The Horse is My Teacher: Lessons from the Ranch: Training, Riding, Luck, and Love

by Van Hargis

Overview

Stories from a rural working life that teach us how to be better horsemen—and better people.

Van Hargis grew up in the saddle on an East Texas ranch, training his first horse at age 12 and eventually making a living starting cutting and reining colts, many of which would leave his hands to become champions. Naturally outgoing (labeled a “talker” by teachers in grade school), Hargis shared stories and lessons from his work with horses early on. Here, in his first book, he reaches out to readers with a collection of down-to-earth, highly relatable tales—experiences that, over the years, have impacted his own horsemanship and life in significant ways. Readers absorb fundamental knowledge of horses skillfully embedded in genuine anecdotes straight off the ranch:

• How Grandma's cross-stitch laid the groundwork for more patience when starting colts and trailer loading.
• How a daughter's temper tantrum helped perfect timing of the release of pressure.
• How the way Mom worked the gate when sorting cattle taught you to look for what the horse really wanted to achieve.
• How playing on championship football teams provided the understanding of true partnership between rider and horse.

With easy-to-remember quotes to anchor what readers learn and practical tools that can be used in the arena or on the trail, by Western or English riders, The Horse Is My Teacherimparts the principles of great horsemanship while also inspiring each of us to apply those same principles to further our own personal growth and success.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781646011810
Publisher:	Trafalgar Square
Publication date:	10/25/2022
Pages:	184
Product dimensions:	6.40(w) x 9.40(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Van Hargis started riding horses when he was four years old and launched his career as a trainer at age twelve when the wife of world-renowned saddlemaker Billy Cook hired him to train her horse. Hargis and the horses he’s trained have excelled in show and rodeo events like ranch horse versatility (his specialty), Western pleasure, trail classes, calf roping, team roping, and steer wrestling. He moves easily between the Western and English riding worlds, and has worked successfully with horses from many additional disciplines, including working ranch, hunter-jumper, and dressage. His wide-ranging experiences have taught him valuable lessons about horses in particular and life in general, and he began sharing his stories through unique horsemanship seminars in 1991. Hargis currently resides just outside Victoria, Texas, where he specializes in colt-starting and ranch horse versatility. From his Texas home base, he travels extensively as a highly requested clinician at equestrian facilities and events across the country (vanhargis.com).

Table of Contents

Special Thanks ix

Foreword xi

Preface xiii

Chapter 1 The Spiritual Gift 1

Chapter 2 Momma Will Tell You…The Horse Will Teach You 13

Chapter 3 Inch By Inch 23

Chapter 4 Everything Comes to He Who Waits 31

Chapter 5 He Who Waits the Longest Is the Leader 37

Chapter 6 Where You Release Is What You Teach 45

Chapter 7 The Path of Least Resistance 51

Chapter 8 Dare Your Horse to Be Good 59

Chapter 9 Firm Hands Make a Light Horse 69

Chapter 10 Bend 'Em to Keep 'Em Straight 79

Chapter 11 The Horse Is Always Right 91

Chapter 12 Taters, Eggs, or Tea Bags? 99

Chapter 13 That's Mighty Fine Doin's 107

Chapter 14 Reward the Thought 113

Chapter 15 Horsemanship Is an Opportunity to Practice "Humanship" 123

Chapter 16 Ride Every Stride 127

Chapter 17 Luck Is When Preparation Meets Opportunity 133

Chapter 18 Bloom Like a Rose 141

Editorial Reviews

A recommended read for horse lovers passionate about living life to the fullest.” —Western Life Today

"I so enjoyed this book by Van Hargis! The book is inspiring and allows you to take a positive look at yourself and your view of horses and riding. Van’s life experiences are shared; however, best of all, he is looking to share with people how to have a better understanding of yourself and the horse. When true horsemen always look out for the horse, you will gain success from their knowledge. ‘Enjoy the ride’ reading this book!" —Lynn Palm, Trainer, Clinician, and Winner of 34 AQHA World and Reserve World Championships

"I’m inspired! Van Hargis shares his enlightened thoughts on horsemanship with great ease. The genius is not only in his conclusions, but also his straightforward presentation. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and felt like I was having a conversation with Van or was present at one of his horsemanship clinics and listening firsthand. You will enjoy this read.” —Sean Patrick, Sean Patrick Training and Author of The Modern Horseman’s Countdown to Broke

"This booked is packed full of teachable moments that opened my eyes to the countless possibilities we have as humans to make the world a better place by simply taking the time to slow down and ‘ride every stride’ of life." —Taylor Spears McAdams, Content Developer for Justin Brands

From the Publisher