Tom Roberts was an iconic horseman from early South Australia. This book is in two parts, the first tells the story of his life with horses, drawing on recollections from people who knew him personally. The second part takes a look at why Tom's work with horses and riders was so effective, and how the lessons are just as important and relevant today.
Balancing new scientific research with his practical horse-training experience, author Andrew McLean debunks long-standing myths about horses and presents a far-reaching, totally humane method of horse training. He starts by recognizing vast differences between equine and human brains and mental processes. He describes the traditional trainerï¿1/2s mistake of judging horses according to the standards of docile or good horse and bad-tempered or mean horse. The horseï¿1/2s brain cannot make abstract judgments about ï¿1/2goodï¿1/2 or ï¿1/2badï¿1/2 behavior, but readily responds to conditioning by trainers who understand the equine brain, the instincts that drive it, and a horseï¿1/2s way of knowing the world. The author emphasizes that by training a horse according to a set of consistent responses that coincide with equine instincts, horse owners can avoid undesirable horse behavior. He offers a training program and amplifies on it with enlightening case studies. Here is must-reading for every current and prospective horse owner and rider. More than 300 color photos.
Tom was born with Asperger (or Asperger's) Syndrome, a form of Autism that affects both mental and physical development. He changed from a happy, achieving nine-year-old to an uncommunicative adolescent requiring psychiatric treatment after years of bullying by his peers because he was different. A minor shoplifting offence and the resulting court case brought the psychiatrist's report to the attention of Tom's parents. Failing to recognise bullying as a probable cause for Tom's behaviour it blamed instead his parents for "poor understanding of their son's limitations, consequently they have placed unrealistic expectations upon him leading to his deep sense of failure." Very alarmed by this, the parents were further disturbed on being refused a meeting with the psychiatrist to discuss their concerns, a major result of which was the mother's decision to write this book. Written as a series of letters (mainly fictional to highlight the author's frustrations) to Tom's psychiatrist, Dear Psychiatrist is Jennie Robert's perspective on her son's case history; a perspective that details not only the difficulties that Tom suffered through his handicap, but also the extra (and perhaps more disabling) difficulties imposed by the bullying and the unhelpful attitudes encountered from some members of the teaching, medical, psychological and psychiatric professions. This intensely moving mother's account of the childhood and adolescence of her handicapped son is a must read for those working with special needs children and their families, or for parents in the same position as the author. Having first-hand experience, Jennie Roberts recognises that parents should be considered a valuable and indeed, vital source of information when any sort of discussion about their child takes place. In her Foreword, Baroness Warnock's concluding hope is that "The book should be compulsory reading for anyone entering training whether as a teacher, doctor, social worker, psychologist or psychiatrist". It is no less an essential source of support for parents who are having difficulties with the professional help they have received. These sentiments are given poignant endorsement by the tragic circumstance of Tom's suicide in November 1994, his final letter making it clear that his unhappy school experience was a major contributory factor. Read the Foreword by Baroness Mary Warnock here. Read the Introduction here.
In Are You Hungry, Dear?, Doris takes her signature line from the show and makes it her own in a book that pairs hilarious episodes and dramatic turning points from her fascinating life with delicious recipes from her own card file. She shares the lessons learned in two marriages and numerous love affairs, her struggles with her own family, and her heroic efforts to build a career and raise a son on her own. Readers who love tough, feisty, judg-mental Marie Barone will see how Doris is all that and more: tough, sweet, brave, direct, and vibrant. Readers will embrace the un-for-get-table life of this very open star, and relate to the issues-like ageism in Hollywood, sex in the senior years, or her daughter-in-law's imperfect meat sauce-Doris cares about passionately.
The principles of Academic Horse Training apply to all horses and all training. Developed over decades by Australians Dr Andrew and Manuela McLean, and combining a unique mix of zoology, psychology, elite level competition experience and international coaching, this revolutionary work is the first ever horse training system that is evidence-based (founded on objective, scientific research rather than opinion) and therefore ethical (conflict-free), sustainable (works for all horses) and efficient (accelerates learning to optimal levels). This book is an essential addition to the knowledge base of anyone interested in training their horse more humanely. The evidence-based principles are proven and are used successfully by elite competitors through to pleasure riders throughout the world. Professionally produced and presented by Nicki Stuart, student of Academic Horse Training, equestrian journalist and coach. This beautifully designed, full colour book, stands apart from any other horse training resource.
Selected by Today as a book "to ease kids’ anxiety about coronavirus.” We all need hope. Humans have an extraordinary capacity to battle through adversity, but only if they have something to cling onto: a belief or hope that maybe, one day, things will be better. This idea sparked The Great Realization. Sharing the truths we may find hard to tell but also celebrating the things—from simple acts of kindness and finding joy in everyday activities, to the creativity within us all—that have brought us together during lockdown, it gives us hope in this time of global crisis. Written for his younger brother and sister in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Tomos Roberts’s heartfelt poem is as timely as it is timeless. Its message of hope and resilience, of rebirth and renewal, has captured the hearts of children and adults all over the globe—and the glimpse it offers of a fairer, kinder, more sustainable world continues to inspire thousands every day. With Tomos Roberts’s heartfelt poem and beautiful illustrations by award-winning artist Nomoco, The Great Realization is a profound work, at once striking and reassuring, reminding readers young and old that in the face of adversity there are still dreams to be dreamt and kindnesses to be shared and hope. There is still hope. We now call it The Great Realization and, yes, since then there have been many. But that’s the story of how it started . . . and why hindsight’s 2020.
Celebrate the real reason for the season with Santa as he takes time from a busy Christmas Eve to pause and offer a prayer to the Lord. On Christmas Eve, a brother and sister stroll through their town, excitedly discussing the gifts they hope to find under the tree. Then they suddenly spy Santa quietly slipping into the church. They follow him inside, where they witness his humble prayer at the altar crèche and hear his greatest holiday wish: that children understand that Jesus is the focus at Christmas . . . and always.
The first book in Tarryn Fisher's fan-favorite Love Me with Lies trilogy, The Opportunist is the twisty, unconventional second-chance love story you didn't see coming! When Olivia Kaspen spots her ex-boyfriend in a Miami record shop, she ignores good sense and approaches him. It’s been three years since their breakup, but when Caleb reveals he’s suffering from amnesia after a recent car accident, first she feels regret—and then opportunity. If he doesn't remember her, then he also doesn’t remember her manipulation, her deceit, or the horrible way she broke his heart. Seeing a chance to reunite with Caleb, she keeps their past, and the details around the implosion of their relationship, a secret. Wrestling to keep her true identity and their sordid history under wraps, Olivia’s greatest obstacle is Caleb’s wicked new girlfriend, Leah, who's equally determined to possess the man who no longer remembers her. But soon Olivia must face the consequences of her lies, and in the process discover that sometimes love falls short of redemption.
