Dancing with Your Dark Horse: How Horse Sense Helps Us Find Balance, Strength and Wisdom

I ran across this book in the bookstore and since I read almost any book about horses, I bought it. I found it hard to put down.The startling opening scene where the author, who is a natural horseman, ends up first heading for the bottom rung of a round penand then surprisingly whipping a mare severely (the antithesis of natural horsemanship) that most of his audience left. Hewondered if he had a career left and more than that, what could have possessed him to violate his own principles?He recovered his career and the book is largely an examination of human behavior along with some horse training examples. To thereviews who felt that he had two many references to himself in the book, you need to remember that he violated his principles,a very disturbing event for any one. And the mistreatment of Stella (the mare) indicated to him that underneath hisexterior existence was a "black horse," symbolic for attitudes and emotions that can come to the surface and explode beforeyou realize that they are there.Much of the book is the author's attempt to deal with his black horse. Despite the use of his life as an example, he is trying towarn other people that they may be dealing with a black horse themselves and need to examine their actions. If they don't, itmay appear when they least expect it and ruin relationships, horse or human.I was associated with a talented natural horseman who bought copies of this book for all his trainers, calling it "the bestbook on horse training" that he had ever read.

I also love the writing by Chris Irwin. He is well spoken, humble and willing to help horse enthusiasts with his vast knowledge and experience. Plus, he cares that the horse is treated with respect and therefore can retain dignity through the promise of partnership.

Very honest and useful for anyone who shares a love of horses

Chris Irwin is an excellent clinician and writer. If you want to learn more about the connection with horses, using their body language and ours to mimic their inherent way of being, this is the book for you.

Chris has a gift not just with horses but an ability to share his personal story and inspire those who listen to face their fears.

Amazing insights in this easy-read book! Also, I highly recommend his first book "Horses Don't Lie"

I loved some of the insights and it's worth reading. However, I thought the Author could have been more focused on the overall picture and less focused on himself toward some of the later chapters.

I love the message behind the book. As a horse trainer myself, I implement and understand the principles talked about, but I also found that it was also just an excuse for the man to brag about himself, and that goes against his message that he is a servant to the horse.

I bought this book as it was recommended in the bibliography of another that I had enjoyed. I found it to be a rather self-indulgent part autobiography of the author and his failings. The author also seemed to think that ordinary folks lacking in top class riding and handling skills should stay away from horses. He seemed to leave no room for learning or development in others. I did not enjoy this book and I stopped reading it about half way through.

This book is a must read for anyone who wants to get to "understand" horses in a un unique and authentic way. Be prepared to begin to "understand" your faults and failings too. This book will help you become a better person if you allow it!

as expected

Brilliant book that makes your look at your own stuff rather what's wrong with the horse or other people. Chris Irwin also wrote 'Horses don't lie' a must read

This book is both informative and entertaining. Chris takes us through his life's journey as he learns about the nature of horses - and humans - and how they interact. Although he does share his techniques for training your horse, I found the most interesting aspect is that he digs deeper into the reasoning behind his methods and how they grew organically from his observations of the nature and behaviour of horses.I highly recommend this book.