2 comments about Horse Power: A History of the Horse and Donkey in Human Societies.

1. Unlike the previous reviewer, I thought the initial discussion about horse evolution, including the relationship of horses to pre-historic societies was a useful introduction to the subject.

   I do think it is very difficult to cover the relationship of horses and human society in less than 200 pages, as Juliet Clutton-Brock has done. Inevitably, just as one becomes absorbed in some historical detail, the paragraph ends, the chapter closes, and the reader is left slightly frustrated. Some of the information about "light" vs "heavy" horses is slightly out-dated; Deb Bennett's book "Conquerors: The Roots of New World Horsemanship" gives an updated treatment of the 5 (or 7) prehistoric races that contribute to all modern horse breeds. But again, these lapses are more to blame on the brevity of the book than the author's ignorance.

   I did appreciate the color and B&W photos and reproductions illustrating different types and harness of horses. Anyone starting research on the horse in ancient societies could do worse than begin here.




2. Why does a "history of the horse and donkey in human society" have some ten pages on prehistoric evolution? This points up a basic flaw of the book, that it wanders from one interesting point about equids to another that the author dug up in her researches, without either sticking to a limited or focused thesis, or being really comprehensive. I don't care what her academic credentials are, she doesn't seem to have actually both read and understood her sources. She shows the illustrations of ancient traction from Spruytte's *Early Harness Systems* which completely refutes any of LeFebvre's claims of inefficiency based on his phony "ancient traction" system (created to support his thesis on slavery) but then discusses LeFebvre without Spruytte. She shows a photo from Spruytte's reconstruction of Assyrian mounted archer's reining system, using a weighted tassle on the rein to maintain contact on the bit, and thereafter, to her, every big tassle is part of a similar control system, even when the tassle isn't attached to the reins. By her writing, she could never be mistaken for a horsewoman, or anyone who has bothered to read a book on horse breeds. Simply, she claims that the emergence of carriage use "led to demand for well-matched draught horses" and by the mid 1660's "the heavy horse had become established as a breed for use on the land, for haulage, and to carry the nobility in their armour." On the contrary, the development of carriages led to a demand for carriage horses, not draft horses, and by the mid 17th C. the nobility wore very little armor *even* just on ceremonial occasions and were riding the proto-Thoroughbreds, not cart horses and plow horses! If you've read everything else on horses, you may enjoy some of her new bits, like covering the size of ancient and medieval horses based on analysis of bones, but the book best serves as an annotated bibliography to her sources.

1 comments about A Young Person's Guide to Dressage.

1. This book is outstanding! I am 38 but new, although I have to ridden since I was 7, to dressage. I have MANY books on my shelf on the subject from world class riders/instructors but this is by far the best at simplifying dressage in an easy to understand and non-intimidating manner. Excellent book on the complete subject of dressage....covering the most complete history and origin of dressage, individual movements from beginner to advanced, as well as goal setting, equipment, and the aspect of mental imaging. It explains in detail the why's and how's and also why and how horses react to proper and improper application of the aids, as well as how to properly correct improper or evasive behavior. Great book not only for kids but for adults too!

2 comments about Allen Illustrated Guide to Horse Clothing.

1. These Allen's Illustrated books are super for use in teaching Pony Clubbers, 4-Hers, etc. about equipment used in the equine industry. The color illustrations are fantastic. Anyone working on a Quiz Rally (think MegaRoom) or Quiz Bowl will find them useful. They are clear about what each item is and its use.



2. I have to admit that I was curious about this book because, unlike her books, BITS AND BITTING and THE ALLEN ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO SADDLERY, the price was more reasonable than the previous two.
   
   But in getting into the book I find that very little has changed. GUIDE TO HORSE CLOTHING is essentially a guide to everything that a rider doesn't really need. Vernon continues with too many generalities to incomplete and confusing information, and the book, in the end, goes absolutely nowhere. And so the pattern continues. Besides, you don't want your horse to be a clothes horse anyway.
   
   THE HORSEMAN

3 comments about A Leg Up: How I Learned to Horseback Ride Starting at Age 40.

1. What a lovely memoir! As is always the case, learning something worthwhile and complex in your middle age or later, is quite a humbling experience. The learner has to overcome obstacles, both physical and mental, that simply aren't much of an issue during the years of accelerated learning and physical flexibility of one's youth. But the hard-earned rewards are sweet, indeed! Katherine Maxwell takes on the challenge of learning to ride, first timidly, but with rising resolve and the willingness to explore fully where this endeavor will take her. Her lessons learned - and the insights drawn from them for life in general, are described vividly and with gentle humor.



2. At the age of 40 the author makes a list. A fairly long list of things she wanted to do. At the top of the list was learning to ride a horse. This book documents, in a personal way, her journey to become a proficient horseback rider. What makes it a compelling account is the fact that it did not come easy.
   
   She figured seven lessons would be sufficient. Ha!
   
   It took seven years before she was proficient enough to enter a cross-country competition. "I didn't think; I couldn't think... We headed directly toward the first jump. My intuition and right brain had taken over."
   
   Another seven years and... "Somewhere in the middle of that hour, my balance in the saddle shifted, became more centered. My riding position suddenly changed - absolutely for the better, I could feel this amazing alteration, subtle yet incredibly significant."
   
   Along the way were ups and downs. Successes and failures. And with each failure was the determination to get back on the horse and try again. This is a story, a true story, that illustrates in a heartfelt manner what it takes to succeed. And the tremendous reward when you do.



3. I enjoyed A Leg Up very much, particularly at night when I was tired and wanted to read something uplifting and positive. I looked forward to crawling into bed with this book and reading another chapter. The story moves in a gentle progression, describing how the author learns a difficult skill over time despite various hurdles she must conquer. The story is humorous and compassionate. By the end of the book you love horses and feel a deeper understanding of the partnership between rider and horse. You feel like it's time to go out and learn something new.

No comments about From Foal to Full-Grown.

No comments about Controlled Reproduction in Farm Animals Series: Four Volume Set (Controlled Reproduction in Farm Animals , So4).

4 comments about A Parent's Guide to Buying That First Horse: How-To Find the Ideal Horse for You Family and Avoid Buying a Lemon.

1. Here's a book on buying a first horse which is addressed directly to parents. It includes a lot of common-sense suggestions... The book addresses commonly-asked questions and walks the reader through the purchasing process. There are chapters on equipment, housing, and safety tips, as well as breed registry addresses and a glossary of terms. There's a helpful boarding quiz, and it is full of common-sense advice. Lisa Kiser, Editor of Horse Play Magazin



2. The guide is an excellent tool for familiarizing one self with the various aspects of working with horses. I recommend this book to families interested in horse ownership. using simple, yet informative vocabulary that even non-horsy folks can understand, the author answers in great detail lots of questions one may have before purchasing what will become a major expense, as well as a trusted companion. So, for all you future horse owners out there, be sure to order a copy of A Parent's Guide To Buying That First Horse before you set out on your search. It's bound to make it a less rocky road!!! Sara Marcus, Horse People Magazine, New York



3. Mules are included in this guide for parents as they embark on the purchase of that all important baby sitter for thier child. Sixteen chapters cover information on breeds, equipment, housing, health, safety and organizations. Well written and organized, this guide for parents can be read and enjoyed by the children for whom the purchase is being made. This would be a great opportunity for parent and child to share the book together. With this guide the purcahse of the first horse for a child should be an enjoyable and safe endeavor. It would be an ideal addition to any riding instructor's library to share with prospective buyers. The Brayer, Sue King, Denton, Texas



4. Bonnie is an excellent writer with a good handle on what is proper, safe and economical in the horse world. Any one (even if you are not a parent) should get this book if you are thinking of buying a horse, or have purchased a horse that just did not work out. This should be a must have book on the list of anyone operating riding camps, lesson stables, etc. Bonnie covers everything from what the different breeds of horses are and what they are used for right on through a resource chapter which highlights dozens of breed and riding associations, complete with addresses, so readers can write for additional information on the breed of their choice. This book covers every aspect of preparing for, choosing, buying and caring for that first horse, all written in an easy to understand format. This would make an excellent Christmas gift for that friend who is thinking of buying a horse for the family. The Equine Trader Magazine, Roxboro, North Carolin

No comments about Manual of Equine Gastroenterology.

1 comments about What Will Be: The Autobiography.

1. This was a well writen and detailed story of one of riding's top people.
   The importance of going anywhere any time to see a horse; but the celebrity mania of the ending was disapointing. I won't spoil it, it was a very good book to that point.
   Nancy Gause

2 comments about Understanding Equine Lameness (Horse Health Care Library).

1. I found this book interesting but not enough detail for what I needed it for



2. Did you ever wonder why in any pre-purchase exam why your Veterinarian does certain things to inspect a horse, it's legs, it's muscles, it's movement?

   A full explanation, with all of the answers to "why" in this brief, yet fully explained booklet.

   There is conformation "dialog" of the pros and cons to each conformation blemish, and to purchasing a horse with such, for each discipline. Are you looking at a horse that is cow hocked or base narrow or toeing in or strait in the shoulder? AND, if you purchase such a horse, will that horse be successful performing in the discipline in which you would like to use it, and remain sound?

   Les Sellnow explains the strengths and weaknesses per discipline of all conformation blemishes, as well as why lameness can occur in these particular horses.

   Read on and enjoy a great and brief reference that should be in every home that buys and sells horses.