This fascinating book details the work of whisperers, gentlers, rough-riders, charlatans and showmen over many centuries together with the methods of present-day masters, like Monty Roberts, whose studied approach to horse psychology and communication have questioned the traditions of the last few thousand years and brought a new understanding to the art of breaking horses. The book traces man's involvement with the domestication and training of the horse from its origins in South Turkestan around 8,000 years ago to the present day. It examines the evolution of horse breaking methods across a diversity of cultures and looks at the folklore, mythology and mysticism that built up around those with the knowledge and ability to tame and handle this most revered of animals.