Product Description
“When you ask your horse to do something it should be his idea… he wants to do it, he understands how to do it, and he does it. ” These words are typical of the way Ray Hunt expresses his philosophy of the ideal relationship between horse and man. That philosophy is discussed in this book, in a manner that makes the reader feel as if he is listening to Ray talk. It is persuasive talk — gently persuasive; this man’s ideas make a lot of sense, and the success he has achieved with those ideas is impressive.
Ray Hunt traveled around the country working with groups of riders who were interested in his philosophy of harmony with horses. As Gene Lewis says in his forward to the book, Ray’s theory is “to unite the horse and rider into one working unit of both mind and body. He has developed a language and has become a wonderful teacher and demonstrator. “
Included in this book is an interpretation of the “Ray Hunt method of schooling a horse” written by Vincent W. Carpenter, who attended one of Ray’s clinics. He tells amazing stories that Ray might not tell about himself and summarizes the whole philosophy in a clear and objective way.
Also included is a question and answer section, in which a number of the most commonly asked questions are answered in detail. And throughout the entire book runs the simple, basic idea: think harmony.
(hardcover, 87 pgs.)
Excerpt from the book:
My belief in life is that we can all get along together if we try to understand one another. If you find a friend in life before somebody else finds him you’re real lucky. You’ll meet a lot of people and have a lot of acquaintances, but as far as having friends — they are very rare and very precious. But every horse you ride can be your friend because you ask this of them. This is real important to me. You can ask the horse to do your thing, but you ask him; you offer it to him in a good way. You fix it up and let him find it. You do not make anything happen, no more than you can make a friendship begin.
My goal with the horse is not to beat someone; it’s to win within myself. To do the best job I can do and tomorrow try to do it better. You will be working on yourself to accomplish this, not on your horse. You will work to recognize how you feel toward your horse and how your horse answers you back; how he understands you, and how he takes it. There shouldn’t be any hassle; there shouldn’t be a big flareup. Mentally, your horse should not weight anything. When you ask your horse to do something it should be his idea. This is the goal. In the end, when you ask your horse to do something, he wants to do it, he likes to do it, he understands how to do it, and he does it.
13 reviews for Think Harmony with Horses by Ray Hunt
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Sandy Mckay –
I think I saw the book in a tack store in 1978 when it was first published. I didn’t buy it. That was one of the greatest mistakes of my life. It would have explained so much that I didn’t learn until much later when I was in more of a mindset to be receptive to his teachings. Every time I read some of the book again, I gain a deeper understanding. Don’t be like I was, buy the book now!
Megan Terry (verified owner) –
To anyone interested in exploring a relationship deeper with a horse this is always the first book I recommend or gift to them. I have read and reread this book so many times and there is always an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding from the words.
Jennifer Proctor –
I read it. Then read it again after watching his videos. A few years went by and I read it a third time.
There’s always more to gain and a better understanding. I hope that means I am also growing in my horsemanship as I continue to enjoy his words.
ona4day –
A must have for your equine library! Milly did a great job putting Ray’s words onto paper for all to benefit from forever.
gerry.graham –
If you never want to stop learning, this is the book for you.
annamarchington2309 –
Great book. You will get something out of it every time you read it. Definitely one to have in your library.
whittsend –
A must have for every horseman. After each paragraph there is so much to reflect on.
rlanderson (verified owner) –
You really have to think about what he is saying. Good information. It helped to watch his videos in conjunction with reading the book. It helps change your definition of good horsemanship and understand the horse.
wingsferris –
This is a book I refer to quite a bit when working with a new horse. It reminds me to slow down and work with the horse…in a way that makes sense to him. It is the perfect way to refocus the human. Which allows for a much more productive and enjoyable session for both horse and rider!
windsongstablesharvardma –
Good book with many great nuggets of information and wisdom. Exercises and philosophy’s mixed together to take you on a reading journey that begged to be re-read. Many of the concepts plant a seed that you may discover and understand later in your journey. Definitely a book I will return to numerous times and continue to pickup things I had missed in previous reads.
megan –
I love this book! I have read it many, many times and always find something new each time I read it. It truly helps me where I am and helps me be open to thinking about things from the horse’s perspective when I may be being a bit insensitive and missing the slightest try. The philosophies in this book help us be better humans to our horses as well as to one another. Certainly one book I recommend people read to improve their perspective on horsemanship.
Faith Mendoza –
One of two books that everyone involved with horses should read and follow. The book will help you build a solid foundation and partnership with your equine, no matter your level of horsemanship.
okaybluejay –
I love this book because when I read it I hear Ray speaking. It reflects what he said at his clinics. It can seem like general information and at the same time help you with a specific problem. I feel ready to offer my horse a good deal after reading Think Harmony With Horses. Jean B.