Secrets of the Horse

Equine behavior specialist Shelby Dennis challenges traditional horse training with a science-backed, force-free approach that builds trust and partnership between horse and rider, debunking myths and exploring the deeper behavior and communication of horses.

Secrets of the Horse is a groundbreaking guide for anyone seeking a deeper, more compassionate connection with their horse. Shelby Dennis challenges outdated training methods and misconceptions, offering a fresh, science-backed approach that prioritizes mutual understanding and trust between horse and rider. By placing horse behavior in the context of natural instincts and emotional intelligence, Dennis dismantles the long-held dominance theory, emphasizing the importance of observing and interpreting a horse’s behavior in real-world settings — not just during training sessions. This book is a call for an overhaul of modern horse training, pushing for a shift from force-based tactics to approaches grounded in empathy, patience, and partnership.

Dennis delves into her own experience of the intersections between neurodivergence and interspecies communication, revealing how understanding these dynamics has transformed the way she approaches horses. She explores how ego death plays a critical role in one’s training mindset and why horses think and communicate differently from humans. Secrets of the Horse also provides invaluable insights into the subtleties of horse body language, calming signals, displacement behaviors, and stress cues — tools that empower riders to recognize when a horse is overwhelmed, uncomfortable, or in need of support. With practical advice and thought-provoking ideas, Dennis offers an innovative new road map for the next generation of horse enthusiasts.