Cutting (Western Horseman Books)

One of the most attractive features of this well-organized, beautifully-illustrated, clearly-written text is simply the feel of the book. Harrell writes about his horses like a man who loves them. His training methods are geared toward getting the most out of a horse, and making the horse enjoy it. He describes cutting as an exciting yet friendly sport, and when he advises the rookie cutter to ask for help from the best riders at a competition, the reader gets the feeling that anyone who asked Harrell for help would get all they needed. He describes his great horses (Smart Date, Nu Bar, Fizzabar, and the rest) with real respect and affection, and when he casually remarks, "I thought the world of [Fizzabar] and the mare thought quite a bit of me" the reader understands why.

Leon Harrell has made a fine career of training horses. He is especially good with the spooky, sensitive ones. After reading this book it is easy to understand why. Leon Harrell is an admirable trainer. He's clearly not too shabby as a man, either. If I am ever in Texas with a young cutting horse, I know who I'll call for advice.