2 comments about Winning Ways: Lessons for Juniors from the Top Trainers.

1. Winning Ways truly captures the personality and fundamental points of each profiled trainer. (George Morris' chapter is particularly dead on! Hee!) Each of these people are successful A circuit professionals, with Finals-winning students to speak for the quality of their intruction - it's a veritable "who's who" list. This book is an invaluable guide for intermediate and advanced hunter seat equitation riders. Those that have not yet progressed to jumping can use poles on the ground in the tracks provided.

   Hint hint - I'd love to see a new, updated volume with chapters from the newest faces on the circuit.




2. This is a great book for young jump or nonjump riders like me! This way you can get advice from the pro's, but you don't have to pay a fortune!! For me, George morris's and Jimmy William's sections have been very helpful, not only on my flat work, but in my jumping, as well. I am only half way through the book and I think it is one of the best informative books for a young rider!!! I would encourage anyone to read this book!!!!!

5 comments about Equine Manual.

1. This Manual has take it's place in our daily practice as an easy and fast consult book, it is on the library, and everybody uses it as very fast consultation, The information is very new and accurate, easy to read and to find very good information, the way they organize makes the consulting for Veterinarians,Interns and Students, very easy.
   We like the format and how it's written to understand and find, So I think this Equine Manual was a NEED, and now we have this great Book on Hands for the daily consultation.



2. Look no further this is the most excellent book for the equine practioner. It is the perfect size, so complete, and the information is easy to access. I don't leave home without it, you shouldn't either.



3. The Equine Manual is one of the most comprehensive, practical resources to date - covering just about everything an equine practitioner might encounter in daily practice from infectious diseases to nutrition to the pre-purchase examination. It is an excellent quick reference resource while at the same time provides much more in depth information than similar type manuals of past. It is well organized and user friendly with excellent quick reference guides and differential tables. We agree with the other reviewers that the manual is a wonderful resource for veterinarians, veterinary students, and technicians alike. A must have for the clinic or the truck.



4. This equine manual is the most comprehensive and up to date book of equine medicine. This book is easy to use and practical. The information is concise and to the point, it makes an equine practioner's job alot easier. It at the same time is very thorough, complete, and not only does it work for the equine practioner, but also students, technicians, and horse owners.



5. This large book contains nearly all the information that equine clinicians will require in their daily work. It provides in one volume an excellent reference source. I have no doubt that it will be a popular book to keep in the clinic, car or at home. It will also be a valuable source of information to veterinary students, nurses and anyone keen to have a comprehensive and detailed manual covering such a wide variety of subjects.
   The lack of pictures is more than compensated by a clear and easily read text which has been produced by an impressive list of contributors, all of whom are acknowledged experts in their field. It has then been compiled and edited to a high standard by Dr Andrew Higgins and Professor Jack Snyder.

No comments about Endurance Riding: Tips for Beginners (Cadmos Horse Guides).

1 comments about The Spanish Mustang: From the Plains of Andalusia to the Prairies of Texas.

1. A concise and entertaining history of the first horse breed brought to the New World. This book tells of the triumphs and glory this horse won in the American West and of the eventual decline and near and extermination of these noble horses. Horse lovers learn how they can participate in the restoration and return to glory of the Spanish mustang.

4 comments about Spoken in Whispers: The Autobiography of a Horse Whisperer.

1. I received this book as a gift years ago, and until now it's just been sitting by the wayside. I'm always skeptical of people who call themselves "horse whisperers" - while I'm willing to believe there are levels of communication that most of us do not yet understand, it takes quite a bit to convince me that someone who claims to have any sort of telepathic abilities is actually the real deal. Not only that, but the term "horse whisperer" is incredibly hackneyed by now. Ever since the movie of the same title came out, the name has been slapped on just about every moderately successful trainer out there, even though their methods vary widely and don't actually involve any "whispering." However, when I finally gave the book a chance, I was very surprised. The first two chapters alone had me convinced that Nicci Mackay is something genuinely different.

   The book is more like a memoir of her experiences communicating with horses (and other animals), and not actually a full biography. She takes up the story in her adult life, revealing the circumstances under which she first "came out of the closet" about her abilities. Believing most people would think her a quack if she ever claimed she could speak with horses, Mackay kept quiet about it for years. She only spoke out publicly when a close friend adamantly insisted that she do so, for the benefit of a particular horse. When she received a surprisingly favorable reaction, the author began offering her services professionally, helping people better communicate with and understand their beloved animals. And though horses are her most common subject, being her favorite animal and the one with which she first recognized her abilities, she has also successfully worked with dogs, sheep, cows, and even birds. The bulk of the book shares with us a series of the author's most interesting and touching cases.

   Part of what makes Mackay's book so convincing is her down-to-earth nature. She does not come across as pretentious is any way. In fact, she freely admits to not fully understanding her abilities herself, and occasionally suffers doubts about the extent to which any as-yet-untried application will be successful. She never lords her abilities over anyone else, doesn't believe herself to be superior to other horse owners because of her communication skills, and nowhere does she attempt to argue the reader into believing everything she has to say. Rather, she lets the case examples speak for themselves. There is also an abundance of self-deprecating humor, as she shares some of her more comical and occasionally downright hilarious experiences. To me, Mackay's book reads a bit like something a telepathic James Herriot would have written.

   Amazing as it may be, Nicci Mackay actually seems to be the real thing. Her book is utterly convincing and a joy to read. Mackay is also an excellent writer, and the text is vivid and captivating. Her style is very friendly and open. I wouldn't blame anyone for being initially skeptical - after all, I set the book aside for quite some time for this very reason - but for anyone with an interest in horses to entirely bypass this book would be a great loss. I'd urge any horse lover to give this one a chance, as it will broaden your horizons and is definitely well worth the read.




2. Okay, I'm a skeptic--or at least was. I bought this book to prove to myself that communicating with animals is not real. But before I reached halfway, I was already a believer. It's real, and it's strange. Nicci Mackay actually speaks her thoughts to animals, asking them questions about their behavior, feelings, etc, and receives answers from them. She's not a horse whisperer like Monty Roberts. This woman can carry on a conversation with any horse (although she can't always persuade them to do things for her!)

   Nicci's writing is beautiful and captivating. Her book is nicely put together chronologically (unlike some autobiographies which keep jumping back and forth). Her stories can be dreadfully depressing or hilariously funny. Some of her experiences are downright eccentric, though not lacking charm. She has a brilliant sense of humor that caught me off guard in situations where I should have contained my laughter.

   To sum things up, this book is a gem and I will read it many more times. I wholeheartedly urge you to pick a copy for yourself--regardless of whether you are a believer or not. Niccy Mackay, if you read this, please drop me a line as I would like you to talk to my horse.

   Reader, what are you still doing reading this review? Buy the book!




3. I do believe that people form strong spiritual bonds with each other and animals too. I also believe we can sense things intuitvely when we're close to someone. HOWEVER, this book is a little wacho and new agey. You know the drill. . . 'We are one with nature" type book. No thanks!!!



4. In this book Nicci Mackay shares her experience of being able to communicate telepathically with primarily horses, but also a few dogs, goats and birds. It starts when she first shares her ability with some fellow horsemen, and then progresses as she gets more and more well known and works with many different animals. Very enjoyable, she doesn't try to "push" her views on the reader to hard. She just shares her experiences. This book is slightly different then The Man Who Listens to Horses by Monty Roberts. Mackay was very much into "psychic" communication with the horses, while Roberts was more into the body language of the horses. I don't doubt that they both incorporated both of these methods, to some degree or other. Personally, I'm still unsure about "psychic communication with animals" but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I also recomend Conversations with Animals by Lydia Hiby.

1 comments about The Equine Body.

1. What a refreshing way to look at the body of the horse. I loved the colour illustrations and the cut and paste diagrams, though a little daunting at first. were much easier to put together than I first imagined and really help to learn about the body.
   I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about how the horse functions or as a wonderful gift to a horse owner.

5 comments about A Year at the Races: Reflections on Horses, Humans, Love, Money, and Luck.

1. My understanding is that the horse Waterwheel was sold at auction by Jane Smiley for $1000 and was lame and in foal, not a happy caring ending provided by Ms. Smiley This makes Jane Smiley appear to not be all she claims to be in terms of providing quality care for this horse and makes me strongly question her use of this horse to sell books and then rid herself of her in a very uncaring way. Many healthy horses sold at auction, especially for this little money, can begin a downward spiral and are at high risk of eventually going to slaughter in Canada or Mexico. I suggest Ms. Smiley address this issue. I would love to know where Waterwheel is and hope she is well and beloved somewhere in a forever home.



2. Jane Smiley sold a racehorse broodmare at California's premier auction house for thoroughbred racehorses. She did not "dump" the mare at an auction where she could have gone to slaughter.
   
   Selling horses is a normal part of owning horses, especially racehorses. Auctions are the primary method of selling racing bloodstock. Writing a book about one's experiences owning racehorses does not obligate Smiley to keep every horse she has ever owned forever. People are actually suggesting that it would have been better to kill the mare than send through the ring at Barretts???!!!!
   
   These reviews are absurd, and these reviewers need to get a life.



3. The first book I have read of Smiley's, I was not impressed. It felt disjointed, awkward, and rather silly at times. She humanizes her horses to the point where it feels absurd. I fell in love with her horses, but I was less impressed with the author.
   After reading the book, I learned that Waterwheel, one of the horses featured in the book, was dumped at auction (Barrett's January mixed sale) lame and pregnant, and sold for the near rock bottom price of $1000. After bringing her owner in so much money through this book, she couldn't afford to keep her retired? Sorry, but I refuse to buy books written by a hypocrite, and I will never read a Smiley book ever again.



4. For dumping your racehorse at an auction because she wasn't good enough for you.
   
   I read the book a few years ago. I wasn't terrible, but a little too touchy-feely for me (and I'm the type of person who spoils her horses), but rest assured I will never buy another book from an author that "disposes" of any unwanted horse at an auction. What does she think will happen to a broken down mare (she'll never be sound enough for work) that has a record of 2 unplaced starts and less than 5k in earnings? To Ms. Smiley: Show a bit of responsibility and either keep the mare or euthanize her. Use some of that book money. Don't risk her ending up at the killers.



5. Why did Smiley not end the book with a chapter describing how she dumped her beloved Waterwheel, pregnant and broken-down, at an auction where she could have easily been purchased for slaughter? Unfortunately, this is where many ex-racehorses end up, brutally slaughtered. Smiley is no different than the unfeeling horse owners she vilifys in her books as she apparently could not be bothered to provide for a mare she gushed about in her book. She made money off her mare and then cruelly disposed of her horse.

No comments about The Complete Encyclopedia of Horses: Includes Caring for Your Horse and All Equestrian Sports and Skills.

1 comments about Concise Guide to Navicular Syndrome in the Horse (Concise Guide series).

1. This book offers a very solid and clear explination of the diagnosis of navicular syndrome. It explains why this syndrome is often overdiagnosed and how the diagnosis is made. This book is easy to read and engaging. I highly recommend it for all horse owners as it teaches the reader crucial information about equine hoof anatomy, sources of lameness, diagnosis and treatment options. As a horse owner with a "navicular" horse, I read all I can about the syndrome and I've learned more from this book than any other source of information I've read.

5 comments about The Incredible Little Book of 10,001 Names for Horses.

1. Gave this to my trainer for Christmas. It's got tons of great ideas for names. It also is divided up in chapters with names for horses based on color, personality traits, size and a few other categories.



2. After getting tired of hearing the same horse names over and over, I thought I would give this book a try for naming our foals. I used this book more for inspiration than actually taking a name right off the page. For instance, I would use Moonlight in a name like "Moonlight On My Shoes". But it would be very hard to register a foal as just Moonlight in a large registry like AQHA. It is a good resource for barn names, nicknames, or arena names but I would not strongly reccomend it as a resource for coming up with a registration name.



3. I loved this book because it gave me tons of ideas on naming my new horse. I took several names and mixed them around to come up with the best name: Ultimate Party-Goer. He is a handsome bay with lots of chrome and does well on the A-circuit. Thank you!



4. In respond to the person from WI, i dont know what book they were reading but i dont think it was this one. This is a guide for horse names, not a triple crown story.but maybe i missed some part of this book............?
   Anyway this book gave some good advice for naming your horse. Some names really weren't that pretty or creative, but the majority of names were pretty accurate and good. I would recomend this book.



5. I very much loved this book. It makes you want to get horses.The book is about a girl named Asliegh and her grand-daughter. Her grand-daughter Alisa saved a horse from dieing. The horse then goes on to training. He has some proublems in the training but goes on to be the Kentucky Derby, Sant Anita Handecapt, and the Triple Crown. This book is a lot like me because I am so much like Alisa. I recommend this book to all horse lovers.