Shy Boy
Shy Boy
Author: Monty Roberts
The methods of Monty Roberts ("the horse whisperer") have become famous
among the
horse world (and also
outside of it) only recently during the last few years, even
though he has been using them for decades. He uses "Equus", the name
he has given to the language of horses, to communicate with horses and
achieve a more humane, faster, and more effective way of training horses.
This is a step up from some of the more traditional methods of horse
breaking which
involved punishment and forcefully asserting control over the horse, often
resulting in the horse acquiring a fear of humans. Monty Roberts has
developed a new way of starting young horses, known as "Join-Up". Join-Up
involves communicating with the horse using Equus by mimicking the actions
of horses in the wild. Through Monty Roberts' books, videos, and
live demonstrations he is sharing his knowledge with people all over the
world, so
they too can use his methods and as quoted by Monty Roberts, “My goal is
to leave the world a better place, for horses and people, than I found
it.”
Shy Boy is the second book written by Monty Roberts. It comes after
his
biography (The Man Who Listens to Horses) and focuses on the
forming of
his relationship with one horse in particular, a wild mustang known as Shy
Boy. Although he makes some references to his first book, it is not
necessary to read that one first before enjoying this one. Shy Boy is the
center of the book, and the reader follows Monty
Roberts as he joins up with this mustang in the high Nevada desert using
only
his gentle methods and under
the eye of professional observers. The book also contains other
descriptions
of some of Monty Roberts' experiences with both horses and people.
Accompanying the text are picturesque colour photographs (by Christopher
Dydyk) of the horses in
the wild and the join up with Shy Boy.
Shy Boy is a fascinating read for horse lovers. It will especially
please
people interested in these new methods of horsemanship, but any horse
lover
will find this incredibly interesting. There are some people who follow
Monty Roberts’ methods to the letter, and there are some people that
disagree with him, but I think that no matter where you stand this book
still deserves to be read. It is a smooth read, the text flows
along nicely and the photos are excellent. Definitely recommended!
RATING:
Here is what other people think of Shy Boy. To have your
say, just fill in the form below and I'll add your review here! (If you'd
prefer not to have your email address posted just add that in your
comments)
Name:Jamie Smith
Email: jamsmhorse@yahoo.com
Rating: 5
Comments: This second book by Monty Roberts was even better than
his
first! I LOVED it! Besides telling about how he tracked
and
captured the mustang he named SHY BOY, he also tells about
some
exciting and difficult training experiences he has had with
Thoroughbreds, one in particular who was his greatest
challenge
yet, a horse named Blushing E.T., who had a terrible phobia
in starting gates. Monty also recounts how a young girl
acquired
a problem horse and using Monty's techniques, was able to
retrain
the horse to be more manageable, much to everyone's
surprises
and admiration. But the best part of the book was the last
few chapters,
where Monty decides to turn SHY BOY back to the range and
let the horse
choose which life he preferred. I don't want to reveal the
ending in case some people have not read the book, but you
will
be glad you did. It is truly inspiring.
Name: Kelsie
Email: kelsie_06@hotmail.com
Rating: 4.5
Comments: Shy Boy was a great book! I don't think it was as good as
his first, but you really get to know the horse and see things from his
perspective. Monty rocks!!!
Name: Jess
Email: PoNyBrAt103@aol.com
Rating: 5
Comments: Shy Boy is amazing! Monty Roberts is the horseman we all
should know. This book is so informative, and the pictures are absolutely
gorgeous!! I learned a lot about some training techniques from this book.
I would really recommend it to anyone!!! FOUR HOOVES UP!!
Name: Daphne
Email: quarterfilly@horsemail.com
Rating: 5
Comments: Shy Boy is the best book! a lot better than 'the Horse
Wisperer'
Name: zoe baggelaar
Email: zoebaggelaar@hotmail.com
Rating: 5
Comments: I really enjoyed this book, the pictures are excellent
and the story of what happened is breathtaking. If you loved 'The Horse
Whisperer', 'Shy Boy' is a must to read!!
Name: Laura
Email: horsechic98@aol.com
Rating: 5!!!
Comments: This book was so much differant from his first, the horse
whisperer was about Monty's developing talent with horses, a typical
marketing technique for a new trainer trying to outdo John Lyons when it
comes to popularity. I liked his first one, but found it to be more story
than real training help. Shy Boy was really good because it focused on
what Monty didn't mention in his previous book. The devotion Shy Boy and
Monty had for each other is on every horse owner hopes to one day achieve.
Name: Anicette Labont
Email: peace_horse@hotmail.com
Rating: 5
Comments: Dear Monty
I'm a young Canadian from Callander, Ontario. I read your
book on Shy Boy I must say I was touched and inspired by your work with
horses and people. Tell me what was the most challenging thing you had to
do with horses?
Another admirer: Anicette Labont
Would you like to share your opinion of Shy Boy? We'd like
to
hear from you! Simply fill out the form below and I'll add your review to
this page.
BACK to
Reviews...
