5 comments about Dressage Formula.

1. This book I highly recommend for any serious horseman/horsewoman who desires to work with their horse towards a harmonious partnership. The information is based on the classical ideals, goals and standards which always works for the betterment of the horse. The book is packed with useful information for all people interested in learning the art of horsemanship...........



2. 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



3. 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.



4. 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".



5. 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.

4 comments about World Class Reining.

1. This book is worth it for the photos. The training methods are average, with not enough focus on the subtle and important body language that makes a horse so responsive and collected. The old method of 'using the fence' to turn a horse or stop is I believe on the way out. Nevertheless, reading this book gives some good pointers. I would not recommend it for a beginner without a trainer who can judge and guide the various methods of teaching slide stopping, spins and turnbacks.
   Author of Roses and Locoweed: The Life of a Cowboy's Wife



2. This is a good book to add to your library. It has a little bit of everything in it, from the what is Reining to the how to's. Not sure if it would help the experiance Reiner, but it was a good read.



3. This book was so helpful to me! When it comes to trying to teach your horse to rein, this book helps so much! And it teaches you much more besides the basics of reining! It's a great book i would recommend it for anyone!



4. Terrific book - covers so much more than just riding/training. My husband pinched my copy and I had to order a second copy to keep for me.

5 comments about Geoff Teall on Riding Hunters, Jumpers and Equitation: Develop a Winning Style.

1. This book was ver well written and one of the first books I have read cover to cover. Although some of the text is for beginners, most is a new way to look at the big picture of riding hunters and Eq. As I have been riding hunters for 20 years, I rarely find a better way to do things. Geoff gave me new insight and new tecniques (especially his work on body angles) that my students have loved. I also like his philosophy on horses and riding that "less is more". The book also drives home that sometimes the more basic you get the better results you have. He also has some great photos and a great course that each element can be worked on individualy without having to move obstacles each time. We are never too good to hear something that we may know but don't always do well!!!!



2. This very informative book is both instuctional and motivational. While he has you setting your personal goals, he urges you to both reach for the stars and keep your feet on the ground. Easily read and enjoyed by anyone in (or trying to get into)the Hunter/Jumper equestrian world. His personal commitment to the welfare of both horse and rider is appreciated in a world where the "win at all costs" attitude is so prevelant.



3. Geoff Teall's book is by far one of the most thorough and comprehensive book of all aspects of riding hunters, jumpers and equitation. In my opinion, it compares to the classic riding manuals by the best riders, trainers and authors of the 20th century.
   This book is easy to read and understand; as it uses philosophy, pictures and how-to's for its content. The best part is that it is so enjoyable to read ! One can pick it up and put it down - and take imaginary lessons - visualize - then go out and practice the principles !



4. This book would appeal most to the amateur competitor on the 'A' circuit or an aspiring trainer who is just about to start coaching at that level. It's essentially an experts recipe for success at this competitive level. If you're already a competitor at that level and don't understand certain aspects of the sport, you may find some great answers. From the importance of goal setting to exercises that develop correct position to riding the intricacies of and equitation course, you'll find some valuable information pertaining to it all.



5. This book explain everything that will help you place first when in the show ring. It is a must for a beggining rider to an advanced grand prix rider.

5 comments about 101 Longeing and Longlining Exercises.

1. This is a very good book for beginning training a young horse, because it haves a lot of simple exercises that could be done with an untrained horse. It begins with simple exercises and continues with exercises that are harder and harder.
   It is a very good book because with every exercise it explains how to do it and every other thing that horse can do and how to correct this.
   I find this book very useful for me and my horse. I found out what I did wrong and what I have to do to correct this.
   I strongly recommend this book for every one how want to learn more about how to work a horse in hand and for they how don't have a trainer.



2. Only new to the horse training realm and this book with it's well laid out structure and diagrams has been invaluable. It is also easy enough for my 12 year old daughter to understand and use.



3. I can never get enough of books with exercises that challenge both my horse and I. This book is one that every Equestrian should have, whether for training purposes or just getting back in shape. Half of the Exercises are really basic and a waste for an intermediate to advanced rider, but then again I guess all horses can use a few lessons in the refresher courses. The last 30 Exercises focus on long lining which I use on all my younger horses. They advance from driving a horse in a yin yang pattern to change direction to Figure 8s and Lazy 8s (just a flatten figure 8). Eventually the horse graduates to haunches in and shoulders in. I find that even more advanced school masters benefit from these exercises.



4. Spice up your ground work with this educational guide and develop a better relationship with your horse in the process. There are often days when we perhaps don't have the time to ride, but instead of just longeing around on the circle we could be more constructive - this book can help you. I find this book particulary useful when starting young horses.



5. I thought this book is very helpful in teaching people to use the longline.

5 comments about Beautiful Jim Key: The Lost History of the World's Smartest Horse.

1. Am a little shocked to find such harshly negative reviews of the book; this is easily one of the best animal books ever written. Arguably one of America's first media "superstars", Beautiful Jim Key toured the country for many years performing and was a major catalyst for both animal rights and human rights as well. It should also be stressed that the horse's act was minutely scrutinized by reporters and a team of professors from Harvard, who found no secret coaching or cues were given to the horse - he really could do everything it was claimed he could do, although the book only lightly touches on how long and arduous a process teaching him must have been. Any animal lover and/or history buff will fall in love with this book and never want it to end.



2. Jim Key, the horse who did marvelous stunts like talking, counting, and keeping his owner in money, was a part of daily life in times of the depression when performers, human and otherwise, traveled the countryside from one end of the U. S. to the other to sell products or services to the populace. Jim was owned by a black man in Shelbyville, Tennessee, and was the first talking horse recorded up to that time. He was not a mule. He did not keep people who saw or observed him in stitches, amazement, or wondering how he did the tricks. It was typical carnival fare, and Jim was just a mere horse.
   
   Why he was described as beautiful, I was unable to determine. I've seen many more beautiful with coloring and eyes even in our continuous parades. I take photos of them and so I know of which I speak. Jim was not beautiful, nor unusual. His owner used him to get money from poor people who were brainwashed into thinking he was an unusual animal. His dead body was buried in the countryside outside Shelbyville, home of the Tennessee Walking Horse. If they could not talk and count, they sure could walk funny. Jim was ordinary, but Mark Mayfield (not real last name) was gullible to think this was a special horse. Where'd he grow up, not in Kentucky the home of racing horses.



3. This book is in my Top Five to recommend. It was such a great read that I tried not to finish it too fast because I did not want the story to end. It is filled with great background information covering the various World's Fairs to Slavery to the Civil War. It is not just a book about an incredible horse, but of his teacher as well as the mindset of our race and the history being made during that time period. Jim and Bill Keys connection to animal rights were equally facinating. To me this book is in the vein of "The Professor and the Madman" offering an excellent story with welcomed historical information.



4. I hate it when an author takes a perfectly good [true] story and ruins it with a lousy writing style filled with too much preaching and garbage that detracts from the story.
   
   The parts about the horse himself and his intelligent abilities were great.
   
   The rest of the book is not worth reading. I just skimmed over those parts.
   
   It was an easy book to put down except when I was reading about the horse himself.
   
   This story would be great had a different author done the writing.
   
   This author, however, was a terrible choice for such a magnificent story.



5. This is one of the most amazing and entertaining true stories I've ever read. I couldn't put this book down. It is really two stories in one - the man's adventurous life and the horse's almost unbelievable intelligence.

1 comments about Yoga on Horseback: A Guide to Mounted Yoga Exercises for Riders.

1. Interest in yoga is growing nearly as fast as interest in horses: the melding of the two is logical culmination of two interests and YOGA ON HORSEBACK is a guide nearly alone in its survey of how to bring elements of balance and body awareness to the equestrian arena. The author is a yoga practitioner and owner of Saldare Therapy who has been riding with Marty Whittle for several years: YOGA ON HORSEBACK illustrates the basics of yoga exercises designed for horseback riders.

3 comments about Horse, Follow Closely: Native American Horsemanship.

1. Stepping Off the Edge: Learning & Living Spiritual Practice
   
   Sick of boring old dressage? Overdone eventing? Wacky Western riding? In this stunningly beautiful volume, GaWaNi Pony Boy describes the roots of Native American riding. When Europeans arrived in the Americas, horses had disappeared long before. GaWaNi shows how the first Americans took to horses-- and created an awe inspiring bond and culture. I have not met GaWaNi, but I knew my husband would love his horsemanship the minute I saw this book. GaWaNi doesn't clip his horse's faces-- something my husband totally approves.



2. All his books that I have read touch your soul - and make you smile, cry, and slap your hands and giggle - because you realize that your love for horses is as simple and as complex as another human's.
   Horse people - we're everywhere !



3. I had hoped for perhaps a somewhat unique, Native American perspective on horsemanship; something a little different from othe natural horsemanship trainers selling books & dvds. But, this is the same methodology used by most all of them. It makes a pretty coffee table book, but has nothing new to offer unless this is your first foray into natural horsemanship. Basically, establishing yourself as the "Alpha" or leader, based on the well-known fact that horses want to follow a leader they trust. It emphasizes not using force or abuse & demonstrates how to control the horse's actions once you have established the basic trust/respect level required. I also viewed the dvd & was disappointed that Pony Boy used a perfectly trained horse in all his demonstrations. BORING! It's more of a pretty picture book than a useful instruction you can apply to your untrained horse. Not a book worth keeping in my horse book library.

5 comments about Arabians.

1. Expertly edited by Hossein Amirsadeghi with enhanced with full color photographs from Rik van Lent Sr. and Rik van Lent Jr. and an informative text by Peter Upton, Arabians is an extensive pictorial documentation and understanding of a distinctive equine of historic lineage -- the Arabian Horse. Providing readers with an detailing of the breeds origin, use, recorded development, and the interesting historical significance of the prestigious and fascinating animal. Arabians is very highly recommended as illustrated compendium of detailed writings about a truly noble and enduringly popular animal.



2. This book has entrancing photos, and skips through a large number of countries and studs. If you are looking for in depth information on Arabians in any particulary part of the world this book is not for you. It looks at selected studs only. If you want lovely pictures you wont be unhappy.



3. This book is a necessity for the library of any Arabian lover. The text and photographs take you around the world and through the passages of time. Fabulous photographs and wonderful attention to detail. What a worthwhile purchase!



4. This is a great title to add to your ever growing arabian horse book collection. It's excellent reading, as it contains everything that you need to know about this magnificant breed and is fully illustrated with beautiful graphics.



5. i love the great pictures of these beautiful horses, and the text actually tells alot, where most books give alot of info you dont need.

4 comments about Designing Speed in the Racehorse.

1. This book has a lot of good info in it, by the author's style is horribly rambling.
   As the other reviewer said, could have benefitted by tighter editing or a more outlining style.
   
   Really hard to read because of this!
   
   On one page he says Almahmoud was the source of speed in Horse A. Another page he says Horse A has speed because of Native Dancer.
   
   Thus, is it BOTH horses, or which had more influence? He does not say his opinion or explain why.



2. I was disappointed with this book. It is obvious that the author is very knowledgable but I found his style extremely rambling. The book could have done with much tighter editing with key points highlighted



3. I tried to take notes of the highlights but gave up after almost rewriting the book.



4. Absolutely excellent, detailed review of why pedigrees are important. Especially helpful were the sections on elite broodmares and why certain nicks work. Mating suggestions are not based on limited number of recent matings but true mating nicks that have been proven through many successful matings. Since buying this book two months ago I have read and studied it countless times. This book should be a connerstone in any one's library who is interested in breeding or racing thoroughbreds.

5 comments about Dressage in Lightness: Speaking the Horse's Language.

1. This book is a "must have" in every dressage enthusiasts library. Another outstanding book by Ms. Loch.



2. I selected this book based on the reviews that have been posted. I was not disappointed in the least.



3. Finally a book on classical dressage that really tells you HOW to do it. Sylvia Loch is fantastic. I recommend this book to those who sometime feel like the real detail of how to apply the aids is missing from other dressage texts.



4. I cannot adequately describe the beauty and accuracy with which she writes. Clarifying the aids, and the horse's biomechanics and perceptions with a truly classical constructive approach.
   
   A truly helpful, different perspective with easy to understand content for all riders.



5. I've had this book for over a year and I didn't pick it out to read until recently. I had been focused on books directed at training young horses and I thought this book would be better suited for a future stage when my mare had at least mastered the basics under saddle. Boy, do I wish I had started this book sooner!
   I found this book to be the perfect companion book to others I have on starting young horses. Primarily because it makes you think about what you, as a rider, are doing. It is all too easy to focus on the young horse, instead of yourself. But if you have picked up bad habits along the way, you'll be hindering your progress and frustrating your horse.
   What I like most about this book, is that it gives you the horses perspective, how he feels about each movement and how you deliver the aids. It encourages you to breakdown each movement and think about what you are doing as a rider - are you asking correctly and using the aids effectively.
   The first few chapters (literally the first half of the book) are excellent for training a young horse, or re-schooling an older one. The subsequent chapters build up through the levels, from Training Level to Grand Prix. I know this book will be well used.