5 comments about Balance in Movement: How to Achieve the Perfect Seat.

1. This is a very informative book with an in depth look at the rider's conformation and anatomy. Very well written and extremely useful for instructors and students alike! It is also recommended reading for the USDF Instructors Certification program.
   DVD
   The book and video are a perfect marriage! This video was shown at my USDF Lungeing workshop for the Instrucors Cert. Program and I had to own it! Excellent demos on position faults and several exercises on how to correct. Beneficial for both the instructor and the student!!



2. This dvd bares no resemblance to book by the same name. It shows nice video of riders walking along trails and short footage of riders riding well, but the rest of the dvd is comprised of demonstrations of riders riding poorly in an extremely exaggerated manner. There are few demonstrations of the techniques in the book that would be of any use to a rider trying to improve. Not worth the price and not even worth the cost of shipping.



3. I read this book just after I finished reading Mary Wanless' book 'Riding With Your Mind', which is referenced in Von Dietze's book. They book cover a similar topic, although Wanless' book expands into the area of right brain work to improve your riding while Von Dietze sticks to physical aspects of improving your riding seat. Her book suffers by comparison with Wanless's book because it is less well written and she is not as good as Wanless at describing how to put your various body parts in the right place. However it is an informative book and offers some good insights, particularly for the novice rider. The main deficiencies in the book from my perspective are that firstly she relies on the rider having access to lessons on the lunge, which is rarely done in Australia. Secondly the section on lateral movements is extremely brief and goes nowhere toward describing how to ride these movements. You will need to find a different book if this is what you are looking for.



4. Having studied dressage for just a couple of years, I've discovered it's a demanding and exhilarating sport. This DVD is not a substitute for an instructor, but it does contain plenty of useful advice and longe-line exercises. I'm glad I bought it.
   
   The DVD's production values are also quite good, better than I expected.



5. This book has helped me answering many questions about the rider's balance. Explains easyly the role of each body's part.
   It is quite dense and requires concentration!!

5 comments about Paddock Paradise: A Guide to Natural Horse Boarding.

1. Quality in depth instruction that helps owner to create a better living condition for their equine friend. Would recommend and have to anyone.



2. I read this book when a friend recommended it, but she said "You'll want to buy one for yourself, I bet!" She was correct. It is a book to follow in setting up your horse pastures in such a way as to stimulate "natural" horse keeping! It will be a book that I will want to refer to more than once, as my project develops. I think it is a "must have" book for people who keep their horses at home!



3. If not paradise, at least it gives more attention to the actual needs of the horse and explains why the track system might work better than stalls and pens. I am going to try it. There should be a way for people using this method to communicate with each other. You can ask the author questions but that is exorbitantly expensive!



4. Paddock Paradise is a book all horse owners should read. It's hard to change one's entire outlook on how horses should be kept, but it's worth it -- the way we have kept horses (stalled or confined to tiny paddocks) for so many years is light years from how they have evolved to live. Their feet suffer; their GI tracts suffer; their minds suffer.
   
   Read the book and learn from it. Think about it. Maybe you will not make changes immediately or completely, but over time you may find yourself returning to it again and again and finally being won over. Your horse will thank you.



5. Jaime Jackson provides a lot of insight into Wild Horse "Ideal" conditions. Pictures are great, and there are a few items which most people could incorporate into their facilities. A lot of what he recommends is not practical for most people. (Multiple electric fences, ponds, sand pits, burying calcium etc) Some recommendations can be modified. Use common sense to make a true "Paddock Paradise". His other books and DVD's were wonderful, and gave a lot more practical ides,so I was a little disappointed in this book. If one has the time, resources or natural lay of the land to make this work, it is worth exploring.

5 comments about Trickonometry: The Secrets of Teaching Your Horse Tricks.

1. My horse didn't want me to buy this because now I am enthusiastic about teaching him tricks. This book is really fun, easy to understand and the tricks range from simple to the more complicated. Useful and helpful. The author is easy to understand and I like the way she starts with the simplest tricks that I or anyone can teach. She is clear about being consistent and the length of time used for teaching in each phase, which is really helpful.
   Paint horse owner and author of: Roses and Locoweed: The Life of a Cowboy's Wife and The Winter Years of World War II



2. Overall this is an adequate little trick book. Needs color photos and better tricks however. I'm sorry I paid full price for this one.



3. The tricks are few and simple to teach. The explanation is pretty thorough. My yearling is doing it. Haven't tried my 5 or 16 yr. olds yet.



4. I bought this book for my 10 yr old daughter and myself to learn some tricks to teach our horses....It's very easy to follow (even for a 10 yr old!), methodical and lots of fun!



5. I have purchased this book several times as a gift (I own it myself). Simple instructions, well illustrated guide for teaching several tricks to your horse. This is a lot of fun when the weather is bad and you're confined to the barn.

5 comments about The Art of Horsemanship.

1. If more people took the time to educate themselves about horses and horsemanship in general and Xenophone's book in particular, perhaps we not see so many "show horses" of various popular breeds so physically manipulated by in breeding for only one or two specific traits rather than breeding for the whole horse. What was true in Ancient Greece is truer still today - without good feet, balance in the body and common sense a horse is worthless. Bravo to Amazon for bringing us this excellent book dirt cheap!



2. The material in this book is thousands of years old but amazing in how modern the approach is to horsemanship. Most of Xenophon's advice is timely even today. It shows how little has changed over the centuries.



3. This is a must if you are passionate about horses. It is so clear and to the essential point that it is a pleasure to read.



4. Xenophon covers several aspects of horsemanship, from grooming, leading, and choosing a horse, to mounting, riding, and training a war mount. Very, very interesting to see what is still applicable today. While this isn't a "training" or even a "horse care book," its a great historical reference from those interested in how horses we cared for and trained 2000 years ago. However, for those looking for a story or a book to teach riding skills, I suggest you look elsewhere. Those interested in dressage will find this worth-while, as it is considered the oldest text on the subject.



5. Xenophon's philosophy and many techniques, though tailored for the development of a war-horse, demonstrate the ageless capacity for human empathy toward the horse. The horse centered work makes the goal of a harmonious partnership attainable. The book interweaves aspects of barn management, riding technique, and early human psychological insights. The translation keeps this work relevant and vibrant. The overriding theme is one of responsibility for the education and wellbeing of the horse. It is, if nothing else, a comfort to read that some horses in the ancient world were treated humanely in the training process...even if under the unfortunate auspices of a warrior culture. Kurt Hartle, Reydon,Suffolk. UK

5 comments about Stretch Exercises for Your Horse: The Path to Perfect Suppleness.

1. This book will be read over and over as a handy reference guide. The topic is interesting and goes to a lot of trouble to explain in simple english, what problems may occur.



2. Very informative. I learned how to stretch the muscle so that the horse was more supple and less likely be to injury in competition and everyday use



3. One of the greatest mistakes riders make is not preparing their horses to rider. They just jump on and go. They don't warm the horses up or stretch them after they have worked to keep muscles supple. Then they wonder why their horses become lame or injured. The stretches suggested in this book are a great way to treat your horse like the athlete he is.



4. For whoever said there is nothing new in this book you must be a very proficient and contentiousness horse person. I found this book pack full of goodies. Perhaps there is nothing "new" for you, but for most horse owners it is a fantastic book.
   
   It has clear illustrations of all the stretches and explanations about why you do them. I also find this a good book for taking out to the barn and working through with my horses.
   
   They enjoy the change from being ridden and the exercises also make good warm up and cool downs. They are the basic exercises but you don't really need to learn 999 different exercises. Just do the ones in this book well.



5. Learn your horse's anatomy and put your new knowledge to work as you train your horse and develop stretching routines.

5 comments about The Rider's Fitness Program.

1. Most of the riding fitness books I've seen have been very basic and rather generic. This is a real comprehensive weight training program targeted at equestrian athletes. You will need access to gym equipment to carry it out, however. I really appreciate seeing riders treated as the genuine athletes they are!



2. Has some good exercises that you can perform without going to the gym. However it does rely heavily on a lot of high end gym equipment. Still worth while to help build muscle and help increase flexibility.



3. The exercises in this book are very good for a rider but also for the non rider as focus on balance and the core of your body. Easy to follow and explained well.



4. Very helpful, great to have a resource focused on the rider!



5. I got this book from the libary and I like it enough that I am here to muy it.
   I am and old hand at working out..I have belonged to gyms , had personal trainers..and gone to every " class " you can think of.
   This book takes the best of all of that and offers it in a interesting format.
   I didn't like the mix of workouts that could be done at home with equipment that is only found in a gym..but I compensated for that by making do with my weight bench ,swiss ball, bands and weights. I made a tilt board out of wood and a piece of 4" plastic pipe cut in half..that worked..for an incline board for the ab exercises I use the ball, and hang onto my weight bench. For the foam to stand on , I got a foam foot rest from and office supply store. With a little imaganation I have been able to modify the exercises that require going to the gym,and am able to do them at home.
   I have been riding for 6 yrs and these exercises do seem to be helping me become a better rider.
   I will be entering the Nov ammie WP show arena next season and need any edge I can get..

3 comments about Training Your Foal.

1. This was a great book for a first time foal owner. I could see how it would be useful to the "old pro" as well. Very informative, with tips and hints from birth to backing. I will be sure to keep it on hand over the next few years!



2. This book gave good information and was easy to read. This is definitely more of a book for beginners though. I wanted to get a bunch of ideas for lessons to do, and I did, but a lot of times I felt like the book just kept going on and on explaining the same thing in ten different ways. I would have liked the explaining of how and why you do each type of lesson to be more short and to the point. But all in all, I would have still bought the book because it did have a lot of good information.



3. I bought this book for my daughter. She lost her older hunter horse and decided she didnt want another made horse. She could never replace him so she wanted a foal and to raise it herself. Well Bella is only 7 months old and a handful but by using this and one other book she has already taught her to lead. Just a few minutes for a couple of days and using these techniques she has had small successes. this is one of the better books that I could find for it was easy to understand the directions and pictures. It is one of the better books to purchase if you plan on raising a baby too. John Lyons is other book that is a great one for guidance.

3 comments about Horse Journal Guide to Equine Supplements and Nutraceuticals.

1. Dr. Kellon is the world-famous equine nutritionist. She is also the vet editor of John Lyons Perfect Horse and Horse Journal. Famous for her no-nonsense style and attention to detail, this book is a wonderful resource. She covers everything from antioxidants to joint support to feeding the senior horse. It is a must-have for horse owners.
   For those who want even more detail than this book provides, Dr. Kellon also has on-line courses covering a range of subjects from nutrition to cushings to understanding bloodwork.



2. I heartily second Claire Cox-Wilson's review. I would add that Dr. Kellon's First Aid For Horses should also be in every horseman's stable. It is as detailed, informative and clear an emergency book on horsekeeping as I've ever read. Both will become well-thumbed references for horses and the people who love and care for them. Solid, current, medically sound advice can be difficult to find. It's here in both books.
   
   Carolyn Larson
   Lamoine, Maine



3. I highly recommend this book... a wonderful compilation of all of Dr. Kellon's work with the Horse Journal.
   It is a great resource for all horseowners who truly care about their horses' well-being. A no nonsense straightforward guide to providing your horse with optimal nutrition & care. Dr. Kellon's recommendations are solidly based on scientific fact, personal experience & in many cases trials conducted by the Horse Journal. Don't be misled by hype and buzz words that feed & supplement manufacturers throw at you. Dr. Kellon cuts through all of it and gives you the bottom line.
   And for those horseowners, trainers, breeders who want to go one step further into the world of equine nutrition, Dr. Kellon offers online nutrition courses. For more information visit her website: http://www.drkellon.com/
   With heartfelt thanks to Dr. Kellon for all she does for these magnificent creatures.
   A most grateful student,
   Claire C. Cox

5 comments about Teach Your Horse Perfect Manners: How You Should Behave So Your Horse Does Too.

1. I myself am a beginner, and have found this book to be extremely helpful. Aside from boosting your confidence, Kelly Marks gives clear, consise intructions on how to best solve any given situation, granted that it is that kind of a problem. The illustrations are wonderful, and are very helpful if you are a visual learner. I very much appreciate this book.



2. I actually couldn't put this book down. It is so well written. I didn't realize until I had purchased the book that the author is a student of Monty Roberts. She carries forth his message as well as her own experiences in an informative yet entertaining way. I hope she branches out into DVD's, as well.



3. kind of elementary for what i was expecting, but i suppose it would be helpful to someone at that level - all in all it is a pretty good book



4. You do not need to be a horse whisperer, or even a cowboy to enjoy this book. With Ms. Marks as my guide, I was able to learn things about these animals I didn't know like: "Sometimes you can foresee a negative pattern starting up; for example, when you braid a horse, he realizes that he's going to a show and goes off his feed. If this is the case, change his routine to avoid any anxiety starting." Did you know this?
   
   What do you see when you see a horse? When I see a horse, I see an animal whose ancestors time and time again were the only creatures on earth standing between my ancestors and certain death. And I realize that I might not even be here if it were not for these majestic animals. I do what I can for them knowing that it is enough that I am of value to somebody today. Please support your local SPCA and Equine Rescue Services. Author, Bob Miller



5. I like this book and it has some interesting stories, but if you already participate in a program like Parelli, etc. (as I do) then there isn't really any new information. Buying the book is cheaper, but buying the Parelli DVD program gives you a lot more.
   
   If I wasn't doing Parelli, then this book would be a good start. It would be helpful if there was more trouble-shooting.

5 comments about Hoof Prints: More Stories from Proud Spirit.

1. This is not only a great collection of stories about horse rescues; it speaks of the love and respect for animals that is the driving force behind all those who devote their time and resources to rescue and rehabilitaiton.



2. I eagerly awaited the publication of Melanie's second book after devouring "The Horses of Proud Spirit" - it was worth the wait. Melanie continues her saga with stories of Proud Spirit rescues, and documents her emotional move from Florida to Arkansas. "Hoof Prints" has both comic and heart-wrenching moments, is similar in style and content to her first book, and will not disappoint!Her personable writing style pulls at your heart and will not let go; its as if you're listening to a good friend describe the details of her latest rescue. This is a book to savor over a good cup of tea, tissues nearby. The horses will become part of you - you'll never forget them or their stores. A remarkable second effort, "Hoof Prints" firmly establishes Melanie Sue Bowles as an important non-fiction writer of our time.



3. If you love all animals, this is a book you MUST READ! It will make you cry, laugh, and at times angry, but most importantly, it will make you stop and think about what happens when humans, money, and animals are triangulated...the animal most usually ends up on the losing side. "Hoof Prints", as well as, Ms. Bowles first book, "The Horses of Proud Spirit", are not only thought provoking, but an education for the mind and heart. And speaking of hearts, Melanie Sue Bowles, and her husband, Jim, must have some of the biggest hearts in this whole wide world! Ms. Bowles is so much more than a rescuer and author...she lives for all the magnificent animals in her care, and because she does, they live, too. I promise, the word, Biscuit, will never have the same meaning for you again! Her books are the kind that you read, and re-read, and re-read for the rest of your life. I suggest buying them both, with a big box of tissues...you'll be so glad you did! After reading "Hoof Prints", and "The Horses of Proud Spirit", I consider myself, HORSE BLESSED.



4. I very seldom read a book anymore except a magazine article once in a while but for some unexplained reason I felt compelled to order Melanie Sue Bowles "Hoof Prints...". I am so glad I did. I found that this author's words brought out about every feeling and emotion one can have by those who deal with our equine companions. She truly touched my heart with each chapter (even broke it a couple times). It is a book of tears and smiles and a few laughs if you have any sense of hunor. I had barely finished this book when I ordered her first novel "The Horses of Proud Spirit". I would recommend this book to anyone who loves animals, not just horses.



5. A look at the inhumane treatment of our horses, and the wonderful soul of a rescuer. Stories that will tug at your heartstrings, make you laugh and make you cry. This is a look into the hearts of the horses and the rescuers. A must read for all! One of my favorite books. I couldn't put it down. God bless Melanie.