The Arabian Art of Taming and Training Wild & Vicious Horses — A Closer Reading

Gentling Through Gradual Exposure

The method hinges on accustoming the horse to each new sensation in small increments. When mounting, the trainer is advised to stand on a block, lean weight into the stirrup, and raise himself “a little higher from the block” repeatedly before fully mounting. The authors list three advantages: gentling the horse to the rider’s new position overhead, accustoming it to weight gradually, and avoiding a sudden spring. They claim that with these precautions “there is no horse so wild, but what you can mount him without making him jump.” The same principle applies to the bit and saddle—each is introduced slowly so the horse never feels a sudden shock.

The Block as a Tool for Trust

A simple wooden block becomes a central piece of equipment. The authors argue that a sudden change of position frightens a young horse; crawling toward it on hands and knees, for instance, will scare it. The block elevates the trainer so the horse sees him in the riding position before any weight is applied. This technique also allows the horse to stand “without holding” during mounting—a sign, the authors say, of “assurance of confidence, and absence of fear.” The block thus transforms mounting from a struggle into a cooperative act.

Riding Without Resistance

Once mounted, the rider is told to speak kindly and avoid kicking. To start, pull the horse’s head gently to the left; to stop a jump or bolt, pull the head around against the side—this “will prevent any horse from jumping ahead, rearing up, or running away.” The authors recommend walking the colt in the stable for an hour or two, getting on and off repeatedly, before venturing outside. They warn that outside the horse may feel “a little more at liberty to jump or run,” so the rider should keep a short hold on the left rein. Martingales are discouraged on a colt.

Readers should note that the excerpts cover only the introductory and early training sections. The full text likely extends to handling more advanced vices and specific diseases. The authors’ repeated emphasis on patience and the horse’s confidence—rather than on force—gives the manual a distinctive tone. Those interested in historical animal training or the philosophy of gentling will find a clear, practical system rooted in observation.

It’s funny how some books stay with you, not for the story, but for the quiet trust they describe—that slow, patient meeting of two souls. I felt that reading about the Arab horsemen, and again with Followers of the Trail — Text and Context. It reminded me of the same gentleness, just in a different landscape. I’ve been thinking about both ever since.