by Dan Sumerel

Although more than just a “how to train horses” book, the author does explain his training methods in easy-to-understand language. He also gives an interesting and often entertaining account of how he developed his own approach to horse training.

Sumerel’s interest in training started when, as an adult, he got his first Arabian geldings. Soon, he acquired an Arabian stallion with the dangerous habit of running away with his rider. Sumerel was determined to figure out how to overcome his new horse’s bad habit.

Because he'd had little prior experience with horses, he had no preconceived ideas about training. Using creativity and persistence, he experimented with various techniques until he finally found an approach that worked. (A clue as to how well it worked is on the book’s cover. The horse pictured is Sunny, the formerly dangerous runaway -- ridden by Sumerel with just a halter.)

Largely as a result of this first major training breakthrough, Sumerel found himself with a new career in midlife, as others asked him to train their horses. As he continued to polish his basic techniques, Sumerel's reputation grew until he had achieved his current success as a respected horse trainer and clinician.

In this book, Sumerel explains how to use the techniques that he gradually discovered and developed. With them, it is possible to “find the magic” and develop a better working relationship with your own horse.