No comments about The Principles of Horsemanship and Training Horses.

5 comments about Come on Seabiscuit!.

1. When I was 13 years old, I became mad about thoroughbred racing. For three Saturdays in the spring of 1978, I was glued to the television set as Affirmed won the Triple Crown that year. After that exciting series, I pestered my father to take me out to Santa Anita or Hollywood Park whenever I could get away with it, and in my freshman English poetry journal (recently unearthed), 90% of my poems were written about horseracing. I remember going with my father to see Affirmed win the Hollywood Gold Cup in 1979 and so become the first horse in history to win more than $2 million in his lifetime. It was at that race, that I learned about the story of Seabiscuit who had won the inaugural running of The Cup in 1938.
   
   I discovered Ralph Moody's book in the library sometime soon after that memorable race, and I must have read it 20 times for all the events of that horse's life were still ingrained in my memory as I read through Laura Hillenbrand's book many years later. Moody's book focused more on the horse as a character and included details of Seabiscuit's earlier unsuccessful and unhappy career under famed trainer Sunny Jim Fitzsimmons--a part of the history largely ignored by Hillenbrand.
   
   What I remember is a highly compelling, readable, and inspirational book: Seabiscuit and Affirmed became my leading sports heroes during that era. COME ON SEABISCUIT, though written for the older child or young adult, is a very readable book for adults as well, and due to its complementary history, would be an excellent companion volume to those who have discovered Seabiscuit through Laura Hillenbrand. I recently rediscovered and purchased the book for my own 9-year-old daughter. I am happy to see that this extraordinary book is now enjoying a resurgent and well-deserved popularity after all these years.
   
   Jeremy W. Forstadt



2. Moody's biographical account of the amazing career of Seabiscuit, old Iron Horse, is both interesting in detail and highly readable in style. In 1933 the grandson of Man o'War was born, but immediately passed over due to his physical "faults." Condemned by a famous trainer and abused by too frequent racing, this gallant animal seemed to shame his rich, equestrian heritage. Yet his career is the story of courage--true blood will ultimately reveal the legacy of a champion. The gutsy horse who was scorned by most people in racing circles learned to trust the loving, skillful training of a bush league cowboy, which resuulted in a serious power in the Depression era racing world. The hope he inspired in his fans reflected the unquenchable hope of a nation crushed by economic despair.

   This is a story of heartbreak and 2nd chances, of beating the odds and fighting an unrelenting jinx. Most of all the power of the spirit--both human and equine--to triumph over unfavorable circumstances and crippling prejudice. For seven years the unshakable will of Seabiscuit and the unfailing faith of his own-folks (owners, trainers and jockeys) kept this knobby-kneed wonder horse fighting for the fame and recognition he truly deserved. At the age of seven he strode into the record books. Though not a Triple Crown winner, he rode into the hearts of people for all time--the cast off who became a champion! This story will touch readers of all ages.




3. Ralph Moody's book is a warm tribute to the story of Seabiscuit. The illustrations are wonderful and it is written at the level for its intended audience. The original tale of Seabiscuit was written by B.K. Beckwith in 1940, his "saga of a great champion"; Moody realized the lessons inherent in this amazing horse--forgotten even by his time in the 1950s--and he recast the tale for a new audience, just the way Laura Hillenbrand did so successfully in our own time. Both Moody and Hillenbrand relied on Beckwith's book and I find the voices of all three to be excellent and complementary. Beckwith actually knew the horse and the people around him, so his book has the excitement of the time, but I recommend all of these books on Seabiscuit.



4. I read this book back in the 70's and grew up idolizing this amazing hero-horse (as I am sure many young horse-struck girls & boys did!). This book tells the story which centers more around the HORSE rather than the people in his life. A much better book if a child is interested in the story - less politics & history, more story. THIS is the book Laura Hillenbrand read at 7-years old which I'm sure inspired her to write her current movie-hit novel! "Come on Seabiscuit" by Ralph Moody is a MUST read for ALL horse fans!!!!



5. With the current fame of Hillenbrand's book, I dug Moody's book out for my young nieces. As good as Hillenbrand's book is, Seabiscuit is somewhat lost in the story of the men around him (Howard, Smith, Pollard, Woolf). Moody's book is shorter and geared to a younger audience. Seabiscuit the horse shines in this story more than Seabiscuit the historical phenomenon. I read once that Moody knew about some of Pollard's secrets, like his vision problem, but he promised to keep the secrets as long as the main players were alive. Moody also emphasizes how good a racehorse Seabiscuit was, how the blood of Man O'War ran through the veins of his grandson even if Seabiscuit didn't look the part. Some of the newer stories talk about Seabiscuit's being lucky to win and being from the wrong side of the track, when he was actually blazingly fast (tied and broke a number of records, including in the match race with War Admiral) and had the bluest of Kentucky blood in his veins.
   But put the politics aside and read this wonderful story - like the old saying goes - it doesn't matter who trains them, and it doesn't really matter who rides them, and it certainly doesn't matter who owns them, in the end, a Thoroughbred will run as far and as fast as he was bred to run - and Seabiscuit ran true to his grandsire's heart.....and to his own.

No comments about Forty years of Peb: The racing world in sketch and caricature.

5 comments about The Natural Rider: A Right-Brain Approach to Riding.

1. This is a wonderful book. It has taken me a long time to read it but so worthwhile. If you like her book you should see her in person...even better. This lady puts the exclamation point on anyone's riding.



2. 
   I expected more of this book by Mary Wanless, actually, a lot more. But "The Natural Rider A Right Brain Approach" is tough going even for people who have more than a little experience. No mistake about it, there is plenty of good information in the book. The problem is absorbing that information is hampered by the uneven, sometimes disjointed presentation. There are just easier ways to learn the same things than struggling through this book. Mary W.'s videos are a lot better.



3. I stopped riding ten years ago, having ridden for five years as a child. I didn't forget any of what I learned but I did find it more difficult to come back and not be apprehensive as an adult. What I'm coming to understand through this book is how to go about getting horses to work with me instead of against me. It's easy to attribute problems to the horse but this book shows you that it's important to recognize the part you play as a rider in getting the best out of your horse. In reading this book, I cannot believe how much my instructors did not tell me that would have helped so much. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is at least somewhat familiar with terminology because it could be confusing for a beginner student.



4. Liked the book very much. I now ride my horse bridleless and bareback. Her book gave me the best seat I never got from riding instruction. The first Mary Wanless book I recommend to my students



5. On its own, this is an OK book about riding, but it tends to ramble on. Buy Mary Wanless's Masterclass instead, where she clearly presents her principles of riding.

5 comments about The Classical Rider: Being at One With Your Horse.

1. I originally purchased this book because I had read a friend's copy of 'The Classical seat' which I loved and learned much from.
   
   This is not a step-by-step instructional book. It does not even cover the classical seat (it even says in the book that she does not intend to cover that ground again). But there is a lot to learn from it.
   
   It is written in a memoir style - moving through Sylvia's life and experiences to cover the important lessons she has learned during her life in Portugal and Britain. Some may find this offputting by I found her writing style easy and the information highly accessible. There are many little gems in the text if you are ready to find them.
   
   I did make several observations throughout the book that were slightly at odds with the text. The major one being saddle position. In the vast majority of photos Sylvia and the other riders have their saddles sitting far too far forward - covering the horse's scapula and on at least one occasion obviously affecting the balance of the saddle. I found it intriguing, that she never made the connection between this and some of the events and discoveries she described which sounded remarkably like saddle sore horses .
   
   However, this aside I enjoyed the book thoroughly and found it did indeed give me many things to consider and improve in my own riding. Sometimes the 'story' type books are even more effective at conveying their message than straight out - do this type ones and I certainly found myself reading this easily from cover to cover.



2. Being an active equestrian I was delighted to receive this book as a Christmas present. Unfortunately I found it to be more of amn autobiography than a useful riding guide although it did have many lovely photographs. I find her video tapes to be more informative as she gets to the point of her observations faster and the riding problems and solutions are easier to see.



3. This book helped me to better understand what my horse was saying and it allowed my to figure out what was wrong with my riding, why my horse was responding the way he was and what to do about it. Also it taught be to be more humble and respectful of the gifts horses give every day.



4. I have been riding for 3 years and have felt that I wasn't getting it or understanding what my trainers and horses were trying to tell me. For whatever reason, Sylvia Loch's description of the rider's position and the pelvic floor in relation to the horse's back turned on the lightbulb for me. It doesn't do any good for the rider(or the horse)to continue with his/her lessons until the balanced seat and body position is learned. Otherwise the rider spends all of his/her time behind the horse's movement rather than in time with it. The author definitely loves horses and genuinely wants to teach others how to ride a horse in balance so the ride is enjoyable for both the horse and rider. Those looking for a quick lesson book will instead find this is an autobiography with insights and explanations in between the stories. Read this if you are not afraid of a little more time and effort instead of a quick fix. Your horse deserves it.



5. I found Sylvia Loch's treatise on the theory and practice of classical dressage to be a delightful read, peppered with many memorable personal anecdotes. This book is far from "gossipy" (as other reviewers have stated), unless you consider Ms. Loch's praise of the old masters and their training methods to be gossip. While Ms. Loch has clearly run into confrontation over the merits of the three-point seat, this is mentioned only once or twice as an aside.

   All in all, the author is quite obviously committed and devoted to her horses and to the art of classical riding. As such, she has created a really wonderful book that is also, unsurprisingly, very helpful in providing background information on classical dressage as well as its technique.

1 comments about Equifacts: The Complete Horse Record Organizer.

1. This book is well organized and easy to manage. It contains information valuable to any horse owner. I liked having all my horse information in one place. It gives you enough space for 5 different equine friends!

1 comments about The World's Greatest Horse Poster Book.

1. I bought one poster book for each of my three neices, ages 4 to 10.
   they couldn't wait to decorate their walls!
   would recommend for any horse lover!

5 comments about Seabiscuit: The Saga of a Great Champion.

1. The photos and sketches are wonderful as is the timeliness (1940) of the writing. It's good to go back to the time and era when Seabiscut was alive and breathing.



2. Seabiscuit was my favorite book in elementary school and still rates high amongst a handful of favorites. Many times over decades, circumstances gained perspective by recalling the depth of spirit and perseverance conveyed so concisely by Mr. Beckwith. Seabiscuit's story is truly for all ages. I believe stories like this are a reason why people are prone to assign human emotions to animals or treat them like a best friend.
   
   As a child I often dreamt about having a horse, hoping I might even be fortunate enough to have one like Seabiscuit. I ended up with four, all of whom indelibly changed my life. I took care of them as if my life depended upon them; even sleeping with them in their stalls when I could get away with it. Bingo, Scamper, Scully and Crackerjack have permanent places in my heart. With them is a picture of Seabiscuit from Mr. Beckwith's book. They always gave their very best and showed me mine. Anyone who reads Seabiscuit's story will come to understand that the innate ability to recover and succeed resides in every person and all life. Opportunity to find and use that power of heart and energy is always available.
   
   I am infinitely grateful to Mr. Beckwith for recognizing and writing Seabiscuit's story and especially to my father for making a vital, life changing dream come true.



3. Inspiring story placed in compelling historical setting. Beautifully done by someone who knew the main characters well.
   Nothing to find fault with here. Terrific read.



4. I knew B.K. Beckwith personally, and worked with him the last ten years of his life at Santa Anita. He was our television commercial spokesperson for the Santa Anita Handicap for several years, recounting remembrances of Seabiscuit. He was a consummate horseman turned journalist and writer, and had been at Santa Anita from the opening on Christmas 1934. He also wrote "The Story of Santa Anita," which was never published commercially, but used the same heroic and emotional Grantland Rice style that you enjoy in his Seabiscuit book. His memory was a treasure, and since he wrote this book contemporaneously with events, you can feel the horse come alive, as well as the people and the places. This is SO GREAT to have the publisher find this work of art, enjoyable for anyone who loves horses, or racing, of any age. The drawings by Howard Brodie -- who went on to great fame otherwise -- are superbly reproduced, and so are the historic photos. You can see the 'Biscuit's personality come through, especially when he's looking out of his personal railroad car at all the fans and cameras, and in several others!



5. Owner of Ponder Publishing Company, LLC, my first response after reading was `I wish I had found Beckwith's story before this publisher did!' I was there! I heard Seabiscuit breathing. I saw him sweat, felt his determination, smelled the liniment. You could taste the air of early last century, to anguish and rejoice with one horse's determination to Keep on Keeping on, despite all adversity. Here, love touches a reader, as it touched the crowds who flocked to admire the Biscuit, in the flesh, his ample flesh. My Christmas shopping is done this year!
   www.ponderpublishingcompany.com

3 comments about EYES WITH FIRE.

1. This is a fascinating book by a very experienced horsewoman. It's rare to find someone so skillful with horses, that can translate that experience and make it real for the reader. A must for any horse lover.



2. I absolutely LOVE IT, I felt as if I was standing outside of the round-pen, or where ever the trainer was working the horses, watching everything that was going on. I read a lot of books, reading is a passion of mine but this writing is so good at drawing a person into what the trainer was doing I could not put it down, I read the whole book in one day. I have to tell you I cried at times and laughed too. The writer of this book has a way with words I am telling you I felt like I was there with her and all of the horses.



3. As a horse lover (and trainer), I've been looking for the next great horse story and I've found it! Mikey and her Mustang, Zima, share and overcome experiences that mirror many of the challenges each of us deal with on a daily basis. This book combines great practical horse training along with many parallels of the lessons of life. You'll fall in love with Mikey and Zima.

No comments about U.S. Stabling Guide: The Country's Comprehensive Guide for Horse Transportation in the United States and Canada.