Synopses & Reviews
This marvelous book, borne of a unique collaboration between Dr. Allen Schoena world-renowned veterinarian and authorand trainer and competitor of many years Susan Gordon, introduces the 25 Principles of Compassionate Equitation. These Principles, conceived by Dr. Schoen and Gordon, are a set of developmental guidelines, encouraging a level of personal awareness that may be enacted not only through the reader's engagement with horses, but can be extended to all humans and sentient beings he or she encounters. The 25 Principles share stories and outline current, peer-reviewed studies that identify and support methods of training, handling, and caring for horses that constitute a safe, healthy, non-stressful, and pain-free environment. Through their Compassionate Equestrian program, the authors encourage all involved in the horse industry to approach training and handling with compassion and a willingness to alleviate suffering. By developing deeper compassion for their own horses, and subsequently, all equines, equestrians transcend their differences in breed preferences, riding disciplines, and training methodologies. This leads to the ability to empathize and connect more closely with the global collective” of horses and horse people. In doing so, a worldwide community of compassionate equine practitioners and horse owners will emerge, which will not only benefit the horses: People involved with horses are found in many influential segments of society and have the potential to affect wide circles of friends, acquaintances, and co-workers from every walk of life. These are simple changes any horse person can make that can have a vast impact on the horse industry and society as a whole.
Review
“With over 60 years of combined experience in the horse industry, Schoen and Gordon offer a wealth of wisdom and insights based on science and emotive common sense that allow every rider to reach a new paradigm of caring and expanded awareness in their equestrian goals. … [A] delightful and insightful book that deserves a place on every rider’s bookshelf.”—
Canadian Horse JournalWith [co-author Susan] Gordon, Dr. Schoen illustrates 25 Principles we can each take to heart and begin to apply in pursuit of a more compassionate existence with horsesone that will not only change the way we work in the barn
but how we interact with our family, friends, colleagues, and in fact all living beings.”Hudson Valley Horsesource
This is a book for those who seek a mutually satisfying relationship with their horses. The Principles provide a road map...we should read them carefully and often.”Hilary Clayton, BVMS, PhD, Dipl. ACVSMR, MRCVS
The Compassionate Equestrian is both ahead of its time yet remarkably ancient in its wisdom and fundamental teachings. Based in art and proven modern science, the 25 Principles are a priceless collection of universal values, methods, and techniques that will greatly improve the mind and body of both horse and rider. This impactful book is loaded with valuable lifelong lessons that place compassion and empathy at their core. It will enable readers to develop and sustain meaningful, respectful, and successful partnerships with their horses.”Philip E. Richter, Treasurer, United States Equestrian Team Foundation
I would highly recommend this book for anyone who loves animalsnot just horsesand wants to gain an understanding of them on a deeper, more intimate level. The authors offer us numerous, often profound insights, through their own varied experiences and backgrounds, regarding the integration of compassion into all areas of our lives. With deeper reading, one begins to appreciate more fully, how the immutable relationship between human health, animal health, and that of our environmenta world of One Healthis the real basis for improving the life of our entire planet.”Ted Cohn, DVM, President, American Veterinary Medical Association
Dr. Allen Schoen is an innovative, compassionate, and thoughtful veterinarian whose book emphasizes the responsibilities that attend the human-equine relationship. The Compassionate Equestrian provides practical information derived from a lifetime of caring for sport and pleasure horses. Dr. Schoen has a keen eye for animal and human behavior, and his book has value for the novice and the experienced equestrian alike.”Michael Kotlikoff, VMD, PhD, Austin O. Hooey Dean, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University
Dr. Schoen is an innovator in combining conventional medicine with holistic therapies. In The Compassionate Equestrian, he charts the rise of a unique field of veterinary medicine whose foundation rests on a profound respect for all life, and specifically for horses. This is compassion in its purest form, and its revolutionary. Meticulously researched, The Compassionate Equestrian enlightens any reader on the benefits of applying sympathy and empathy to the core of all equine training and care. Practicing compassion is the essence of the bond between rider and horse, and of course between any two people.”Arriana Boardman, Member, ASPCA Board
Dr. Schoen has always lead by example, and lives a lifetime of connected joy with the horses that he treats and their owners. We will continue to benefit from his kindness and guidance through his new book, The Compassionate Equestrian. From backyard ponies to trail horses to show jumpers, its all about the horse.”Paula Kennedy, LVT, Deans Advisory Board, Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine