horse phsycology

[booksinbed]

Just bought pony - realise i know v little about how they think,how they relax,ho w to support them etc ,body language etc apart from a few bits .Would really like to learn more.Any advice ,or via books ,u tube etc..?? many thanks

I have found the Kelly Marks books very good .I had a visit from one of her associates when we were having a few problems with dpony last year,and it was a real eye opener.She taught me no end and could tell me so much about dpony by just observing her with me.It was the best money I ever spent [apart from buying dpony in the first place.]

Thanks mirage- ive just looked on amazon - which one wd you recommend ? or all off them ....!! thanks again

I'd probably start with 'Perfect Manners' if you want a Kelly Marks book, it has good insights into how horses think, but be warned, her writing style is dire and it's very repetetive. I found Horse and Rider magazine really helpful in the early days, and still get it fairly regularly now. It's always got good ideas re schooling etc as well as horse care

Yes,Perfect Manners is the best one to start with.The Intelligent Horsemanship website forums are quite useful too.

I was given this book illustrated horsewatching years ago and it is fascinating. Must dig it out and re-read it actually.

Desmond Morris's is a fantastic book, really enjoyed it.

I also liked Stephen Budiansky's The Nature of Horses

Spend time watching them in the field, also lots of grooming. Horses are just so subtle in their body language it's unreal. A blink, a sigh, a slight wrinkle in the nostril, even just the way they are standing can speak volumes when you get to know what they are talking about.
I was amazed the other week when i realised (through mutual grooming we like to do together) that if i scratch hard, so does he, if I'm gentle so is he. Also, if he steps back slightly, he wants me to scratch further up his neck etc. it's fascinating really, and it may sound sad, but I prefer just being with him and "talking" to him more satisfying than actually riding these days.