Book Review: "The Soul of a Horse" by Joe Camp
Posted: Tuesday, January 11, 2011
by Dianne Lehmann
Artisan Jewelry from SyZyGy
I've read this book twice and will probably read it again … and again. It is written by Joe Camp, best known for theBenji series of movies. He came to horses late in his life, much as I have, and has embraced them wholly with both his mind and spirit. He brings a good understanding of horses to us as he has for dogs. Many people have written books about how to understand your horse or how to understand what you horse is trying to tell you. Camp, by the simple example of his experiences, communicates more of this than I have found in all the other books that I have read on the topic. But of course, I haven't read them all.
Interspersed within the chapters is a book-within-a-book about a young Native American and his wild stallion. This secondary story is romantic and yet illustrative of the major points that Camp makes. But do not think that this is a text book, dry and boring with many lessons and points to be made. It is told with the same flair for entertaining that has made the Benji movies such successes.
He dedicates his book twice; once at the beginning and once at the end. The first dedication is poignant and speaks to me about why I love being with horses so much: "Often, in the early evening, when the stresses of the day are weighing heavy, I pack it in and head out to the pasture. I'll sit on my favorite rock, or just stand, with my shoulders slumped, head down, and wait. It's never long before I feel the magical tickle of whiskers against my neck, the elixir of warm breath across my ear, a restoring rub against my cheek. I have spoken their language and they have responded. And my problems have vanished. This book is for everyone who has never experienced this miracle."
Camp offers up many practical bits of knowledge and advice along with his notes about how he relates to his horses. One that particularly sticks with me is a story about hitching posts; the "cute" kind, as he calls them, where the top rail sticks out past the supporting posts. Apparently horses get their lead ropes and reins tangle up on the sticking out part quite regularly and then generally have a fit when the ropes or reins get too short. They pull back and rear and become sincerely afraid. So he sawed all the appendages off of his hitching rails for an end to the problem and wonders why others do not do the same. The answer he says is because they are not nearly so cute that way. He notes that we think too much like humans when caring for our horses instead of thinking like horses. I'm happy to say that the hitching rail where I ride does not have any appendages of any sort.
His approach to relating to horses could be said to be somewhat New Age. At least that is the impression I have received. For this reason, it's my thought that more traditional "cowboys" and "cowgirls" will find much of this book not to their liking. There are still a few horsemen and horsewomen where I live that think the bit needs to do all your talking for you and that the harsher the better. My thinking is that if you are going to put a piece of metal in your horse's mouth, you absolutely do not want it to hurt him in any way. Like Camp, I believe that good communication springs from mutual trust and respect. Not pain and fear.
Camp's portrayal of and understanding of horses eloquently shows us just how amazing and gracious and beautiful they really are. Even if you never imagined yourself in a relationship with a horse before, after reading his book you might just find yourself wishing you were in one right now. For myself, I only wish that I may go to my relationships with horses with at least a tenth of the wisdom, insight and love that Camp brings to his. If you are thinking of asking a horse (or horses) to live with you, this is an absolute must read.
Joe Camp (born April 20, 1939) is the writer, director and producer of all five theatrical Benji films and various television programs. Camp spends a lot of time speaking around the country on behalf of children, homeless pets and recently on the proper care for horses. He lives with his wife, Kathleen, and three stepchildren, five dogs (including Benji), two cats, and seven horses in Valley Center, California.
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Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)Great book review - you gave us meaty "snap shots" to draw us in to reading this author!Hi Marijo.
Thanks! But really it's just my passion for the subject and the book coming through. Do give it a read if you get the chance. I bet you would enjoy it.
Thanks for stopping by!
Hugs,
Dianne
Great article. I used to watch Benji. It's always good to know that successes have so many different avenues. The book is an excellent read I'm sure if you intriguing to read over and over. Horses are the best.Hi James.
It actually took me quite a while to write the review because I kept reading large parts of the book. :) And yes! Horses are the best! Get out there and get active with them again. I think you'd be happy you did. :)
Thanks for reading!
Hugs,
Dianne
Dianne, I shall have to saddle this up and give it a ride.Hi Bing.
I think you will really enjoy the book. You know, I had no idea how well a book review might be received. I'm surprised that so many have read it.
Thanks for reading!
Hugs,
Dianne
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