2 comments about Horse Sense: How to Develop Your Horse's Intelligence.

1. Although this is not normally the kind of horse and/or riding book that I read, I'm glad that I made my way through the entire three book series. Since I've finished them I've put into practice that what I picked up and have seen a difference in the relationship that I have with my riding partner. There's something to be said for age and experience especially when it comes from someone with "horse sense".



2. If you've read Henry's previous books, you have to read Horse Sense. His adventures continue and find maturity in his final work. After paying his dues and struggling with his redeemed misfits such as the indomitable "Cork Beg," Henry finally gets to realize some of his dreams as a trainer and competetor. I wasn't ready for this book to end.

   I strongly suggest the reader progress through Henry's work in sequential order; Talking With Horses, Thinking With Horses and Horse Sense. By doing so the reader can enjoy the greater adventure in chronological sequence and fully enjoy the colorful characters, both human and equine, that Henry brings to life in his work.

   Henry Blake is probably my most recommended author for horse enthusiasts and home horse trainers to read.

No comments about Running a Stables as a Business.

4 comments about The Tevis Cup: To Finish Is To Win.

1. I thought this book was a very enjoyable read. The history was very interesting and answered some of the questions I had always had about this incredible ride.
   
   I rode all 100 miles of this trail during a training seminar in the mid-1980s. I was hoping to read something about these training sessions, but there was no mention of them. However, it did bring all the memories of that incredible experience back to me.
   
   I would have liked it longer with a story for each winner, but you can't have everything. Worth the read.



2. It's a pity that the "a reader from Mountain View, CA" author chooses to remain anonymous while making a harebrained remark about this terrific book. Marnye Langer has spent years covering the Tevis Cup Ride and depicts the big picture very well. I say feel free to write your own version of the Tevis Cup Ride and see how close you can get to the factual bulls eye.

   To date this is the best account of the Tevis Cup Ride, the granddaddy of the entire sport of Endurance Riding, and the inspiration for Auburn, California as the Endurance Capital of the World.




3. I was excited to buy this book and was fascinated by most of the early historical perspective.

   Most endurance riders will recognize the 2003 Haggin and Tevis Cup horse, Split, is Master Motion. Red is Crystals Charm, NOT "Major Motion". "Major Motion" does not exist.

   These facts are so easy to verify just by checking the AERC records (or just ask any endurance rider), there is no reason for these errors. Just ruined the whole book for me because the veracity of the rest of the book is suspect.




4. I didn't think I would get into this but the book took me on a fabulous journey! I could not put it down. I felt like I was a part of this and wanted to win it with the people I was reading about. These riders are the ultimate survivors. You won't regret this read!

5 comments about The Horse Encyclopedia.

1. This was purchased for a young elementary school girl who loves horses. The description did not say that there are photos/drawings of horses reproducing. This made things a bit difficult for her parents who were forced into a discussion they hadn't planned on. I did not know about this from the description.
   
   The rest of the book had some great photos and information about horses.



2. The first part of the book contains a list of horse and pony breeds which are described quite comprehensively. The other parts I found a little incomplete and sketchy. The horse care basics in this book are messy, some horse sport descriptions are poor. The photos aren't of highest quality and the index contains some inaccuracies.
   This book will be helpful for a beginner.



3. I had a blast reading this book, the pictures go along with everything it talks about, and everything is clearly seen in pictures. Very educational and fun book, also one to refer back to later.



4. I borrowed this book from a friend and was so pleased with it-it has hundreds of full-color photos and such crystal-clear information-that I went out and bought my own copy. This book includes rare chapters on the Western and harnessed disciplines (among a few well-written others)and covers the basic breeds and has a detailed horse care section. The price is well worth it.



5. The book was great! Even a beginner could understand this information. Horse Owners and Lover: Buy this one!

No comments about Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration: World's Greatest Horse Show.

5 comments about A Lifetime of Soundness: The Keys to Optimal Horse Health, Lameness Rehabilitation and the High-performance Barefoot Horse.

1. Dr Strasser has opened the eyes,ears,and minds of most horse owners and caretakers to the fact that horses are naturally wild animals that have been domesticated but who still need to have everything involving their care as close to nature as it can be. Her books make a lot of common sense. She brought my navicular (both front)mare who was on 2 grams of bute a day and still hurting to now bute free, running around and rolling around on the ground acting like a 7 yr old even though she is 22. My mare is much happier and healthier and I so am I. I hope if you buy Lifetime of Soundness or Shoeing a Necessary Evil that you will approach with an open mind. Personally I had tried everything that modern vets tell you to do with the exception of a nervectomy or cutting of the nerve to the foot of a navicular horse and nothing worked. In fact she was getting worse. Then by some miracle after searching the internet nite after nite I came upon Dr Strasser and her work and after reading the books and calling her and talking to her I had the shoes pulled and had someone who knows how do the trim and the difference it made was immediate!! I cannot thank Dr Strasser enough for her pioneering work. She has put her life on hold to spend as much time studying the horse and what makes it tick and she has endured a lot of criticism for her work. After she is gone the world will realize just what it lost. For all you out there who love your horses and want a more organic and natural way of co-existing with them these books are a must!!



2. I love horses, own 3 and have spent a few years educating myself on how to provide a good life for them. I take pride in continually learning and studying various subjects and I'm big on natural horsemanship. But nothing prepared me for the insight I have gained from this book. I was often unable to read further because it took me a while to disgest what I had just read. There is so much information here and it makes complete sense. Unfortunately many of my horsekeeping habits, well-intentioned as they may have been, were totally wrong. I guess it's human nature to try and humanize our animals, keep them warm, shod, etc. not thinking about what nature had intented for them and how much they are harmed by us. If you never read anything else about horses, please read this book.



3. This book is very informative and detailed about the need for natural trimming. I was expecting more how-to information, and will have to go elsewhere for that, especially since I do not live in Germany. This book gives very detailed descriptions of the hoof and natural boarding conditions.



4. Every horse owner should have it! I think this book is so important, I gave one to the guys I sold a horse to, and donated one to the library. Deceptively small, it is densely packed with information that will help you to restore health and soundness to your horse. Simple, common-sense and scientific advice on horse keeping and hooves. It's not exactly an easy read and doesn't look much, but boy, you'll find helpful hints in there for just about everything that ails your horse - especially if it has any hoof- or lameness problems.



5. This book discribes how a healthy hoove should look like, how it should function and what you can do to make it better. Sometimes dr Strasser repeads herself, that's why I gave 4 stars.

2 comments about Training the Young Horse.

1. This book provides a great progression of training excercises to help riders SLOWLY work with young or poorly trained horses over the span of two years. A great tool for anyone who may be bringing a horse along without a professional trainer. Well written with great explanations.



2. One of the best parts in this brilliant book, from the author who obviously cares for the horse, related to LEG AIDS - I will quote : "The most common, not to say universal, method of calling on forvard action is the age old BACKWARD KICK. It may be a violent kick with the spur,or it may be a relatively gentle beckward movement of the leg against the ribs and away from the girth. The latter may not be cruel, but it is just as ILLOGICAL as the former. No dubt both metods can be made to produce forward action from the horse, but only because in principle it make the horse, or threaten to make the horse, too uncomfortable to stay where he is. If we want the INTELLIGENT CO-OPERATION of our horse we must clearly use the more intelligent form of communication than that. We express our wish to go forward by a distinct INWARD AND FORWARD ACTION of the leg ... sufficient to rub against the lie of the hair. When spurs are worn they also will ultimately come into contakt , but only in a comparatively sensitive and kind manner. ..."

2 comments about Connected Groundwork I: Exercises for Developing and Maintaining Freedom of Movement and Self-carriage.

1. Peggy was my mother's classmate in school. She left back for the US and spent many years without returning to El Salvador to visit. One day my mom told me she was here and that she was coming to visit her at our home.
   Peggy started explaining to me what she does with horses and how it also applies to human beings.... asked if we wanted to see what she did first hand.... YES!
   She noticed only by touch (and she had no idea of this).... she said "you've injured your left side of your body"...... YES! I told her about my jaw problem, I could not open it all the way thru because of my accident years ago..... she did T-touch on my jaw... and continued with her demonstration.
   This was maybe 15 years ago.... since that day I have had ZERO problems with my jaw!!!
   When my mom told me about her books (around Xmas) I bought one for a friend that rides.... and a second one for a family member that rides....
   MY MOM KEPT THE SECOND BOOK!!! HA! It shows you correct postures tips, etc... very interesting... you don't have to have a horse to buy this book.... she is just great!!!



2. I was unsure of what this book had to offer prior to my purchase, but I couldn't be more pleased. The photos and step by step instruction has helped me gain more freedom of movement in the horses that I'm working. Cummings offers a set of fresh new exercises to help any equestrian supple their horse in hand.

No comments about Dressage 2009 Calendar.

No comments about It's a Horse's Life! (Advice and Observations for the Humans Who Choose to Share It).