This compilation, compiled by clinicians and students during Dream Ranch Clinics, shares a variety of resources that we have found to be especially powerful and life-changing.
Natural Horsemanship
- Solving Separation Anxiety by Kathy Baar
Separation Anxiety is a world-wide and discipline-wide equine problem. No matter the level, from horse owner to backyard enthusiast to international level competitors, issues with Separation is very common. This book is the culmination of my last 16 years of equine behavior study under Natural Horsemanship in addition to feedback from students on what works and what doesn’t work for them in their everyday settings.
2. Ride Better by Christoph Hess
Here, Christoph Hess collects some of his very best riding and training tips along with well-honed insight related to the topics that he finds most often challenge equestrians and their equine partners. Ride Better with Christoph Hess provides thoughtful, easy-to-apply advice. Everyone can walk away from this book a better rider.
3. Animal Training 101 by Jenifer Zeligs, Ph.D.
Finally, a single text on animal training that is truly all-inclusive, while still focused on nurturing the vital relationship between animal and trainer! Animal Training 101, the first handbook of its kind, finally offers a complete marriage of the science of animal behavior and the practical art of animal training. In one comprehensive volume, this approach is presented in a simple and practical way that will be useful to both the seasoned professional and a beginning level enthusiast working with animals of any species.
Stories
4. Beautiful Jim Key: The Lost History of a Horse & a Man Who Changed the World by Mim Eichler Rivas
In this breathtaking saga, Jim’s astonishing journey is coupled with that of his trainer and best friend, Dr. William Key, a self-taught veterinarian, former slave, Civil War veteran, prominent African-American entrepreneur, and one of the most renowned horse whisperers of his time — a man who shunned all force in the training of horses, instead relying on kindness and patience.
5. When Elephants Weep by Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson, Susan McCarthy
This national bestseller exploring the complex emotional lives of animals was hailed as “a masterpiece” by Elizabeth Marshall Thomas and as “marvelous” by Jane Goodall. From dancing squirrels to bashful gorillas to spiteful killer whales, Masson and coauthor Susan McCarthy bring forth fascinating anecdotes and illuminating insights that offer powerful proof of the existence of animal emotion.
6. Kinship with All Life by Allen Boone
Is there a universal language of love, a “kinship with all life” that can open new horizons of experience? Example after example in this unique classic — from “Strongheart” the actor-dog to “Freddie” the fly — resounds with entertaining and inspiring proof that communication with animals is a wonderful, indisputable fact. All that is required is an attitude of openness, friendliness, humility, and a sense of humor to part the curtain and form bonds of real friendship.
Personal Development
7. Finding Your Own North Star by Martha Beck
“Explorers depend on the North Star when there are no other landmarks in sight. The same relationship exists between you and your right life, the ultimate realization of your potential for happiness. I believe that a knowledge of that perfect life sits inside you just as the North Star sits in its unaltering spot.”
Martha Beck has helped hundreds of clients find their own North Star, fulfill their potential, and live more joyfully. Now, she shares her step-by-step program that will help you take the exhilarating and frightening journey to your own ideal life.
8. Trauma & Memory by Peter Laveen
In Trauma and Memory, bestselling author Dr. Peter Levine (creator of the Somatic Experiencing approach) tackles one of the most difficult and controversial questions of PTSD/trauma therapy: Can we trust our memories? While some argue that traumatic memories are unreliable and not useful, others insist that we absolutely must rely on memory to make sense of past experience. Building on his 45 years of successful treatment of trauma and utilizing case studies from his own practice, Dr. Levine suggests that there are elements of truth in both camps. While acknowledging that memory can be trusted, he argues that the only truly useful memories are those that might initially seem to be the least reliable: memories stored in the body and not necessarily accessible by our conscious mind.
Courses
9. Compassionate Training for Today’s Sport Horse by Karin Leibbrandt, DVM
In this course: ‘Compassionate Training For Today’s Sport Horse’, Dr. Karin Leibbrandt of 4dimension dressage at Equicare Plus in Holland clearly explains the science behind proper training, and guides you towards a regime that will give you the results you want. This course consists of 37 video lessons – presented over 10 topics. Whether you are an equine professional or amateur, this course will set you firmly on a path to more effective and compassionate equestrianism.
10. The HeartMath Method by Howard Martin
HeartMath is a powerful research-based technique that helps establish heart-based living by inspiring people to connect with the intelligence and guidance of their own hearts. Where stress creates chaos and disharmony in the body, the HeartMath technique is a way to manage stress, leading to a harmonious state called coherence, which, as Howard demonstrates, can be both measured and monitored.