Product Description
Here are thorough and detailed instructions for training the driver and horse, from choosing and fitting harness, to driving safely on roads. All types of turnouts are included, from singles, unicorns, tandems, and randems to four- and six-in hands. ... Read more

Book Description
For over 200 years, Northern Virginia has enjoyed a respected reputation for its equestrian heritage. The present-day home of horse museums and libraries, as well as breeding, sports, and shows of all sort, Northern Virginia truly is “hunt country.” Northern Virginia's Equestrian Heritage showcases the area's early hunting history and offers a singular glimpse into the past glory days of fox hunts, hound-breeding, horse races, and horse shows. Beautiful estates where men and women gathered, partied, and hunted once dotted the landscape; today, however, many of these estates remain only in photographs and memories. The area's picturesque countryside has enticed well-known families, including the Kennedys and the DuPont Scotts, to join in the local favored pastime. Some of the world's best fox hunting took place in Loudoun County before the Civil War; afterwards, the hounds were let loose and very few quality packs remained. It took the combined help of fox hunters and land barons to reinstate the breeding of prestigious hounds and increase the sport's popularity once again. Upperville, the home of America's oldest horse show, dates to 1853 and has given shape to horse shows all over the country. Even women's place in equestrian history was rallied for in Northern Virginia; Viola Townsend Winmill, who became one of the “first ladies” of fox hunting, and her husband Robert C. Winmill lived in Warrenton for more than 50 years and played polo, raced horses, raised hounds, and collected coaches. ... Read more

Book Description
The tale of Aimé Tschiffely's ride from Buenos Aires to Washington DC, but told by the horses!

The journey of 10,000 miles took two and a half years and forced horses and rider to survive through near-impossible conditions.

A classic book for children of all ages. ... Read more

Book Description
A must-have for horse lovers! This elaborate, novelty-rich guide to keeping horses and riders in winning form is a breed apart.

A passion for horses inspires a desire not only to ride but also to care for these splendid creatures. And now two experienced stable hands pass on their hard-won knowledge about such tasks as grooming and feeding, tacking up, and keeping equipment in top shape, along with tips on how to mount and dismount and perfect your riding posture so it seems you were born with a set of reins in your hands. Among this book’s many novelty features are:
* A lift-the-flap saddle
* Ribbon stickers
* Informative booklets
* Pull-out cards
* A certificate of achievement at the end

Truly an equine extravaganza, this insider’s guide offers everything a weekend rider or aspiring horse owner would want to know. ... Read more

Book Description
Historically the world of equestrian travel has contained an exciting mixture of unique men and women. Some are adventurers seeking danger from the back of their horses. Others are travelers discovering the beauties of the countryside they slowly ride through. A few are searching for inner truths while cantering across desolate parts of the planet. Then there is Messanie Wilkins. She was acting on orders from the Lord!

In 1954, at the age of 63, Wilkins had plenty to worry about. A destitute spinster in ill health, Wilkins had been told she had less than two years left to live, provided she spent them quietly. With no family ties, no money, and no future in her native Maine, Wilkins decided to take a daring step. Using the money she had made from selling homemade pickles, Wilkins bought a tired summer camp horse and made preparations to ride from the Atlantic coast to the Pacific Ocean. Yet before leaving she flipped a coin, asking God to direct her to go or not. When the coin came up head several times in a row, one of America's most unlikely equestrian heroines set off.

What followed was one of the 20th Century's most remarkable equestrian journeys. Accompanied by her faithful horse, Tarzan, Wilking suffered through a host of obstacles including blistering deserts and freezing snow storms, yet never lost faith that she would complete her 7,000 mile odyssey.

"Last of the Saddle Tramps" is thus the warm and humorous story of a humble American heroine bound for adventure and the Pacific Ocean. The classic tale is amply illustrated with photographs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Insirering Story
This is one of the most incredible stories I have ever read. A 60+ year
old woman riding a horse across the U.S. with no real support from anyone.
This is what movies are made of, only this really happened.Young of old this is a very readable book with a real possitive story and I recommend it to everyone. If I'm ever down I just think of her ride and I get up.

The Courage to ride
At the age of 62 it seemed that Mesannie Wilkins had reached the end of the road. Her farm was about to be repossessed by the bank and the doctors had giver her less than two years to live.
She was told to take it easy. Friends and relatives invited her to stay with them for the brief time left to her. But Mesannie refused to go quietly. With her last bit of money she bought Tarzan, an ex-summer camp horse, and with only 32 dollars left in her pocket set out, on horseback, from her home in Maine.

Her goal - California.

"Last of the Saddle Tramps" is Mesannie Wilkins' recollection of this 7000 mile journey. This tale is a wonderful mixture of the humorous horsey incidents (like her Tennessee Walker trying to walk back to Tennessee), the incredible physical hardships and the wonderful hospitality offered to her by her fellow Americans during the ride.
Mesannie Wilkins' style of writing is, much like herself, warm, humorous and unassuming. She has a wonderful gift for, with only a few lines, painting accurate images of the people encountered on the trail.
Most importantly, however, this is a tale of the incredible courage of one woman who, faced with seemingly unsurmountable odds, refused to give up on her life and her dream. Mesannie Wilkins is a true inspiration, today as much as during her lifetime. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Don't Get This Book If You're Independently Wealthy!
"Financing Your Equestrian Activities" is well written, and is filled with a plethora of case histories, some of people I knew of, and others who were completely off my radar.It shared a wide variety of kinds of horse people, which gave me quite a few ideas of my own about how I should go about doing my own fundraising.

The first part of the book is about how to actually go about doing it - what different kinds of sponsors want out of the arrangement, and how to approach the different types, as well as where to find them.

The second part has the case histories.

This book should be required reading for any none-independently- wealthy horseman who wants to compete at anything more than just local shows, and especially for those who are ambitious and wish to compete at high levels.

Pretty good...could have more info
I was very pleased with this book, but I thought it could have a bit more info on how to submit your proposal to companies and how to get contact info for the people you need to know.Overall it is a very good book and one well worth having.I suppose it would be a whole different book on how to meet the right people to finance your equestrian activities!!

No Matter the Discipline . . .
. . . in which you participate, horses are an expensive endeavor!

Curious about the possibilities of seeking sponsorship for myself and my husband (we ride endurance and dressage), I read this book cover to cover.

Learning about the "real" financial situationsof famous equestrians and the lengths they went to to receive the financialbacking they needed to succeed was a real eye-opener.Both encouraging andno-nonsense, Ms. Fraser opens the reader's eyes to the creativity and hardwork required to gain and maintain sponsorship.

This would be a greatbook for athletes from other disciplines as well, as the world ofsponsorship becomes big-dollar! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Easy to follow, great illustrations, perfect for beginners!
I just got my hands on this book and can't wait to get some rope and try knots and hitches. The drawings are great and it is easy to make sense of what many other books try to put into words.The drawings are skillfullydone to illustrate exactly what is being taught.It says in the backof the book, that this manual was originally intended and used as atextbook for people taking packing classes. Therefore it was designed forpractical learning.I'm sure once I finally get out into the woods, thatthis valuable reference book will be muddy, tattered, dog-eared, but wellpacked into my mules panniers!I HIGHLY recommend this book for anyoneinterested in packing, especially those just starting out!

Best horse packing book ever!
I use "Packing in Pictures" as a text book for the horse packing course I teach at Casper College each year.It provides easy to follow drawings on each hitch, knot and procedure.My past students tell me that it a great brush up after not using the various hitches for some time.Best book out on the market!! ... Read more

Book Description
The 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail is considered one of the world's premier trails. Accessible by hikers, equestrians, skiers and mountain bikers (for the non-wilderness portions), it winds completely around spectacular Lake Tahoe, the highest and largest alpine lake in North America. The trail crosses through six counties, three national forests, and two states and was completed in 2001 largely by volunteer labor.

The best-selling Tahoe Rim Trail has been revised to reflect the latest conditions and routing of the trail, including the new Mt. Rose trailhead. Updated topographic maps by noted cartographer Tom Harrison depict the entire route in eight separate segments. Along with the easy (and fun) to read trail directions, the book includes fascinating information on the plants and animals you'll see along the trail, plus essential advice for planning a hike on the TRT, whether it's a day's outing or a 2-week circuit of the entire lake.

The first and only how-to guide to this popular trail, it is the official guidebook of the Tahoe Rim Trail Association, whose mission is to improve, maintain and promote the trail.

... Read more

Product Description
Are you ready to take your riding to a different level? Then arm yourself with the mental skills to maximize your innate potential. Riding Out of Your Mind is the essential book on Equestrian Sport Psychology for riders of all horse disciplines. Learn how to boost your riding pleasure and success by training your mind as well as your body. This book contains practical exercises for incorporating mental skills training into your daily routine. You will also find examples of how real riders used these skills to solve common problems, and tips for honing your competitive skills. ... Read more

Book Description
A Plain-language Medical Guide for Horse Owners and Trainers

Painful and potentially debilitating tendon and ligament injuries are among the most common and serious physiological problems facing performance horses. The severity ranges from minor injuries to those that end careers or even the horse’s life. However, with proper treatment, these injuries can be overcome, and permanent damage minimized.

Writing in concise, accessible language, equine veterinarian Linda Schultz provides the most up-to-date information on identifying, treating, and managing tendon and ligament injuries. You’ll review basic anatomy, understand how and why these injuries occur, and discover the effects of horseshoeing on tendons and ligaments. You’ll see exactly what you should (and shouldn’t) do during the critical healing process–plus, you’ll learn to communicate effectively with your veterinarian to ensure your horse is soon back on his feet and doing his job.

• Features the latest treatment options and alternative therapies
• Includes a sample controlled exercise schedule and guidelines for recuperation times
• Explains treatment of acute injuries and directed therapy, as well as the current surgical techniques
• Discusses the benefits and drawbacks of support wraps, boots, and bandages

Linda B. Schultz, DVM, PhD (Sewanee, GA), grew up riding and showing quarter horses in Southern California. She is the former owner-operator of an equine medicine and surgery practice and has more than 14 years of veterinary experience. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

A little Help when the worst happens
Howell Equine Handbook of Tendon and Ligament Injuries (Howell Equestrian Library)
A great little book with easy to understand explinations. Simple clear pictures. Great reading for any one with an tendon / ligament injured horse. There are repairable with time.

Disappointed
This book is very, very basic. I bought it because I thought it would go into more depth and cover more topics. It skims the surface and nothing more. I was disappointed by it.

Howell Equine Handbook of Tendon and Ligament Injuries
Found this book very basis, mostly common knowledge among horsepeople. Would be a good book for the first time horse owner, otherwise not very helpful.

An excellent guide in straightforward language
This little book is packed full of all the information you may want to know about horse's tendons and ligaments.As well as delving into injuries as per the book title, it also explains the structure, mechanics and function of the tendons and ligaments in relation to the rest of the anatomy.There are good chapters on common injuries, diagnosis and treatment, as well as prevention and rehabilitation strategies.

There are several case studies, discussion about peripheral topics such as travelling boots and bandages and an excellent chapter devoted to the equine foot, where the relative merits and perils of different hoof angles and shoeing techniques.

Howell Equine Handbook of Tendon and Ligament Injuries
This book is an invaluable source of information. The illustrations really added to my understanding of Doctor Schultz's explanations so that I thoroughly understood the issues surrounding my horse's lameness. Because of this I could speak intelligently to my vet and get a better perspective of the injury and its implications.There is no better book on the subject.Robin Levine ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (2)

An excellent, in-depth resource for hikers
I wish that other authors of hiking guidebooks would read this one and copy its author's style.Each hike is described in detail with every bit of information you'd ever need, including how to get to the trailhead, where to park, etc.The trail maps are clearly marked and well detailed, taking the guesswork out of navigation.The trail descriptions are detailed and accurate, with useful and interesting information throughout.I can't wait to get back and tackle more of the trails he describes.

My trip to Mt. Rogers
Things get awful hot during an Arkansas summer.I decided to head for the Southern Appalachins, where the summers are cool.Mount Rogers National Recreation Area has the scenery without all the crowds of the Smokies.Molloy's book details literally everything you can do there, from biking rail trails, to camping, to overnighting at B & B's, to hiking at Virginia's highest point.

After arriving there, I started in the West End at Beartree Campground.Reading Molloy's book at camp, kept leading me to other destinations at Mount Rogers.Before I knew it, two weeks were up and I had barely scratched the surface of this outdoor getaway.Molloy must've had a blast writing this book.I sure had fun using it.This book is a must buy guide to what is going on at Mt. Rogers.Take a read and see for yourself. ... Read more

Book Description
U.S. Three-Day Event Team veteran James Wofford shares his secrets for training great jumpers. He assures riders that horses who are taught to jump using a gymnastic system soon become confident and efficient over fences. He carefully details how to train young horses using gymnastics—clearly illustrating how to set up each grid. He also provides a systematic sequence explaining which gymnastic to use when, depending on the horse's level of training and the rider's focus, whether it be cross country or show jumping. Exercises are given to help correct existing bad jumping habits in older horses such as refusals, run-outs, or improper striding. Whether you are just learning to jump or you are a seasoned expert, Wofford provides ample exercises for setting up your horse to succeed over fences.

JAMES WOFFORD is one the world's leading experts on gymnastic jumping. He was a member of the U.S. Equestrian Team for over twenty years, winning two Olympic Team Silver Medals and four National Championships. For the last two decades he has concentrated on training the cream of America's young event riders using the time-tested methods described in this new guidebook. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The Bible of Gymnastics
This book is my bible, i have 3 or 4 copies: one for the barn, one for my house, and spares in case i leave one out in the rain (I have done so already). It is the best method ever, simple, straight forward, progressive. This method really works. It eliminated having to think about what i should do when i want to jump... I LOVE IT ... Read more

Book Description
In praise of Fitness, Performance and the Female Equestrian
"This book is an important guide for women who want to feel well, ride well and extend their active years." Chrystine Jones Tauber former member United States Equestrian Team Grand Prix Jumping Squad

"Mary Midkiff is a new voice in our evolving cultural freedom, where insights unique to womenin this case, in relation to horses and ridingare welcome and needed." Richard M. Timms, M.D. chairman and CEO, Troxel Companies

"This is an exciting approach to an ancient relationship. Mary Midkiff has done horsewomen an important and useful service in bringing it all together." Mary Vernon practicing physician and professor of medicine Lawrence, Kansas

The Howell Equestrian Library is a distinguished collection of books on all aspects of horsemanship and horsemastership. The nearly fifty books in print offer readers in all disciplines and at all levels of competition sound instruction and guidance by some of the most celebrated riders, trainers, judges, and veterinarians in the horse world today. Whether your interest is dressage, show jumping, or western riding, or whether it is breeding, groomi ng, or health care, Howell has a book to answer your needs. Get to know the books in the Howell Equestrian Library; many are modern-day classics and have achieved the status of authoritative references in the estimation of those who ride, train, and care for horses.
The Howell Equestrian Library ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Boring waffledressed up in high-falutin' language
I agree with the Canadian reviewer. Jibber jabber. This book contains a lot of statements that are perfectly obvious to anyone with a crumb of commonsense. Dressed up in lots of fancy verbiage and selling it as a book.

I give it one star more than the Canadian reviewer for the simple reason that some of the information might be useful to ladies who learn to ride later in life, if they are not very aware of their body.

I was VERY disappointed in this book. Its review led me to believe I would learn philosophical truths, tricks and tips to enable me to adapt my aging body to continuing riding, and other important and useful information. Instead I read that badly-fitting saddles cause discomfort and that as I age I can expect to become less supple. Should I pay money to read that?I don't think so!

Extremely Dissapointed
I really found this book to be a big BORE!! I was looking more towards a fitness program of some sort but instead found myself reading through jibber jabber that never really got to the point...FITNESS AND PERFORMANCE.

Good book on improving riding skills and physical condition
This book is somewhat esoteric but does have some very good exercises for the equestrian.The author discusses how the rider's physical condition can improve riding ability and position.Also how other factors, such as poor balance and bad saddle fit can cause pain for both the rider and the horse. She explains how common training myths and rider interpretation contribute to physical discomfort and what the correct response should be in order to maximize rider/horse communication. She also covers common injuries and their causes,proper saddle fit, diet, pregnancy, and aging.

A great book for female riders!
A series of tips signaling key points on health, fitness, nutrition, safety, and comfort. Discusses: * Biomechanic and anatomical considerations for women. ( I would have bought the book just because of these words!) * Stretching and Strengthening exercises to enhance riding performance. * Techniques to gain more performance with less effort. * Saddle balancing and fitting tips. * Safety tools. * Riding and its relationship to aging, pregnancy, and lifestyles... ( would have bought the book just for that 1st "A"word in this phrase....) * Nutrition and dietary factors in daily riding and competitions. "The author takes us through the changing dynamics of women on horseback, arriving at a new approach to riding effectiveness.Women now represent over 80% of today's horse enthusiasts and riders.The techniques, equipment and teaching methods used with horses, however, have not moved in step with the growing involvement and influence of adult and young women... until now." That's just the stuff on the cover! Here's another reason why I bought the book... calorie expenditures: 120 lb female grooming a horse for 30 minutes =207 calories! galloping for 20 minutes=148 " trotting for 30 minutes =177 " walking for 10 minutes= 22 " Hey!this mythical creature expends 554 calories/hour!!! amazing!In comparison to to other high activity sports like real swimming, cross-country running, galloping is next.Then tennis, then HORSE-GROOMING.then trotting is down 2 more categories including medium to low impact aerobics and snow skiing!Walking is pretty low down on the list... just a bit lower, though than sweeping the floor! Shock!We are in a high calorie burning, high energy activity! Ok, that's all the sneak preview you get! There are many more surprises and new thoughts in here for you to stumble into and exclaim.. AHA!or Wow in a reverent tone! ... Read more

Book Description
This book provides invaluable help and guidance not only for the firsttime horse owner, but for all those wishing to improve their knowledge of stablemanagement and horsemanship. Written by an acknowledged expert and covering theprinciples of keeping the horse healthy, including feeding and fitness, shoeing andveterinary care, it comes illustrated with easy-to-follow line drawings and good qualityphotographs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A thoughtful detailing of gardening practices among Shakers
The Shaker Garden: Beauty Through Utility by Stephanie Donaldson embraces Shaker principles and faith as reflected in its agricultural wisdom. Full-color photographs showcase a thoughtful detailing of gardening practices used among Shakers. Their faith in God and His green earth fill the pages of this warm, involving, and easy-to-follow guide to growing flowers, berries, garnishes, vegetables, and more, through the Shaker way. With its combination of garden-based inspiration and its do-it-yourself horticultural information, The Shaker Garden is a unique and highly prized addition to any personal or community library Gardening & Horticultural Studies collection. ... Read more

Book Description
Longeing and ground training are an important part of horsemanship, both in training the horse and in the education of the rider.

This book explains the principles of handling and training horses safely from the ground, including leading, teaching good ground manners, and preparation for longeing. It provides an introduction to longeing, equipment, techniques, and longeing for various purposes, including longeing to improve the horse's movement and longeing the rider. Because longeing is an activity that requires skill, knowledge, and safe techniques, The USPC Guide to Longeing and Ground Training is essential to understanding what you will need, what to do, and how long to do it safely for yourself and your horse.

This guide can be used by Pony Clubbers, instructors, and all horse owners who want to learn about longeing and how to use this technique safely to benefit their horses' training.
The Howell Equestrian Library ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Perfect for all horse enthusiasts
This book is perfect for new and experienced horse people.It is filled with a great deal of real world instruction.I've read several intructional books and this had to be the easiest to follow.

Something for everyone
This book is a must reference for beginners through advanced horse people.It is clear and concise with enough detail to provide insights for the advanced person, yet it is not written in such a manner that the beginnerfeels overwhelmed.This book is definately worth the price. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Equestrian Vaulting
I was very pleased to finally find a book dedicated to the sport of vaulting.It is without a doubt the least recognized equestrian sport, and it's about time a book was published directed to this abnormal sport ofgymnastics on horseback!Equestrian Vaulting is a very worthy purchase,with information, tips, and pictures of the six compulsaries...Informationabout the categories of competitions...tips on putting together Kurs...etc. A wonderful guide for any vaulter--beginner to expert. ... Read more

Book Description
Experience the sheer joy of being one with your horse and one with nature.

When you're riding the trails with your horse, you enjoy a refreshing feeling of freedom, the exhilaration of exploration, and an invigorating escape from the demands of the day. You're in control—as long as you can control the 1,000-pound creature you're riding. Trail Riding: A Complete Guide takes you from the basics to more advanced trail riding skills with information on:

• How to choose a horse, including basics on conformation
• Finding the best trail-riding lessons, tack, and equipment
• Feeding, care, grooming, health care, and stable management
• Conditioning—for the horse and yourself
• Trailering to trails
• Advanced trail riding, including information on camping with your horse, how competitive trail riding is judged, and racing on the trail
• Tips on how to find the best trails, both locally and around the country

This book helps you develop the knowledge and skills that will give you a leg up every time you climb in the saddle. You and your horse will become the perfect pair for relaxing yet energizing adventures off the beaten path.Download Description
Happy trails to horses and riders Over 4 million people currently ride horses for recreation, and trail riding is the most popular type of riding in America today. Trail Riding: A Complete Guide introduces readers to the joys of journeying through nature on horseback. It covers such basics as riding lessons, choosing and caring for a horse, and selecting tack and equipment, with an emphasis on conditioning and safety. For enthusiasts who want to advance, it includes information on horse camping, organized group trail rides, and the sports of endurance riding and competitive trail riding. Tips on how to find the best trails help riders expand their horizons! Audrey Pavia (Santa Ana, CA) is a former editor of Horse Illustrated magazine and an award-winning freelance writer specializing in equine subjects. She also is the author of Horses For Dummies (see page 87). ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

BASIC BEST!
Beginner's best buy for overall horse owning & care. No secret things to "do on the trail or getting there", but acomprehensive introduction. A must for early horse riders (who can read). Great resource section in Appendix. ... Read more