Books by Lesley Skipper

Understanding Horse Behaviour

APRIL 2007

The last few decades have seen enormous progress in our understanding of equine behaviour. In spite of this, it is all too easy to forget that the behaviour of horses is adapted to a free-ranging lifestyle in very different environments from those in which domestic horses are commonly kept. Not so very long ago horses were seen as having been set upon earth purely to serve humans. This has led to many people behaving as though horses exist purely for human convenience, and - as a result - ignoring (or overriding) their psychological and emotional needs. However, increasing numbers of horse owners, and horse lovers in general, are accepting that in return for what the horse gives us, we must pay attention to and - as far as we are able - satisfy their psychological and behavioural needs. This book will help horse-owners (and horse lovers generally) to understand how domestic life - and the many demands we make of our horses affect their behaviour and their psychological well-being. As a result, we will be able to enjoy happier, healthier relationships with our horses.

What the critics said about Understanding Horse Behaviour :

What I love about this book are the beautiful photographs and illustrations. Yes, it has lots of great information, good insights into horse behavior, and very helpful training tips, but the best parts are the excellent full-color photos of horses who are clearly happy, healthy, and willingly in tune with their owners, as well as the diagrams that show things such as proper riding technique. It's also refreshing to find a horse training book that has a good balance between practicality and the pure joy of relating to animals.

Amazon US website review

Let Horses Be Horses

NOVEMBER 2005

Increasingly, people are looking at ways in which we can make domestic life more ‘natural’ for horses and ensure we meet needs arising from their concerns and priorities. At the same time there has been an immense growth of training methods based on the concept that we must learn to understand their social organization and how they communicate with each other. However, many current ideas about the natural lives of horses are muddled or quite simply wrong, yet they are widely accepted as fact. This leads to confusion regarding what is important to horses. At the same time there is a widespread lack of understanding regarding the principles underlying learning processes.

This book cuts through this confusion and presents a clearer understanding of what matters to horses. It will help readers to

· Understand what is meant by a ‘natural’ lifestyle

· Appreciate the similarities between humans and horses as well as the differences

· Understand that equine society is based on co-operation rather than conflict, and how we can use this in training our horses

· Devise a lifestyle for their horses based on the latter’s psychological and physical needs

· Communicate with their horses more effectively

· Understand and apply the basic principles of learning theory

· Give young horses the best possible start in life

· Understand the different needs and priorities of stallions, mares and geldings

· Find ways of minimizing stress during training and competition

· Devise solutions to common problems

Horse owners will be able to use the information in the book to build good relationships with their horses, based on mutual trust, liking and respect.

What the critics said about Let Horses Be Horses :

Lesley’s latest book is well written, a good read and pulls no punches. Lesley refers to the “natural” and “traditional” methods of training and reminds us that essentially there is very little that is natural to a horse in our lives and that there is good in most methods of training – it’s just a case of picking the right bits out to suit both you and your horse.

Lesley goes through a variety of training methods (including classical) giving opinions on those methods in a very frank manner (which is to be applauded). Her views are balanced and based on breaking down exact1y what, for example, positive reinforcement means – does it mean bribery with polos? Certainly not but I leave it to you to read why it’s actually quite difficult to “bribe” a horse to do anything!

The book is one to be enjoyed by anyone with an interest in what horses do; the book destroys some of the old wives’ tales about equine behaviour in a very logical manner.

I thoroughly enjoyed the photos of Lesley’s horses (especially the pure bred Arabians), if you have read her earlier books it’s interesting to see how they have changed in colour and size over the years!

- Classical Riding Club Newsletter

There’s a real horse family appeal to this book – Lesley Skipper’s charming photos of her small herd and her family members interacting with the horses from early days into adulthood and ridden training. However, this is not a lightweight book. It goes into great detail and depth regarding psychology, training and lifestyle.

- The Essex Rider Monthly

In this book Lesley Skipper draws on her own systematic observations of both her own and other people’s horses including feral herds to examine current assumptions. She shows examples of management in the care and understanding of youngsters, stallions, mares and geldings to horses kept alone, questioning how we interpret reactions and asking for situations to be looked at in an alternative way.

This is a fascinating and readable book which will make you look at your horse and your relationship with new eyes.

- All Horse, February 2006

Lesley Skipper

Let Horses be Horses: The Owners Guide to Ethical Training and Management

Book Review

As I picked up this book to read I wondered how much of it was really going to useful or ‘new’ to me having attempted to read nearly all the ‘natural horsemanship’ books on the market, and clearing Amazon out of their stock. But after reading the first chapter I knew this book was going to pleasantly surprise me.

Lesley Skipper is a great author who writes with clarity and passion for the subject, tackling everything from common misconceptions about technical jargon used by self professed ‘ethologists’ to how we can better understand our equines in training.

Chapters cover everything from group dynamics and cooperation, physiology, social bonding, training methods, and horse behaviour, with interesting sections on less talked about subjects on stallions accepting foals, equine grief, learned helplessness, ethical training for competitions and showing and imprinting. There are also separate chapters on stallions, mares, geldings and foals/raising youngstock which for me were real eye openers. Each chapter is brilliantly summarised at the end, with tables and sections to help wrap up the subject. The appendix to the book has a great table of common problems, ideas on how to solve them, along with information on professionals and professional bodies that might be able to help. It also has an extensive ‘suggested reading’ section.

The thing I like most about this book is the author doesn’t write with an ego that is so common today. She writes from her own perspective, encouraging the reader to make their own minds up by offering all sides of the discussion and including her own thoughts from personal experience, without being judgemental or sanctimonious. Subjects that are so often muddled by other books are written in this book with amazing clarity, allowing the reader to easily understand the basics (the sections don’t go really into depth on some of the bigger subjects but the suggested reading list points the reader to more in depth information).

I think this book is a must read for anyone interested in working with their horse intelligently and its going right to the top of my book shelf, just underneath Perfect Manners and Perfect Partners.

Listening Post, magazine of the Intelligent Horsemanship Association

Realize Your Horse's True Potential J.A. Allen 2003

With the upsurge of interest in competitive disciplines such as dressage, showing and endurance riding, more and more riders are wanting to buy the 'right horse for the right job'. While this is commendable, it can lead to riders and trainers having unrealistic expectations of horses bred specifically for certain disciplines. Overemphasis on certain types of horse can also lead to discouragement, as many riders are made to feel that their horse is somehow 'inferior' to expensive, purpose-bred horses.

This book asks riders to re-evaluate their aims. Do they want to take part in top level competition, or do they simply want to compete at Riding Club level? Do they, indeed, want to compete at all, or is their main satisfaction gained from just owning and riding their horse, and trying to get the best out of him? Whatever their goals, they need to understand how the way a horse is put together affects his athletic ability, and what his limitations and abilities are likely to be. They must also recognise the enormous extent to which they, as riders and trainers, can affect a horse's capabilities and either enhance or decrease his potential. No horse has absolutely perfect conformation, but almost every horse can be helped, through correct care, training and riding, to overcome such limitations as nature has imposed on him, and to become more beautiful as a result.

The book will help every rider to understand how this may be achieved, and how they can realise their horse's true potential.

What the critics said about Realize Your Horse's True Potential:

This is a book that considers just about all the factors that can influence how a horse perform (performance in the broadest sense - this is not just about competition success, although would be highly relevant to anyone with this in mind). It’s about identifying and making the most of your horse’s good points, and allowing for his weaknesses. With chapters including general conformation, foot and limb balance, musculature, vision, the mouth and bitting, schooling and training, it is ambitious in its scope, but still manages to avoid being superficial It’s well illustrated with diagrams and photographs.

It’s nice to see photos of ‘ordinary’ horses and I found the insights into the talents and limitations of different types fascinating, particularly the case study of one of the author’s own horses, of whom she says ‘we value Kruger not for what he might have been, but for what he is...’. Two points predisposed me to like the book. One was the inclusion of two of the author’s part bred Cleveland Bays, as my first and still very dear horse is a part bred Cleveland. I was also delighted to see that one of her examples was of a horse trained and ridden by Erik Herbermann, a writer and trainer for whom I have the greatest regard. Lesley includes ‘before and after’ photos of one of his horses, a stunning example of how an apparently unpromising horse can with skilful training look quite spectacular.

Lesley’s book has been very thoroughly researched and is well referenced with a wide range of excellent sources. It would be a super basis for anyone who may want to research some topics in more depth.

- Classical Riding Club Newsletter

THIS is another excellent and fascinating book by EBF member, Lesley Skipper. An apt companion to her Inside Your Horse ‘s Mind, no one with a desire to improve their horse’s physique, function and performance - and with an open mind — could fail to benefit from it, indeed from both books.

In her Introduction, the author states my exact feelings about many people’s concept of classical riding which is part of the message of this book. Talking about Sylvia Loch’s video, The Classical Seat, she quotes a remark from someone who had seen it as: ‘That way of riding is okay for well-schooled horses but what about someone with an awful pony who has to get through a Pony Club test?’ Lesley says how sad it is that so many people still fail to see the point of classical riding. How do these people think that horses become well-schooled in the first place? Certainty not by being yanked, hauled, kicked, distressed, confused and whipped round a manege.

I feel I cannot describe better than the author what this book is about. She says that it will help riders to:

• Understand how the way a horse is put together affects his athletic ability

• Recognize how conformation relates to the type of movement

• Learn to look at the horse as an individual, rather than having preconceived ideas about temperament and personality

• Realize the extent to which we can improve on nature, and learn to identify which aspects of a horse’s conformation we can change, and what we must simply accept

• Identify special problem areas, and know what remedial action to take

• Understand how problems in their own riding may be affecting their horse’s ability to use himself properly

• Understand the role of training aids, and identify when these are appropriate and when their use should be avoided

• Find expert help and support when they feel their own knowledge is inadequate

I feel that this book will do exactly those things if the principles and practices it advocates are put into practice with intelligence and common sense. It is extremely detailed and covers, comprehensibly and realistically, all the topics and attitudes modern, concerned horse-owners will wish to know about — and if they don’t already know about them, they’re here for discovery. Examples are given of improved horses, some vastly so, difficult and challenging horses and horses of all types and talents and it is particularly encouraging to be told that, within reason, no matter what is ‘wrong’ with your horse it can be greatly improved. It’s all a case of knowing what to do and this book undoubtedly offers the means to do that.

It is very well written, most thoughtfully presented and I highly recommend it.

- Gillian Cooper, Equine Behaviour

The title of this book is positive and uplifting, as is the book. While being informative, the book is also honest. Author Lesley Skipper highlights issues she feels are important to consider when realistically evaluating your horse and its potential, such as its breed, conformation and simple, yet helpful exercises. A basic understanding of horses and background information is necessary for a reader to get the most of this book. It answers many “why?” questions such as why different breeds excel at different disciplines, why feet and conformation are important and why horses act the way they do at times. I recommend this book as a supplement to the horse background and education you already have.

— Jennie Archer,
Appaloosa Journal Online Rating: 5 horseshoes (Excellent)

Realize Your Horse’s True Potential is an extremely informative book. The aim of the book is to teach the reader what they should look for in a horse when assessing which discipline the horse would naturally excel in, relating to their conformation. The book looks at the overall conformation in different types of horses and then separates these points to focus on specific areas of the horse.

The book covers build profile of the horse, then continues to work through different areas of horse conformation, starting with the hoof. The book then develops to teach the rider how improvements could be made to increase the level of performance from your horse. This section describes the rider’s position, a small insight into the natural behaviour of the horse and training strategies, such as lateral work and pole work to improve muscles on the horse.

The descriptions provided within this book are quite in-depth. They are written clearly with a good use of language, backed up with clear and well illustrated diagrams, which offers an easy read. I believe the book would appeal to all levels of rider wishing to gain a further insight to improving their horse’s natural ability.

– Michelle Stanley,

British Horse Society Book of the Month, November 2003

Realize Your Horse's True Potential may be obtained from:

http://www.amazon.co.uk

http://www.bookshop.co.uk

The Arabian Show Horse J.A. Allen 1997

NOW SADLY OUT OF PRINT

Second-hand copies may sometimes be obtained from http://www.amazon.co.uk

The immense rise in popularity of showing over the last few decades has had a tremendous impact on the Arabian as a breed. The prestige attached to a champion show Arabian has led a greater number of people to aspire to ownership of these beautiful horses, and the result has been a population explosion within the breed. Unfortunately many of these horses have been regarded as status symbols or exotic pets; so that the increasing popularity which in the early part of this century saved the Arabian from oblivion and ensured its survival beyond any possibility of extinction, also worked to the detriment of the breed, by indiscriminate over production, and an over-emphasis on certain qualities at the expense of others. This, together with various eccentric or abusive showing procedures, has led, in the eyes of many, to the downgrading of the Arabian from a superbly practical - as well as supremely beautiful - riding horse, to the other extreme of an extravagantly refined animal whose role is purely ornamental.

This book takes an intimate look at the world of the Arabian show horse, and the way in which the increasing popularity of showing has influenced the breed. It is not a "how to" book about showing. There are many other excellent books which give practical advice on that subject. Nor is it simply a catalogue of show winners, though naturally many of the great show horses of past and present are mentioned.

Instead it looks at the beginnings of Arab showing, traces the development of such shows, and compares showing trends of the past with those of today. It examines what makes a good Arabian horse, giving a detailed description of Arabian conformation, type and movement, and providing much-needed insight into what judges should be looking for; and it tackles thorny questions such as judging procedures and professionals v. amateurs. It takes a critical look at many of the practices currently found in the showring, and examines the increasing abuse of Arabian show horses and the effects of breeding specifically for showing. It concludes with a survey of the current situation and makes some constructive suggestions about the way forward into the next century.

What the critics said about The Arabian Show Horse:

'This book is packed with information...timely in its comments on the abuse of show horses to the detriment of the breed...This book cannot metaphorically be swept under the carpet and even the most experienced breeder/trainer would do well to buy it and read it.' - The Arab Horse Society News

'I was impressed, not only by her erudite and scholarly approach, but also by the sheer hard work which obviously went into this thought-provoking tome...This volume is an important work...I urge you to read this book. You will admire the utter dedication, love and thoroughness with which it has been written.' - Jane van Lennep in Horse & Rider

'...this book is one with a wider appeal than at first emerges. I feel it is probably true to say that most horses and ponies, whether show animals or not, in the UK have some Arabian blood and many of them quite a lot Whether you show or not, the contents of this book are bound to be of great interest to you and may cause you to see your horse or pony in a different light.

Its title in no way gives any clue as to the quality and depth of its content. Beautifully and absorbingly written, it deals with the history of the breed and its development from the early Blunt importations to the, to some, strange antics and turnout seen in some of today's Arabian show classes, at least the in-hand classes. It also discusses the training and handling practices which so often ruin individual horses and bring the breed into disrepute. Misguided breeding policies are also aired fearlessly with an accurate assessment of their effects on the breed's type, conformation and action which many of its traditional, knowledgeable enthusiasts feel have deteriorated greatly over recent equine generations.

The chapter headings are: The Early Shows; The Modern Show Scene; The In-Hand Arabian; The Ridden Arabian; Type and Conformation; Movement; Judges and Judging; Professionals v. Amateurs; Abuse; Breeding for Showing. There are two appendices on Saddles and Their Fitting and Notes on the Bibliography, a conclusion, a glossary, a bibliography and an index.

As well as the discussion and technical topics, the book is littered with fascinating / and thought-provoking stories and commentS and although it would be impossible for every reader to agree with every opinion the author puts forward, the book is a must read for anyone who takes Arabian blood seriously.' - Equine Behaviour

Inside Your Horse's Mind J. A. Allen 1999

AN EQUESTRIAN BESTSELLER, NOW SADLY OUT OF PRINT

Second-hand copies may sometimes be obtained from http://www.amazon.co.uk

To many people, the horse is a rather simple-minded creature, with a few basic needs and instincts, but nothing much in his head apart from these. Yet when we look closely at what horses actually do, we can see that, both in their social lives and in their mental processes, they are really far more complex than is generally recognised. This book considers those mental processes, and the less frequently explored aspects of equine emotions and social relationships.

Part I examines many of the assumptions routinely made about animals in general, and how certain theories about animal behaviour can sometimes grossly distort our perceptions of non-humans. The author also considers just what is meant by that vague term 'anthropomorphism', and asks questions about animal consciousness and self-awareness.

Part II looks at equine intelligence, emotions, social organisation, communication, and learning; what matters to horses, how they vary as individuals, what we can teach them, and why such education is desirable from their point of view as well as ours. It also asks, just what are we trying to teach horses when we train them under saddle?

The author feels strongly that we must continually question and re-evaluate our knowledge of the equine mind. She believes we must not discard the wisdom of the past, but instead combine it with modern scientific observation. If we really wish to understand horses, we must not start by assuming that we already know what they can't think or do. We must instead ask what do they do? What can they learn? What can they teach us? If we ask these questions with an open mind, we may be surprised - and sometimes shocked - by the answers.

Books by Lesley Skipper

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