This is a book about
training and relating to horses--yet its implications reach far beyond the man-horse interactions that
form the fundamental basis for Mr. Rashid's teachings in this book. It extends to the family, children, and by extension to any situation where one is, must be, or even wishes to be a leader, whether of animals or people. It is an autobiographical series of parables concerning
leadership and trust. He begins the story with his childhood introduction to horses and eventually to "the old man" who owned them, and taught the boy about horsemanship, and life. The fundamental contrast in this book is a difference between the "alpha horse" approach (domination by fear and intimidation) versus the passively chosen leadership horses (and people) want to be around and follow, because they do the right thing the right way, leading by example, without force or violence, leading to trust instead of fear. And still the right thing gets done. It is an eyeopening book, explaining so much I've observed in life, at work, at home, in various relationships, and in my childhood family. Perhaps you will see your own life reflected there as well.