Understanding is the Key by Gabi Neurohr

I kept getting sponsored ads for Gabi Neurohr’s Facebook page pretty frequently and one day last week I decided to check her out.  When I looked at GN’s posts and watched her videos on FB, I really liked the content and the way she has of explaining concepts.  Kind of a blend of Warwick Schiller, Dressage Naturally, and some of the great young horse specialists.  I decided to buy her e-book since it’s only $3.99 when purchased through her FB page.  Cheaper than a bag of shavings.  How can you really lose at that price?

I have to tell you, this book is a little gem.  I finished it in two days and will be re-reading it this week.  It’s interesting, because it is not a book of different training techniques.  Instead, it is more of big picture, how you want to be with your horse, and how you want your horse to be with you, and where you want to go, laced with practical information about how to get there.

The book is divided into three sections.  The first is Understand Yourself.  This delves a lot into the why of your horse dream, what you’ll need to make it happen, leadership, and the power dynamic.  This section really made me think about my goals and reaffirmed some things for me.  Very, very useful.  The second section is Understand Your Horse.  There was a ton of information I had never seen before, including what comforts a predator in times of stress(immobility), what comforts prey(movement), and how that plays out in horse training.  There were many AHA moments in this section that directly relate to my horse training right now.  I especially liked the personality types part and how that pertained to different customized training ideas. The last section is Understand the Journey.  This is a step by step guide, using the principles in the first two sections to build your dream horse.  Some useful techniques are discussed, but again, it is more of a framework of steps from a foal to a horse that is ready to go on to specialized work if wanted.

This book has really made me think about the why of my horse dream and how important it is to me to have a willing and confident partner.  It’s really given me some solid ideas about connection and leadership that I’m finding really helpful.  The idea of tailoring your training to a personality type is eye opening, and is definitely going into my toolbox.  And lastly, it’s given me a bit more of a framework to help finish out Cruise’s basic education before we really specialize. I don’t know that I’ve ever had someone explain why it’s so important to have a well rounded horse BEFORE you specialize.

 I can’t recommend this book enough.  Might be the best value for the dollar I’ve ever spent on something horse related.