5 comments about Complete Horse Riding Manual.

1. I love this book. It does not go too deeply into any particular subject but covers horse care and riding in general very well. There are hundred of books out there for beginners to intermediate riders, but this is my best general reference book.
   
   It even has snippets for the more advanced rider. I really think this book is a very valuable addition to any horse lovers Library.



2. As it's not possible to 'see' a few pages of the inside of this book on Amazon, and I'm always sceptical about buying books online that I don't know and can't page through, after some searching, I found it at the DK website and looked through it there. I liked what I saw and then bought if from Amazon.
   
   The photos are fantastic. Although the book is rather thick, it is very well organized and encapsulated with a new subject or further drill down every two pages. I covers everything from anatomy, to behavior, to harmony, to drills, to troubleshooting, and goals in building a solid relationship between horse and rider in all English riding disciplines.
   
   If you're into jumping, especially, it's fantastic, because it covers, in great detail, distances between fences from trot and canter for training, gymnastics, and courses. It gives lots of exercises and drills. There are great overviews and tips for both competing and training. I have not come across any books that have this level of detail here.
   
   The dressage explanations give you good basics but leave you hanging a bit for more.
   
   It's like having great instruction from a master. The author's British, however, and Western riding is not covered at all as it's not as popular in Europe as English.
   
   I give riding lessons. One of my students is moving back to the States, so I bought if for her as a going-away present. I liked it so much that I bought another copy for myself. It's a great reference tool and worth having on your shelf. I'm definitely going to use a lot of information in it during my own workouts and lessons.



3. I'm relatively new to riding because I have only a few years of experience without too intensive training. Up to now I have read the first 70 pages of the book only but my first impression is rather good. Its language is clear, the book is well organized into small chapters and contains good illustrations. I have already learnt several interesting things that were new to me e.g. how to learn jumping progressively or how to build strong relationship with horses. I will try to put these things into practice.



4. This is a great book for all types of riders, it correctly covers beginners work, dressage, tack, cantering and jumping etc. instuctional guides cover everthing from correct postioning on the saddle to correct jumping signals to placement on the saddle. there could be more here on horse breeds, driving carriages and coaches but a great book that is carefully instructional and complete when it comes to riding technique.



5. I have a substantial library of equestrian-related books, and this one certainly deserves pride of place. It is the best and most complete general guide to horse riding I've yet come across. The photographs are gorgeous and the production values superb. William Micklem writes very well and his explanations are very clear and thorough without being dry or pedantic. This really is about how to get the most out of riding, pure and simple. It isn't one of those ordinary, "how-to-groom-your-horse-compendium-of-breeds" picture books, and it delves into dressage, show jumping and cross-country in three separate but interlinked sections. I actually learned quite a few things reading this book. Experienced and beginner riders alike will enjoy it. Read it cover-to-cover, and savour the beatiful layout and illustrations. Completely awesome and highly recommended!

No comments about Build the Right Fencing for Horses: Storey Country Wisdom Bulletin A-193 (Storey Country Wisdom Bulletin, a-193).

2 comments about Horsekeeping Almanac: The Essential Month-by-Month Guide for Everyone Who Keeps or Cares for Horses.

1. This is a great armchair/tackroom reference full of tips and information on caring for horses. It is a real help in getting organized. A 'must' for the new horse owner or someone getting back into horsekeeping. It's also a fun, interesting, and easy read for those in-between times while waiting for the coffee to perk or just taking a break. The information is timeless.



2. In my opinion, this is the best new horse reference on the market, and of special value to new owners, regardless of whether their horses are 16 hands or 30 inches. The author's unique approach to caring for our horses year-round is so logical, one wonders why it wasn't written earlier!
   
   A wealth of information is offered in easy-on-the-eyes layout and color scheme, with charming illustrations throughout. The book is organized by season for temperate climate regions, with additional suggestions for adjusting the information for other climate conditions. An innovative "five-season" plan covers Late Winter (January-February), Spring (March-April-May), Summer (June-July-August), Fall (September-October), and Early Winter (November-December).
   
   Everything and anything a horse owner needs to know or do is included. Upcoming January, for instance, gives information and details about the following: performing a late winter visual examination of your horse; horses and weather; setting up records for the coming year; checking feet and preparing for the farrier; cold weather feeding rules and suggestions; calculating your horse's weight; dealing with winter predators; parasite control; care of teeth; winter grooming; pasture & fence maintenance; sanitation and manure management; tractor maintenance; tack inspection and care; income tax overview; and, preparing for foaling season.
   
   Who guessed so much needed to be done in January?
   
   Scattered throughout these 576 information-packed pages are tidbits about wildlife, horse movies, ranch recipes, language trivia, and historical horsekeeping. The author includes sidebars with tips for living comfortably with horses. "Horse Sense and Safety" includes recommendations for moving around horses: "Either walk around a horse well out of kicking range or move around the horse by staying close, with your hand on his hindquarters to let him know you are there. Never walk under or step over the tie rope." The book has a full index, website resources for horse owners, and a list of recommended reading.
   
   If I still owned horses, this book would be my constant companion!

4 comments about Klaus Balkenhol: The Man and His Training Methods.

1. This is really three to this book. The first is Mr. Balkenhol's biography, the second is his training methods, and the third concerns the duties of riders and coaches.
   
   In his biography, the author presents a fascinating story of Mr. Balkenhol's childhood, his riding career as a mounted policeman, to his rise to the top of the international scene and coach of the US dressage team. Throughout this part of the book, Mr. Balkenhol also talks about the different horses he has ridden and what they have taught him.
   
   In the second part of the book, Mr. Balkenhol also discusses his specific training methods for the upper-level movements of piaffe, passage, and one-tempi changes. In the third part of the book, Mr. Balkenhol discusses what makes a good riding coach. He offers advice on what a rider should get from a good coach.



2. The book is well written and an easy read, however, a lot of space is used to boost Klaus Balkenhol which should not be needed. He is already well known and respected. I think this can happen when the author is a friend to Balkenhol or too much of an admirer. I would have liked more of his training methods, more horse facts. The overall impression though is that the book has its place in the flood of horse books, and that Balkenhol's love for horses, and respect for them, comes through very well.
   Carina Gerken Christiansen



3. This book is a combination of Mr. Balkenhol's life story and his training methods. It's not a step 1, 2, 3 book. How his philosophy on training evolved over his lifetime with specific examples is fascinating. The book has a unique format, the top half of each page is his philosophy and examples and the bottom of each page is his life biography. I highly recommend this book for both the advanced and the beginning rider.



4. An excellent book that looks at the life of an interesting master. Includes some nice tips on training, but the highlights are the stories of his horses and how he dealt with different issues with them. Lovely pictures.

5 comments about Storey's Guide to Training Horses.

1. My husband checked out this book from the library because he got interested in working with my horses. I thought maybe I could learn something from it, too, so I started reading it. I was not impressed. All the book had was hypothetical situations, but nothing on how to correct behavior if your horse wasn't already perfect. For example: I have a yearling who I will be breaking to ride in two years. I was interested in how they went about with the initial mounting, etc. They suggested that you have someone hold your horse, then you lean on your horse, then you get up and viola! You are ready to start. I envision my horse maybe taking a step forward. Or maybe stepping to the side. Or backing up. Or perhaps even throwing in a buck. Do they cover this? Not at all, because obviously if you're training your horse right your horse would never even think of taking a step to the right, or stepping forward, or throwing in a buck the first time you mount him. The horse would stand perfectly still the first time ever that you mounted, so these issues don't need to be addressed. Nor do they cover how you should go about it if you don't have someone to help hold your horse. The entire book is like this-essentially, it is an idealized version of how to train, taking into account that your horse does exactly what he is supposed to the first time around and is never confused by you adding something new. And if your horse IS confused the first time you try something new, then obviously you did a very poor job training him. I do not recommend it at all for anyone who is actually serious about horse training.



2. Comprehensive and informative. The central theme is act early and act patiently. Lightness of pressure and knowing when to stop a lesson turns your horse into a dependable collaborator instead of a skittish adversary, Heather Smith Thomas writes.
   "The essence of training is to use less and less pressure as the horse learns to respond, until he will perform the correct response at just the slightest touch."
   Track trainers and others concerned about the seemingly increasing fragility of racehorses get food for thought from Thomas's tips.
   Some examples,
   1) GELD A MALE WHEN HE IS A FOAL...Perhaps doing this later, something done with some frequency in the racing world, lessens racing prowess.
   2) HORSES HAVE SENSITIVE EARS...Then why are some racetracks located near airports and busy roadways? Isn't this likely to impair performance? Are gambling interests being put before horse health?
   3) HORSES SHOULDN'T BE RIDDEN UNTIL THEY'RE 3 YEARS OLD..."The bones and joints of a two-year-old are not mature enough to handle athletic work with the weight of a rider." Although watching juvenile thoroughbreds compete is thrilling it's likely to be causing shorter careers. The handling of 2007 Preakness winner Curlin (who didn't race as a 2-year-old) might represent a new/old paradigm for restoring soundness to the racehorse. Perhaps this also points to why so many Kentucky Derby winners are "homebred."
   Harness racing newcomers get a thorough explanation of the difference between trotting and pacing. Pacing, although far more prevalent in U.S. standardbred competition, is a less natural movement for the horse (in which the lateral legs move together) and is accompanied by less support, balance and traction on wet footing. Could this state of affairs also be shortening racing careers?
   Desire for breeding dollars and slow-growing purses have certainly done their part to curtail track careers. Year-round racing is also highly cupable. And, more generally, as Thomas reminds us, being a racer is not a natural condition. Racing techniques must be taught, often done in a constrained and artificial atmosphere.
   "Most horses never do a racing trot," she writes, "and many don't know how to extend their trot while ridden."



3. Great book for all levels and all abilities of riders. It DOES talk about a lot of basic things..such as SAFETY, tacking up, leading, handling, etc. However, it also addresses other things such as longeing, ground driving, trailer training, lightness and collection, lateral work, retraining the spoiled horse, and many other things without causing fear or distrust.
   Great book- recommended



4. I've been working with foals for about 18 years. This book is well written and includes very good illustrations. It's good for new handlers and experienced handlers (reminders of different options to use with different personalities) as well. I highly recommend it!



5. I found this book very helpful. I imagine it would be quite helpful for the novice trainer, but even as a trainer with a little more experience I found it quite useful. At first glance it looks, perhaps, elementary, but it does a fantastic job of tying all the elements of training together so that one knows what to do and when to do it. Even the sections on picking the horse's feet and other basic skills have some trouble shooting information and ideas about how to best teach a foal. I thought it was wonderful. I definitely recommend it.

5 comments about The Book of Miniature Horses: Buying, Breeding, Training, Showing, and Enjoying.

1. This book is very good for beginners in the miniature horse world. It covers a wide range of topics and provides plenty of information. I would recommend this book.



2. I got this book when I was first getting into minis, though Ive had big horses for a long time. There really wasnt much info in here specific to minis, aside from a short breed history, and a few pictures. It seemed to be more a general horse care book, which I already have plenty of! I would not suggest this book if your looking for info specific to minis, but its okay if your new to horses of any size and need to learn general info.



3. This miniature horse book has all the info anyone would need. It tells you everything step by step. I knew nothing before I read it and now I feel as though I might know everything about a mini.



4. This is a great book to purchase if you are looking at an overview of American Miniature Horses and what is involved with their care, upkeep and what one can do with these unique equines from keeping them as pets to having them as show animals.
   
   It covers all topics with sound advice and handles even "sensitive" topics in the field with care without bias.
   
   I have owned, bred and shown American Miniature Horses (AMHA and AMHR) since 1992 and have been involved with horses of various breeds for 37 years.



5. I bought the book hoping to gain some additional insight into the world of showing & breeding mini horses. If you have been around the show ring at all and have some showing experience - especially in hand, then this is not the book for you. Clipping a bridle path is the same regardless of size of horse. It is this type of elementary subject material discussed in the book. As for breeding, the author recommends live cover as AI for mini's is almost non-existent. I believe you could gain more knowledge from the miniature horse registry than from this book.
   
   If you have absolutely no experience around horses - then this book may be a great first read as the principles for care are the same for minis as it is the regular size horse.

5 comments about Barbaro: The Horse Who Captured America's Heart.

1. As someone who followed Barbaro even before his Kentucky Derby win, I craved information about him, especially after he passed away. Of all of the books written about this remarkable racehorse, none does him justice as this one does. The pictures are brilliant and glossy and the writing is comprehensive and well done. I still can not look at this book and not get emotional at seeing all the beautiful photos of Barbaro. It is well worth the price to own this book.



2. Sean Clancy did a marvelous job with this book. I laughed, I cried (a lot). If anyone followed what happened to Barbaro this book is a must. Thank you Mr. Clancy for writing such a glowing story about this beautiful animal.



3. This book was beautifully written and I enjoyed every page. Barbaro touched the lives of so many of us and I still feel the sorrow of his tragic injury and ultimate death. What a courageous animal! I also want to give praise to Edgar Prado who wept for Barbaro and probably still does.
   
   This strong, tough as nails jockey has a heart and lots of soul and I admire him tremendously. Barbaro meant much more than a paycheck to Mr. Prado. I am a fan and admirer of this man who felt so much for Barbaro mand who grieved with the rest of the world at his loss.
   
   No praise and no words could pay proper tribute to Dr. Dean Richardson and all the staff who fought so hard to keep Barbaro alive and whose main objective was that he live a life free from pain. What a valient struggle!
   
   It's wonderful knowing there are still professionals who truly care, and human beings who aren't afraid of having a heart and aren't afraid of allowing the world to see it.



4. This is a very well written book of the Barbaro story told with insight and compassion, without being maudlin. Of course when he wrote the book he thought Barbaro would live, as most of us who were rooting for him, did. So the tone is positive and the pictures are worth the price of the book. A great horse and a great story - worth every penny!



5. What a gift this is. Wonderful pictures and step by step story of this incredible horse. Wouldn't trade it for the world.

5 comments about Imprint Training of the Newborn Foal: A Swift, Effective Method for Permanently Shaping a Horse's Lifetime Behavior.

1. Expecting our first foal, I bought this book and read it cover to cover. What I came away with is a simple concept which is well-explained in this book. But as simple as the concept is - handle and introduce the new foal to as many life lessons as possible - this book also explains the reasoning and logic behind imprinting. I recommend it for anyone who is a beginner with a baby horse like I was. BTW, my filly is now one year old and nearly bomb proof. She's safe, affectionate and whinnies when she hears my voice.



2. I felt there was too much 'imprinting/handling' too early. I did not use many of the suggestions, but just handled the foals carefully just like I would with any newborn. Both my foals are very personable and I don't know if that's because of their dams' temperament from the way I train them, the way I work with the foals and their mothers or because of how carefully I chose their dams AND sires. I certainly have not OVER-handled them.



3. This is a pretty good book for those who have never imprinted a foal before. There are tons of pictures and he outlines everything step by step. It's a bit dated, especially with the photos, but overall it's worth the money.



4. My sister and I have always wanted to raise foals that weren't like your typical horses, our first foals we did lots to the minute they were born, like touching there ears, everything we could think of that we didn't want them to have issues with-and they're great, but still horses. I came across this book and LOVED IT! Our next years foals were thoroughly imprinted at birth and WOW! Even better than last years foals and we taught them so many more difficult things at birth-like working off their hind-quarters, it's amazing how effective it is. I have bought un-impinted foals in the past, and by a year you have a kicking biteing, don't touch me there yearling to spent hours patiently working with. No my babies come running to me and lick me to death and nothing fazes them!
   Painted Blessings Ranch~Bringing out the best in Black and White paint horses.



5. Clear, step by step. Covering all the basics of imprinting & then moving on to first day training techniques that make all the difference for the foal's interaction with human handlers in later days & years to come. Even I can do this, though I am fairly new to horses & especially foaling. Certainly this is a 2 person job, but with an assistant, it goes very smoothly if you have a halter-broke, calm mare. The difference in the foals is really amazing! I see this applying to other animals as well. This is a real gem of a book!

5 comments about Dressage Formula.

1. Dressage Formula, by Erik F. Herbermann, is a great book about a rider's position and the connection with her horse.
   
   This book contains great pictures and exercises that you can do on or off your horse. It also teaches you the right amount of contact to have and how to use your aids. All together with the aids, exercises, contact, leg yield, half pass, and shoulder in, this book teaches you how to correctly hold yourself with the right position, natural contact, and leg position while maintaining the horse's natural feel and response. This book has taught me a lot and has truly helped me to improve my riding skills.
   
   This book should be read by anyone 13 or older because at times it was difficult to understand the terminology. Recommended by a professional Dressage Rider, and recommended by me.
   
   Kristen N.
   Grade 6
   Ms. Kawatachi



2. Easy to read and reference, but packed with information. I keep going back to this book, and everytime I flip through it I am rewarded with a new way to fix or look at the current problems I may be having in my riding. GREAT for ALL dressage riders, or any rider who is truly serious about riding correctly and in harmony with the horse. I find that Herbermann does a very good job presenting rather complicated information in an understandable way.
   
   This is not a book for those riders who just want to get on and go, but do not care about the details nor focused on the long-term "journey" of riding. This is for people who want to UNDERSTAND how they influence the horse. It teaches you the why and how of riding, it looks at it as an ART, and it teaches you how to ride in a "correct" manner.
   
   Most kids will not enjoy nor appreciate what is in this book. Beginners who are serious will find this useful throughout their riding careers, but may feel like there is a lot of information thrown at them all at once.



3. I believe that this book is, "dressage made rather simple". If you have an orderly mind and can ride all three gaits, you should be able to improve your understanding of the art. It is the lack of understanding of the "whys" of dressage, when not known, that makes it harder than it should be. A book like this helps you understand "why".



4. This book has become my riding bible! Erik Herbermann's dressage formula completely embodies the art of classical riding. He emphasises the need for precision and patience and so there are no "quick fixes" or interpretations that are so widely used.
   
   This is a complete guide to riding properly and compassionately, and covers all the basics including detailed instructions on the riders seat and aids, instructions on how to get the horse "on the aids", explanations of the basic movements; including how to do them and why to do them, and how to identify problems.
   
   It is very well written and no matter what level you are riding, I think anyone can gain something from this text.



5. Erik Herbermann has managed to do something very rare: he has written a book geared toward those at the lower levels of dressage (though advanced riders will doubtless find it equally helpful) that explores not only the basic concepts of seat, position, the exercises, and the aids, but also insists upon the horse's well-being. Herbermann's writing glows with love for this most noble of creatures, and his book teaches one not only dressage, but ART.

   Its technical side is equally good, with a very in-depth discussion of that most important of movements, the shoulder-in. I would recommend it to anybody who rides and loves horses.

5 comments about The United States Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship: Advanced Horsemanship B/HA/A Levels (The Howell Equestrian Library).

1. This book has helped me so much! I began reading and studying it at age 10 when I was still a C2, and throughout my ratings and progression it has answered my endless questions and supplemented the material from the D and C manuals. While the B, HA, and A manual is very informative, it should only be read by those who can thoroughly comprehend and extract inportant information from the text. I was always a very mature reader, but at times I even had to reread pages to be sure I understood correctly. This book has helped me through my B, HA, and just recently helped me pass my A, so this book is the best way to go to becoming a good rider!
   
   Thank you so much for making this Manual!
   Love,
   Anna



2. This book is great for learning about the body systems of a horse.It also briefly explains how to manage a stable with things such as how to make a stall have good drinage. It is the best book to get if you want to meet the requirements of Pony Club levels A, HA, or B. But I recommend getting this book only if you are at the advanced levels in riding and horsemanship because otherwise you will find that the book overwhelms you with information.I may suggest that people buying this book should consider buying Pony Club Manuals on levels C and D before or perhaps in addition to this manual.Overall, a good book for learning about the horse.



3. This is a great follow-on to the first two volumes of the USPC manuals. Together, they are the best "curriculum" on horsemanship available, bar none. (I say that, owning 900 horse books! The three USPC Manuals are the most useful of all.) As another reviewer said, it's not "complete"--one should read the first two volumes, first, as, like the USPC Standards of Proficiency, the Manuals build upon each other. I am a long-time riding instructor (over 22 years), especially with the US Pony Clubs. The three-volumes of the USPC Manuals would be a solid foundation of a good equestrian library.



4. This book is very informitave and helped me alot. I am only a D-2 but it still answered alot of the questions I had. It covers everything from teaching horsemanship to jumping and yes even vet care. The jumping part helped me to understand alot of things that helped me train my horse. I recomend that you buy it.



5. This is the third of a series of three volumes of the United States Pony Clubs' Manual of Horsemanship. While similar in scope to the British Horse Society's one-volume book of the same title, the USPC has taken the approach that the horseperson can read one volume when starting out, a second when they have assimilated a bit more, and finally this third volume when they feel like they know just about everything there is to know. I can promise you that no matter how much practical, useful information you had before you pick up this volume, you will put it down having acquired much more. While it is very readable, it is not a "page-turner". I found that I would read two to five pages, go off and think about it for a day or two, and come back again for more. If you liked the first two volumes in the series, you will like this one. If you approach this book without reading the first two volumes, you will probably find the book incomplete and coverage spotty. The book is written to match the Pony Club standards, and provides the necessary information to advance to the highest ratings -- remembering that the higher ratings in Pony Club build on the lower ones. It is hard to believe that anyone in America today could consider themselves a serious horseman without digesting this volume. Bravo to the USPC for the whole series!!