For Anyone That Loves Horses With Guest: Joe Camp, Author of "The Soul Of A Horse: Life Lessons from the Herd." Original Air Date: 02-20-2009

1

When Joe and Kathleen Camp became horse owners they began learning how to take care of horses from a more horse-centered perspective that honors the horse's natural history and allows the horse itself, more choice in how the relationship with a human transpires. These techniques are often very different from the traditional, status quo practices of horsemanship used throughout history that seem to generate from the owner's requirements. Joe Camp, will share his story of how, by approaching horsemanship from the horse's needs and point of view, the horses follow his commands quicker, more effectively, and enable and secure a long lasting bond and relationship that is built on trust, love and safety.

2

Joe Camp and Benji.
(Photo by Tony Denim)

3

Benji looking sad that she was not mentioned in Joe's new book very much.
(Photo by Tony Denim)

4

Joe, Kathleen and friend, well-known western singer-songwriter Red Steagall going on a trail ride. One such ride started the whole journey.
(Photo by Sarah Purifoy)

5

Cash, an 11 year old Arabian horse, the Star of "The Soul of a Horse."
(Photo by Joe Camp)

6

Kathleen Camp the Co-star of "The Soul of a Horse" riding her horse, Skeeter.
(Photo by Joe Camp)

7

Meeting Monty Roberts changed how the Camp's would relate to horses forever. Here Monty Roberts is working with Mouse, an abused and starved filly that made her very fearful. 10 minutes with Monty worked wonders. Joe and Kathleen adopted Mouse on that very same day.
(Photo by Andy Weber)

8

Joe in Monty Roberts round pen at his Flag Is Up Farms, doing a "Join-Up".
(Photo by Andy Weber)

9

A relationship was built that profoundly affected Joe.
(Photo of book cover taken by Kathleen Camp)

10

Scribbles, one of the herd.
(Photo by Joe Camp)

11

Kathleen working with Sojourn.
(Photo by Joe Camp)

12

A large herd of wild horses.

13

An artist's drawing of the "middle horse" named Mesohippus that lived about 37-32 million years ago. Fossils of Mesohippus are found at many Oligocene localities in Colorado and the Great Plains of the U.S and Canada.

14

Wild horses running free.

15

We wear shoes to protect our feet but do horses need the same protection? This photo is not one of Joe Camp nor any of his horses.

16

New and old horseshoes.

17

Horseshoes are nailed on to horses hooves.

18

You can clearly see the shoes on this jumping horse. Can horses successfully compete without wearing shoes?

19

What it looks like. A photo of Cash's front left foot - barefoot!
(Photo by Joe Camp)

20

A photo of Cash's right front foot.
(Photo by Joe Camp)

21

The answer is yes, horses can and do compete barefoot. Here, Tracy Gallagher on barefoot, That's Alright in the 2008 Balmoral Grand Prix in Ireland clearing a 1.40 meter jump. They placed 7th overall.
(Photo from Barefoot Champions page on Joe's website, www.soulofahorse.com)

22

Chance, a 10-year-old quarter horse, is a member of the Houston Mounted Patrol, all of which are winners every day and all 36 are barefoot.
(Photo from Barefoot Champions page on Joe's website, www.soulofahorse.com)

23

Scribbles, also barefoot, in Joe and Kathleen's natural pasture. It's very rocky and Scribbles does just fine.
(Photo by Joe Camp)

24

There is no doubt, many horse owners love their horses and want to take good care of them.

25

A horse in a stall. What are some of the negative aspects of horses spending large amounts of time standing in their stalls?

26

A herd of wild horses grazing, naturally eating from ground level.

27

Does the close proximity of these horses give them the companionship they need?

28

Scribbles, Pocket, Cash, Mariah and Handsome in Joe and Kathleen's natural pasture. This replicates as closely as possible how the horses would live if they were in the wild.
(Photo by Joe Camp)

29

The herd gathers around and keeps guard over those horses who are resting and sleeping. A horse needs to be able to lie completely down on it's side in order to get the required REM sleep that cannot happen when standing up.

30

Two horses interacting. Why do horses need the company of other horses?

31

Joe gets a kiss from Cash.
(Photo by Kathleen Camp)

32

Joe moderates a jealousy dispute between dog and horse.
(Photo by Kathleen Camp)

33

This horse has a typical bridle with a bit (the metal bar that sits against a bone in the horses mouth. There are bitless bridles one can buy for horses. See Joes' website page, "One Good Reason to Go Bitless" for an explanation of the negative consequences of bits.

34

Cash smiles for a treat
(Photo by Joe Camp)

34

"Discovering the mysteries of the horse is a never-ending journey, but the rewards are an elixir." From "The Soul Of A Horse" by Joe Camp.

35

The book, "The Soul of a Horse" hopes to encourage changes even small ones, that can lead to longer, happier and heathier lives for all horses.

Joe Camp, film writer, producer, and director, author, passionate speaker, and the man behind the canine superstar Benji, is an animal lover and advocate for increasing awareness of animal issues including adoption and the proper care of horses. He has become one of the nation's most respected and most inspirational voices for responsibility in the media. Joe believes that anything is possible if you work hard enough and have faith in yourself. He was told by industry experts not to bother with the original Benji film; that it wouldn't work. He proved the experts wrong and now he's at it again with his new best selling bookThe Soul of a Horse, published by the Crown/Harmony imprint of Random House.

Joe Camp's Website To Order the book

Additional Resources