5 comments about The Nature of Horses.

1. I was not disappointed with this book. Very professionally written about what makes horses do what they do. It is not based on opinions but on scientific facts and observations. After reading it, you know more about why a horse spooks, is claustrophobic, is herd bound, etc. The more you know, the more you understand how to deal with your horses because you understand better why they behave that way. I recommend this book for anyone serious about learning the nature of horses.



2. My only regret about this book is that it is too short! The author writes in a way that is both informative and easy to read, pulling together many resources to attempt to provide a comprehensive and objective look at the horse, its evolution and relationship with humans.
   
   I particularly enjoyed the sections on the horse's domestication and horse genetics. The discussion of the way in which horse 'breeds' have been brought into existence and the various motivations for breeders to proceed with 'closed studbooks' while espousing the notion that they are breeding a horse suitable for a particular purpose.
   
   But there is much more. The story of the horse is expanded with explainations of anatomy and physiology and how these have affected the horse's evolution and interactions with man. How a horse's digestive system affects its size, ability to prosper on poor grazing and performance for instance, or why the absolute speed of horses, and indeed other quadrupeds, is determined by their physiology.
   
   I enjoyed this thoroughly and intend to not only read it all again but check out many of the references provided on some of the topics.



3. As a rider, trainer, and avid reader of equine literature, I can say assuredly that this is a "must read" for anyone serious about truly understanding why horses behave the way they do. It debunks many of the long standing myths that are so oft repeated in the horse world. Budiansky also gives us some history behind the human-horse relationship. Enjoyable to read, and has added to the relationship I have with my horses.



4. Overall, this was a great book, but there were several drawbacks. The author writes in a very scientific way, and puts so much information into one paragraph-long sentence that, having no time in the middle to pause and recollect and sort what you have read, in some places it was very difficult to understand. Because of this, several chapters were very slow reads for me. The author also employs the use of many large, scientific words, and I found myself constantly running for my dictionary. Although this did present a problem in some cases, the book very educational and i feel all the wiser for my persevering through it. If you have the time and patience to go through it slowly, it is well worth the money.



5. The Nature of Horses is an excellent book to begin to understand your horse. This book takes a scientific approach to various aspects of horse physiology and psychology. The book is presented in an objective voice with scientific experiments to back up the content.

   Before one can begin to correct or train their horse, this book is a must. It is an excellent resource in the journey to understanding horses.

2 comments about Jumping Problems Solved.

1. This book is excellent for anyone that has a problem with their horse jumping, whether in competition or at home or pony club. It gives detailed information, photos and also grid layout for almost every issue you may ever have with your horse.
   
   Plus there are excellent tips on how to make your jump off fast and accurate - who would not want that in a competition! Winners are grinners.
   
   This book is also a must for any SJ/XC instructor - Highly recommended!
   
   Jenna



2. Absolutely fantastic book. I use grid work with all my horses and this book definitely has the answer to 99% of most problems. Easy format to read and understand, excellent illustrations, A Keeper! I will not lend out this book, it is too important to me!

5 comments about The Complete Guide to Dwarf Seahorses in the Aquarium (Complete Guide).

1. I bought this book as a resource to address whether I wanted to keep a seahorse aquarium. The book is neatly organized and the pictures are glossy and bright. They are really the highlight of the book. The material is presented with simple language that appeals to those just starting this hobby. There is very little technical information: Aquarium design, filtration, or ecological considerations, so that is why I gave it an average rating. This book provides a nice overview of seahorses but you will need to consult more comprehensive sources if this is to become a serious hobby. Respectfully submitted, K.



2. This book was amazing! I have purchased many books on seahorses and yours was the most knowledgeable and understanding with great tips. Thank you so much!



3. This book is a nice, thorough, easy to understand, reference for the beginner. Short, well-organized with pictures. Not very detailed for the experienced marine aquariest.



4. I'm so glad this book is available and it will be a regularly referenced book in my library. I missed having an illustration that showed the anatomy of seahorses, however, when I was looking at one of my new dwarf seahorses anal fin yesterday, thinking it was a parasite (doh). I had to get on the internet to see an anatomy illustration. There are lots of photos of healthy seahorses, but none of what diseases look like, etc. (Although there is one of hydroids). There are no photos of tank set-ups either. I guess mainly it's the illustrations that are lacking in my opinion. But, lots of kudos & thanks to Alisa Abbott for her research and for sharing it with us, saving us from the things she learned the hard way.



5. This touches all the bases. Very informational, but easy to read. If you want to own dwarf seahorses, get and read this book BEFORE you buy them! I wish I had!

5 comments about The Rosetta Bone: The Key to Communication Between Humans and Canines (Howell Dog Book of Distinction).

1. This book raised my consciousness about the two way communication between dog and owner. It doesn't give many step by step directions about training but that can be found in reference books at the end of the book. Perhaps understanding the relatiionship with our pets is a bigger step before attempting specific training. I found myself much more sensitive to my dog after reading this.



2. This was a superb book. It confirmed so many things I knew about dogs...the very same things I had a difficult time convincing "expert" trainers about! It also taught me quite a few things by clarifying the subtle differences between several canine messages, by explaining the different behaviors of certain breeds of dogs, and by clearing up the issues of common misinformation.
   
   This is a beautifully structured book. I was comfortable enough to read straight through it in two sittings. The sidebar exercises were fun and informative. The gentle training methods used in this book work with the dog's natural behaviors, easing stress on both species. Not to be forgotten, the book was a lot of fun, too.
   
   Included in the index is a nice resource section packed with websites, mailing addresses, and telephone numbers of noteworthy organizations. There are even sections in the book that touch briefly on canine massage techniques and the possibility of telepathic communication with dogs. Chapter 12 deals solely with various events and competitions dogs can enter and enjoy.
   
   This is a great book for anyone interested in strengthening the bond they share with their canine companion(s).



3. It's an awesome book. Very interesting and informational.



4. This is a perfectly wonderful book to give to not only those that already have a great relationship with their dog and want to further their knowledge of canine-human communication, but also to those that would like to know how to develop one. I've always wanted to find "just the right book" I could share with people I've come across that have very little or no idea how to properly relate to their dog(s)- WITHOUT offending or boring them. This book is it! It has a catchy title that doesn't scream "ho-hum instruction manual", and it's written in a unique style that is a natural page turner, packed with interesting anecdotes as well as well-researched information that gives rise to amazing insights. Thousands of dogs will be healthier and happier for their owners to have read this gem of a book.



5. The Rosetta Bone is the best dog training, dog communication, human/pet love stories book I have ever read (and I have a shelf full to which I often refer). Learning to read my dogs' body language and gaining an awareness of how they read mine, has opened a new dimension of fun and sharing in our relationship. They and I are more responsive to each other and take more joy in the time we spend together each day. This book is a must read for the person acquiring their first dog, experiencing behavior problems with a current animal, or wanting to communicate with their dog on a deeper level. Cheryl Smith's insights into how dogs communicate (top dogs give a disdainful look--they don't jerk misbehavig subordinates or roll them on their back) turns training into play time and enhances the dog's life with its people. Thanks to the Rosetta Bone the time I spend with my dogs is more relaxed and joyful. Thanks Cheryl Smith--you've done the dog loving world a great favor with this great book!

5 comments about The Complete Book of Foaling: An Illustrated Guide for the Foaling Attendant (Howell Reference Books).

1. Was expecting my first 2 foals this year and needed help to know what to
   expect and do. Very imformative though I never got to use any of it as both my mares delivered quietly and safely on their own. I missed it! :-(



2. I have been meaning to write this review for a year. Last year my foal did not get enough oxygen and could not suck. This book explained *exactly* what this was and how to deal with it. It was only on a couple of pages, but it was precisely what I needed to know. My foal could have died due to my ignorance, and as far as I am concerned, this booked saved his life. Today he is a big beautiful yearling and his new owner adores him.
   
   Now I recommend this book to everyone on my horse list. The least I can do is write a good review for the author.



3. This was our first foal and after reading this book we expected the worst. Fortunately, we put to use some things we learned from the book and we have a beautiful new addition to our farm. However, reading about everything that could go wrong did not accentuate the positive. The illustrations are in black and white and there are not enough of them and they are often not clear enough.



4. As far as I'm concerned, this book is required reading for all foaling attendants. Thank you Dr. Karen Hayes for writing it. The book covers a single topic, and does it better than any of the other foaling guides I've read (and I've read quite a few). Those other foaling guides are on a bookshelf; this is the book that goes in the foaling kit! It has saved our farm from disaster on more than one occasion. Dr. Hayes clearly, calmly and concisely communicates the important facts and techniques the foaling attendant needs to know. The detailed diagrams make all the difference in illuminating exactly what is going on at each stage of parturition. Detailed descriptions of what's normal and what's not, techniques for resolving problems before they become critical, and advice on what to attempt yourself and when to call the vet are invaluable. You will find other fine books about breeding, mare care and foal care, but this is the best book on the actual process of protecting and caring for your mare when it's time to deliver her foal. Dr. Hayes' more general horse care [...].is also highly recommended.



5. I would like to have more information regarding what to do next. The information was good, and the illustrations are helpful, but I needed to buy another book to help with what to do with the foal once it had arrived.

No comments about The Whole Horse Wellness Guide: Natural and Conventional Care for a Healthy Horse.

5 comments about How to Be Your Own Veterinarian (Sometimes): A Do-It-Yourself Guide for the Horseman.

1. The book will tell ya how to diagnose and treat a multiplicity of conditions in all sorts of categories from back problems to toxins and poisonous plants to respirations difficulties and digestive stuff, wood-chewing , parasites: I truly believe, if this book don't help, you really need to spend the bucks and call the doc! I doubt there's much you could do for yerself that ain't in it.



2. Hi my name is Lisa. My e-mail address is patslisa@aol.com. I have a brand new book for sale, it still has a plastic cover on it to protect it. Please contact me if you know anyone who could us a copy for a good price.



3. Why is it so difficult to get a copy of this book?



4. I have searched many places and can not find this book. It seens, who ever owns it now, will never give it up! Can't blame them, for as much as I have searched for this book. I wouldn't either.



5. I have had this book almost from the time it came out. It tells you how to see confirmation flaws, what they are, and how they can affect your horse. It gives common illnesses, what they are, how they are caused, symptoms, treatment, and sometimes long term care for the particular problem. It explains in great detail the structure of the foot, general guidelines on feeding, and most of the things that new or old horse people either need to know, or need to remember. An outstanding choice. I know that this book is sometimes offered through mail order tack catologs such as Jeffers or Stateline. I would never give mine up!

1 comments about The Organic Manual,: Natural Organic Gardening and Living for Your Family, Plants, and Pets.

1. Howard Garret is a great resource for turning your outside workd into an organic space instead of a chemical based environment. This book is a good introduction...not as detailed as his other books.

1 comments about Training for Trail Horse Classes (Equi Skills).

1. This a good book on trail for the money. It covers some really good tips that I didn't know and had never heard of before. Using some of the advice in this book I was able to successfully traverse a complicated trail course with my three year old in just a few days. It is easy to read and easy to understand.

1 comments about Clicker Training: Colt Starting the Natural Horse.

1. Perhaps it is unusual to be thrilled about a book at the age of 80, but this book which combines Positive Reinforcement [clicker] & Negative [Natural Horsemanship] Reinforcement is the most up to date book of its kind for horses. It is filled with great one liners and specific step by steps: "how to do it". And the steps are in order. I thought I was inventing this but she does it better than I do. I train my horses from scratch and ride into the high back-counry alone. You have to trust each other up there.
   
   Every thing I could find in the book works and makes the relationship better at the same time.
   
   She defines dominance [in the round pen chapter] and I use something from Rashid I use called Accepted Horse Leader: Those are the same terms only because of the way she does it. Being dominate in a forceful way is not there, but what I call being an Accepted Leader is there. She explains why being safe is important and how to achieve that safety for both of you in the best way possible for both of you.
   
   The stories are all so meaningful and encouraging, stories that come only from a long and very creative experience.
   
   If you have been doing this work on your own, you don't have to be alone anymore. This is a great book.
   
   She also fades out the clicker: A "how to" that is often neglected.
   
   The only objection I have is there is no Index. Dr. Phil didn't have one in his 1st book either so she is in good company. Drat: No index.
   
   Don't forget to read the Closing on p 306.
   
   Thrilling, Yes, Thrilling,
   
   David