Stories from a rural working life that teach us how to be better horsemen--and better people.Van Hargis grew up in the saddle on an East Texas ranch, training his first horse at age 12 and eventually making a living starting cutting and reining colts, many of which would leave his hands to become champions. Naturally outgoing (labeled a "talker" by teachers in grade school), Hargis shared stories and lessons from his work with horses early on. Here, in his first book, he reaches out to readers with a collection of down-to-earth, highly relatable tales--experiences that, over the years, have impacted his own horsemanship and life in significant ways. Readers absorb fundamental knowledge of horses skillfully embedded in genuine anecdotes straight off the ranch: How Grandma's cross-stitch laid the groundwork for more patience when starting colts and trailer loading.How a daughter's temper tantrum helped perfect timing of the release of pressure.How the way Mom worked the gate when sorting cattle taught you to look for what the horse really wanted to achieve.How playing on championship football teams provided the understanding of true partnership between rider and horse.With easy-to-remember quotes to anchor what readers learn and practical tools that can be used in the arena or on the trail, by Western or English riders, The Horse Is My Teacherimparts the principles of great horsemanship while also inspiring each of us to apply those same principles to further our own personal growth and success.
FORMAT Paperback LANGUAGE English CONDITION Brand NewVan Hargis started riding horses when he was four years old and launched his career as a trainer at age twelve when the wife of world-renowned saddlemaker Billy Cook hired him to train her horse. Hargis and the horses he's trained have excelled in show and rodeo events like ranch horse versatility (his specialty), Western pleasure, trail classes, calf roping, team roping, and steer wrestling. He moves easily between the Western and English riding worlds, and has worked successfully with horses from many additional disciplines, including working ranch, hunter-jumper, and dressage. His wide-ranging experiences have taught him valuable lessons about horses in particular and life in general, and he began sharing his stories through unique horsemanship seminars in 1991. Hargis currently resides just outside Victoria, Texas, where he specializes in colt-starting and ranch horse versatility. From his Texas home base, he travels extensively as a highly requested clinician at equestrian facilities and events across the country (vanhargis.com).
Chapter 1 - The Spiritual GiftChapter 2 -- Momma Will Tell You...The Horse Will Teach YouChapter 3 -- Inch by InchChapter 4 - Everything Comes to He Who WaitsChapter 5 - He Who Waits the Longest Is the TrainerChapter 6 - What You Release Is What You TeachChapter 7 - The Path of Least Resistance; Like Water & ElectricityChapter 8 - Dare Your Horse to Be GoodChapter 9 - Firm Hands Make A Light HorseChapter 10 - Bend Them to Keep Them StraightChapter 11 - The Horse Is Always RightChapter 12 - If It Ain't Broke, Fix ItChapter 13 - Make Them Go and Let Them WhoaChapter 14 - Every Good Horse Anticipates, Every Great Horse WaitsChapter 15 - Taters, Eggs or Coffee?Chapter 16 - That's Mighty Fine DoingsChapter 17 - Slow Down to Be FastChapter 18 - Horsemanship Is an Opportunity to Practice HumanshipChapter 19 - Ride Every StrideChapter 20 - Luck Is When Preparation Meets OpportunityChapter 21 - She Can't Get Off the IslandChapter 22 - Just 1% Improvement Each DayChapter 23 - Bloom Like a Rose
"I soenjoyed this book by Van Hargis! The book is inspiring and allows you totake a positive look at yourself and your view of horses and riding. Van's lifeexperiences are shared; however, best of all, he is looking to share withpeople how to have a better understanding of yourself and the horse. When truehorsemen always look out for the horse, you will gain success from theirknowledge. 'Enjoy the ride' reading this book!" --Lynn Palm, Trainer, Clinician,and Winner of 34 AQHA World and Reserve World Championships"I'm inspired! Van Hargisshares his enlightened thoughts on horsemanship with great ease. The genius isnot only in his conclusions, but also his straightforward presentation. Ithoroughly enjoyed this book and felt like I was having a conversation with Vanor was present at one of his horsemanship clinics and listening firsthand. Youwill enjoy this read." --Sean Patrick, Sean Patrick Training and Authorof The Modern Horseman's Countdown to Broke
"I soenjoyed this book by Van Hargis! The book is inspiring and allows you totake a positive look at yourself and your view of horses and riding. Van's lifeexperiences are shared; however, best of all, he is looking to share withpeople how to have a better understanding of yourself and the horse. When truehorsemen always look out for the horse, you will gain success from theirknowledge. 'Enjoy the ride' reading this book!" -- Lynn Palm, Trainer, Clinician,and Winner of 34 AQHA World and Reserve World Championships "I'm inspired! Van Hargisshares his enlightened thoughts on horsemanship with great ease. The genius isnot only in his conclusions, but also his straightforward presentation. Ithoroughly enjoyed this book and felt like I was having a conversation with Vanor was present at one of his horsemanship clinics and listening firsthand. Youwill enjoy this read." --Sean Patrick, Sean Patrick Training and Authorof The Modern Horseman's Countdown to Broke "This booked is packed full of teachable moments thatopened my eyes to the countless possibilities we have as humans to make theworld a better place by simply taking the time to slow down and 'rideevery stride' of life." --Taylor Spears McAdams, ContentDeveloper for Justin Brands "Ifound The Horse Is My Teacher is a difficult book to put down! From thebeginning to end Van's story is filled with life experiences that arebeautifully woven into his horsemanship journey. Each chapter links to therest with valuable nuggets that clearly show successful relationships areachieved through trust, clear communication, boundaries, and respect. Ithoroughly enjoyed Van's book." -- Wayne Van Steenbergh, Consultant for Non-profitHorse Rescue & Rehabilitation Program Avid Horseman
A collection of down-to-earth, highly relatable tales that have impacted the author's own horsemanship and life in significant ways He moves easily across the "great divide" between the Western and English riding worlds His teaching emphasizes the need for a solid foundation in horse training and in everyday life Van Hargis is a well-known name at national horse expos and clinics across the USA
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