When it comes to horse training, the name “Professor” Jesse Beery often emerges from the annals of equestrian history, carrying with it a legacy of both remarkable success and heated debate. For horse owners grappling with challenging behaviors, from shying and kicking to balking and halter pulling, Prof Beery’s horse training books have been touted for over a century as a definitive guide to understanding the equine mind. But in an age of natural horsemanship and science-backed methodologies, do these classic manuals still hold their ground, or are they simply relics of a bygone era?
This article delves into the world of Professor Beery, exploring the core principles of his celebrated “Illustrated Course in Horse Training.” We’ll examine the man behind the methods, the psychology that underpins his techniques, and whether his approach to solving common horse problems is a valuable tool for the modern equestrian or a controversial chapter best left in the past.
Who Was Professor Jesse Beery?
Professor Jesse Beery was not an academic in the traditional sense, but he earned his title through an unparalleled understanding of equine psychology and behavior in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Hailing from Ohio, Beery built his reputation as a “horse tamer” who could successfully reform the most difficult and dangerous horses—animals that others had deemed untrainable. His fame grew from his incredible ability to transform so-called “vicious” horses into willing and reliable partners.
Frustrated by the often cruel and ineffective methods prevalent at the time, Beery dedicated himself to developing a more logical and humane system. He believed that bad behavior in horses stemmed not from malice, but from fear, misunderstanding, or a lack of clear leadership. In 1905, he founded the Beery School of Horsemanship, a correspondence course designed to share his knowledge with horsemen across the country. This mail-order system, which formed the basis of Prof Beery’s horse training books, made his revolutionary ideas accessible to thousands, cementing his status as a pioneer in the field.
The Core Principles of Beery’s Training Philosophy
At the heart of Beery’s method was a simple yet profound idea: to control a horse, you must first understand its mind. He was one of the first trainers to systematically categorize horses by their temperament, identifying three main types: nervous, stubborn, and tricky. He argued that the training approach must be tailored to the horse’s specific disposition.
“To be a successful horse trainer, you must first learn the nature of the colt you are handling,” Beery wrote. This foundational concept—that a one-size-fits-all approach is doomed to fail—was truly ahead of its time.
His system was built on a few key pillars:
- Establish Dominance: Beery taught that the trainer must assert themselves as the herd leader in a way the horse understands. This was not about brute force, but about clear, consistent communication and control.
- Use Leverage, Not Strength: Many of his techniques and custom-designed tools, like the “Beery Bit,” were based on applying pressure in a strategic way that made it easier for the human to control the horse without engaging in a physical battle.
- Build Confidence Through Understanding: By addressing the root cause of a horse’s fear or resistance, Beery aimed to replace bad habits with new, positive associations. He believed in correcting a horse firmly but fairly, and then immediately rewarding the desired behavior.
A Look Inside Prof Beery’s Horse Training Books
The “Illustrated Course in Horse Training” is a collection of eight manuals that function as a comprehensive curriculum. Each book tackles a specific set of challenges, guiding the reader from foundational principles to advanced problem-solving. While the language and illustrations are undeniably of their time, the logical progression of the lessons remains impressive.
The course systematically breaks down how to handle dozens of common vices. For almost any problem a horse owner could face, Beery had a specific, step-by-step solution.
What Problems Do the Books Address?
The genius of Beery’s course lies in its practical, problem-oriented structure. It provided clear, actionable advice for issues that plagued horsemen of his day and continue to challenge equestrians today. Some of the key problems addressed include:
- Haltering and Bridling: Techniques for handling head-shy horses that resist being bridled.
- Kicking, Striking, and Biting: Step-by-step methods to safely and effectively stop dangerous, aggressive behaviors.
- Shying and Spooking: A systematic approach to desensitizing a nervous horse to frightening objects and situations.
- Running Away and Bolting: How to regain control of a horse that has learned to ignore the rider’s aids.
- Balking and Refusing to Move: Clever strategies to outwit a stubborn horse that plants its feet and refuses to go forward.
- Trailer Loading Issues: While not designed for modern trailers, the principles for teaching a horse to enter a strange space are still relevant.
An infographic comparing the old methods of Prof Beery's horse training books with modern natural horsemanship techniques.
Are Beery’s Methods Still Relevant and Humane Today?
This is the most critical question for the modern equestrian considering Prof Beery’s horse training books. While his focus on psychology was groundbreaking, some of his specific techniques and equipment are viewed as harsh by today’s standards. The use of war bridles, pulley systems, and methods designed to physically restrain a horse until it submits can be controversial.
Dr. Sarah Miller, a contemporary equine behaviorist, offers a balanced perspective: “We have to view Beery’s work through a historical lens. Compared to the ‘brute force’ methods of his time, his approach was a significant step forward. He was trying to find a language the horse could understand. However, our understanding of learning theory and equine ethology has advanced significantly. We now have tools like positive reinforcement and clicker training that can achieve the same goals with less stress on the animal.”
The Modern Perspective on a Classic Method
Many modern trainers agree that while the “how” of Beery’s methods may be outdated, the “why” is often still valid. His uncanny ability to analyze a problem from the horse’s point of view is a skill all equestrians should strive for.
Here’s how to bridge the gap between Beery’s wisdom and modern best practices:
- Adopt the Principles, Adapt the Techniques: Embrace Beery’s core idea of understanding the horse’s temperament and the root cause of its behavior. However, instead of using his mechanical devices, apply modern, less confrontational techniques based on pressure-and-release or positive reinforcement to achieve the desired outcome.
- Focus on the Diagnostic Value: Use the books as a diagnostic tool. Beery was a master at identifying why a horse was misbehaving. His detailed descriptions of various vices can help you become a more astute observer of equine body language and behavior.
- Acknowledge the Shift in the Human-Horse Relationship: Beery’s world was one where horses were primarily tools for work and transportation. Today, most horses are companions and athletic partners. Our training goals have shifted from simple compliance to building a willing partnership, which requires a more collaborative approach.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where can I find Prof Beery’s horse training books?
The original correspondence course is no longer in print, but reprinted versions of the eight-book set and consolidated volumes are widely available online through retailers like Amazon, eBay, and specialized horse book websites. Digital PDF versions can also be found for download.
Are the methods in the books difficult to apply?
Beery wrote his course for the average horse owner, not professional trainers. The instructions are designed to be clear and are accompanied by detailed illustrations. However, some of the techniques require precise timing, confidence, and a good feel for a horse, which can be challenging for a novice.
Is this a good resource for a beginner horse owner?
For a complete beginner, starting with modern horsemanship resources that emphasize safety and positive reinforcement is recommended. Prof Beery’s horse training books are better suited for experienced horse owners who can critically evaluate the methods and adapt the underlying principles to fit a modern, humane training philosophy.
How do Beery’s methods compare to natural horsemanship?
There are many parallels. Both Beery and modern natural horsemanship pioneers emphasize understanding the horse’s mind, using clear communication, and working with the horse’s natural instincts. The primary difference lies in the application; natural horsemanship generally avoids the more forceful and mechanical tools and techniques advocated by Beery, favoring groundwork and subtler cues.
Did Professor Beery invent any special equipment?
Yes, he was a prolific inventor of training tack. He designed several specialized tools, including the Beery Pulley Bridle, the Beery Crupper, and his famous Four-Way Beery Bit, all engineered to give the handler mechanical leverage to control a difficult horse. The use of this equipment is one of the more controversial aspects of his system today.
Final Thoughts: A Valuable Piece of History
Prof Beery’s horse training books represent a fascinating and important milestone in the evolution of equestrian thought. They offer a direct window into the mind of a man who possessed a profound and intuitive connection with horses. While the equestrian world has, for the most part, moved on to gentler and more scientifically-backed methods, the fundamental wisdom within these pages should not be dismissed.
For the thoughtful horseman, Beery’s work is not a strict training manual to be followed to the letter, but rather a rich historical resource. It teaches us to be better problem-solvers, to look for the root cause of a horse’s behavior, and to appreciate the timeless art of understanding the equine mind. By studying his principles—if not always his practices—we can add another layer of depth to our own horsemanship journey.
