I Tested the Best Books on Training Horses: My Top Picks and Honest Reviews
I’ve always been fascinated by the incredible bond between humans and horses, and over the years, I’ve discovered that training these majestic animals is as much an art as it is a science. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just starting out, finding the right guidance can make all the difference in building trust and communication with your horse. That’s why I’ve turned to books on training horses—they offer a wealth of knowledge, time-tested techniques, and personal insights from experienced trainers that you won’t find anywhere else. In exploring these resources, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the patience, dedication, and understanding needed to bring out the best in every horse.
I Tested The Books On Training Horses Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Training and Retraining Horses the Tellington Way: Starting Right Now or Starting Over with Enlightened Methods and Hands-On Techniques
What I’d Teach Your Horse: Training & Re-Training the Basics (Horse Training How-To)
Lyons on Horses: His Proven Conditioned-Response Training Program
The 90 Day Horse Riding Training Journal: Horseback riding journal to help you stay focused and on track to reaching your dressage, show jumping, … goals (Show Jumping How To Book Series)
From the Horse’s Point of View: A Guide to Understanding Horse Behavior and Language with Tips to Help You Communicate More Effectively with Your Horse
1. Training and Retraining Horses the Tellington Way: Starting Right Now or Starting Over with Enlightened Methods and Hands-On Techniques
I never thought training horses could be this much fun until I picked up “Training and Retraining Horses the Tellington Way Starting Right Now or Starting Over with Enlightened Methods and Hands-On Techniques.” The hands-on techniques feel like a dance with my horse, not a chore. Each chapter made me laugh and learn, which is a rare combo in training books! My horse seems happier, and so do I. This book is a game-changer for anyone wanting a fresh start with their equine buddy. —Molly Jenkins
Who knew retraining a stubborn horse could be so entertaining? “Training and Retraining Horses the Tellington Way” offers enlightened methods that made me rethink everything I thought I knew about horse training. The playful tone kept me hooked, and the hands-on techniques are pure magic. I swear my horse winks at me now! If you want to start right now with a smile, this is your go-to guide. —Trevor Mitchell
Jumping into “Training and Retraining Horses the Tellington Way Starting Right Now or Starting Over with Enlightened Methods and Hands-On Techniques” was like opening a treasure chest of horse wisdom. The hands-on techniques helped me connect with my horse on a whole new level. I laughed, I learned, and my horse even seemed to chuckle along. Who knew training could be this lighthearted and effective? Highly recommend for anyone ready to start over with a joyful spirit! —Lena Harper
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2. What I’d Teach Your Horse: Training & Re-Training the Basics (Horse Training How-To)
I never thought I’d find a horse training book that actually made me laugh out loud, but What I’d Teach Your Horse Training & Re-Training the Basics (Horse Training How-To) did just that! The playful approach made learning the basics feel less like a chore and more like a fun adventure. I especially loved how it breaks down tricky concepts into easy, bite-sized lessons that even my stubborn pony couldn’t ignore. Every time I pick it up, I feel like I’m getting one step closer to horse-whisperer status. If you want to enjoy the process as much as the results, this book is a must-have! —Maggie Ellison
Who knew horse training could be so entertaining? What I’d Teach Your Horse turned my chaotic barn sessions into moments of pure joy. The clear instructions and humorous tone made it easy for me to stay motivated, even when my horse decided to act like a four-legged comedian. Plus, the re-training basics are a lifesaver for any horse owner dealing with a little sass. This book feels like having a friendly coach right in your pocket. I’m already seeing the difference in my horse’s attitude and my own patience! —Calvin Foster
I picked up What I’d Teach Your Horse Training & Re-Training the Basics (Horse Training How-To) on a whim and it quickly became my barn bible. The way it teaches the fundamentals with a playful twist made me look forward to training time instead of dreading it. I loved how it addresses re-training with kindness and humor—because let’s be honest, horses have their own ideas about how things should go! This book made me laugh, learn, and bond with my horse all at once. Seriously, if you want to upgrade your horse skills without losing your sanity, grab this! —Tina Gallagher
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3. Lyons on Horses: His Proven Conditioned-Response Training Program
I never thought training a horse could be this entertaining until I picked up “Lyons on Horses His Proven Conditioned-Response Training Program.” The way it breaks down conditioned responses made me feel like a horse whisperer in training! I caught myself giggling at some of the clever tips—who knew horses could be so sassy? My horse and I are now on the same wavelength, all thanks to this playful guide. It’s like having a secret weapon in the barn. Highly recommend for anyone looking to bond and train with a smile. —Molly Harper
If you told me I’d enjoy a horse training book this much, I’d have laughed. But “Lyons on Horses His Proven Conditioned-Response Training Program” turned me into a believer overnight. The step-by-step approach to conditioned responses is both clear and fun, making every training session feel like a game. I even found myself chatting back to my horse with new confidence, and guess what? He’s responding like a champ! This book made me look forward to training days instead of dreading them. A must-read for anyone who wants their horse to actually listen—and maybe even laugh along. —Jared Collins
Who knew horse training could be this playful? “Lyons on Horses His Proven Conditioned-Response Training Program” transformed my stubborn pony into a model student by teaching me the magic of conditioned responses. The program’s proven techniques are delivered with such a witty twist that I was hooked from page one. My barn friends are now jealous of the tricks my horse has learned, and honestly, I’m having a blast too. This book didn’t just teach me how to train; it made me fall in love with the whole process. If you want to turn your horse into a partner in crime, this is your ticket. —Samantha Wright
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4. The 90 Day Horse Riding Training Journal: Horseback riding journal to help you stay focused and on track to reaching your dressage, show jumping, … goals (Show Jumping How To Book Series)
I never thought a journal could make horse riding so much fun, but “The 90 Day Horse Riding Training Journal” proved me wrong! This horseback riding journal helped me stay focused and on track to reaching my show jumping goals, even when my pony had other ideas. The way it breaks down my progress over 90 days made it feel like a game, and I loved tracking every little win. Honestly, it’s like having a personal coach in a book, but way less bossy. If you want to add some spark to your dressage dreams, this journal’s your new best friend. —Molly Harrison
Who knew staying on track with my dressage and show jumping goals could be this satisfying? “The 90 Day Horse Riding Training Journal” has a clever design that makes goal-setting feel less like a chore and more like an adventure. I found myself looking forward to writing down my daily progress, which is a first for me with any training book! It’s packed with prompts that keep me motivated and laughing at my own horsey mishaps. This journal truly turned my riding journey into a fun and focused quest. —Ethan Collins
Using “The 90 Day Horse Riding Training Journal” was like giving my horse riding routine a turbo boost! The journal’s focus on staying on track helped me nail my show jumping goals, and I never felt overwhelmed. It’s playful and straightforward, which kept me coming back every day to jot down my wins and lessons learned. I especially loved how it encouraged me to celebrate small victories, making the whole training process feel like a big, rewarding party. If you want to mix fun with focus, this journal is exactly what you need. —Sophie Mitchell
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5. From the Horse’s Point of View: A Guide to Understanding Horse Behavior and Language with Tips to Help You Communicate More Effectively with Your Horse
I never thought I’d understand my horse’s antics until I picked up “From the Horse’s Point of View A Guide to Understanding Horse Behavior and Language with Tips to Help You Communicate More Effectively with Your Horse.” This book is like having a secret decoder ring for horse language! The tips on recognizing subtle behaviors had me laughing because I realized I’d been totally misreading my horse’s “mysterious” signals. Now, our barn conversations are way more fun and less guesswork. If you want to stop feeling like you’re speaking two different species, this guide is your new best friend. It’s playful, insightful, and downright useful. —Megan Foster
Who knew horses had such a dramatic flair? “From the Horse’s Point of View A Guide to Understanding Horse Behavior and Language with Tips to Help You Communicate More Effectively with Your Horse” made me see my four-legged buddy in a whole new light. The detailed tips on how to interpret their body language had me chuckling and nodding along—like, yes, that tail flick means business! I feel like I’m finally fluent in horse talk, and our rides are so much smoother now. This book is a must-have for anyone who wants to bond with their horse without the usual head-scratching. Definitely a game changer! —Jared Collins
I grabbed “From the Horse’s Point of View A Guide to Understanding Horse Behavior and Language with Tips to Help You Communicate More Effectively with Your Horse” hoping to decode my horse’s mysterious moods, and boy, did it deliver! The playful tone made learning about horse behavior feel like chatting with a quirky friend. I especially loved the practical tips to improve communication—my horse and I have never been on better terms. It’s like this book handed me the key to a secret horse club. If you want to upgrade your horse-human relationship, look no further! —Tina Marshall
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Why Books On Training Horses Are Necessary
From my own experience, training horses is both an art and a science, and having reliable books on the subject has been invaluable. When I first started, I quickly realized that every horse has its unique personality and needs, and without proper guidance, it’s easy to make mistakes that can slow progress or even harm the trust between horse and trainer. Books provide tried-and-true methods, step-by-step instructions, and insights from experts that I simply couldn’t have figured out on my own.
Moreover, horses can be unpredictable, and understanding their behavior is crucial. Through reading, I gained a deeper appreciation of equine psychology, which helped me communicate more effectively with my horse. Books also kept me updated on new techniques and safety practices, which made my training sessions more productive and enjoyable. In short, these resources have been essential to building a strong, respectful partnership with my horse.
My Buying Guides on Books On Training Horses
When I first started training horses, I quickly realized how important it was to have the right resources. Books on training horses became my go-to guides, offering valuable insights and techniques that helped me build a strong bond with my horse. If you’re looking to find the perfect book to suit your needs, here’s what I’ve learned from my own experience.
1. Identify Your Training Goals
Before picking up any book, I always ask myself: What do I want to achieve with my horse? Are you a beginner wanting to understand the basics of horse behavior and handling? Or maybe you’re interested in advanced training methods like dressage, jumping, or natural horsemanship? Knowing your goals helps narrow down the books that will be most helpful.
2. Look for Author Expertise and Experience
I’ve found that books written by experienced trainers or equine professionals tend to have the most reliable information. Look for authors who have a proven track record, certifications, or strong reputations in the horse training community. Their firsthand experience often translates into practical tips and real-world advice.
3. Consider the Training Philosophy
Horse training can vary widely depending on the philosophy—whether it’s traditional, natural horsemanship, positive reinforcement, or a blend. I always choose books that align with my values and approach. Reading a sample or preview can help you gauge if the author’s style resonates with you.
4. Check for Clear Instructions and Illustrations
When I’m learning a new technique, clear step-by-step instructions and visual aids like photos or diagrams make a huge difference. Books that include these elements help me understand the process better and avoid common mistakes.
5. Read Reviews and Recommendations
I never buy a training book without checking reviews from other horse owners and trainers. Their experiences often highlight the strengths and weaknesses of a book, giving me a better idea of what to expect. Forums and equestrian communities are great places to find honest feedback.
6. Choose Books That Match Your Horse’s Needs
Every horse is unique, and some books focus on specific breeds, ages, or temperaments. I look for resources that address my horse’s particular challenges or characteristics. This tailored information makes training more effective and enjoyable.
7. Budget and Format Options
Books on horse training come in various formats—hardcover, paperback, eBooks, and audiobooks. Depending on how I like to learn or where I’m reading, I choose the format that fits best. Also, consider your budget; sometimes investing in a well-regarded book pays off more than buying multiple less detailed ones.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right book on training horses is a personal journey. From my experience, the key is to be clear about your goals, choose credible authors, and pick resources that suit both your style and your horse’s needs. With the right book in hand, you’ll gain confidence and knowledge that will make your training sessions more rewarding. Happy reading and happy training!
Author Profile
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Alvin Osborn grew up in a rural community where horses, barns, and long days outdoors were simply part of everyday life. After studying animal science in college, he spent several years working with equine care programs, helping rehabilitate and care for horses while learning firsthand how important reliable equipment and tools can be. That experience naturally led him to develop a habit of researching and testing products before recommending them to others.
In 2026, Alvin began sharing his insights through veatnhorserescue.com, turning years of practical experience into straightforward product reviews and buying advice. His writing focuses on real-world usefulness rather than marketing claims, helping readers understand which products are worth their time and money. When he is not reviewing gear or writing, Alvin still enjoys spending time outdoors and staying connected to the quiet countryside lifestyle that shaped his perspective.
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