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.

5 comments about Beautiful Jim Key: The Lost History of a Horse and a Man Who Changed the World.

1. Great story !! An amazing story of a Great horse and a really great horse "teacher" !! Very informative I had never heard of Jim Key and I'm very glad the story finally got told, I just wish I could have seen him do his "thing"



2. This is not your ordinary horse story. You will be asked to believe some pretty surprising things, and my guess is that you will believe them - even if you're as hard-boiled as my Aunt Idena's Easter eggs.
   This is a horse story, in the same way that the film "Seabiscuit" is a horse story. But it is also a fascinating snapshotof the life of a man of color. It describes the situations, attitudes and dangers that he had to contend with from his beginnings as a slave in the pre-Civil War South, to his rise to celebrityhood alongside his famous horse in post-Civil War America.
   It is a look at an astonishing bond between a man and a horse, and the far-reaching changes they brought about in thousands who experienced in person the wonder of their special relationship. How Dr. Key and the titular horse brought about, in large measure, the rise of the animal-rights movement, and helped thousands of African Americans to achieve fair and equal treatment in education and other areas make for fascinating reading.
   This book is an eye-opening delight. It is a must-read for anyone interested in horses, animal intelligence, the struggle for equality by African Americans in this country, and anyone interested in the history of America.



3. This story of a good man who made a good life for himself, his family and his animals, built from circumstances that were to say the least, less than the best, is a case study in human nature.
   
   I cannot help but contrast Dr. Key with Michael Vic. Key was a man born into slavery and from that experience, chose to treat all life with respect. He and his horse became a catalyst for the change in public sentiment that came as a result of his goodness toward animals and activity the American Humane Movement. Michael Vic who, when also given a life of plenty, choose the opposite path. It seems to be a sad commentary.
   
   I must heartily endorse the book. It is a good story and a good read.



4. I found this story an interesting story about race relations and progress in teaching society about kindness to animals at the turn of the 19-20th century -- after I got through the heavy emphasis on commercialsim. However, the heavy thread of commercialism that ran throughout was very off-putting to me -- probably it was a big thread in the author's source materials. She tried to present the story with the exploitation of Jim Key's talents as a key to acceptance of kindness of animals in our society as a main theme -- but I saw that as more of a side benefit of the humans' desire to become wealthy -- a "gimmick" used to further the commercialization of Jim Key. To me altruism truly exists only where the primaries are not attempting to gain anything for themselves, whether that be money, reputation, or praise. Hence this story is about commercialization, not altruism. Now it is true that Bill Key highly valued kindness to animals and that he was uncompromising about the right of Jim Key to enjoy the wealth too -- and that was a great and unusual characteristic at that time (and probably still is today) -- but it does not change the fact that commercialization seems to me to be the main theme of the story. In fact the author seems to make more points about the promoter's innovative commercializations than she does about the progress of teaching kindness to animals.



5. Both Jim Key and Dr. Key were beautiful! What a lovely story...even better because it's true. Mim Rivas' research is extensive and detailed. It's good that a documentary is in the works...so that others will know the story...and perhaps read the book.

5 comments about Complete Book of Horse Care.

1. much of this book was helpful, but i was immediately disappointed when i saw his foal handling techniques. most of them are cruel and unnecessary(sp?), in fact, as between us my mother and i have halter 'broken' two foals, simply by getting their trust and making halters and ropes safe, fun things. in his book he describes twisting ears, twitching, tying to a post in an covered roundyard as a way of halter breaking. although i agree that in an emergency/dangerous situation, twictching a horse may be the only way to save its life, it is not a good training solution or vet aid. definately not a book for the horse LOVER.



2. A very good read. Would have liked more info on tack and tacking up but overall I recommend it.



3. This book was a wonderful source for me to look to for anything I needed to know. It also taught me many things I didn't know but needed to. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about horses!



4. This was one of the best horse books I've read. It thoroughly covers care, tack, riding, history-everything! Although it didn't give step-by-step instructions for everything, it was a complete and satisfying book to read.



5. This book takes the reader through the history of equines, and continues with the modern horse and its needs. Purchasing, grooming, handling, disease and nutrition are a few of the subjects addressed. Excellent color photos and examples.

1 comments about The Principles of Teaching Riding: The Official Manual of the Association of British Riding Schools.

1. This manual for the most part, lays down rudimentary knowledge about teaching riding. Its a good source of information for someone hoping to become an instructor, and would even be good reading for someone who just started riding (to clarify questions).
   It has details on different types of courses for different students, rider safety, and covers student progression up to the beginner/intermediate level.

   For someone who has moderate experience as an instructor, it may be redundant information but its still very usefull as a reference, and will clear up any small teaching obstacles that you may have with your younger students.

5 comments about Horse Genetics.

1. This was probably a good book when first printed, but that 7 years ago and a lot of the information is no longer valid. Not a good reference, because although a lot is changed, none of it is reliable anymore due to age of info.



2. Easy to understand, comprehensive view of color genetics in horses. Does not have much outside color genetics, and very few pictures, but very thorough and in-depth, yet comprehendable reading of color genetics from a top authority.



3. Yes! This book tells it all. Mind you, it is not simple to read. If you do not have a genetic/biologic background, it may at times be impossible to understand. Not many illustrations, and black and white only. But for the person who does have at least somewhat understanding of genetics it is a MUST HAVE!
   Unfortunally here and there a little out-dated (homozygous testing for Tobiano and OLWS testing at the time not yet available).



4. Dr. Ann T. Bowling was a Dir. of the Verinary Genetics Lab at UCDavis, so when you read this book you are learning from a hands on Researcher of genetics identification, linkage mapping, and choromosomal assignment of genes in horses including coat color, blood groups and explanation of DNA and microsatellite polymorphisms....Alright, sounds difficult, but being self taught through all the books I could lay my hands on, this is a modern up to the minute look at equine genetics today. If I can understand this, with a little bit of reading and applying to your own herd you will understand from a leading geneticist who has made her mark in national and international equine genetics studies. The paperback book at this price is absolutely affordable, and pictures and many graphs and charts guide you through the understanding of genetics in and easy format. For those into color pattern horses.....this is a must to update old thinking in terms of recessive and dominant genes as related to patterning genes. I have followed Ann via her reviews and write ups starting with her articles published in the Paint Horse Journal......just an absolute must read!!!



5. This is a well-researched and compiled book; useful for the REALLY serious horse enthusiast. Filled with masses of interesting information, but possibly a little 'overloaded' with details about 'broken-coloured' horses. Contains a superb 'references' section and a well-compiled index. It is a pity that ALL the illustrations are in black and white, but this may partly account for the good value for money of this book.

3 comments about Riding Academy.

1. I was truly blessed at an early age to have this and Gymkhana in my room when I first began to ride. This is a marvelous and loving look at children and horseback riding. Any parent with a child, particularly a daughter, beginning Enlgish riding instruction ought to make every effort to find this book. Like my tattered copy, it will become an heirloom. PCK, NJ.



2. This is one of my favorite books from childhood. A tongue-in-cheek riding instruction manual, it is filled with cartoons about the antics of girls and their sometimes-naughty ponies. Add subtle British humor to the mix, and it's a must for girls in that "horsey" stage . . . my 10-year-old adores it!



3. Everything you ever experienced at a riding academy with a chuckle on every page. Or if you've never been to a riding academy, you'll want to after looking this over. Angie Lohman

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.

No comments about Helping Hooves: Training Miniature Horses as Guide Animals for the Blind (Equine In-Focus series).

1 comments about Flight without Wings: The Arabian Horse and the Show World.

1. I have been involved with Arabians for many years at many different levels. I don't know any other source that explains the Arabian horse and the show world in such depth and clarity. It is a unique look at the disiplines of the show arena , giving the professional and amateurs, trainers and exhibitors point of view. For instance, one judge/trainer talks about show nerves. He says that he has students who in their world outside horses are doctors, lawyers, even a nobel prize winner, and they get nerous about showing.
   
   I think this book serves so many people: the person new to the Arabian horse, those just curious about the breed and those who have been involved for years.

No comments about Velvet Noses: Spirited Lessons from the Horses We Love.