Beyond the Dream Horse: A Revealing Perspective on Attaining a True Relationship Paperback – October 1, 2010

Beyond the Dream Horse is a moving first person account of one man's journey onto a different path with horses, a path of authentic relationship without dominance, force, or pain to control the horse, and without "training" in the usual sense. The author shares one true story after another of the encounters with horses that led to moments of insight and forever changed his perception and interactions with these highly intelligent and noble beings.The greatest struggle for me in writing this review was how many stars to give Beyond the Dream Horse. Certainly I would urge everyone involved with horses to read this book. It is extremely rare to find writing with such a horse-oriented perspective and open-hearted attitude. But, in theory, a 5-star rating implies that a book couldn't be better... and, in my opinion, this book *could* be more wonderful than it already is. Nevertheless, I gave it the full complement of stars because of the subject matter -- an authentic relationship with horses -- and point of view. As one reviewer noted, "Beyond the Dream Horse" has a 5-star message. However, the book as a whole leaves me wanting more.What more do I want? Well, for one thing, photos. "Beyond the Dream Horse" would have been greatly enhanced by the inclusion of photos of the horses who share the author's life, and his daily interactions with them.And, I think the book would have benefitted greatly from some empathetic editing. A good editor might have encouraged the author to go deeper into certain of the stories and into some aspects of relationship with horses. At the very least, good editing would have improved the readability of this work.My hope is that there will be a future edition of this book, with photos !!!, and that we will have more works from this gifted horseman and talented writer.

This is a very interesting book for true lovers of equines. Mr Bevilacqua sets out to show the reader that there are other ways of being with horses apart from the traditional one. All those who have become disenchanted with the current horse training systems, either traditional or those based on Natural Horsemanship (NH) will find many simple ideas that work, at least for me and other people I know.This is by no means a "how to" book, rather it invites the reader to think laterally and most of all to do away with the rubbish that, sadly, those involved with horses tend to repeat amongst themselves. It is an invitation to view the world from the viewpoint of the equine and question whether we are doing all we possibly can to promote their physical and spiritual wellbing. Having a totally submissive equine, in a state of "learned helplessness", using a horse as an alternative to a quad bike, or as a vehicle with which to gain prizes (in order to promote one's self-esteem) comes in for some well-argued criticism. We learn in this book, if we didn't already know it, that horses have so much more to offer.Mr Bevilacqua details his extensive background with horses and recounts honestly the difficulties and failures. There then follows a section on the work of the Nevzorovs in Russia, who manage to produce wonderfully fit and collected horses without gadgets and, even more astounding, without bits in their mouths; in itself this is enough to intrigue, or perhaps infuriate, traditional dressage riders. After this is a truly brilliant and generalised examination of all the NH methods with which we are all so familiar.A "must-read" for both experienced horse people, and those just setting out.

As a new horse owner, I found myself wandering in the maze of all the training methods and approaches available today. None of them spoke to me ... none of them spoke to my heart. Until now. Yet, the author does not describe an approach or a method. Instead, he shares an entirely different way of being with horses. Michael Bevilaqua truly loves horses and candidly shares his many experiences of feeling and thinking differently about standard horse training. He heard what the horses were saying to him and found that it is possible to have a relationship based on mutual trust and love - to share a unique language. This book tells the story of how he left behind the old ways and set out on a new path, without force, bridles, pressure of any kind, dominance, or restraint. Having ultimately found his way to Nevzorov Haute Ecole (NHE) and becoming the School's Worldwide Representative, he clears up common misunderstandings about NHE, its research, and its unique way of being with horses. Michael's writing is clear, open, honest, and heartfelt. Novice or old hand, if you have horses in your life, you owe it to them to read this book.

Very beautiful book which describes a relationship between horse and human. I strongly recommend for people who want to have their own horse and wish to give him a good home and achieve deep friendship. This book will not tell you how to win competition, how to make horse perform things what you want.... This book will tell you how to obtain horse heart and soul. It gives you completely different view of horses it reminds the most important thing - living being was not created to be used but to be loved. So you will not read how to use your horse but how to love him just for the way he is and that friendship is not a kind of training - no one can train your horse to love you. Decision is up on you, what you wish, love and friendship of your horse? If so, this book is exactly for you.

A life changing enhancing book for all of us who are curious about our relationships with our horses and ourselves!!!!! And know deep inside that there is so much more !!! Thank you!

This book came at a time when I was struggling about such issues as horsemanship, At Liberty, the use of the whips, halters and ropes. It was enlightening to see how Michael Bevilacqua transitioned through all the hard questions about horses and humans and if we are doing the right thing making them be with us, making them "suitable" to ridden and all the other lines of thinking about the domesticated horse. I commend him on his wisdom. Well written book but I felt somewhat sad to think he isn't actively working now for the welfair of the horses but rather has receded into the background and lives with his horses. We need people like him to influence others in any way we can to treat horses as sentient beings that have a voice and so much to offer without being ridden.

Dans ce livre l'auteur décrit son parcours vers Nevzorov Haute Ecole (NHE) dont il est un des représentants. Le livre devient au fil des pages une plaquette promotionnelle de NHE. Pour les personnes intéressées par cette approche du cheval, il est préférable sans doute de lire l'ouvrage d'Alexander Nevzorov lui même.

Enfin une vision VRAIMENT humaniste de notre relation aux chevaux. Je recommande chaudement à qui souhaite ouvrir un peu plus sa conscience...

Never arrived but judging by the second book It was a good job.