Zen Mind, Zen Horse: The Science and Spirituality of Working with Horses

by Charlene M Eska, Monty Roberts (Foreword by), Michael M Kimberley (Foreword by)

Overview

Eastern philosophy enters the stables in this unique guide to horsemanship. Allan Hamilton describes how horses understand and respond to the flow of vital energy around them. They use this energy, called chi, to communicate with their herd, express dominance, and sense predators. Hamilton shares safe, simple techniques to make you more receptive to your animal’s chi, so you can develop a calm and effective training style that will not only help your horse follow commands, but strengthen the spiritual bond between horse and rider. 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781603425650
Publisher:	Storey Books
Publication date:	09/01/2011
Pages:	320
Sales rank:	430,621
Product dimensions:	9.76(w) x 7.08(h) x 0.98(d)

About the Author

Allan J. Hamilton, MD, is a Harvard-trained brain surgeon, a renowned horse trainer, a developer of equine-assisted learning programs, and the author of Lead with Your Heart and Zen Mind, Zen Horse (Gold Nautilus Award winner). He is a professor of neurosurgery at the University of Arizona and a medical script consultant for the hit television series Grey’s Anatomy. He raises Lipizzan horses on a small ranch on the outskirts of Tucson, Arizona.
 

Table of Contents

Foreword 
Introduction  
Days of Thunder 
The Two Sides of Me 
Chi & Equus 
Grooming as a Tea Ceremony 
Searching for Chi 
Grooming as an Act of Love 
The Magic Dog 
Prey, Predator & the Rules of Learning 
Patience 
Leading the Way 
Now & the Ocean Liner 
Tiny Bubbles of Chi 
Picking Up the Pace 
Minding Your Manners 
Sending Out & Backing Up 
Tending to Horses 
Sidepassing & Jumping 
Come to Me 
From Sack to Saddle 
A Leg Up 
Stopping & Spooking 
Trailering (or Not)  
Epilogue
Twenty Exercises
Acknowledgments
Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

Zen Mind, Zen Horse is far more than a book about how to care for a horse, though it stands out as one of the best on the subject. Rather, Hamilton has given humans a way to achieve our highest good by allowing horses to be our guides. This beautiful testament to the power and magic of equine energy captures the soul of a horse perfectly.

Zen Mind, Zen Horse is both practical and profound, offering sound advice for tapping the wisdom of horses as natural mindfulness teachers.

These deceptively simple techniques embody a powerful set of spiritual techniques.

From the Publisher

Combining brain science, horse sense, and fine storytelling, this spiritual handbook points toward a special and completely real form of enlightenment.

Andrew Weil

Zen Mind, Zen Horse is both practical and profound, offering sound advice for tapping the wisdom of horses as natural mindfulness teachers.

Linda Kohanov

Zen Mind, Zen Horse is far more than a book about how to care for a horse, though it stands out as one of the best on the subject. Rather, Hamilton has given humans a way to achieve our highest good by allowing horses to be our guides. This beautiful testament to the power and magic of equine energy captures the soul of a horse perfectly.

Susan Richards

Combining brain science, horse sense, and fine storytelling, this spiritual handbook points toward a special and completely real form of enlightenment.

Stephen Kiesling

Calling his work with horses an avocation, Hamilton, a neurosurgeon, consultant for Grey's Anatomy, and nationally known horse trainer, emphasizes the spiritual connection that can exist between horses and humans. He argues that people need to quiet their inner voices, allowing the intuitive right side of the brain to guide human/equine relationships and communication. He compares horses to a band of legendary Zen masters, perfect teachers that help uncover their trainers' real motivations. Hamilton builds on Parelli's principles of natural horsemanship, explaining equine and human brain function, chi (life energy), and the seven chakras that all play into nonverbal communication. He provides groundwork for his concepts as well as specific instructions for readers. Personal stories and equine legends are interspersed throughout the text. VERDICT Hamilton's ideas will resonate with anyone who has ever formed a close relationship with a horse. The sometimes lyrical writing is clear and persuasive, and the examples and illustrations are good for novices and experts alike. Recommended.—Janet M. Schneider, James A. Haley Veterans Hosp., Tampa

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