Book Review: The Natural Horse

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Natural Horse: Lessons from the Wild for Domestic Horse Care

By: Jamie Jackson

I read this book because I plan to live in the desert/high desert someday and the wild horses that were observed for this book were in the same type of terrain. So I thought it might be a good place to start to learn how to keep them on that type of land.

I believe, as is the basis for this book, that wild horses can teach us a lot about how to better (naturally) take care of our domestic horse partners.

The book goes over history of horses, which I skimmed over, only because I have read it a million times. Then it goes over the social organization, movements, and hooves of the wild/natural horse.

In part one, where the author gives great detail on the various aspects that let the natural horse thrive in the wild; I was thinking this is all over my head. It was just such great detail into the gaits of the horse and the hooves, measurements and balance. I mean I have seen horses move, seen various hooves, and know a lot of the basics…..but I am sure a professional trainer or Farrier would be able to better see what is in the book and correlate it to what they see every day. For me I would need video to compare the two.

So I was a little worried when I wasn’t really getting how to connect the wild/natural horse model to domestic horses…but then I got to part two and it all made sense! (How about that ^.^) I agree with most of what was suggested. I think the biggest challenge for me will be the “natural” water source and figuring out the correct “pasture” or things to plant- and if they will be able to grow in the area that I plan to live. But I am sure I can do it!

For me, after getting horses, I was taught that there is “a way” to do things. Like you want horses on flat land, no rock, lush green grass…but with my ever growing interest in doing things the natural and sustainable way I wanted to extend that goal to every part of my life, including horses.

I really like the section on the natural horses hoof shape. If you have not seen the photos of the natural wild horse’s hooves- compared to the domesticated horses hooves do yourself a favor and check them out here! Also here are some before and after shots of domestic horses with natural/barefoot hoof care.

As far as this book goes I would like it on my shelf but it is not on my “MUST GET NOW” list.

But I do think it is a good read for anyone with a pretty solid understanding of horses. Or someone like me who has been around them for a few years, who would like to learn more about natural horse care and expand their knowledge of the wild/natural horse model.

Here is a site for another one of Jamie's books Paddock Paradise.

This book is the next on my list "Books I must get"- I wish the library carried it. But from the reviews I have heard it is worth the purchase!

Amazon Link