Whispers and Lies?
I think you can tell from the cover itself, that this author is prejudiced against "horse whisperer" Monty Roberts. In this book, she takes some mistakes, that can be made by any trainer, especially over a career of many years, and villifies a man that is highly esteemed by thousands. With horses there is always a degree of unpredictability in their actions. In this book, Ms. Ristau makes mountains out of molehills of any acts of less than perfection of the trainer, not taking that fact of unpredictability into consideration.
She sites a mistake, and each mistake is carefully dissected, to make this "Horse Listener" as the man describes himself, look both foolish, and without the knowledge needed to be a professional trainer. If Ms. Ristau had researched her material, before writing this book, she may have reached a different conclusion. To me, the book sounded more opinionated, than dealing with actual facts.
I was curious to read this book, as I have read many other books about Mr. Roberts, which gave glowing reviews. He has received numerous awards for his achievements.
It makes me wonder why this woman chose to write a book condemning a man for his kindness to horses, and being one of the first to be recognized as a "natural" trainer.
I would not recommend this book to anyone. It gives a very distorted view. Try looking up Monty Roberts from other sources, and make the desision for yourself, as to whether Ms, Rauter gave a correct summation. Don't buy this book until reading other sources, and then read this book, if you choose to waste your money on it.
