Although he looked like the "cowboy next door", Tom's been profiled in People magazine and has been called the "patron saint of horses" by the New York Times.  Horse owners from around the world have looked to Tom for his kinder, gentler, much-proven technique of training horses.  

This book is a collection of essays and stories, which not only reflect the admiration and respect for Tom Dorrance, but also give clues and direction to the many people who really want to develop their horsemanship skills. You will find knowledgeable horse people from many disciplines and a wide variety of experience sharing their ‘aha’ moments. Talking about how, despite many a struggle, with Toms’ guidance and with their own practice and determination, they could make incredible breakthroughs in understanding and communication with the horse. Tom was very protective of his work, his way with horses. This was not from a selfish point of view. He wanted a person to get it right. He didn’t want the horse to suffer because of any misunderstanding and so he tried to help anyone he could and he would encourage you to observe and compare. If you were prepared to work at things he was always there for you.   We want to extend our gratitude to all the contributors to this book. This has been a labor of love and a personal dream for us to collate all these stories and anecdotes that go to show the real Tom Dorrance, More than a Horseman.   We truly believe that the contents of this book will help a person not only with their horses but also with their life. - Margaret Dorrance and John Saint Ryan www.tomdorrance.com    www.johnsaintryan.com

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It seems to go in pieces.  That's how it seems to go even for a horse.  There's "time" in there; it's just as well not to crowd the horse if he isn't ready for it.  You keep offering, trying to help as much as you can, without troubling him too much about it.  Then, there will be a day when it will just clear right up.  - TD  

(photo taken 8-27-79 Elko, Nevada Ray Hunt & Tom Dorrance clinic)
 

Listen to the horse.  Try to find out what the horse is trying to tell you. All we are trying to do is fix things up to where he can find them; then it's the horse's idea. - TD  

(Tom is saddling a stallion "Pic Remedy" with an English saddle. Year 1990.)
 

Tom in his 80's on a 3-year-old filly with dog Flipper.

Tom in Battle Mountain, Nevada at Wilson Ranch.  circa 1984-1985
(photo taken by Mary Branscomb, Lamoille, Nev.)

The best thing I try to do for myself is to try to listen to the horse.  I don't mean let him take over.  I listen to how he's operating: what he's understanding or what he doesn't understand: what's bothering him and what isn't bothering him.  I try to feel what the horse is feeling and operate from where the horse is. - TD

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