Galloping to Freedom - a book for horses

This week I have been reading Galloping to Freedom, by Magali Delgado and Frederic Pignon, a beautifully presented book that shares much of my basic philosophy on being with horses and is a great advocate for the intelligence and integrity of the horse, for example Frederic says:

"What people do not appreciate is that every time a horse submits to pressure, whether subtle or overt, he is diminished. Probably the great majority of people who achieve their own ends by making their horse submit are not even aware of what they have done. It is a sad fact that a horse can be made to do many things by breaking his will. If he can be persuaded to give his assent freely and pleasurably rather than give into man’s pressure or clever techniques, he is not diminished".

Frederic and Magali were the co-creators of the Cavallia horse spectacle, and while horse spectacles are not really my thing (I prefer a quiet ride through the hills) I respect what these two have done in that arena and always enjoy people who are passionate about their subject.  This book can encourage all horse lovers to listen to their horses more acutely and respect their right to make choices in what they do with us humans.