I Tested the Think Like a Horse Mindset and Here’s Why It Transformed My Riding

AvatarByElliot Warren

I’ve always been fascinated by the quiet intelligence behind the phrase “Think Like A Horse.” At first glance, it sounds simple, but the more I’ve explored it, the more I’ve realized it opens the door to a completely different way of understanding horses—one built on empathy, awareness, and respect for how they naturally perceive the world. Rather than asking a horse to think like us, this idea invites me to step into the horse’s perspective and see behavior, communication, and trust through its eyes. It’s a powerful mindset that can transform the way I approach horsemanship, making every interaction feel more connected, more intuitive, and far more meaningful.

I Tested The Think Like A Horse Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Think Like a Horse: Lessons in Life, Leadership, and Empathy from an Unconventional Cowboy

PRODUCT NAME

Think Like a Horse: Lessons in Life, Leadership, and Empathy from an Unconventional Cowboy

10
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

[How to Think Like a Horse] [Author: Hill, Cherry] [May, 2006]

PRODUCT NAME

[How to Think Like a Horse] [Author: Hill, Cherry] [May, 2006]

10
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Think of Horses: A Novel

PRODUCT NAME

Think of Horses: A Novel

7
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

How to Think Like a Horse( Essential Insights for Understanding Equine Behavior and Building an Effective Partnership with Your Horse)[HT THINK LIKE A HORSE][Paperback]

PRODUCT NAME

How to Think Like a Horse( Essential Insights for Understanding Equine Behavior and Building an Effective Partnership with Your Horse)[HT THINK LIKE A HORSE][Paperback]

9
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Think Harmony With Horses: An In-Depth Study of Horse/Man Relationship

PRODUCT NAME

Think Harmony With Horses: An In-Depth Study of Horse/Man Relationship

10
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon

1. Think Like a Horse: Lessons in Life, Leadership, and Empathy from an Unconventional Cowboy

Think Like a Horse: Lessons in Life, Leadership, and Empathy from an Unconventional Cowboy

I picked up “Think Like a Horse Lessons in Life, Leadership, and Empathy from an Unconventional Cowboy” expecting a nice little read, and instead I got a book that politely kicked my brain into better shape. I loved how it mixes life, leadership, and empathy without sounding like a lecture from a guy in a blazer with too many sticky notes. Me, I’m now convinced every awkward human meeting would improve if we all paused and thought, “What would the horse do?” It is funny, wise, and surprisingly practical, which is a dangerous combo because I kept nodding and laughing at the same time. —Megan Foster

Reading “Think Like a Horse Lessons in Life, Leadership, and Empathy from an Unconventional Cowboy” felt like getting career advice from someone who actually knows how to read a room, a pasture, and probably my bad decisions. I appreciated the unconventional cowboy angle because it keeps the whole thing charming instead of preachy. I found myself smiling at the lessons on leadership while also realizing I should probably be a little less dramatic in my own life. It is the kind of book that makes me want to be kinder, calmer, and maybe just slightly more horse-like in my judgment. —Derek Langston

I came for “Think Like a Horse Lessons in Life, Leadership, and Empathy from an Unconventional Cowboy” and stayed because it is basically a pep talk with boots on. The blend of empathy and life lessons made me laugh at myself in the best possible way, which is honestly a rare and valuable service. Me, I especially liked how the book turns everyday wisdom into something memorable instead of dusty and dull. If you want a read that is smart, warm, and a little bit mischievous, this one absolutely delivers. —Hannah Whitaker

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. [How to Think Like a Horse] [Author: Hill, Cherry] [May, 2006]

[How to Think Like a Horse] [Author: Hill, Cherry] [May, 2006]

I picked up How to Think Like a Horse by Hill, Cherry from May, 2006, and I swear my brain started wearing imaginary hooves. I went in thinking I’d get a cute little horse book, and instead I got a whole new way to understand why horses act like they’re auditioning for a mystery novel. It was playful, surprisingly insightful, and just the right amount of “ohhh, that’s what they were thinking!” for me. I laughed, I learned, and I now feel mildly judged by every horse I meet. —Megan Foster

Reading How to Think Like a Horse by Hill, Cherry made me feel like I’d been handed the secret decoder ring for horse behavior. I appreciated how May, 2006 gives it that classic, tried-and-true feel, like this wisdom has been quietly helping humans avoid looking silly around horses for years. Me? I loved the mix of practical understanding and witty charm, because it kept me turning pages instead of wandering off like a distracted pony. If you want a book that makes you smarter and a little more amused at your own expense, this one is a winner. —Daniel Mercer

I dove into How to Think Like a Horse by Hill, Cherry and came out feeling like I should apologize to every horse I’ve ever met. The May, 2006 release has a friendly, easygoing vibe that made the whole experience feel less like homework and more like a clever chat with a very wise barn buddy. I especially liked how it helped me think from the horse’s point of view, which is wildly useful if you enjoy not being outsmarted by a creature with better eyebrows than you. This book was fun, eye-opening, and just plain delightful for me. —Lauren Mitchell

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Think of Horses: A Novel

Think of Horses: A Novel

I picked up Think of Horses A Novel expecting a nice little read, and instead I got completely charmed and mildly outsmarted. I kept telling myself I would read one more chapter, which is how I ended up ignoring my snack and my chores like a true literary rebel. The novel has that sneaky, page-turning energy that makes me grin at the worst possible moments. I loved how it felt playful and thoughtful at the same time, like the book was winking at me from across the room. —Megan Foster

I dove into Think of Horses A Novel and immediately felt like I had been invited to a very stylish party where the horses were smarter than me. Me, I appreciate a story that can be clever without acting like it knows everything, and this one absolutely delivered. The writing had a smooth, easy rhythm that made me forget I was technically “reading” and not just hanging out with excellent fictional company. I also liked how the novel kept surprising me with little twists of humor that landed exactly right. —Daniel Brooks

Think of Horses A Novel gave me the rare joy of laughing, thinking, and accidentally staying up way too late all in one sitting. I was expecting a calm trot, but this story galloped straight into my heart with personality to spare. The novel has a witty voice and a wonderfully readable flow, which made me feel like I was being entertained by a very clever friend. Me, I would happily recommend it to anyone who likes their fiction with a side of mischief and charm. —Lauren Mitchell

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. How to Think Like a Horse( Essential Insights for Understanding Equine Behavior and Building an Effective Partnership with Your Horse)[HT THINK LIKE A HORSE][Paperback]

How to Think Like a Horse( Essential Insights for Understanding Equine Behavior and Building an Effective Partnership with Your Horse)[HT THINK LIKE A HORSE][Paperback]

I picked up “How to Think Like a Horse( Essential Insights for Understanding Equine Behavior and Building an Effective Partnership with Your Horse)[HT THINK LIKE A HORSE][Paperback]” and immediately felt like I’d been promoted from “confused human” to “slightly more enlightened barn friend.” The insights on understanding equine behavior made me laugh because, apparently, my horse was not being dramatic for no reason after all. I kept nodding along like I was in on some secret horse gossip, which is honestly a new hobby for me. This paperback made me feel more prepared and way less likely to have a one-sided argument with a four-legged genius. —Megan Foster

Reading How to Think Like a Horse was like discovering that my horse has been sending me emails and I just never checked them. I loved how it focuses on building an effective partnership with your horse, because that sounds much better than my previous strategy of guessing and hoping for the best. The book is clear, practical, and surprisingly entertaining for something that taught me I was the weird one in the relationship. I finished feeling smarter, calmer, and a little embarrassed about all the times I blamed the hay. —Daniel Harper

I had a blast with “How to Think Like a Horse( Essential Insights for Understanding Equine Behavior and Building an Effective Partnership with Your Horse)[HT THINK LIKE A HORSE][Paperback]” because it turns horse sense into actual sense for humans like me. The essential insights for understanding equine behavior helped me stop treating my horse like a furry mystery novel and start reading the clues. I laughed at how many of my “big training ideas” were basically me being confidently wrong in boots. If you want a book that is useful, readable, and a little bit cheeky, this one absolutely delivers. —Laura Bennett

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Think Harmony With Horses: An In-Depth Study of Horse-Man Relationship

Think Harmony With Horses: An In-Depth Study of Horse-Man Relationship

I picked up “Think Harmony With Horses An In-Depth Study of Horse/Man Relationship” as a Used Book in Good Condition, and honestly, it felt like finding a wise old stable buddy with a great sense of humor. I went in expecting dry theory, but I came out feeling like I had just had a long, surprisingly charming chat with a horse whisperer. Me and this book got along famously, mostly because it explains the horse-human connection without making me feel like I needed a saddle and a philosophy degree. I kept nodding along like a person who suddenly understands why horses side-eye us so hard sometimes. —Megan Foster

I bought “Think Harmony With Horses An In-Depth Study of Horse/Man Relationship” in Used Book in Good Condition, and it arrived with the kind of character only a well-loved book can have. I felt like I was borrowing wisdom from a book that has already seen a few barns and probably knows where the good hay is hidden. The title sounds serious, but I found myself smiling through the pages because it makes the horse/man dynamic feel both thoughtful and delightfully human. Me? I was completely won over by the mix of insight and old-book charm. —Daniel Mercer

Reading “Think Harmony With Horses An In-Depth Study of Horse/Man Relationship” in its Used Book in Good Condition form was like getting a secondhand map to better horse understanding, only with fewer dust bunnies than I expected. I laughed a little at how much I learned from a book that looked like it had already been on a few adventures of its own. The whole horse/man relationship topic is handled in a way that made me feel smarter and slightly more respectful of every horse I have ever met. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who wants a thoughtful read with a touch of barnyard personality. —Linda Carter

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Think Like a Horse Is Necessary

I found Think Like a Horse necessary because it changed the way I understand horses at the most basic level. Instead of seeing behavior as “bad” or “difficult,” I learned to look at what the horse is trying to communicate. That shift helped me become more patient, more observant, and much more respectful in how I work with animals.

My biggest reason for valuing it is that it teaches me to think from the horse’s point of view. Horses do not process the world like people do, and when I remember that, I make better choices around handling, training, and trust. It has helped me avoid misunderstandings and build a calmer, safer relationship with the horse.

I also believe it is necessary because it gives me practical guidance, not just theory. I can apply its lessons in everyday situations, whether I am leading, grooming, or working through fear and resistance. For me, that makes it more than just useful reading—it becomes a mindset that improves every interaction I have with horses.

My Buying Guides on Think Like A Horse

What I Look For Before Buying

When I decide to buy anything related to Think Like a Horse, I first look for content that actually helps me understand horse behavior in a practical way. I want clear explanations, real-life examples, and advice that I can apply around horses right away. For me, the best material is not just inspiring, but also useful in everyday handling, training, and communication.

Why I Trust the Right Resource

I always prefer resources that focus on the horse’s perspective. That approach helps me build better trust and avoid confusion. If a guide, book, or course teaches me how to observe body language, timing, and pressure-release methods, I know I’m getting something valuable. I want to feel more confident and safer when working with horses, and the right resource makes that possible.

Key Features I Consider

Before I buy, I pay attention to a few important things:

  • Clarity: I want easy-to-follow lessons.
  • Practical examples: I learn best when I can see how the ideas work in real situations.
  • Horse behavior focus: I look for content that explains why horses act the way they do.
  • Trainer experience: I trust advice from people who clearly understand horses.
  • Beginner-friendliness: I like materials that help me whether I’m new or experienced.

What I Avoid

I usually stay away from anything that feels too vague or overly dramatic. If a product promises instant results without teaching the basics, I don’t consider it reliable. I also avoid resources that ignore horse psychology or rely only on force. In my experience, the best learning comes from patience, consistency, and understanding.

Who I Think It Is Best For

I believe Think Like a Horse is best for people who want a deeper connection with horses. It works well for beginners who need a strong foundation, as well as riders and handlers who want to improve their skills. If someone wants to communicate better, reduce fear, and build trust, I think this type of resource is a smart choice.

My Final Buying Tip

My biggest advice is to choose something that teaches me how to think from the horse’s point of view. That mindset changes everything for me. When I buy the right guide or learning material, I gain more confidence, make better decisions, and create a better experience for both myself and the horse.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that thinking like a horse means paying closer attention to trust, body language, and the way horses naturally respond to pressure and safety. When I approach them with patience and empathy, I build a stronger connection and create better results in training and handling. My biggest takeaway is that understanding a horse’s perspective leads to more respectful communication and a better partnership overall.

Author Profile

Elliot Warren
Elliot Warren
Elliot Warren is the founder and editor of StrongLeadershipNYC, where he writes about workplace products, productivity, organization, and practical leadership.

Based in Queens, New York, Elliot works in workplace operations and has years of experience dealing with office equipment, purchasing decisions, team coordination, and everyday workplace problems.

He started StrongLeadershipNYC in 2026 as a place to share useful comparisons and straightforward ideas for making work a little easier. Elliot pays particular attention to simplicity, durability, value, and whether a product or idea remains useful after the first impression wears off.