Seattle, video of Monty's work. (I believe KCTS owns it. They are a PBS station.)
There are several important stories in that video, including Monty's pursuit and befriending of a wild mustang. But the most stunning, to me, was Monty's 'starting' of a horse that had been 'damaged' through some kind of mistreatment.
This takes place in his indoor arena which has a gallery above, for visitors.
At the moment Monty has trademarked as 'Join-up', when the horse accepts the man as a friend, people in the gallery have been known to faint. On one occasion, five people fainted at once.
It seems that those who faint may be women who were once abused.
I didn't faint, but that moment of 'Join-up' stunned me profoundly. It was quite beautiful...and easily achieved.
More than that, Monty also talks about his success with children. He has taken in a number of foster children (47), sometimes teenagers. No matter the difficulties he encounters, within a short time the children become his lifelong friends. Monty simply understands the signs of what the young people want, and he knows how to give it to them in a non-threatening, non-combative way.
I haven't yet read Monty's book, "Horse Sense for People", but it is my next purchase.
An elementary school in Britain has adopted Monty's principles, by the choice of the students. He was invited to visit them when he was in the country to consult with people who own valuable horses.
I don't know any better way to understand what this man has discovered than to see the video. A person doesn't even have to think it out, the message, his method, just goes straight to one's heart...it is so natural and true.
Maybe this way is important to us all.
My best,
fledgling
http://www.montyroberts.com
P.S. I just looked, and I can't see "Horse Sense for People" at Monty's site any longer. Hope it isn't out of print! Your library may have it.
Also you may be able to get the video at some libraries.
Meanwhile, here is an article that may interest you...
http://www.montyroberts.com/news_artcl_cia.html
Enjoy!
f.
[Edit: Found it!
http://www.montyroberts.com/shop_equine_interest.html ]
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[February 4th, 2007 edit - - Apparently, there is controversy (sp?) over Monty's actual results. A family member of his takes exception to his statements. Although, she does admit that the process has been proven to work, for many years.
I apologize if I have misled anyone by admiring the theory. It seemed such a fine idea, that body language and intent could communicate at levels we hadn't necessarily yet tried.
Actually, I still kind of believe that it might work, and, therefore, that the method should be explored more thoroughly.
My best,
Fledgling]