Book Description
In Dancing with Your Dark Horse, Chris Irwin, world-renowned as one of the most successful horse whisperers in North America, further explores the intriguing spiritual connection he has discovered between human and equine nature. Based on his more than twenty years of working with, training, and observing horses, Irwin explains how the characteristics necessary to building good relationships with horses can in turn be used to establish a positive balance between mind, body, and spirit in our own lives. Dancing with Your Dark Horse will help readers see that horses have a great deal to teach us about how to live happier, healthier, and more balanced lives.
Customer Reviews:
Good ideas and insights.......2007-09-25
Interesting ideas linked with inisghts into Chris Irwins personal life, trials & tribulations. Very readable.
Super-Natural Shaman.......2007-06-11
I can see how some might view this work as a book of Chris Irwin excuses. He bares his soul for the world to see, so when one only skims the surface and avoids going deeper, it appears shallow.
I was so impressed with this book that I immediately went on line to Chris's website and bought every single one of his traing DVD's (I train horses for living and I am always looking for ways to better communicate with them). It is so rare to find a person who connects to the horse the way he does. Yes, he's made mistakes, but I don't know anyone who hasn't. And, not once, did I read anywhere in the book, where he said that it was ok that he beat on Stella. He simply pointed out the events and his frame of mind that lead up to his unraveling.
This book touched my heart in ways I have never had a book do before. Chris is a "Super-Natural" Horseman (read the book and you'll understand the super-natural vs. natural horsemanship), who shares with the reader his path to hell and how he made it out. He's not a showman, or a salesman, he's a horseman on a shaman's path.
Namaste
Well written book of excuses.......2006-09-13
Chris Irwin wrote this book after beating a mare named Stella at a demonstration. He'd been working hard and shouldn't have accepted the invitation that day; he had been pushing himself too hard. The manager of the event set him up by sending three mares that didn't pasture together into the arena, and a fight broke out between the horses. Chris fueled the fire by reacting to the situation and beating Stella after getting the other two mares out of the ring. He nearly ruined his career as a result. And this book of excuses is his attempt at finding a silver lining in that situation.
If you want to hear about how Chris' life has unravelled... how a young man his age has been married four times in his attempts to overcome his dysfunctional childhood, then this story may peak your interest.
If you want to see a picture of Chris skiing, and a photo of Chris teaching his son to ride a bike, and a photo of Chris playing guitar and singing at a wedding, and a photo of Chris in his cowboy cocaine days in the 80's, and a photo of Chris when he was 15 on the rowing team in high school and won the championship -- then this is the dark horse book for you.
Every photo is "Chris this" or "Chris that" -- and most of the photos don't relate to the text. It felt egotistically motivated, and I began to realize that Chris' dark horse is his insecurity -- and he hasn't conquered it yet.
I'm very interested in learning about the spiritual connection between humans and horses; but this wasn't the book for me.
I respect everything that Chris Irwin has accomplished in his career, but he needs to forgive himself and stop making excuses, before he can stop dancing with his dark horse.
Be preprared for introspection and self-analysis.......2006-05-21
Well known clinician, Chris Irwin, met his match in Stella, a dark mare who refused to play games. She challenged Chris, forced him to decide what was most important to him, and then Chris, in the form of this book, shares his lessons with us.
Unlike most of the other books I've read, Mr. Irwin calls it as he sees it. He doesn't sugar coat the truth, that "natural horsemanship" is an oxymornon (there's nothing natural about putting saddle and bridle on the horse and forcing it to go counter to its natural instincts which tell it to flee), that somebody has to be the better horse, the boss, and that horses provide a mirror for our thoughts and fears. He provides food for the brain, stuff to think about, and in sharing his story, he brings the knowledge he's gained to others.
I found this book to be very thought-provoking. I find myself thinking about my relationship with my horse in a completely different light. Could it be my inner fears (of falling off, getting hurt again) are mirrored in her flighty nature? Perhaps by facing my own shadow self, my dark horse, that it will help our relationship? Mr. Irwin, through his prose, seems to think so.
I recommend this book for anyone seriously pursuing a relationship with their horse. From backyard ponies to professional trainers and riders, anyone can benefit from the information in this horse. And if you don't even own a horse, but am looking for a little soul searching, I'm going to recommend this book too. It is an amazing piece of work, and I am looking forward to reading Mr. Irwin's other titles.
Irene Adler, Nicole Wallace and...Stella?.......2006-02-07
Some have called Chris Irwin the Dr. Phil of equines. I guess I have always kind of thought of him as an equine profiler. His tremendous instinct for and knowledge of horse psychology is what makes him such an observant trainer and teacher. His second book opens with a humbling tale of a mare that brought him to his knees so to speak. A mare named Stella that bedeviled this excellent horse whisperer and sent him scrambling out of the round pen without his composure. Now if Mr.Irwin were a fictional character I would imagine Stella the mare would occasionally turn up at future clinics when he least expects her. Appearing once or twice in his videos and books. Squaring off with him in the tradition of Sherlock Holme's Irene or Bobby Goren's Nicole. But Stella is real and she forced Irwin to look hard at himself as a person and a horseman. That introspection weaves in and out of the theme of this book. Irwin's personal stories are combined with valuable training and riding advice. Probably some of the best guidance out there for equestrians. What I appreciated most about this book was the fact that spirituality and personal development were never ignored in the pursuit of excellent horsemanship. In fact it's vital. Read this book and discover how horses can aid you on your journey toward being true to yourself,toward healing, toward personal and professional achievement and better relationships. Someday I hope to have the great good fortune and privilege to ride in one of Mr. Irwin's clinics. Until then I have his book on my shelf as I strive to become worthy of my horse.
Book Description
Kate Solisti-Mattelon has proven herself to be a talented and objective translator of what animals have to say. Here, she introduces readers to the horse not only as archetype, but also as a living, thinking being with very definite inclinations. With her telepathic facility, she listens and transcribes the answers to such questions as "Do horses like to be ridden?," "Does a horse mind being kept in a stall?," "Are stallions the leaders of the herd?," and "How did it come about that horses and humans have formed such a significant bond?" The answers - sometimes surprising and always delightful - bring humans to a closer understanding of this majestic creature.
Customer Reviews:
A beautiful message.......2007-04-14
Conversations with horse is a great launching pad for a new exploration, not of what we have to teach horses but of what horses have to teach us. Those of us who try to really listen to our horses won't find a lot of new information, but will feel comforted and understood. Those of us who have been too scared to listen and let go of our weak methods of control like bits and stalls might get a gentle jostle to look closer. If you don't buy into animal communication, you probably will find this book to be paper thin. If you do accept animal communication this book with be as rich as a wedding cake. This book isn't about individual horse behavior or training, it is about connecting with the Great Mystery that is behind it all, where we and the horse can experience oneness.
Think outside the box . . ........2006-12-02
While this is a small book, don't be fooled. It is not a quick read, neither is it trivial nor shallow. However, the average "horse person" will probably dismiss it as New Age airy-fairy baloney as it requires one to THINK. Remember: the number of years one associates with horses does not necessarily equate to knowledge or experience . . . there is a much bigger realm than the average mind recognizes. This book delves into the wider universe of co-existence as opposed to domination. It is not a how-to book about horses. It's a how-to book about life.
What a load of old rubbish.......2006-11-11
but then if she's psychic she probably already knows what I think of her. Save your money and buy a good book on horse behaviour
Good for the city kids.......2004-05-18
I was incredibly disappointed by this book. Of course, I have ridden, bred and trained horses since I was 10 years old. However, any fool who has every been around horses should have figured out everything Ms Solisti-Mattelon has to say in this book. That said, there are a lot o fools out there, so I'm sure there is a place for this book. Just don't expect great insight.
You thought you've read them all..........2003-08-06
Just when you thought you've read all the "horse whisperer" books out there. This one finds me. I thought this would be the same as all the others: herd behavior, flight instinct. etc. etc. Well it was, and it wasn't. There were insightful, reassuring methods and so many things that I have never thought about. This book is full of wit and humor and reading it seems to float on a cloud...that may not make sense, but it will once you read it. It's like the whole world is resting on that pretty white pony's back and he's just sleeping and you can hear him thinking. It's amazing. Kate is the greatest.
Book Description
"Animals are a joy and a delight to communicate with,” states author Anita Curtis. “They are so open and honest, willing to freely give unconditional love and ask for so little in return. In Animal Wisdom: How To Communicate With Animals, she relates wonderful tales gathered from years in private practice as an animal communicator. In this book is a moving story about a horse who longed to have a baby, a dog that helped solve a crime, and a cat who sent a comforting message beyond the grave to its human companions.
In the last section are easy-to-follow exercises that will help readers develop the skills to communicate with their pets. The health benefits of human/animal relationships are well known. This unique, funny and useful book helps ignorant humans to better understand the remarkable creatures that enrich our lives so much.
Book Description
In Conversations with Cat, professional animal communicator Kate Solisti-Mattelon poses some of life's most challenging questions to our feline friends and the cat's responses offer surprising insights into the spiritual, physical, and mental awareness of our feline companions. Cat people will chuckle at the cats' sometimes wry but tremendously touching answers to questions regarding matters practical and profound, such as:
Why do you deliberately sit on the laps of guests who "hate" cats?
Because it's fun to make them squirm.
What is the most important thing we can learn from cat?
Detached love.
Why do so many of you go off by yourselves to die?
Dying is a dance, and God is our partner.
This is not a cat-care manual. It is a tool for understanding. The cats in your life can be valuable teachers, especially if you can begin to follow their example of detached love in your human and animal relationships.
Conversations with Cat is filled with inspiration and feline wisdom that provides answers on how you can enhance your intimate connection with these beautiful creatures. It is a must-read for anyone who enjoys life in the company of cats.
Customer Reviews:
For the cat lovers of the world!.......2007-08-23
As a cat lover myself, I have marveled at the ways of cats and how they seem to instinctively know what I'm thinking and how I'm feeling. This fact alone was enough to draw me to this book. The other draw was that the picture on the front of the book looks exactly like my best friend of 17 years, Spike, who I lost just a couple of years ago. How could I not read it with him looking at me!!
"Conversations with Cat, an uncommon catalog of feline wisdom" was a quick read. This book is full of questions cat fanciers are curious about. Self described professional animal communicator, Kate Solisti-Mattelon poses the question, "What is it about this little animal that brings out such extreme emotions in human beings?" referring to cats who, throughout history, have inspired artists, writers, poets, and composers alike.
The answers, some humorous especially for those of us who are owned by a cat (or three), others informative, are provided by the "Council of Felines" to the author, through what she describes as a "higher group of consciousness of all cats" so that she gets the big picture as opposed to individual feline opinions. She receives these answers in the form of a spiritual connection, or "divine Consciousness" she describes as a language of the heart. Kate describes herself as a vehicle for this information.
"Conversations with Cat" took me less than a day to read. I found it entertaining as well as informative, though it left me wanting more. The information was interesting, but I felt as if I already knew most of it .... but then I've been having my own conversations with the cats who have owned me since I was a young girl - mostly one sided! I did have all three of my cats sitting at a distance, watching me read this book. I think they approved!
I recommend this book to all cat lovers. It is one that fits in proudly with the rest of my cat book collection!
-1smileycat :-)
Conversations With Cat.......2006-03-09
Cat lovers everywhere need to know the answers found in this delightful read. Our felines themselves responde to our most common questions about why they do what they do through Kate's master interpretation of their thoughts. Their responses resonated true in my heart; and each time I picked up the book, my own sweet cat was in my face purring his approval at my choice of reading! Well worth buying!
GREAT BOOK-IF YOU LOVE CATS IT IS FOR YOU!.......2004-01-23
VERY INSIGHTFUL. CATS AND OTHER ANIMALS ARE TRYING SO HARD TO CONNECT AND TEACH US ABOUT OURSELVES. THIS BOOK IS A QUICK READ. I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN.
Book Description
In Conversations with Dog, professional animal communicator Kate Solisti-Mattelon poses some of life's most intriguing questions to our canine friends. Dogs kindly spell it out with responses that offer insights into the spiritual, physical, and mental awareness of our canine friends. Read their tremendously touching and insightful answers to questions about matters practical and profound, such as:
Why do I love you more than most humans in my life? We are uncomplicated.
Why do you chase cats? If it acts like prey, we have to act as predator.
How do you tolerate cruelty and mistreatment and still respond with unconditional love? We can't help it.
This is not a dog-care manual. It is a tool for understanding. The dogs in your life can be valuable teachers.
Conversations with Dog is filled with inspiration and canine wisdom that will enhance your intimate connection with these beautiful creatures. It is a must-read for anyone who enjoys life in the company of dogs.
Customer Reviews:
If you love dogs, this is a must read!.......2007-02-12
This book provides wonderful insight into dog behavior, how dogs think, the purpose of dogs in our lives. I loved it!
Barbara Graham, Cloverdale, CA
wonderful read.......2007-01-05
I read this book within a couple of days. It is very insightful and inspirational .
Dog Whisperer 101.......2005-05-06
I think this is a great book in learning how to understand how your dog thinks. Imagine sitting down and having a conversation with your special companion; what would you ask him or her? This book gives the basics on what those human questions and canine answers might be. It goes beyond that theorizing that if we learn to treat our dog friends right the lessons will expand to relationships with people.
I plan on reading it again and also visiting the website:www.AKinshipwithAnimals.com.
Short and invaluable to all dog owners.
Sorry I bought this book.......2004-08-09
I had to put 1 star because there is no -10 stars that I could put. This book is not what I expected, I'm wondering if this is a joke book instead of something that is supposed to be taken seriously. I am sorry I spent my time and money purchasing this book.
The Tao of Dog.......2001-02-03
This is a sweet book! The wisdom, love, and gentle guidance of the canine species (and the special touch of author and animal communicator Kate Solisti-Mattelon) will amaze and enlighten you. I laughed, cried, and was challenged to try to deeply understand these marvelous beings who have graciously chosen to throw their lot in with the human race. The questions are from real people, and the answers are from the heart and soul of dog. And they make so much sense! In "Conversations," dog provides answers from the mundane (Does it feel good to wag your tail?), to the practical (What is the easiest way to train you?), to the metaphysical (Where do you go when you die?). Here you'll find everything you ever wondered about dogs, and more than a few things you never even thought to ask. Now I look at my own dog with renewed respect, and find that our relationship is growing more special every day. Thanks, Kate, for reminding me who he really is, and helping me appreciate the great gift of love he brings to my life. No doubt about it, anyone who's ever been owned by a dog is guaranteed to love this book.
Customer Reviews:
Elegant Glassware of the Depression Era.......2007-08-13
I found this book very interesting and was able to identify glassware not found in other books. Great for reference, good pictures and more glass makers.
Great Book.
Elegant Glassware of the Depression Era.......2007-07-24
I was already familiar with the publication, so I knew what to expect. That's why I purchased it.
This book has already paid for its self........2006-11-07
This book is a little large to be carrying around, however I still do carry it to places that I already know will have the pattern I am looking for.
The forward describes "Elegant" glassware as handmade and acid etched glassware that was sold by department and jewelry stores during the Depression era through the 1950's, differentiating it from the dime store and giveaway glass that has become known as Depression glass. The word "Elegant" has become "official" nomenclature among today's dealers for designating handmade glass.
It is well organized with the glass patterns in alphabetical order and the prices in columns by color of glass. Most of the pictures are color and have good enough definition to identify what you are looking at. There are a contents by pattern and a contents by company.
Book Description
This eleventh edition holds more than 100 new photographs, listings, and updated values. Featured is the handmade and acid-etched glassware that was sold in department and jewelry stores from the Depression era through the 1950s, not the dimestore and giveaway items known as Depression glass. As always, glassware authorities Gene and Cathy Florence have added many new discoveries, 12 additional patterns, and re-photographed many items from the previous books. Large group settings are included for each of the more than 100 patterns, as well as close-ups to show pattern details. The famous glassmakers presented include Fenton, Cambridge, Heisey, Tiffin, Imperial, Duncan Miller, U.S. Glass, and Paden City. The Florences provide a list of all known pieces, with colors and measurements, along with 2005 values. AUTHORBIO: A collector since childhood, Gene Florence's hobby of buying and selling glassware turned into a full-time career. First writing a book on Depression Glass, Florence has gone on to author many popular glassware titles including books on Depression Glass; Occupied Japan Collectibles; Kitchen Glassware; Very Rare Glassware; 40s, 50s, 60s Glassware;Elegant Glassware; Stemware; Glassware Pattern Identification; Anchor Hocking's Fire-King; Glass Candlesticks; and Salt Pepper Shakers.
Customer Reviews:
Only rating the shipper........2006-07-04
The shipment arrived very very fast, the book stinks but that is not the shippers problem.
This book has already paid for its self........2005-03-08
This book is a little large to be carrying around, however I still do carry it to places that I already know will have the pattern I am looking for.
The forward describes "Elegant" glassware as handmade and acid etched glassware that was sold by department and jewelry stores during the Depression era through the 1950's, differentiating it from the dime store and giveaway glass that has become known as Depression glass. The word "Elegant" has become "official" nomenclature among today's dealers for designating handmade glass.
It is well organized with the glass patterns in alphabetical order and the prices in columns by color of glass. Most of the pictures are color and have good enough definition to identify what you are looking at. There are a contents by pattern and a contents by company.
Book Description
Hundreds of new photos, listings and updated values. Handmade and acid-etched glassware sold in department and jewelry stores are featured. Included are 10 additional patterns and re-photographed items from previous books. Large group settings are included for each of the more than 100 patterns, as well as close-ups to show pattern details. Fenton, Cambridge, Heisey, Tiffin, Imperial, Duncan Miller, U.S. Glass, and Paden City are all included. 2003 values. AUTHORBIO: A collector since childhood, Gene Florence's hobby of buying and selling glassware turned into a full-time career. First writing a book on Depression Glass, Florence has gone on to author many popular glassware titles including books on Depression Glass; Occupied Japan Collectibles; Kitchen Glassware; Very Rare Glassware; 40s, 50s, 60s Glassware;Elegant Glassware; Stemware; Glassware Pattern Identification; Anchor Hocking's Fire-King; Glass Candlesticks; and Salt Pepper Shakers. REVIEW: Written by America's top authority on Depression glass, this book features the handmade and acid-etched glassware that was sold in department and jewelry stores from the Depression era through the 1950s, not the dimestore give-away glass known as Depression glass. Gene Florence has added many new finds, as always, once again making this one of Collector Books' bestselling glassware titles. -John Alvey
Customer Reviews:
This book has already paid for its self........2004-11-05
This book is a little large to be carrying around, however I still do carry it to places that I already know will have the pattern I am looking for.
The forward describes "Elegant" glassware as handmade and acid etched glassware that was sold by department and jewelry stores during the Depression era through the 1950's, differentiating it from the dime store and giveaway glass that has become known as Depression glass. The word "Elegant" has become "official" nomenclature among today's dealers for designating handmade glass.
It is well organized with the glass patterns in alphabetical order and the prices in columns by color of glass. Most of the pictures are color and have good enough definition to identify what you are looking at. There is a contents by pattern and a contents by company.
Elegant Glassware of the Depression Era.......2002-10-12
This is a beautiful book. Mr. Florence out-did himself with this one! It is so easy to read, is laid out so beautifully, the information is complete and the photography is outstanding. I respect Gene Florence's expertise and would make this my "Bible" for information on Elegant Glassware.
Customer Reviews:
This book has already paid for its self........2006-02-03
This book is a little large to be carrying around, however I still do carry it to places that I already know will have the pattern I am looking for.
The forward describes "Elegant" glassware as handmade and acid etched glassware that was sold by department and jewelry stores during the Depression era through the 1950's, differentiating it from the dime store and giveaway glass that has become known as Depression glass. The word "Elegant" has become "official" nomenclature among today's dealers for designating handmade glass.
It is well organized with the glass patterns in alphabetical order and the prices in columns by color of glass. Most of the pictures are color and have good enough definition to identify what you are looking at. There are a contents by pattern and a contents by company.
Book Description
Gene Florence is America's foremost authority on collectible glassware made from the 1920s through the 1970s. As always, Florence has totally revised his Elegant Glassware of the Depression Era to present this new eighth edition. He has added many new discoveries, several new patterns, and re-photographed over 50 percent of the previous book.
Customer Reviews:
a thing of beauty,.......2002-09-07
gene florence , any of his books are concise and show the items in a clear picture . he presents the items along with the current prices . all of genes books as is this one , are lovely to look at and very informative, giving a lot of joy.
Beautiful Book.......2002-08-18
Orginally purchased for my mother, I purchased it also after looking through it. The original reason for the book was to attempt to id some etched glass, the glass was not in the book, but it was worth it anyway. Beautiful photos, good writing, I saw pieces I had not known exsited. Who knew that such elegant depression glass was out there! I would not recommend it for the "flea market" or "yard sale" groupie, one of his Collectors Encyclopedias may work better, but it is still a very nice book and well worth it if you collect or deal in higher end depression glass.
Great guide to inform and direct you !.......2002-04-05
This is another fave of mine from Gene Florence!He sure knows what he is writing about!!!This book is loaded with color photos of many different types of depression glass.I never realized how many patterns,and companies,there were out there!!!He also is very thorough about listing what pieces were in what colors and the values for each color.
Overall a fantastic book!
Best of the Best.......2001-08-11
I have a number of collector books, including Elegant Glassware of the Depression Era : Identification and Value Guide (8th Ed)by Gene Florence. Gene Florence books are my favorite by far. This book is very well formatted. It is loaded with clear pictures that are helpful in pattern identification, informative text, and has easy-to-use pricing guides. The book indexes the glassware by pattern name and by manufacturer.
Whether you are a novice collector or "expert", I am sure you will find this book to be very helpful. Gene Florence's down-to-earth presentation of glassware is refreshing and practical!
This book has already paid for its self........2001-05-02
This book is a little large to be carrying around, however I still do carry it to places that I already know will have the pattern I am looking for.
The forward describes "Elegant" glassware as handmade and acid etched glassware that was sold by department and jewelry stores during the Depression era through the 1950's, differentiating it from the dime store and giveaway glass that has become known as Depression glass. The word "Elegant" has become "official" nomenclature among today's dealers for designating handmade glass.
It is well organized with the glass patterns in alphabetical order and the prices in columns by color of glass. Most of the pictures are color and have good enough definition to identify what you are looking at. There is a contents by pattern and a contents by company.
Books:
- Dinosaurs Big and Small (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science, Stage 1)
- Do Lemmings Commit Suicide?: Beautiful Hypotheses and Ugly Facts
- Dog Anatomy: A Pictorial Approach to Canine Structure
- Dog Friendly Gardens, Garden Friendly Dogs
- Dogs, Diet, & Disease: An Owner's Guide to Diabetes Mellitus, Pancreatitis, Cushing's Disease, & More
- Dwarf Rabbits (Complete Pet Owner's Manuals)
- Dwarf Rabbits (Complete Pet Owner's Manuals)
- Evolving Eden: An Illustrated Guide to the Evolution of the African Large Mammal Fauna
- Finnish Cookbook (International Cookbook Series)
- French Bulldogs (Complete Pet Owner's Manual)
Books Index
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Personal Transformation
| Self-Help
| Health, Mind & Body
| Subjects
| Books
Horses Don't Lie: What Horses Teach Us About Our Natural Capacity for Awareness, Confidence, Courage, and Trust
It's Not About the Horse
Riding Between the Worlds: Expanding Our Potential Through the Way of the Horse
The Tao of Equus: A Woman's Journey of Healing and Transformation through the Way of the Horse
Horse Sense and the Human Heart
