No comments about Elements of Dressage: A Guide for Training the Young Horse.

5 comments about Ultimate Horse Revised.

1. This is an excellent book for people new to horses, or for those who want to learn a bit more about the different breeds from around the world without getting too much into the minutia. An excellent overview.
   
   While some of the information on genetics and coloring may be outdated as some reviews point out, for most casual horse fans and readers this shouldn't be a turnoff. For those "breeds" he includes like Palomino that are actually based on color, he clearly states that these are not technically breeds. If you are serious about learning about horse genetics and coloring I would suggest buying a book that spends more than 2 pages discussing the topic.
   
   The pictures are excellent and clearly show the different horse breeds. the notes are directly aligned to the conformation details for each breed addressed along with a brief history. I also liked that he gave brief coverage to horse temperment for most every breed. Something not often found in other books I have seen. Each breed gets 2 full-color pages. Does it cover every breed on the planet? No. But it does cover over 90 which again should be more than enough for the general horse loving populace.



2. Covers breeds, history and origins, care, grooming, english equitation and disciplines.
   
   I loved this book when it came out, and have held on to it for many years. Initially, this book was very well received among horselovers everywhere. At the time there was nothing else like it: absolutely gorgeous full-colour, two-page spread photographs of some of the world's best known breeds, along with brief chapters on history and origin of the horse, and its relationship with humans, and various disciplines.
   
   However, the book is somewhat generic in facts, and the text is mostly complimentary to the photos, with a definate english (British) slant (referring to the Paint breed as "pinto"). There is very little information given on western disciplines (ranching, roping, reining, western riding, western trail, etc), and the information given on colour genetics is questionable to say the least (a much better and more accuate book on this subject would be Sponenberg's "Equine Color Genetics").
   
   In fact, much of the information given in this book is probably outdated. Still, if you are a horselover, or equine artist, you will enjoy breezing through this book, and the photographs can be very useful for study and research, or enjoyment.



3. I first owned a copy of this book when it was published in 1991; the photographs are exquisitely vivid and colorful. The history of the various breeds are well-covered, but it is unfortunate that the information on coat colors and patterns is so basic (and, in some respects, obsolete). The description of the more common colors and markings are adequate and reliable for anyone just starting out on accurate color identification. Most horse books go into great detail on the history of breeds and types, but many leave readers in the dark regarding colors. Fortunately, for the serious student of horse colors, there are modern texts devoted to the subject of color genetics, which is the best way to learn how many colors and patterns occur in horses. This book is suitable for learning about the history of the horse, the various breeds and types, and is well worth it for the photographs alone.



4. This book is a fairly good introductory reference to horses, suited for younger riders and horse enthusiasts just entering the horse world. It is well written and easy to understand. The first section of the book is entitled "The Essential Horse," and covers its evolution, domestication, the basics of conformation (including several very nice diagrams), the gaits (with nice photographic sequences of the walk, trot, canter, and gallop), the coat colors, the horse's senses, and behavior and communication. Most of this information is good, but the reader should disregard almost everything the author says about color genetics, as the majority of the information here is vastly outdated and has since been proven false (the book was published in 1991, so this is not surprising). A better reference to horse color would be Phillip Sponenberg's "Equine Color Genetics," though that text is not aimed at younger readers.

   The bulk of the book is devoted to profiles on several different breeds of horse. Only a small sampling of breeds are included, but most of the major, most popular ones are covered. Each profile page includes information on the history of the breed, its influence on other breeds, its use, conformation, temperatment, and any other interesting facts. Most of the basic information is good, though there are occasional errors. There is a large, bull-body profile picture of each breed, often a headshot, and sometimes a few other photos or drawings. The breeds included are (in order):

   Arabian, Barb, Andalusian, Thoroughbred, Anglo-Arab, Shagya Arabian, Lusitano, Akhal-Teke, Lipizzaner, Budonny, Kabardin, Don, Morgan, Quarter Horse, Hackney, French Trotter, Orlov Trotter, Standardbred, Friesian, American Saddlebred, Missouri Fox Trotter, Tennessee Walking Horse, Peruvian Paso, Mustang, Irish Draft, Norman Cob, Cleveland Bay, Gelderlander, Dutch Warmblood, Fredericksborg, Selle Francais, Danish Warmblood, Trakehner, Hanoverian, Holsteiner, Maremmana, Murgese, Oldenburg, Camargue, Rocky Mountain Horse, Furioso, Nonius, Knabstrupper, Pinto*, Palomino*, Australian Stock Horse, Appaloosa, Bashkir Curly, Landais, Ariegeois, Haflinger, Italian Heavy Draft, Norwegian Fjord, Icelandic Horse, Caspian, Falabella, Exmoor Pony, Dartmoor Pony, Welsh Mountain Pony, Welsh Pony, Welsh Cob, Dales Pony, Fell Pony, Highland Pony, Shetland Pony, Connemara, New Forest Pony, American Shetland, Shire, Suffolk, Clydesdale, Percheron, Ardennais, Breton, Jutland, Boulonnais, and Belgian.

   * = the Pinto and Palomino, while presented in this book as breeds, are NOT actually breeds, but just colors. There are registries for these colors, but they accept horses of any breed, and are not actually breed registries.

   There are also pages detailing the different "types" of horse (regardless of breed), suited for different tasks and disciplines: the hunter, the polo pony, the hack / riding horse, the cob, and the riding pony.

   The third section is entitled "You and Your Horse" and covers the various aspects of horse ownership and care. Topics include how to buy a horse, stable maintenance, equipment for riding and care, riding clothes, grooming, shoeing, feeding, health care, pregnancy and birth, and foal development. This information is very basic, and you should of course consult experts before buying your first horse - other horse owners, veterinarians, farriers, etc. The clothing styles represented are a little outdated, as fashion in the horse world changes just as it does elsewhere, so it's best to talk to other riders and tack store employees if you are unsure.

   The final section of the book, "The Horse and Man," discusses the various uses of the horse for both work and sport. It begins with the history of the horse as a labor animal, including the horse in war, as transportation, as a construction implement, and as an agricultural tool. It then goes into the different sporting disciplines: driving, classical equitation, western riding, hunting, dressage, show jumping, eventing, racing (including flat racing, steeplechase, and harness racing), polo, endurance riding, and sidesaddle. At the end of the book there is a glossary of key terms. Though this book isn't perfect, it's a good place to start. The topics covered are comprehensive, and the photography is good. Overall, a nice place for younger horse lovers to begin learning about their favorite animal.




5. I really loved the photography of this book- each horse is photographed against a white background so you don't miss any detail. I wish there was more information about the temperament of each horse- it is listed for some, and not for others. Overall a great read. I was not looking for a lot of text about the history of the horse, etc. so this was the book for me. This book provides a wonderful tour of horse breeds from all around the world!

5 comments about Horse: How the Horse Has Shaped Civilizations.

1. The only creatures to appear more often in historical artwork than horses are humans. "Horse: How the Horse Has Shaped Civilizations" is the tale of this beast of burden and how it has shaped the cultural evolution of humanity through the ages, whether through practical use or as a source of inspiration. Veterans of war, stars of rodeos and races, Horses have always been and still are a massive part of society. "Horse: How the Horse Has Shaped Civilizations" is a deftly written look at the creature, a top pick for horse fans and community library collections dedicated to pets and wildlife.



2. This is no straight history of the relationship between mankind and horses. Chamberlin somehow manages to convey the horse spirit in terms both mundane and mythological. One feels the muscled power of the beast, and can both see and hear a breath expelled from velvet nostrils on a cold rural morning. I picked this up in idle curiosity and was smitten with Big Bird. Could not stop turning the pages. I now "get it" - what all those horse lovers are about. Very cool book.



3. Chamberlin's book describes the deep emotional connections between human beings and horses, which transcend civilizations. His discussion of the historical artifacts and art forms depicting horses reveals that our respect for the horse has existed since long before recorded history, and extensively details the strong positive feelings horses have consistently evoked among 'horse people'. I also particularly enjoyed Chamberlin's selection of historical anecdotes, which included vignettes illustrating Genghis Khan, Napolean and Alexander the Great's enduring relationships with their horses (among others.)
   
   As a whole, the book was a charming portrait of how humans have seen and loved horses, which changed and broadened my view of the most important of inter-species relationships. The stories, images and facts related comprise a fascinating whole, one that I plan to revisit in the near future. This is a book that I will read and re-read.



4. This book is the best cultural history of horses and humans from earliest times to the present that I am aware of. I especially liked the passages on horse racing and horse games around the world, from the Scythians to the Sioux and from the ancient Greeks and Romans to the quarter horse races of the Old West. The author makes connections between ancient and modern races, and describes race courses, audiences, and horse breeding techniques around the world over thousands of years. I had no idea that so many cultures played on horseback, from the tournaments of medieval knights and the polo of India's Moguls to the pato of the gauchos in Argentina and the chicken fight of the Navajo. This is both great fun and food for thought!



5. I thought I knew a great deal about horses and their history until I read this book and now I feel that a wealth of information has been added to my tiny store. This is a fascinating worldview of where horses came from and where and how they traveled, in addition to the relationship between horses and civilizations. Bravo!

4 comments about Tarantulas and Other Arachnids.

1. This is a good starter book for tarantula hobbyists with lots of great pictures to help identify various spider breeds. A good addition to any spider library.



2. This book has been extremly helpful. Recommend to all who have or plan on having Tarantulas.



3. If you are interested in owning a tarantula or are new to the hobby I highly reccomend this book. It is well writen to the point and covers a lot of BASIC care information without getting to scientific or to historical. Great pictures and it has a pretty good section on different tarantulas in the hobby (talks about the temprement, housing, etc,) which will help you to choose what tarantula is right for you. This is a must for any tarantula hobbyist. Well worth your money.



4. Whether new to having a pet tarantula, or a little further along in the hobby, this is a great book to have on hand. All the basic questions/concerns about keeping a tarantula are well-covered in this book. There are also many beautiful color photos of tarantulas that will make you want to keep expanding your collection! There is far less information on keeping other spiders and scorpions, but it is still very helpful if you are starting out.

No comments about The Horse in the City: Living Machines in the Nineteenth Century (Animals, History, Culture).

1 comments about Manes and Tails (Threshold Picture Guides).

1. I think this book is very helpful because it shows in detail just how to braid, roach, and generally care for your horse's mane and tail. I would recomend this book to anyone that is a first time horse owner.

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.

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.

3 comments about Intermediate Western Exercises (Arena Pocket Guides).

1. I like the thought behind these exercises and this book, but I thought it needed more instruction. Some of this stuff I had never heard of and it's hard to learn something and teach your horse at the same time.



2. I'm a dyed in the wool western rider and have heard trainers say "check your horse" but didn't realize until I bought this book that a western check is about the same thing as what dressage riders call a half halt. With just this one exercise from this book, I am now finally getting my horse collected. I like the handy size - I stuff it in the gullet of my saddle on top of the blanket. I bought the advanced western book too.



3. i found this book to help with an organized training workout but expected to find more instructions on getting the horse to perform the movements

3 comments about Let's Go To A Show!: How to Win Ribbons and Have Lots of Fun, Too.

1. Hi,
   I love this book. It's on my Christmas list. I've seen it at my best friends house and loved it. It has everything from the kinds of classes to how to win each and every one of them. I can't use it because I ride Western and my mom will not let me have English lessons. If anyone is looking for a spectacular book about how to show look no further. I recomend this item for kids but adults might want a little more advanced information. Take Care.
   
   Love,
   
   (...)



2. This book covers everything a young rider needs to know about showing. It has descriptions of different classes, helpful hints and trouble shooting, and it's easy to understand. If an adult tried to read it, it might not be as helpful. But overall, a great book!



3. I thought that this was a great book for my first year hunter students!!! However maybe the title is a bit misleading, as some of the kids thought that just by reading the book they were guaranteed an armfull of ribbons! However it illustrated proper turnout and horsemanship well!!