My Horses, My Teachers

I loved this book. I am very, very dressage uneducated and I found the relationships between Mr. Podhajsky and his "teachers" helped me understand a lot about the discipline and how it is intended to create flow and security in a horse. Much better than a rote educational guide telling one what to "do", this explains how to "feel". I met this amazing man late in his life and only knew that a stream of people came to see him and give him admiration and love when he was ill. I saw a photo of him on a Lipizzaner in the capriole, and I knew I was in the presence of someone loved and important, but I didn't realize who it was. He obviously touched many people during his life.This is a wonderful read, from the historical perspective regarding the changing politics of Europe pre-WWII to the great descriptions of the horses available to the Austrian soldiers and the differences in them and the Lipizzan stallions he met later. If you love the grand traditions that built our current horse culture, read this. If you love people who love horses, read it!!

This memoir gives some insight into one of the greatest riders of the 20th century. Not only did the author play a key role in the history of World War II and the saving of the horses of the Spanish riding school, he had an extremely interesting life. This memoir focuses on the training of horses, which is not too different from the training of people. And naturally, he focuses on the horses that gave him the most trouble, presented him with the greatest challenges, and had the best outcomes . Reading this book, I’m truly sorry that he is no longer with us. His wisdom, discipline, and kindness shine through these pages.

What an extraordinary horseman and gracious man. Reading this book was pure pleasure and an education as well. Colonel Podhajsky sought a willing trusting partnership with his horses. He was sympathetic to their fears and quirks. He took his time and took responsibility when things did not go well. He did not blame the horse. I am looking forward to reading his book Complete Training of Horse and Rider next.

This book is a classic book of master horsemanship that should be studied by every horseman. You will get the most benefit by reading "Equitation Science" by McGreevy and McClean, first, in order to understand what equine science has to say about horsemanship. Then, you will read how this master horseman applied so many correct training methods that are so in harmony with the teachings of modern "Equitation Science". The author learned much of his horsemanship on his own through trial and error learning that abandoned so much of the punishment and "respect" based horsemanship of his time.For example, on page 105 he says in regard to training, "One one side there is the unconditional subjection by force and punishment with which the rider may reach his goal more quickly but only if he has a good-natured creature with no tendency to fight. This kind of education, however, will undermine the individual character of the animal and result in obedience out of fear. The brilliance of such a horse will be lost and he will be indifferent towards man or even hostile. If on the other hand, the training of the horse is based on kindness, calmness, and ample reward as well as understanding for his personality, the result will be happy obedience on the part of the horse and pleasure in his work. It may take a little longer than with the other method but there will never be that ugly fight between man and animal. The charm and brilliance of the horse will be maintained, even enhanced, and preserved until his old age."

This a marvelous book in that it gives you a true inside story, of the life of one of the old masters and to find out that he went through many a hard time, but never gave up the fight and came out on top. As I myself have been to the Riding School Of Vienna, I felt like I was there with him, at times, as I could visualise some of what he talked about in the book. For a person like myself, who is also, very passionate about classical riding, found the book quite emotional at times, with tears rolling down my face, especially the expression on his face, in the photo, the day he had to say good bye, to the horses for the last time. After all those years, this must have been such a terribly hard thing to do. I would have loved for this person to be still be here, alive today, to pass on such knowledge. A lot of these classical methods, are being lost over time.

A wonderful book that reminds anyone who rides that we never stop learning about these magnificent animals! Mr. Podhajsky's love and respect of all horses is a life lesson for us all. I will not hesitate to read this again, and again.

Rarely do I review books or films, but this book is as exceptional as was its author. It should be on the shelf of every horse lover and rider, regardless of discipline, for every page expounds what is (or should be) at the heart of equestrianism--profound love and respect for the horse. It is also full of excellent advice on horse training and equitation, while still being an amusing and deeply personal story, rather than a technical tome. I feel honored to have encountered as great a heart and mind as was Col. Podhajsky's and the great horses who were his teachers. We could all do to follow his example of dedication, service and compassion.

For the riders and horse lovers, this is a great addition to your collection. Alois Pojadsky was ahead of his time. In an age when "breaking " horses was the norm, Podjasky searched for a gentler kinder way to train a horse and succeeded. This is not a how to book, but rather a heart felt look at the horses that Podjasky believed had the most profound influence him and help educate him as a rider. Worth buying!

Such an interesting book. Riders can learn a lot from it even though its not an "instruction"book. I read it at least once every year and never tire of it.

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My mom loved this book so much when she was loaned it that she insisted she needed a copy for mother's Day.If you love horses and especially spanish horses you will love this book.I know two (horses lovers) who have read this book and both are of the opinion it's the best book they ever read.

Esse parece ser mais um livro sobre cavalos que trata da paixão por estes animais e de aspectos da equitção. Entretanto, além de um relato apaixonado sobre os animais mais marcantes da carreira de um dos mais importantes cavaleiros da história, esse livro trás informações incríveis sobre a equitação e a interação homem-cavalo dificilmente encontradas em outros textos.O autor, responsável por salvar uma das mais antigas raças formais do mundo, faz uma apresentação dos seus principais professores, cavalos dos mais diversos tipos e temperamentos, que vai muito além da avaliação morfofuncional e do temperamento à primeira impressão, e apresenta uma visão abrangente da importância da interação entre os dois agentes, cavalo e cavaleiro, para chegar ao ápice do potencial de cada um.Como um leitor ávido e apaixonado pela equinocultura, tendo lido mais de 30 livros e diversos artigos sobre o assunto, considero o My Horses, My Teachers, de Alois Podhajsky, a mais bela e enriquecedora obra sobre cavalos com a qual tive contato.

A kinder, gentler view of horse training and handling is sorely needed in this world, and this book goes a good distance in providing that view. With none of the "mysticism" that marketing campaigns have built up around individuals selling their "training" products, this book presents one man's view of the many horses in his life and his gentle way of working with them as a partner, not as the dominant force that seems so prevalent in many of the training methods that achieve "learned helplessness" in their animals.