Why talk to a Guru? When you can whisper to a Horse: why they like it

Gareth Chick, Leading Business Development Consultant. Paul Hunting has written an extraordinary book. I read it because I was interested to know just how 'horse whispering' worked, and Paul's explanations are both logical and illuminating. The whole subject is deeper and more inspiring than I had ever imagined. However the real unexpected treat from 'Guru' is sharing such an intimate and incredibly open journey through the author's beliefs, resulting in a truly extraordinary learning. I learned things from 'Guru' that were not only unexpected but hugely intellectually and spiritually challenging.

Paul Hunting has been willing in this book to open himself and lay himself bare to a judgemental world; to share his thought processes and his own spiritual journey, revealing along the way a goliath of a modern day spiritual leader - at one turn superhuman, at the next flawed and vulnerable.

All of this comes with a wrapping of humour which is refreshingly acerbic, if at times the punning is almost too much to bear. There is also an amazing enlightenment for the reader on the works of Shakespeare and the Bible. I had always held the former in high regard, so I enjoyed Paul Hunting's shakespearian references as reminders of old and trusted friends, but I had always scorned the bible as pretty irrelevant to my life. Not any longer.

Terry Tillman, World Renown Leadership Coach, Trainer and Best-Selling Author. “This book is profound. It deserves a second reading. You'll probably want to have your highlighter in hand as you read - you'll find many deep thoughts and awarenesses you'll want to remember. Paul is onto something here. He understands that Truth (with a capital "T") is paradoxical, and can be discovered through metaphor. This is more than about horses. It's about you.”

David Rolfe, BAFTA Winning Director of ‘Silent Witness’ – Uncovering the Secrets of The Shroud of Turin

“The best exposition of the convergence of science and religion I have ever read. To all horse-lovers, and (brave) professionals in leadership it is a must. I would also recommend it to seekers of the truth everywhere.”

In any non-fiction book I plough through I tend to mark the passages that resonate, strike a chord, intrigue, impress or infuriate.  My copy of Paul Hunting’s “Why Talk to a Guru? When you can whisper to a horse.” is heavily marked up.  And not one of the selected passages is due to infuriation.

However, what did infuriate me was the fact that he had so much of the really brilliant stuff way down the order.  PH does not believe in serving the best wine first and this could deter anyone who was looking for a really classy party.  But that would be a shame because at its heart, the book is a glorious celebration of horse sense, syncretism and science.

Hunting has arrived at a lot of his thinking through working with horses and anyone in this field is going to be delighted that he has shared so many of his insights.  But the core is a tract that summarises and distils almost every instinct you have ever had about the way science, the natural world order and religion speak the same language.  Time and time again I found myself blessing him for so succinctly wrapping up a nagging thought that had occurred to me but never found a means of expression.  The sound of pennies dropping was audible to my companion as I went from paragraph to paragraph.

The question is how far this takes the average HR or training manager or CEO towards the bravery and commitment needed to put these far reaching ideas into service.  The prize, if they do, is a new work order - an order in which the natural way of things allows everyone to walk with their heads up.

To all horse-lovers, and (brave) professionals in leadership it is a must. I would also recommend it to seekers of the truth everywhere.

Dr. Paul Kaye, President MSIA Inc, Author, and World-class facilitator. “Congratulations, it's a considerable achievement. Paul's sensitivity with horses has moved and inspired me. He has woken me up to the wonder and joy of true communication.”

Dr Robbie Uniacke-O'Toole, DSS, Writer. “Be Warned. You might get an urge to fire your therapist, business consultant, or life coach and find yourself a horse. Drawing on his experience in psychology, business, and his own spiritual journey, Paul has eloquently grounded his writing in his experience of 'horse as mirror' reflecting the True Self. He issues a compelling challenge to look beyond the outer world as it is presented to us via religion, science and corporate branding and come to the greater experience of the truth within - a truth he has experienced through an equine lens.”

Aidan Duff, Author, Coach, Trainer. “For those not afraid of a challenge, Paul provides a refreshing slant on the well-chewed subject of leadership, personal development, and inner spiritual work. His love of horses shines through, like a shaft of light. His wisdom and desire to help others is clear from the outset. In writing this book -hisexperiences, his philosophy - Paul gives of himself completely. Weare invited to share hisown story, complexity, spirituality and wit (sometimes acerbic, sometimes tinder dry).Paul shares with us his own struggle andoffers, to those who respond with open hearts, a deep well from which to drawtheir own inspiration.”