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

5 comments about Some Horses: Essays.

1. McGuane gives you a sense of being a 'fly on the wall' while he rides, and also shares interesting tidbuts about his friends such as Buster Welch, who is a legend of the Western horse world.



2. Some books are hard to classify, in spite of their seemingly simple titles. Among them are "Rats, Lice, and History" by Hans Zinsser, most of John McPhee's natural history books, and "Some Horses" by Thomas McGuane. One could call them philosophy as focused through Nature--the very opposite of religion as focused through the tribal mind.
   
   I've been on enough horses to know that you don't tell them what to do. You ask them, and if the horse trusts you, he'll respond favorably if he knows what you want. The author discusses the equine-human relationship in depth, focusing on the art of cutting cattle from a herd. I suppose if McGuane had been more mellow Californian and less Wyoming rancher, he would have called this book, 'The Zen of Cutting Horses.'
   
   Writer, rancher, horseman, and conservationist Thomas McGuane is the author of nine novels, a collection of short stories, several collections of essays on sport and horse, and he also wrote the screen play for "Missouri Breaks."
   
   The latter just goes to show that an author can be an expert on his subject and still end up as a grease mark on the Hollywood Wall of Shame.
   
   My favorite essay in "Some Horses" concerns Chink's Benjibaby, a black cutting mare, who worked cattle with an intensity that verged on loco. She went through many owners, including the author, until she found her rider. The author asks, "How did you train the mare?"
   
   '"I didn't," says [Chink's new owner]. "I never won a fight."'
   
   The black mare had a glint of what McGuane calls 'unlost wildness.' She knew she was special and demanded respect. When a new ranch hand fed other horses before Chink, "she was simply so offended at not being fed first that she hurled herself on the ground and held her breath until she was given her grain."
   
   This is not a book that rants and lectures about the plight of the ranchers, like, say the Peter Bowen mysteries. McGuane reminds me more of Mary O'Hara, author of "My Friend Flicka" and "Thunderhead"--lean, beautiful prose suffused with melancholy about a vanishing way of life.



3. I greatly enjoyed this well-written and amusing book of essays by novelist Thomas McGuane. Although I have ridden a horse and get out to the occasional rodeo, it's mostly my interest in Western literature that got me to read "Some Horses." And it turned out to be an entertaining journey into the complex relationship that can exist between human and equine intelligence.

   One essay is about rodeo calf-roping and another about mountain trail riding and camping in snow, but most of the essays are about McGuane's experience with cutting horses. Developed as a specialized skill of horse and rider on open rangeland, cutting is the exacting art (and now sport) of separating out a single cow or calf from a herd of cattle. Given the strong herd instinct of cows, this is no mean feat, and it takes a fine horse, superior training, and a competent rider to do it well and consistently. In these essays, each devoted to individual horses, McGuane invites the reader into this world of nonverbal communication between horse, rider, and cow.

   In the hands of another writer, this subject could easily be arcane, technical, vague, or dry as corral dust. But McGuane makes literature of it. The opening essay owes its rambling form and spirit to Montaigne, and all of them are rich with sharply observed details, nuances of emotion, and fascinating character sketches of both people and horses. The only thing dry is McGuane's wry sense of humor. In the essay about a winter road trip with his wife and four horses from Southern California to Montana, I was laughing out loud.

   You don't have to be a horse lover for this one. All that's required is a curiosity about animal psychology and the place where it comes in contact with the psychology of humans.




4. As a horseman - - McGuane knows and loves his horses, and conveys that well.

   As an author - - his work is a great pleasure to read... he does have fine a way with words.

   The best comment that I can make is that after reading Some Horses we're back on line to buy a bunch more of McGuane's books.




5. I had been encouraged to read some of McGuane's work and decided to start with Some Horses. This is a book about McGuane's experience with horses through his life. It gives an interesting and entertaining look into the life of an active horse owner. McGuane has been fortunate to have the life he describes in the book and calls for an appreciation the horse has played and continues to play in our lives. From ranch work to modern day cutting competitions, horses and their mark on the West live in both fantasy and reality for many people. McGuane's book brings depth and definition to dreams we have of using and working with horses. The horse is an interesting creature, often weighing 10 times the rider but still at the rider's command. If you have a horse or dream of having a horse, Some Horses will give you a respect and appreciation for why horses are important to us.

1 comments about All About Riding Side-Saddle (Allen Photographic Guides).

1. This was a very good book, the photos are clear and the writing concise. I just wish it were longer!

4 comments about Ahlerich: The Making of a Dressage World Champion.

1. This book covers the training of Ahlerich from the horses purchase up to winning an Olympic Gold medal. Dr. Reiner Klimke shows the sensitive, always thoughtful handling, that went into the training of this great horse. He explains in detail why he did things a certain way with this particular horse. Like a Diamond cutter with a precious stone, Dr. Klimke was ever careful to preserve the brilliance and purity of movement that Ahlerich was blessed with. How easily one careless touch of the spur or jab in the mouth could destroy all this brilliance forever. Dr. Klimke was the best!



2. Read about the emotions involved in the training of a horse to the olympic level.



3. It is a very helpful book on training, problems that can occur. The one-on-one relationship with Alerich and all horses is so special. His helpful tips in using patience and the basics throughout the levels makes this a must read book. Book is also light and funny during the training. With his untimely death, this is a sure classic for all equestrians!



4. Most people know who these two are. If you do not, Reiner Klimke and Ahlerich won the Olympic Gold Medal in 1984. In the book Klimke reveals the full story behind their achievements. Seems Ahlerich was difficult and headstrong. I was given the book as a gift and to my surprise I really enjoyed the story. I was sorry the book ended. I think the book is fun, interesting with warmth and humor, enjoy.

5 comments about Saddles.

1. I'am very happy to have this book in my collection. Lots of great pictures and information.



2. Mr. Beatie researched and wrote this book in the late 70's. I agree with other reviewers that there is some lack of information in certain areas. However, I urge those who treasure saddles for their artistry and historic value to forgive these criticisms and to see the book as it is--a beautifully presented depiction of the history of the saddle in the U.S.

   The author begins his book in earlier times, but quickly moves to this country. It is apparent that the author is in love with the western saddle for it is on this piece that he devotes most energy.

   I have collected, conserved, researched, and restored old saddles since I was 11 years old (I'm 41 now) and I can tell readers that in the 70's, and even until the last 12 years or less, it was very difficult to research saddlery due to the fact that one often needed to physically examine a saddle to secure one's own conclusions regarding its history, origin, and age. Often, photographs could not provide enough detail to offer conclusive information. Authors of saddlemaking and saddle collecting books in this decade are fortunate to have at their disposal the technology we now take for granted. Information is more accessible, and many saddle owners who were heretofore unknown are now able to connect across thousands of miles to share their knowledge with each other. And, there are now more of us out there, discovering these treasures in barns and attics.

   So, please, if you love saddlery, forgive Mr. Beatie for being on the forefront of the writers on this subject, forgive him for having published his book twenty-two years ago instead of two years ago, and enjoy this big, beautiful book for what it is--a splendid visual homage to the western saddle.




3. When I first read this book a few years ago, I was very dissapointed at the fact that Mr Beatie has not given credit to the true creator, the mexican horseman, of the so called "western saddle". I would rather recommend a study on saddles done by the Smithsonian Institite. Mr Russel's book, like many other books on western culture is full of bias. This book is not worth the price.



4. I recieved this book as a gift and was SO EXCITED.
   I wished to learn more about old saddles, dates, maufacturing, types, etc.
   I was really dissapointed when I sat down to read it.
   It was very vauge...not at all what I was expecting.
   And NOT WORTH (the money) (to me).



5. I recieved this book as a gift and was SO EXCITED.
   I wished to learn more about old saddles, dates, maufacturing, types, etc.
   I was really dissapointed when I sat down to read it.
   It was very vauge...not at all what I was expecting.
   And NOT WORTH $50.00 (to me).

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.

4 comments about The Anatomy of the Horse.

1. this is a good book except that the written explanations on the back pages have wrtiting so small I can't read it at all



2. This is an interesting book and the drawings are lovely. However, you don't know what you are looking at since the explanation plates are way way too tiny to read. You'd have to take the pages and blow them up to read what is drawn. Instead of 4 plates to a page how about each plate to a page. Don't buy if you are trying learn about the horse because you can't read the tiny tiny print.



3. George Stubbs is considered one of the all time great sports artists. Although he focused predominantly on horses, study of his work reveals that his talents were diverse and impressive. It was fairly unique in his time to do detailed anatomical studies, and George Stubbs was somewhat of a pioneer in that field. He even rigged up a special apparatus to hold the horse carcass in life-like poses as he dissected and sketched. I have an older edition of this book, and it's so used and loved that the pages are falling out!
   
   I've been a student and follower of George Stubbs since childhood ... partly because I've always been a "horse-crazy kid", and partly because I'm actually a descendant of the artist. I had the honor of viewing a marvelous display of his original works at Yale University's art museum many years ago. Seeing the artwork in person made me appreciate his talents even more.
   
   By purchasing and studying this book, you are not only reviewing a very accurate rendering of the anatomy of the horse, you are holding a significant piece of both art and biological history in your hands.
   
   Don't hesitate if you're considering a purchase. You won't regret it.



4. I found that the book was very well written and was jamed packed with need to know information. It provided me with the information that I need in my Equine Science class. It had alot of stuff that the text book did not have. I would recommend this book to student that is taking an Equine related class.

No comments about Ultimate Guide to Horse Breeds.

5 comments about Problem-Solving, Volume 2 (Problem-Solving (Western Horseman)).

1. The book is very informative and has a lot of detail that is helpful.



2. I found this book very difficult to follow. He is trying to answer too many questions in one book and the information becomes very confusing instead of sticking with the basics.

   May consider writing several books and breaking them down to the different levels instead of trying to cram it all in one do it all book.

   Horses are like people they come in all different sizes, shapes, and intelligence. The book you need for guidance needs to be as such to fit the horse's needs, so you can train them properly.




3. good suggestions and helpful pictures to show what the author is saying. would recommend it!!



4. Provides practical, straightforward solutions to problems that face all horsemen at one time or another. Focuses on safety and effectiveness of the techniques for both horse and rider. Credits and draws on the philosophies and logical approaches taught by Tom Dorrance, Ray Hunt, Buck Brannaman and others of substance in fostering a spirit of partnership and good will. If a person will sincerely apply the techniques outlined with consistency, self-discipline and with a good attitude, things will surely improve for their horses and for them. Extensively diagramed and photographed to provide visuals. Book's only been in print for a few months and mine is already dog-eared! A favorite read.



5. Provides practical, straightforward solutions to problems that face all horsemen at one time or another. Focuses on safety and effectiveness of the techniques for both horse and rider. Credits and draws on the philosophies and logical approaches taught by Tom Dorrance, Ray Hunt, Buck Brannamans and others of substance in fostering a spirit of partnership and good will. If a person will sincerely apply the techniques outlined with consistency, self-discipline and with a good attitude, things will surely improve for their horses and for them. Extensively diagramed and photographed to provide visuals. A favorite read.

2 comments about Fitness in Motion: Therapeutic Exercises for Horses.

1. This is a very nice book. I can work with my horse and put the book by the side and not have to weight the pages down with old horseshoes to keep our place. That is a nice feature, but it is also easy to follow the exercises. It has taken a couple of weeks, but my young horse is just beginning to actually enjoy and finally relax during the exercises rather than wonder what in the world I am doing to him now. So far I haven't seen a lot of change, because he came to me at two years of age with some wariness of people. The tension and worry he still holds in some amounts, I am certain, make the exercises considerably less effective. Having met Dr. Frick at the NC Equine Affair, I was impressed with her knowledge and her sincere wish to help all rider/drivers and their equines. I have been anxiously awaiting the ability to purchase this book and have been checking frequently. I think it will be a nice tool in my toolbox of horsemanship techniques and well worth the investment.



2. We have three elderly (20+)quarter horses we use for occasional trail riding, and an eight-year old Arab-quarter horse cross whom we also ride trails with on Colorado's front range. I ordered this book at the end of our riding season--it's been snowing, blowing and freezing here, so I haven't had a chance to put many of the exercises to use yet, but I'm impressed with the comprehensiveness of the book. Readers are encouraged to look at the whole horse, the barn situation, the tack and their own conditioning, then told some ways to assess their horse's functioning. Specific exercises name the targeted muscle and are illustrated with very clear photographs as well as explained in words. A chart summarizing the purpose, frequency and duration, muscles/areas targeted, indications it's effective or should be discontinued are presented for each activity. The book is spiral-bound, so it can be laid flat to make it easier to use with a horse around. Some techniques are
   massage, some seem to be drawn from chiropractic or accupressure and there are also ground exercises. Even though it's very comprehensive, I don't think it will be overwhelming if you just learn one or two techniques at a time, starting with what your horse seems to need. This is a great way to hang out at the barn and spend quality time with your horse. I think this will really help to build a stronger, more positive relationship between you.