The BNH Book Review: "Think Like a Horse"

“Think Like a Horse: Lessons in Life, Leadership, and Empathy from an Unconventional Cowboy”
by Grant Golliher
2022/Putnam
$28/260 pages

When Wyoming rancher and horseman Grant Golliher brings corporate clients to his historic Diamond Cross Ranch for team-building experiences, execs are often amazed that he can take a horse from terrified to saddle-worthy in a short time. During that process, as they stand aside to watch, Golliher teaches corporate teams that getting cooperation from an equine is a lot like getting it from a human.

People and horses need many of the same things to succeed, he says. “Trust, patience, firmness, kindness and respect” are essential, no matter how many legs your friends stand on. And “if you don’t believe in a horse—or a person, for that matter—you shouldn’t be working with him in the first place.”

In his new book, “Think Like a Horse: Lessons in Life, Leadership, and Empathy from an Unconventional Cowboy,” Golliher says the best way to deal with human and horse is by “trying to put yourself inside the experience of another.” Know what they dislike, what motivates them and what makes them comfortable enough to trust. If you’re surprised by their actions, you weren’t paying enough attention.

Readers who are looking specifically for help getting the most out of life with co-workers, employees, kids, neighbors or students will quickly see that they’re in the right arena.