Reading books is a great way to learn new information. For equestrians, horse books provide knowledge about specific training methods, how to fix problems between horse and rider, and general facts about horses. These books can help riders develop their skills and expertise in their own home, creating a better overall connection between them and their horse.

            Many top trainers and horse experts take to writing books so they can share their knowledge with others. I’ve compiled a list of the Top 10 Best Horse Books in 2021 below. These books cover a range of topics, from the connection with your horse to your position in the saddle. Check out this list and find some new horse books to add to your reading list!

Top Horse Books in 2021

Think Harmony With Horses: An In-Depth Study of Horse/Man Relationship by Ray Hunt

This is an older book that was published in 1978, but it is a classic. This book details Ray Hunt’s philosophy on harmony with horses. Hunt was an influential horseman in the natural horsemanship community but has since passed on. His methods and beliefs live on through this book. He emphasizes harmony and the connection between horse and rider. Reading this will leave you with something to ponder.

The Equine Listenology Guide by Elaine Heney

This is the #1 best-selling horse-riding book on Amazon USA, Canada, and Australia. It talks about essential horsemanship, horse body language and behavior, groundwork, in-hand exercises and riding lessons to develop softness, and connection and collection. There is also a companion workbook and riding journal available. This is a great read for any equestrian and will help you become a better horseman. Browse all Elaine’s books here.

Horses Never Lie: The Heart of Passive Leadership by Mark Rashid

In Rashid’s most popular book, he challenges the concept of a dominating relationship with your horse, instead placing focus on passive leadership. Through stories of his experiences, you will learn his philosophy and techniques to become a passive leader. Applying these techniques will improve your horse’s personality and foster a better connection between you and your horse.

True Unity: Willing Communication Between Horse & Human by Tom Dorrance

In this book, Dorrance shares his philosophy to help achieve true unity between human and horse. He focuses on willing communication, such as letting things happen instead of making them happen. This book is meant to give you a deeper understanding of the horse so you can approach them with empathy and kindness, and achieve true unity in your equine relationship.

True Horsemanship Through Feel by Bill Dorrance and Leslie Desmond

Bill Dorrance is Tom’s older brother and was an equally strong force in the field of horsemanship. His book, co-authored by Leslie Desmond, details his straightforward and practical approach to horsemanship. Readers often say it is a refreshing take. Dorrance clearly and concisely lays out the exercises and solutions needed to improve the relationship between horse and rider. Riders from any discipline can benefit from reading this book.

Centered Riding horse book by Sally Swift

The training techniques described in Swift’s book help create a better, more fluid rider. Swift stresses body awareness and helps riders achieve this through the use of creative images and the knowledge of equine anatomy. If you’re a tense rider and feel like your connection with your horse is struggling because of that, this is the book for you. Swift also published a follow-up book entitled Centered Riding 2: Further Exploration that builds on the knowledge gleaned in the first book.

Whole Heart, Whole Horse: Building Trust Between Horse and Rider by Mark Rashid

This is another popular horse book written by Mark Rashid. In the book, Rashid rejects the notion that “disobedient” horses act that way out of stubbornness rather than ignorance. Instead, Rashid believes that “horses can’t separate the way they feel from the way they act.” This book helps rewire your perception of so-called bad behavior to change the way you respond to it.

Continuing The Ride: Rebuilding Confidence from the Ground Up by Crissi McDonald

This book details McDonald’s story of how she rebuilt her confidence after a serious horse-riding accident. Many riders have experienced a major fall and understand the fear that accompanies it. It is a terrifying feat to try to get yourself back into the saddle. McDonald writes about how she overcame this fear and returned to her roots. This book is an inspiring read for all horse lovers.

Beyond Horse Massage: A Breakthrough Interactive Method for Alleviating Soreness, Strain, and Tension by Jim Masterson

Jim Masterson, Equine Massage Therapist for the 2006 and 2008 and 2010 USET Endurance Teams, and for horses competing in FEI World Cup, Pan American, and World Games competitions, writes about his method for equine massage in this book. It includes step-by-step instructions and detailed images to help guide you through the Masterson Method massage techniques. Massage is a great, useful skill to help keep your horse in shape, and this book will help you hone that skill!

The Dressage Horse Optimized with the Masterson Method: Developing and Preserving the Equine Athlete through Effective, Sport-Specific Bodywork horse book by Jim Masterson, Susan Harris, and Coralie Hughes

For the dressage riders out there, Masterson also published a book on equine massage specifically related to dressage. In the book, he tailors his massage method to help meet the physical demands of the modern dressage horse. Dressage riders can use the skills and exercises detailed in this book to keep their horse supple, flexible, and relaxed.

Equestrian Journals

Horse training journals are also a great way to track your progress with your horse.

Conclusion

            You don’t have to be in the saddle or at the barn to keep learning about horses. Reading helps make you a better horseman from the comfort of your own home. Learning different approaches and techniques helps you develop your own ideas and skills when it comes to horsemanship. Horse books will make you change the way you think about horses and how you interact with them. Refer to this list if you need a reading recommendation and let me know your favorite horse book in the comments below!