3 comments about Backyard Horsekeeping: The Only Guide You'll Ever Need.

1. Gina Cresse an extremely talented family member - great book - EXCELLENT art work



2. Fry has written the most comprehensive, practical guide I've ever seen. I first bought my horse in July of 2006 and her book was one of the first one I checked out of the library. I didn't buy it at the time because I wanted to wait and see what other books were available and how I liked them before spending money on one. 6 months later, I was still stuck on "Backyard Horsekeeping: The Only Guide You'll Ever Need."
   
   Fry's book covers everything from how much space you would need to keep one horse to nutrition to health issues to training. A lot of books are written for people who are going to have more than one horse or who are interested in showing their horse. I'm neither of those. Fry's practical advice will work well for any type of horse owner and is very comprehensive!
   
   I LOVE this book!



3. Joan Fry's book Backyard Horsekeeping has a subtitle - The only guide you'll ever need. And she's absolutely correct. With wit and wisdom, Ms Fry has written a very comprehensive book about all you'd ever need or want to know about horses before you buy one of your own. Sprinkled throughout the text are photos and drawings that serve to enhance your knowledge of the subject. It's definitely the first book you need if you're thinking of buying and keeping your own horse.

4 comments about The Cowboy Boot: History, Art, Culture, Function (Cowboy Gear Series).

1. Not worth the money. Nice photos but many just different shots of the same people (probably friends of the author!) I have many cowboy boot books and this is the least worthwhile of my collection. Save your money.



2. Bootfan must have been expecting a picture book of newer type custom boots. That's fine, as he said, buy Tyler's books or better yet, Jennifer June's new book, "Cowboy Boots, The Art & Soul".
   As for Donna Foster...Huh? This book is not by Tyler Beard, she is confusing this with one of Tyler's books, it's not.
   Now for the book.
   I own all of Tyler Beard's books, Jennifer June's and Sharon DeLano's. I found this book to be in good company with them. I particularly liked the photos of the older antique boots (pre 1900s). I found the book to be well laid out and refreshingly different from the others. Mr. Stoecklein has chosen not to follow the "formula" for a Cowboy boot book that is quickly becoming predictable and redundant. Mr. Stoecklein touches on more than boots, he shares the life, the culture, the essence of living in the west through his photos of not only the boots, but the people who wear them. Many of the shots of the boots are not static arranged shots set up in a studio under controlled lighting conditions, they are instead "action" shots taken on the range, in the mud; real time photos of cowboys and cowgirls doing their jobs or just relaxing.
   Mr. Stoecklein is a photographer so to expect anything more than a photo book form him may be unfair. That being said, I enjoyed the text very much but would have liked to have seen more, especially of the history of not just boots, but of the west, the cattle drives, etc. Maybe even a little more insight into the life and personality of the cowboy, his day to day challenges and why he would have chosen the footwear that became the cowboy boot.
   In summary, the photos are very good but the text a little weak, at least for what I was looking for. All in all, I would recommend this book as a top shelf pick, in a niche genre with scarce but fierce competition.



3. Tyler Beard and Jim Arndt's third book in their trilogy on the subject of cowboy boots is a mini-masterpiece. Although I think you have to own all three books to get the complete picture on the history of the cowboy boot, the 300+ pairs in this little book alone will satisfy any and all cowboy & cowgirl boot dreams. See it to believe it. Wow. I was happy to find that Tyler now has his own website at tylerbeard.com where I was able to buy a first edition. But you can't beat Amazon for prices on current editions. For all you boot scooters out there like me, check out this boot website: www.dimlights.com Inside boot gossip...I read in a newspaper interview that Tyler Beard thinks the best cowboy boot store in the world is Back at The Ranch in Santa Fe, New Mexico.



4. Whether you are a boot fan or just curious this is one book to avoid. The book shows little imagination nor depth of research. Once you've turned a few pages in the book you've seen them all.
   
   Tyler Beard has done three books on boots and each one shows an effort to get out and find the unusual and best examples of boot making. I would advise David R. Stoecklein to do the same.

3 comments about Dressage: The Art of Classical Riding.

1. Dressage, isn't that just a bunch of horses being ridden around in circles? How could a book about it possibly be interesting, especially if you don't ride that way? If that is what you think, read on... Sylvia Loch has written a masterpiece in a style that does far more then just talk about "Dressage". Her book has topics of interest for virtually every dicipline, from western to jumpers. Sylvia has put together more history, more people, and more horse breeds then it would seem to be possible. She has artfully presented it in a way that makes it resonate to virtually everyone by showing how they are all connected through history. Better still, she has done it in a way that is fascinating and contemporary to read. I found her style eloquent and conclusions insightful. Reading this book will contribute to any riders understanding about where the modern horse has evolved from, and more importantly, how current teaching methods relate to historic methods. By reading the title of the book I might have put it last on my list, after reading it, I have put it FIRST!



2. This book is truly a work of art, not to mention dedication in its fine summary of the history of dressage from early Greek history on to modern times. The knowledge I gained from this book is immeasurable. It has improved my riding, my understanding of dressage, my appreciation of this fine art of horsemanship, and most of all the incredible athletic ability, generous nature, and humbleness of our equine partners.



3. As the nature of horseback riding has changed from the original, practical purposes to being a recreation and past-time, riding styles have changed from what is best for horse, to what is most expedient for the casual rider who wants to "enjoy" horses. An example of this phenonema from US-style western riding is the "sliding stop". When a horse is very responsive, it should be possible to stop quickly in order to change direction, and sometimes the horse is going so fast he slides to a stop. Unfortunately, "responsiveness" is difficult to judge, and sliding is dramatic, so an original practical ideal of being able to change a horse's direction has turned into a contest to see how far a horse can drag itself by the front hooves while letting the back hooves drag on the ground. A similar corruption of purpose and technique has played itself out in almost every riding discipline as those activies have become more removed from any practical purpose.

   This is one of the only books that attempts to place riding in its proper context in history. Its points are illustrated with many rare color and black & white prints of historical paintings and photographs that are invaluable in learning how to ride. The major riding masters of history and what they discovered are all presented in a way that makes one want to learn more. Anyone wishing to increase their understanding of riding past past what is currently fashionable should own this book.

1 comments about Equipping Your Horse Farm: Tractors, Trailers & Other Implements.

1. EQUIPPING YOUR HORSE FARM: TRACTORS, TRAILERS, TRUCKS & MORE is for any new horse farm owner who is interested in choosing the right equipment for common farm chores. An inventory of essential equipment includes desirable features, accessories, and how to make choices that avoid common maintenance problems. Also important are comparisons between models and makes which allow new farmers to consider the pros and cons of special features.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch

4 comments about Cleve Wells Going For Broke: 15 Lessons To Teach Your Young Horse To Be A Willing, Respectful Partner In Hand & Under Saddle.

1. Cleve Wells has an excellent step-by-step book here. I have about 35 rides on my girl and very much recomend it. Wells methods are very pretty easy to follow too. I think Wells has helped me be more patient and less demanding of instent success. Just buy the book, do what he says and be patient. It's worth your time and money.



2. This book is an excellent manual for those folks who need a good guidebook on the topic.
   
   It is a general colt-starting book rather than a book about training Western Pleasure specialists.



3. Even though I am a Hunter O/F rider, I was able to take some pointers from this book and apply it to my flat work and basic listening skills of my horse.



4. I think it's a wonderful book, and for starting a young horse it's a wonderful guide. Simple, easy step-by-step guides on how to ground drive and then transferring it to saddle, then all the in-saddle work you'll need to have a good, firm riding foundation on your horse. I thought it would have more on groundwork, like some on-the-ground leadership establishing exercises, but I think I just misread it. There IS some wonderful stuff about teaching a young horse to tie, as well as using it and tying them longer and longer to teach patience.
   
   Overall it's a wonderful book for the horse who has the VERY basics down (leading, picking up feet, etc.) and will lead you through the rest, sacking out, tying up, saddling, ground driving, NECK REINING (VERY good section here!), and more foundation building riding lessons.

No comments about The Art of Classical Horsemanship.

1 comments about The Blood-Horse Authoritative Guide to Pinhooking for Profit (Blood-Horse Authoritative Guides).

1. This is the most speculative investment that a person can make in the industry.
   
   Though there are a variety of pinhooking plans, the most common is for a person or partnership to buy a weanling or yearling and train the runner to sell - hopefully at a significant profit - at auction or privately about a year later, or sooner.
   
   The book leads you through the various steps to pinhooking, which racing fans would also find interesting.
   
   I have not heard of anyone who initially got involved in Thoroughbred racing through pinhooking, due to the time and financial risk involved. If you are at the point of wanting to try this facet of the industry, you certainly attend the races and may be involved in racing partnerships.
   
   I urge you to talk with owners and trainers to get a real perspective; and listen well. The book is a great resource, but nothing beats solid advice from those involved 24/7 with these great athletes.

1 comments about The Horse in Magic and Myth.

1. From Pegasus to the four horses of the Apocalypse, the horse figure derived from classic mythology, the Bible, folklore and literature is covered in The Horse In Magic And Myth with a series of informed chapters that focus on equine legends and myths.

1 comments about Mouths and Bits (Threshold Picture Guides Series).

1. I found this book, by way of a quick perusal, to be easy to understand about the use of teeth in telling a horses age. The written contents were easy to comprehend, as opposed to vet books and others that I read through, the depictions clear and concise.

   EXACTLY what the average horseperson wants in this type of book. We have an agistment property and are in the business of re-educating horses and selling horses, so this book is a must for us.

   We have always used veterinary text, which is rather hard to follow for the layman.

5 comments about Kingyo: The Artistry of Japanese Goldfish.

1. I love goldfish.This book loves goldfish.It is such a strange book,that it may be a hard sell.It is not a book on goldfish,it is about a love of this fish.You will see Japanese children holding their pet fish,in a bowl,smiling down at their fish,as the fish seems to be aware of it's owner,and looks upwards.You will see bowls in ceramic with goldfish painted inside.You will see paintings, kimonos,and sculptures of goldfish-a ton of visual information about other people's love for this tiny creature.It is really an art book,and very,very beautiful to look at.
   I think what i like most about this publication,next to it's topic,is it's artistry in design.It is a very odd book,very special,and likely to be ignored here in the west.
   Unless, of course,you love goldfish,and trust in my reveiw enough to buy it.



2. As a huge fan of fancy goldfish, I was pleased with this book. The cover and interior are lovely, with hundreds of photographs and art samples.
   
   However, the book would be MUCH better if it was larger. As it is, the photographs are often stuck in the spine of the book, difficult to see.



3. Every page contains a visual feast, it's a history of the art/love for fancy's from those that are continuing the tradition.
   A bonus of a short story again giving the meaning of fancy's in their lifes.
   No care/health/tank maintaining ect. facts pick one of the dozens out.



4. but not a book to learn about goldfish. A nice gift book for someone who has goldfish though.



5. When it comes to artistic and exotic Japanese fish, for most people Koi is the first thing to spring to mind, if anything. A Japanese garden would not seem complete without a few of those large, gold beauties swimming elegantly under a moon-curved bridge. Some might be reminded of the Betta, often called a Japanese Fighting Fish (Or a Chinese Fighting Fish, or a Siamese Fighting Fish, or any-other-Asian-country Fighting Fish...) Rarely would one think of a goldfish.
   
   Goldfish (Kingyo, in Japanese) are as much of an element of Japanese art as koi, cranes, cherry blossoms and white-faced courtesans. Like these, they are appreciated both for their natural beauty as well as their representational picturation. "Kingyo: The Artistry of Japanese Goldfish" explores both of these sides, showcasing the many wonders of the long tradition of goldfish breeding as well as the influence of goldfish design in all aspects of Japanese art, be they ceramics, Ukiyo-e prints, kimonos, children's toys or sword guards.
   
   The photographs of the fish themselves are simply gorgeous. Set against a stark white background, all of the varieties of these highly-cultured living art-objects can be admired, from the calico ryukins to the bizarre suihogan with their giant bubble-like cheek pockets. Some breeds are more easily-appreciated than others, but all of these magnificent photographs show what they have to offer to full advantage. Rather than encumber these images with text, the information of the many breeds is bundled together near the rear of the book.
   
   Along with the actual fish, there is a gallery of pretty much every conceivable type of Japanese art, emblazoned with goldfish. Fine ceramic dishes with subtle patterns, bright and inviting kimonos making the most of the golden color, carrying cases for tobacco and medicine, metal work such as sword guards and silver hairpins; there is clearly not an aspect of art that has remained untouched by these little swimmers. My personal favorites is the collection of Ukiyo-e prints, showing the people of Japan, high and low, enjoying the artistry of Japanese goldfish, from children scooping at them during fairs (an activity still popular in Japan today) to the moneyed classes displaying their latest acquisitions and exotic breeds.
   
   In addition to this, there is a 63-page novella, "A Riot of Goldfish," translated from Japanese and showing the goldfish's influence and writing as well. The story is a fascinating tale of obsession, both in love and in attempting to breed the perfect goldfish. Matachi, the young goldfish breeder is swallowed whole by his art, as he attempts to express his love for the unattainable Masako, using living creatures as his medium. It is an unexpected and welcome addition to what is otherwise a picture book.
   
   I really enjoyed "Kingyo: The Artistry of Japanese Goldfish," much more so than I thought I would before I first picked it up. It made me a convert to the beauty of goldfish.