Books & Liberty Ropes

Liberty Transition Ropes

In 2012, I was training with an Accredited Trainer of the International Horse Agility Club of England, in preparation for my certification. The Clinician introduced the use of a neck rope as a transition from halter/lead to liberty. I loved the way that it made us even more aware of inviting our horses to join us as we navigated around the obstacle course. In Agility, as in preparing for Liberty play, it is never about pulling and pressure. It is about using your voice, your intention, your energy, and your body language to communicate. Clarity really steps up when you add in the GPS and Buttons of Horse Speak!

Fun Fact: In Agility, the handler loses a point off their horsemanship score (equal to 50% of the total score) each time the leadrope gets taut. For competitive folks like me, you become very aware and make better choices when communicating with your horse!

Order Yours Today & Bring Your Horsemanship To The Next Level! 

$10-$15 per rope (plus shipping), depending on the length of the lead rope. Choose Your Color & Length. Custom-made for Minis to Drafts.  E-Mail Heidi  to place your order 

Disclaimer: This lead rope is intended for use with horses trained to respond to pressure, who are soft and responsive in a conventional halter and lead. It is also intended for use by experienced, knowledgeable horse handlers. Training with the Liberty Transition Rope should be done in an enclosed area.  Horses are large, powerful animals and can behave unpredictably. Use of this product carries inherent risks, including serious injury or death to both horse and human. By using this lead rope, you acknowledge and accept full responsibility for its proper use. Always inspect the rope before each use for signs of wear, damage, weakness, or malfunctioning knots. Do not use if any defects are present. The seller is not liable for any injury, loss, or damage resulting from the use or misuse of this product. Proper handling techniques and safety precautions should always be followed when working with horses.         

Open Heart, Open Mind: A Pathway to Rediscovering Horsemanship by Heidi Potter   

                                                    10th Anniversary Sale!! Enjoy 50% Off !!

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the most enlightening books on horsemanship I have ever read. 

This book is one of the most enlightening reads on horsemanship that I have ever come across. On a practical note, it provided me with many meaningful and important insights that will be invaluable to me over the years. I found myself highlighting and turning the corners of pages over so that I could refer back to exercises that Heidi provides from her many years of experience and her love of horses. It is the kind of book you want to take to the barn with you, because it is full of wonderful advice and suggestions on how to address numerous situations and enjoy your time with your horse more. Maybe most importantly, it is the kind of book that leaves you feeling like you are a better person for your horse having read it. None of which surprises you if you have ever had the privilege of doing a clinic with Heidi Potter. It is a compassionate, wise, balanced and genuine read that truly does open your heart and mind to thinking differently and deeper about how we show up for and with our horses. I highly recommend this book!
Open Heart, Open Mind, by Heidi Potter; $29.95 plus shipping

In Open Heart, Open Mind: A Pathway to Rediscovering Horsemanship, Heidi shares the value of mindfulness, understanding, and compassion through exercises, case studies, and lessons designed for horses and their humans. The content was created to deepen rapport and create safer, calmer, more enjoyable interactions with every horse you meet. 

Open Heart, Open Mind was written for the horse and the horse lover. Follow Heidi, Master Instructor, Clinician, and Trainer, as she shares how the value of mindfulness, understanding, and compassion towards horses will guide you to a truly natural and holistic form of horsemanship, one based on understanding and connection, rather than dominance. Discover how her journey in Traditional Martial Arts and the application of Eastern Philosophies combine to create the “Five Elements of Successful Horsemanship”, Breathing, Centering, Grounding, Awareness, Mindfulness, and Blending. Learn how these elements can enhance your horsemanship along with your daily life.

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This 140-page, beautifully illustrated book includes exercises, case studies, lessons in horsemanship, and the successes and failures of working with horses of many levels, ages, breeds, and temperaments. Does your horse have any undesirable behaviors that you would like to change? Read about Positive Reinforcement Training methods and how they can be used to reshape those behaviors in a safe, effective, and enjoyable manner.

This book has something for all horse lovers, whether you are an accomplished equestrian, an educated trainer, a therapy program volunteer, or brand new to horses. Order your copy today and take the first step in creating a more enjoyable, safe, trusting partnership with your equine friend.

Read the Foreword by Sharon Wilsie and reader reviews >

(Shipping to the US: $14.95 plus $6.50 shipping).

(Shipping to Canada: $14.95 plus $28.50 shipping)

 

Essential Horse Speak, $35 plus $6.50 shipping

Essential Horse Speak
Continuing the Conversation

by Sharon Wilsie

Sharon Wilsie’s first book, Horse Speak: The Equine—Human Translation Guide, broke new ground for anyone who works with horses, providing a practical system to “listen” and “talk” to horses in their language instead of expecting them to understand ours. Now Wilsie has provided the most complete guide to Horse Speak ever. Those familiar with Wilsie’s work will find novel ideas that have developed since the first book was released, and those new to Horse Speak will be supported with fundamental lessons that will allow them to start having authentic “conversations” with their horses during their very next trip to the barn. With a focus on how horse training methods in general can be improved with certain small changes in movement and mindset, Wilsie has once again created a resource of immense value across the equestrian spectrum.

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  • Solidify basic language skills—General Horse Speak fundamentals, plus new discoveries.
  • Observe the horse’s environment and movement signals—The “Chessboard of Life” and how horses negotiate it.
  • Know the Buttons and what they do—The 15 communication centers on the horse’s body, plus new connections and Conversations.
  • Understand herd dynamics and your horse’s type—Personality and energy types to assist you in understanding the role your horse is playing in his daily interactions.
  • Explore the circular nature of horse Conversations—How the Four Gs and IINN help you remember where you are in a Conversation with your horse.
  • Start the Conversation outside the box—Safe and effective ways to initiate connection and source breakthroughs from a distance and in environments other than arenas.
  • Invite the horse to come with you—Best practices for haltering, leading, and backing up in hand so it is less challenging and a more rewarding experience for both you and your horse.
  • Advance your body language at liberty and on the longe line—Keys to developing the rapport we desire with a horse by understanding his balances and imbalances on the ground.
  • Ride with a new perspective—Take all that you have learned about communicating with the horse on the ground and bring it to your shared experience in the saddle.
  • PLUS, use the one-of-a-kind Dictionary of Horse Speak to find out how to know what your horse is telling you, how to say things in reply to him, and how Horse Speak can help you fix common training and behavior problems.
  • With illuminating sections on basic handling, groundwork, and ridden work, Wilsie gives readers everything they need to improve the training techniques they already use by enhancing both horse and human understanding of the process and the goals. The result is improved behavior, enhanced performance, and a happier, healthier equine partner in whatever you choose to pursue together.

Horse Speak
The Equine-Human Translation Guide

by Sharon Wilsie and Gretchen Vogel

Horse Speak, $29.95 plus $6.50 shipping

Horse Speak, The Equine Human Translation Guide is not about a training method or technique—it outlines a practical system for “listening” and “talking” to horses in their language, instead of expecting them to comprehend ours. Horse Speak can be used by anyone who works with horses, whether a riding instructor, colt starter, recreational rider, or avid competitor. It promises improved understanding of what a horse is telling you, and provides simple replies you can use to tell him that you “hear” him, you “get it,” and you have ideas you want to share with him, too.

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The result? Time with your horse will be full of what horse trainer and equine-assisted learning instructor Sharon Wilsie of Wilsie Way Horsemanship calls Conversations, and soon the all-too-common misunderstandings that occur between horse and human will evolve into civil discussions with positive and progressive results! Learn Horse Speak in 12 easy steps; understand equine communication via breath and body language; and discover the Four Gs of Horse Speak: Greeting, Going Somewhere, Grooming, and Gone. Practice regulating your intensity, and sample dozens of ready-made Conversations with your horse, as step-by-step templates and instructional color photographs walk you through the eye-opening process of communicating on a whole new level.

Horses In Translation

Horses in Translation, $24.95, plus $5.50 shipping

by Sharon Wilsie

Full of true stories of “problems” and how they were solved using Horse Speak. Wilsie’s engaging narrative introduces readers to dozens of real-life scenarios from different barns, various disciplines, and riders and handlers with contrasting experiences and backgrounds. Wilsie highlights her Horse Speak process, the clues that point to the best course of action, and the steps she takes to connect with horses that have shut down, grown confused, or become sulky or aggressive for any number of reasons. The result is a book full of incredible insight and exciting possibilities.

 

Centered Riding Book 

Centered Riding® is an innovative way of expressing the classical principles of riding, using body awareness, centering, and imagery. Centered Riding® encompasses all seats and styles of riding. It teaches a language that allows clearer communication between horse, rider, and instructor. Centered Riding® was developed by Sally Swift, author of the best-selling book and videotapes, and is now taught by Centered Riding Instructors around the world.

Centered Riding

by Sally Swift

$32.50 plus $5.00 Shipping

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