Horse Brain, Human Brain: The Neuroscience of Horsemanship

Excellent book, lots of details and thorough. Easy enough to read even without a science education.

I found this book because I saw it referenced in an article and was encouraged by the reviews. I've been riding for a few years and do a lot of ground work with horses. The ground work in particular got me very interested in understanding horse behavior and psychology and I've read quite a few books on the topic before this one. I can say without hesitation that this book is best of the lot. The author has a terrific writing style that's very engaging and makes it easy reading. Rather than dumb-down technical concepts she explains them in a coherent and logical way. There's a lot of real science; this is not a touchy-feely "unicorns and rainbows" book. My only regret is that I didn't discover it when I started riding; it ought to be required reading for every new rider. Even if you are a lifelong rider, I can guarantee you'll have some "now I understand why" moments when you read this book. I know I'll reread this one many times.

Dr Jones is knowledgable about equine and human neuroanatomy and horse training. She has explanations of what works with a horse and what doesn't. It is both practical and theoretical. Her passion for science is only outshone by her passion for horses. I am only ½ way through the book. My only stumbling block so far is the section where we need to experimentally determine our own posture and proprioception; this is pretty tricky, I will need someone to photograph me or help me set up paraphernalia, or photograph me on a horse. I like the fact that she explains why horses need positive reinforcement (never negative) for example. There are fascinating chapters on the sensory abilities of horses. She discuses the feedback loop of equine-human communication; how we use our various senses such as touch and balance and proprioception to create brain to brain, nervous system to nervous system feed back loops. Of course once these loops are established, I would claim that the emotions of horse and rider come into play. This is a book that I am sure I will read more than once. It is a real pleasure, and a rare find. I hope that it gains great popularity—for the good of horses and humans.

I learned a lot in this book, and it has helped me with my horse so much. Thank you for writing it! I thought it was educational and also a pleasant read, even funny!

I’m always looking for books just teeming with equine knowledge that will help me to better understand my horse’s perspective and how I can make our cross species communication work in favor for both of us, and not just me. This has been THE best book I’ve ever read when it comes to building a partnership with horse and the fundamentals of WHY, not just how. My relationship with all horses, especially my own, has improved a lot, and has made for me being a much happier horsewoman now that I truly understand why the horses I’m working with act the way they do. So many things just click as you read more and more, it’s hard to put down. This book has been a massive help for me, and I’m recommending it to ANYONE who has horses involved in their life one way or another.

the information in this book is based on science and an easy read. WE equine owners need to realize that our animals perceive the world differently. We are so goal and task oriented. Our equines are far more perceptive and sensitive to things we can't even see. Their brains are wired to react and flee, we humans have forethought and judgement. In the end what I got out of this read is...my horse is never wrong or bad, she is reacting as a horse to keep herself alive. The more we have been emersed in natural horsemanship training for us both , the more she seeks me as her leader and trusts me. Too may of us don't understand the animal we own... don't know how to support them when they need it. Expect too much to fast. This is a good book to help us understand the equine mind and our. How we differ and ways to help us build a great partnership.

I'm still reading this book! But I can tell you it is very informative and teaches you how to understand the horses make up! How it thinks compared to how you think "it should be " I have definitely changed my Horsemanship! And understand a lot more!

Loved Dr jones book and it has made me look deeper into my relationship with equines and humans alike. Dr jones is educating the next generation of horsemen.

I’ve had horses for years. Having lost one a year ago I decided to get a youngster and see the whole process from beginning to being backed through so we had a pony with no ones else’s baggage. I didn’t want to make mistakes but found I was quite accidentally through sheer lack of knowledge. So I’ve read book after book and was no further forward. To understand how to best bond and work with a horse/pony you have to grasp their inate behaviours and understand how they process things, how they learn, how they interpret things we are asking of them. This book is the most interesting book ever, it’s full of so much easy to read information and it makes sense of absolutely everything. I now realise I bumbled my way through before with such a lack of knowledge. Do t get me wrong I’m still learning with my ponies needs in mind but have such a greater foundation of knowledge from reading this book. I can’t recommend it enough.

imperdibile per gli appassionati di cavalli!

Súper interesante y explicado de manera que se logra entender

Good price, fast delivery

As an equine photographer and journalist, (and equestrian!) I found this book to be my new go-to. I have an Equine Behaviour course under my belt but my passion is enhanced by always researching. Understanding the dynamics between -- what humans' brains think should come naturally, and what our equine brains have to say about 'that' -- fascinates me. Additionally, the author is amusing and includes diagrams with no-nonsense accuracy. This book is a pleasure to read (and refer back to) because of her expertise in neuroscience. HIGHLY recommended for all the serious horse world fanatics out there! (that's a good thing!!:)