Equestrian and animal sports Books

Book Synopsis“Feel-good, laugh out loud funny, yet also deeply moving…” “The way Grace has written about her mental health issues and woven it around the story is inspirational and will strike a chord with many readers” The comical tales of a new mum on her journey from post-natal depression to the dawning of her self-worth as she discovers adventure, friendship and the healing power of horses. Join Grace as she battles her negative thought patterns and fears amongst a backdrop of eccentric characters, pampered farm animals and the glorious Yorkshire countryside. Wisdom comes from unexpected sources leading Grace to a psychological and spiritual awakening of the true meaning of motherhood. While an elderly, opinionated pony teaches her how to love her daughter, a scary young sports horse teaches her how to relax and enjoy life again. Just watch out for the goats… For fans of James Herriot and Ruby Ferguson’s Jill books, The Yard is a hilarious and heart-warming, joy to read.

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Book SynopsisPilates is an invigorating and proven body conditioning method which helps to strengthen the core muscles used in riding, whilst simultaneously restoring the body's balance. In light of this Pilates for Equestrians is packed with colourful, easy to follow photographs, listing common rider injuries and niggles, with a list of core strengthening exercises to help maintain a more flexible, leaner, fitter body.Trade ReviewA guide to how Pilates can help you develop a more effective riding position and achieve better competition results.Pilates for Equestrians shows how Pilates can benefit all horse riders - whether you're a leisure rider or a professional equestrian.It's good to see a book on this subject directly aimed at the equestrian, although all would benefit from its simple wisdom. With clear photos and explanations of the individual exercises this book could be a great help in improving the suppleness of the nation's riders!...It would be eminently suitable for all those who have made a resolution to improve suppleness and core stability.Table of ContentsPART ONE - Pilates Principles and Basic Considerations Why Riders should do Pilates The Pilates Principles for Riders Your Pilates Aids Core Stability Stabiliser and Mobiliser Muscles Muscle Imbalances and Weaknesses Common Rider Complaints Directions of Movement Targeted Exercises Your Posture PART TWO - Studio Exercises Key Pilates Starting Positions Studio Exercise Programme Exercises from Standing Exercises from Relaxation Position Exercises from Front-lying or Prone Exercises from Four-point Kneeling Exercises from Side-lying Exercises from Sitting Using the Physio Ball PART THREE - The Horse/Rider Partnership Your Equine Partner Ridden Exercises Index

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Book SynopsisHorses with good conformation move fluidly, experience less wear and tear on joints, and are more apt to stay fit. Explaining how conformation relates to structure and function, Heather Smith Thomas shows you how to identify a horse’s desirable attributes and potential faults. You’ll learn to train your eye to see past an animal’s physical beauty and recognize proper balance, leg angles, and height as you confidently select horses that have superior durability, trainability, and athletic potential.

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Book SynopsisEastern philosophy enters the stables in this unique guide to horsemanship. Allan Hamilton describes how horses understand and respond to the flow of vital energy around them. They use this energy, called chi, to communicate with their herd, express dominance, and sense predators. Hamilton shares safe, simple techniques to make you more receptive to your animal’s chi, so you can develop a calm and effective training style that will not only help your horse follow commands, but strengthen the spiritual bond between horse and rider.

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Book SynopsisA fun colouring and activity book guaranteed to keep pony mad children entertained, including helpful and interesting tips, perfect for those taking part in the British Horse Society's Pony Stars programme, or just those who love horses and to draw. Pony Stars is the BHS's Junior Challenge Awards scheme helping children to discover, develop and nurture their love for ponies and the outdoors. With over 100 topics for children to explore, Pony Stars will ignite a passion for ponies, build knowledge and cement friendships that will last a lifetime.

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Book SynopsisThe image of the Derby winner with his leg in plaster was broadcast around the world. Alongside Mill Reef stood a baby-faced man who had won the Arc, the King George, the Eclipse, and now the Derby. He trained for the Queen and Queen Mother; and Lester Piggott, Willie Carson and Frankie Dettori all rode for him, but where had he come from and how had he got there?Ian Balding''s story is one of heartbreaking loss and outrageous good luck. He left Cambridge without a degree but with a rugby blue, and became one of the outstanding amateur sportsmen of his generation. Balding''s burgeoning talent was quickly noticed and he was soon running Peter Hastings-Bass'' stables at Kingsclere. Ian had no money and no experience of running a business, but he learnt fast. In Making the Running, Ian Balding reveals the pressure of maintaining the pace and shares the highs and lows of the sport of kings.Trade Reviewgripping reading... a real must for all racing fans * Sun *

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Book SynopsisGround training is the key to a safe and pleasurable riding experience. Designed for easy reference while working with your horse, this guide can be hung on a post. Riders of all disciplines and skill levels will benefit from these exercises that reinforce good habits and help develop a strong bond between horse and rider.

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Book SynopsisMonty Roberts is known as ''the man who listens to horses'' because of his amazing ability to understand and communicate with his equine partners. He has written this book to celebrate the horses throughout his life that have had a special significance: from his first mount, Ginger, through the champion show horses and sprinters, to those he is working with tirelessly today. THE HORSES IN MY LIFE gives a unique insight into his non-aggressive methods and how his relationship with each horse developed. It is an inspirational collection of vignettes that reveals his love and respect for these noble animals. We are invited not only to get to know the individual horses but to share the immense joy that Monty found with them.Trade ReviewThis is a decidedly superior offering for christmas stockings * The South Wales Argus *This is an excellent read which is thought provoking, entertaining and moving. * Aberdeen Press and Journal *

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Book SynopsisFinding and following two of New Hampshire's oldest trails into historyon horseback

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Book SynopsisWith easy-to-follow instructions and clear photographs, this guide shows you everything you need to know to safely and effectively handle and groom your horse. Veteran trainer Cherry Hill shares expert techniques for haltering, tying, clipping, bathing, braiding, leading, blanketing, and more. Learn how proper horsekeeping not only helps your animal look and feel its best, but can enhance the special bond between horse and rider. Horse Handling & Grooming will help riders of all abilities improve, and even expand, their horsekeeping skills.

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Book SynopsisPolly Williamson sustained a life-altering 'traumatic brain injury' in a dramatic incident with a young horse. This is her account of the damage to both her body and mind and the extraordinary challenge she faced to regain a sense of her identity so that she could return home to her children. Foreword by HRH The Princess Royal.

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Book SynopsisForeword by top-selling thriller writer Felix Francis, whose father Dick was a champion jump jockey in 1953/4.

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Book Synopsis'It's one of the real sports that's left to us: a bit of danger and a bit of excitement, and the horses, which are the best thing in the world.' * HM The Queen Mother on National Hunt racing. This book traces how much National Hunt racing has changed since 1945- and also how Britain has changed too. The advent of motorways has made travel easier and racecourse safety has improved but the challenges for jump jockeys -the bravest of the brave- remain. It covers some of the biggest stories in jump racing over the last seventy-five years, including the dramatic collapse of Devon Loch in the 1956 Grand National and the incredible exploits of three-times Grand National winner Red Rum. But it also contains lots of fascinating stories which the reader will not be so aware of, of trainers and horses long forgotten.

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Book SynopsisGet your horse in shape and maintain his overall fitness, regardless of his age or abilities. Equine Fitness will have your horse looking and feeling his best with a series of fun exercise routines specifically designed to enhance his strength, stamina, and agility. Clear step-by-step instructions and detailed illustrations make the exercises easy to follow, and the book includes a handy set of pocket-sized cards that you can use in the ring. Jec Ballou’s simple conditioning program promises lasting results for healthy horses and satisfied riders.

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Book SynopsisAll too often, pain in ridden horses is labelled as 'bad' behaviour. The apparently ‘sound’ horse is 'naughty', 'lazy', 'difficult', 'explosive', 'spooky', 'nappy', and more. These labels are wrong. Pain impacts all aspects of a horse's performance, including its partnership with the rider, and its potential to progress. It does not always create lameness. Relieving pain can lead to greater potential, a deeper partnership, and improved performance. In ‘Harmonious Horsemanship: Use of the Ridden Horse Ethogram to Optimise Potential, Partnership and Performance', Sue Dyson and Sue Palmer share their professional knowledge and experience. You will learn how to use a checklist of 24 behaviours to check for musculoskeletal pain in ridden horses. The book includes a gripping mix of research studies, contributions from industry experts, and real-life case studies. Only by first recognising pain can we then address it through accurate assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. This book, full of practical tools and backed by solid robust science, teaches you how to use ridden behaviour to recognise the subtle signs of pain, even in horses that appear to be sound. It is for anyone who cares about the horse, whether you are an interested amateur owner or an experienced equestrian professional. Together, we can make the world a better place for horses.

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Book SynopsisTo see England properly, I recommend viewing it from the saddle..' A.F Tschiffely. Travelling through England, and doing it on horseback, is to rediscover both the romance of the countryside and man's relationship with both his environment and his horse. With twelve carefully crafted rides to choose from, from Dorset in the south west to Yorkshire in the north east, this specially photographed book will transport you back to a time before cars and tarmac roads, when life was simpler and slower. Escape down tracks that are carefully catalogued in the Domesday book, or past Thomas Hardy's cottage and great stately houses, through Cotswolds villages and along beaches. Each ride contains a comprehensive map detailed the route and telling you how long it will take, places to stay (that welcome horses), essential kit to take with you and places of interest to visit along the way. In short, an inspirational guide book for the enterprising (or armchair) traveller.

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Book SynopsisMy Animals and Other Family by Clare Balding is a funny, brave, tender story of self-discovery''I had spent most of my childhood thinking I was a dog, and suspect I had aged in dog years.''Clare Balding grew up in a rather unusual household. Her father a champion trainer, she shared her life with more than 100 thoroughbred racehorses, mares, foals and ponies, as well as an ever-present pack of boxers and lurchers. As a toddler she would happily ride the legendary Mill Reef and take breakfast with the Queen.She and her younger brother came very low down the pecking order. Left to their own devices, they had to learn life''s toughest lessons through the animals, and through their adventures in the stables and the idyllic Hampshire Downs. From the protective Candy to the pot-bellied Valkyrie and the frisky Hattie, each horse and each dog had their own character and their own special part to play.The running family joke was thTrade ReviewMoving, funny and larger than life -- Michael MorpurgoSimply fabulous -- Jilly Cooper

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Book Synopsis"A lush, illustrated book shows the "Equestrian Life" in the rich paradise around New York - and is also great fun for non-equestrians." — Monopol "His book overflows with breathtaking imagery and rich history." — Frederic Equestrian life has an enduring appeal for many of us, but it has a special place in the hearts of Hamptonites. Written by renowned fashion and lifestyle editor, Blue Carreon — an avid equestrian who lives and breathes the Hamptons when not in Manhattan — this luxurious book is his photographic showcase of the glamorous, often exclusive, and intriguing horse-sporting life in the Hamptons. This is a place dotted by bucolic barns and exclusive stables, coexisting with the shingle-style mansions with sweeping manicured lawns and modernist beach houses with uninterrupted views of the dunes and ocean beyond. Wending and looping through the picturesque hills and townships of the Hamptons are horseback-riding trails, world-class public and private equestrian facilities and estates, and premier blue-ribbon horse shows, polo competitions, and more. Blue Carreon also explores the hard work that comes with the glamour that comes with the sport. The thrill and danger that come with the sound of a horse’s galloping steps; the frustration of falls and ecstasy of big wins. Equestrian Life in the Hamptons offers an historic framework to the evolution of equestrian culture in the region, provides details on stables and how they are designed, barn and tack room tours, and the fashions on and off the field (both human and equine) as well as interiors inspired by all things equestrian. These pages are jam-packed with stories and interviews with not only the wealthy weekenders but with those who have devoted their life to their equine passions and the equestrian life.Trade Review"A lush illustrated book shows the "Equestrian Life" in the rich paradise around New York - and is also great fun for non-equestrians." - Monopol"We take a look inside Blue Carreon's stunning new book, Equestrian Life in the Hamptons (The Images Publishing Group, June 2023), that celebrates the East End's horsey heritage." - Modern Luxury Hamptons"His book overflows with breathtaking imagery and rich history." - Frederic"A comprehensive and insightful look into traditions and everyday on-goings of riding culture in the eastern end of Long Island." - Vogue PhilippinesTable of ContentsIntroduction: A Love Affair with Horses in the Hamptons Galloping Through Time: A Historic Overview Getting on the Saddle: Riders and the Horse-Sporting Life Over at the Stables: Tours of Barns, Tack Rooms, and Stables The Hamptons Vibe: Fashion, Design, and Parties Inspired by the Equestrian Culture Riding to Victory: Premier Show Jumping and Polo Competitions

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Book SynopsisWINNER OF INTERNATIONAL AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF THE YEAR AT THE 2021 TELEGRAPH SPORTS BOOK AWARDS''An intelligent and often beautifully observed book'' Donald McRae, The Guardian''A must-read about a career which never dropped out of top gear'' Racing Post''A thoroughly engaging memoir. I can''t recommend this insightful autobiography enough'' Horse & Hound''A superior story: an honest and self-searching account of the glories and thrills but also the doubt and barren spells that visit even rampantly successful jockeys'' The Irish TimesThe riveting full-career autobiography of Barry Geraghty, one of the most successful jump jockeys in the sport''s history. Now retired, Geraghty takes his rightful place in the pantheon of greats that includes AP McCoy, Richard Johnson and Ruby Walsh.Barry Geraghty is an Irish horseracing legend.From his first win in 1997 he has gone on to ride almTrade ReviewAn intelligent and often beautifully observed book * The Guardian *True Colours is a frank, unfiltered tale of a racing icon. After reading the book, you appreciate the lengths Geraghty went to in pursuit of success. Readers are given incredible access to his life and it is a must-read about a career which never dropped out of top gear. * Racing Post *I can't recommend this insightful autobiography enough * Horse & Hound magazine *

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Book SynopsisHow To Look Cool Whilst Learning Polo takes a very modern approach to the traditional game of polo. The author, SteveThompson, is a veteran polo instructor and professional player with over twenty years of teaching experience across the globe and this book is a culmination of his teaching and playing experience over two decades in the sport. This book, followed correctly, will save one a lot of pain, frustration and cash by teaching an aspiring player how to function correctly from the very start. More than just a technical 'how to' guide, it provides everything one needs to know to go from zero to hero on the polo field, and more importantly - make sure one looks cool whilst doing it!Trade ReviewThis certainly was easy to read and absorb how polo is played. The book was clearly laid out with high quality images and chapters. With checklists, diagrams and hilarious cartoon anecdotes showing from 'how to loft your ball' to 'scoring on and off the field', this book is a breath of fresh air in its instructional form... This is a great book for all equestrian enthusiasts which would also make a great gift too. If you gifted this book to a young and bold rider, I think it would definitely inspire them to pick up a mallet, buckle up their Argentine belt and head off to the polo field looking incredibly cool! -- Samantha Hobden * Haynet *Table of ContentsForeword PrefaceIntroduction The Difference Between Kids And Grown-Ups Physics! PART I: RIDING GUIDELINES/RIDING LIKE A PRO The Polo Pony Learning How to RideBalance Exercise 1: The Pyramid Stirrups Accommodating Motion Steering Exercise 2: Turning in the Pelvis Basic Polo Riding Walk Trot Exercise 3: Power Trotting Canter Exercise 4: Trot to Canter Transitions Transitions Advanced Polo Riding The Half Seat Exercise 5: The Half Seat Exercise 6: Accelerate / Decelerate Efficient Turning Exercise 7: Circles within Circles Changing Direction Exercise 8: Changing Direction Versatility Exercise 9: Sink left / Sink Right The Tube Exercise 10: Chin on Chest PART II: HITTING SUCCESSFULLY/WINNING AT SWINGING Mallet Essentials The Grip Exercise 11: Balancing the Mallet The Pendulum The Plane The Shots IntentionThe Smiley Technique & Grid Exercise 12: The Smiley Technique The Smiley Grid Exercise 13: The Smiley Grid The Nearside in IsolationThe Hitting Process The Checklist Perception and Height Deficits Making Contact Exercise 14: Working Backwards Hitting Discipline Accuracy On Distance Exercise 15: The Clock Power Hitting, Penalties and Pre-Swings Exercise 16: The Pre-Swing Pitch-Side TrainingPART III: APPLICATION/SCORING ON AND OFF THE FIELD Stick and Balling and Hitting Diagnostics Exercise 17: Stick and Ball Playing Riding Off Hooking Problem Solving Stretching And Finally... Acknowledgements

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Book SynopsisThis book is dedicated to the protection of horses, ponies and donkeys and is based on first-hand international experience from a lifetime spent with horses - hunting, racing and welfare - whether with The Pony Club, The Jockey Club or international horse charity. It covers all equines to the highest levels of performance - racing, show jumping, eventing and endurance riding and encourages all owners to care for their animals. Horses are beautiful animals that can work with their owners to the best effect; it is only right that they should all be cared for with respect so that the partnership is equal, one of working together and free from abuse. Christopher also looks at the world of working horses, donkeys and mules in the developing world, where they are often the only means of transporting people and goods, provide the only power to work the land and are essential for their owners' survival. He calls for them to be given closer attention and care and that training is given to the owners who may not be aware of how to care properly for their animals. He also writes about people in equestrian sports both nationally and internationally and the work of the major charity World Horse Welfare of which he was chairman, calling on his role as a leading regulator and lifelong horseman. He held one of the highest profile jobs in the Jockey Club, steward in charge of enforcing the rules of horse racing - and provides an insight into the high stakes world of racing where winning is everything. But whatever the activity or level, readers will be aware that horses are the real stars.Trade ReviewFrom the hardback, Horse Welfare, Use not Abuse; '... a masterpiece of knowledge and insight...into the welfare issues that affect the equine world as a whole. ...is a book that should be read by anyone involved with horses at any level... it gives a real sense of joy...' Everything Horse Magazine; 'As soon as I started reading I was absolutely hooked. ...Much of the information is given at first hand, which makes it lively and engaging. This is a must read for anyone who loves horses, who is interested in animal welfare or who just wants a really informative read'. Horse and Countryside

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Book SynopsisIn no uncertain terms, this book asks what it means to be a responsible rider, and whether, in today's society, it is indeed possible for equestrians in any horse sport to put the good of the horse first and foremost, and above ambition and fame. With vibrantly clear illustrations of the horse's anatomy and how it is impacted by various riding techniques, Balancing Act presents proof that, although some steps have been taken to prevent the use of forceful and cruel techniques, many sport horses still perform in pain and discomfort. With fabulous art to help show the anatomy of the horse and multiple examples of poor riding in pictures so that the reader can avoid similar pitfalls, Dr. Heuschmann gives all of us reasons to examine ourselves and those around us through the lens of the horse's welfare. Readers will also find five chapters full of researched and proven recommendations for retraining horses with behavioural or biomechanical issues related to poor training techniques, including: the tense horse; the rein-lame horse; the horse with gait deviations; the hyperflexed horse; and the unbalanced horse that is completely off the aids. In paperback for the first time with new observations from the author, Balancing Act is for every conscientious horse person intent on riding and training with the good of the horse in mind.

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Book SynopsisA respected equine vet and farrier have joined forces to produce this manual for trainee and working farriers. This fully updated new edition for 2022, starts with a brief history of farriery, then looks at the legalities of the job and how to control equines for trimming and shoeing. The authors describe the care and maintenance of the forge and farriery tools, as well as the anatomy and function of the horse, especially the lower limbs, the principles of foot balance, and the practice of shoeing. Shoe making, surgical shoes, lameness and shoeing are dealt with in detail, and the book is embellished with hundreds of specially taken photos, and explanatory line drawings.

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Book SynopsisA tribute to horses, their riders, stables, and the equestrian lifestyle around the world.Trade Review"Horses (Rizzoli) appear...in Derry Moore’s photographs." –Sloane Crosley’s Favorite Fall 2016 Books, Vanity Fair"Moore’s work—with a unique eye for character, not just in his portraits of the horses but in the details of their surroundings—is a beautiful tribute to horses, their riders, stables, and the equestrian lifestyle around the world."—Art of the Times"Rizzoli’s recently released Horses: Portraits by Derry Moore is a handsome volume full of sensitive photographs of its titular subjects. The London-based Moore, who is the 12th Earl of Drogheda, had never trained his eye on horses before — he’s best known for posh interiors and portraits of the even posher humans who inhabit them — but the topic was suggested by an editor as a natural extension of his métier. The project took him to Louisiana, Kentucky, Spain, India and all across his native England."—1stDibs.com

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisThis innovative workbook is designed to make revision entertaining yet effective. It allows you to test your knowledge against the requirements of the Stage 1 assessment and contains a wealth of typical questions - with, of course, many model answers.Table of ContentsIntroduction Questions: 1. Grooming 2. Rugs 3. Saddlery 4. Handling 5. Maintaining Clean Stables 6. The Foot and Shoeing 7. Anatomy and Handling 8. Health and Safety 9. Horse Health 10. Horse Behaviour 11. Basic Grassland Care 12. Watering and Feeding 13. General Knowledge 14. Riding Answers Further Reading Useful Addresses

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Book SynopsisRacing in Doncaster contains a fascinating selection of photographs, charting the ups and downs of this historic course. Famous races, horses, jockeys and trainers can all be found here, along with much detail about the St Leger, Doncaster's most celebrated and lucrative race of all. Peter Tuffrey has gathered together well over 200 images, many unpublished, to present a comprehensive photographic history of the course, the meetings, and the runners and rider who have graced Doncaster's turf. This is must-have for all racing enthusiasts.

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Book SynopsisExpert advice on breeds, all aspects of horse care, and step-by-step riding techniques, fully updated.

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Book SynopsisA self-test and revision aid for candidates working towards the BHS Stage 2 assessment Based on the Stage 2 syllabus, this innovative workbook is designed to make revision entertaining yet effective. It allows you to test your knowledge against the requirements of this assessment and contains a wealth of typical assessment questions — with, of course, many model answers.Table of ContentsIntroduction Questions: 1. Plaiting 2. Bandages and Travel Equipment 3. Saddlery 4. Handling and Lungeing 5. Stable Design 6. Shoeing 7. Trimming 8. Anatomy and Physiology 9. Horse Behaviour 10. Horse Health 11. Fittening 12. Grassland Care 13. Feeding 14. Riding Answers Further Reading Useful Addresses

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Book SynopsisExamines a further aspect of the horse's performance. This book is designed to help the horse owners and riders to understand how a horse moves and how its anatomy helps, or hinders, the horse's athletic ability. It uses photographs and anatomical drawings to show the systems of support and movement at each phase of each of the horse's gaits.Table of ContentsPart I: Anatomy and conformation; The head and neck; The chest and ribs; The forelimbs; The abdomen; The hind limbs; The back; Part II: Movement; Walk; Trot; Canter; Gallop; Collection; Lateral movements; Rein back; Jumping; Part III: Lameness and injuries; Sites of common lameness; Identification of the lame limb; Common lamenesses; Appendices: The points of the horse; The skeleton; Superficial muscles; Deep muscles; The stay apparatus; The tendons and ligaments; The circulation; The nervous system

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Book SynopsisHorses need grass. It plays a vital part in their nutrition, health and well-being, and good grassland management results in a cost-effective way of feeding them. However, all too often horses at grass are either poorly managed or managed according to normal agricultural practice, which does not provide good pasture for them. This informative book explains everything which needs to be considered when managing grasslands to benefit the horse, the vegetation and the environment. The book examines the horse''s grazing habits and its requirements when at grass, and goes on to present an overview of the range and types of grasslands found in Britain and their suitability for the horse. Details are given of how to assess a pasture and identify significant plants, and the methods and outcomes of various management practices are discussed. The role of horse owner as land manager is set in the wider context of stewardship of the countryside, with considerations for preventing pollution and prot

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Trade ReviewA straightforward and indispensable account of one woman's extraordinary success, 40 years ago, in helping to protect America's wild horses from the human predators surrounding them. . . . The value of Kania's work, apart from his tender view of his subject, is that it shows us, relentlessly, how law can be and is subverted by political forces." - Andrew Cohen, The Atlantic"The book is well written and will be a fascinating read for those whose lives are affected by wild horses and burros." - Library Journal"The story of how Velma, snidely dubbed "Wild Horse Annie" by a government official, gathered supporters for the wild horses and got laws passed to provide for their humane treatment and protection, makes inspiring reading." - Booklist

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Book SynopsisA great companion to the Book and DVD. Jim Masterson, Equine Massage Therapist for the 2006 and 2008 and 2010 USET Endurance Teams, and for equine clientele competing in FEI World Cup, Pan American and World Games competitions, teaches a unique method of equine bodywork, in which the practitioner recognizes and follows the responses of the horse to touch to release tension in key junctions of the body that most affect performance. Contains step-by-step instructions, photographs and illustrations; is ideally suited to accompany you to the barn, where you will practice the Masterson Method techniques on horses; includes chapters with tips & techniques, anatomical explanations and examples from Jim's practice to help deepen your understanding; has a quick reference section that will point you to exercises that are specifically suited to your particular discipline--dressage, endurance, eventing, show jumping, barrel racing, or others in the vast realm of horse sports. By using these techniques, and knowing the responses to look for, you are able to: achieve a release of accumulated stress in deep-seated key junctions of the horse's body that affects mobility, comfort, attitude, training and performance; restore muscular and structural balance, and natural alignment; enable your horse to perform optimally and respond to your training without stiffness and pain and, finally, achieve new levels of communication and trust with your horse that spill over into other areas of interaction.

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Book SynopsisIn this fascinating best seller, Cherry Hill explores the way horses think and how it affects their behavior. Explaining why certain smells and sounds appeal to your horse’s sensibility and what sets off his sudden movements, Hill stresses how recognizing the thought processes behind your horse’s actions can help you communicate effectively and develop a trusting relationship based on mutual respect.

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Book SynopsisMeet Nimrod, a typical horse in the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. He's big, black and brave, yet steady as a rock. But what's his story, and how is he trained for his special military role? The Household Cavalry is a uniquely British institution, famous around the world for its outstanding pageantry and gallantry on the battle field. Its 250 horses, known as Cavalry Blacks, are central to its existence, and visitors to London flock to see these magnificent horses taking part in ceremonies and routine guarding activities. Little is known about how they are chosen, trained and what their duties - as full members of their regiment - entail. Here in words and pictures Juliet Blaxland fills in the background to their life and work, providing a fascinating insight into the world of the Household Cavalry horse.Trade Review"This charming story about Nimrod's life is equally entertaining for adults and children." Horse Magazine 'This sweet little picture book' ... ' I found it really interesting, as it's not a subject that has been extensively written about and this is the first book I've seen that gave such a clear inside view of what it's like behind the scenes.' ... 'Although aimed at children, adults will also find plenty of interest here.' Horse & Countryside 'Nimrod's life from foal to retirement is charmingly documented in this picture book' The Field

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Book SynopsisThe Science of Equestrian Sports is a comprehensive study of the theory and practice of the rider in equine sport. While most scholarship to date has focused on the horse in competition, this is the first book to collate current data relating specifically to riders. It provides valuable insight into improving sporting performance and maintaining the safety of both the horse and the rider. Drawing on the latest scientific research, and covering a wide range of equestrian disciplines from horseracing to eventing, the book systematically explores core subjects such as: physiology of the rider sport psychology in equestrian sport preventing injury biomechanics and kinematics coaching equestrian sport the nature of horse-rider relationships This holistic and scientific examination of the role of the horse rider is essential reading for sport science students with an interest in eTrade Review"This is a landmark text for all riders, if they are truly committed to do the best for their horses rather than simply pay lip service to the notion of excellence in training and riding. Every horse deserves a rider who has read this book!"Dr Andrew McLean, Director Australian Equine Behaviour Centre & Equitation Science International and President of the International Society for Equitation Science.Table of ContentsIntroduction Chapter 1: Motor Control of the Rider: On moving and being moved Chapter 2: Performance Physiology and Rider Fitness: Riders are athletes too! Chapter 3: Sport Psychology in Equestrian Sport: merely mind games? Chapter 4: Coaching Riders: From a different perspective Chapter 5: Injuries in Equestrian Sport: Dealing with it or part of the deal? Chapter 6: Horse-Human Interactions: Art or science? In Conclusion: Quo Vadis, Equestrian Science?

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Book SynopsisIn critical sport studies, the place of animals has been a relatively minor field of inquiry. Much of this research has addressed animals with regard to gambling, via studies of horse racing. Increasingly, however, riding the animal studies wave, sport studies researchers are looking more extensively at interspecies relations and taking up topics connected to Posthumanism. In this book, contributors offer the first comprehensive overview of the implications of this new field for sports studies, exploring subjects including the horse-rider relationship, the marketing of professional rodeo, the ethics of the sport of dog agility, and many more.Table of ContentsIntroduction 1. Sport, Animals and Society Michelle Gilbert and James Gillett Historical and Evolving Dichotomies 2. Taming the Wild: Rodeo as a Human-Animal Metaphor Arnold Arluke and Robert Bogdan 3. Human Horse Partnerships: Beyond the Dressage Stephen J. Smith 4. The Masters of Nature: Golf, Non-Humans, and Consumer Culture Brad Millington and Brian Wilson Human and Animal Relations 5. "The Horse Has Got to Want to Help": Human-Animal Habituses and Networks in Amateur Show Jumping Kirrilly Thompson and Lynda Birke 6. From Sport to Therapy: The Social Stakes in the Rise of Equine-Assisted Activities Jerome Michalon 7. Taking Teamwork Seriously: The Sport of Dog Agility as an Ethical Model of Cross-Species Companionship Giuliana Lund Ethics and Violence in Sport 8. The Ethics of Interspecies Sports S.P. Morris 9. The Virtue of Compassion: Animals in Sport, Hunting as Sport, and Entertainment Gabriela Tymowski 10. Necroposian Nights: Animal Sport, Civility and the Calgary Stampede Kevin Young and Brittany Gerber Sporting Identities of Human and Animal Athletes 11. A Star is Born to Buck: Animal Celebrity and the Marketing of Professional Rodeo Susan Nance 12. (Dis)Abled Riders and Equestrian Sports Marie Larneby and Susanna Hedenborg 13. Branding Boundaries: Colonial Sporting Identities and the Racialized Body R. Scott Carey, Rob Millington and Carolyn Prouse Future Directions 14. Young Equestrians: The Horse Stable as a Cultural Space Michele Gilbert 15. Embodied Communication: The Poetics and Politics of Riding Natalie Corinne Hansen 16. Communion Without Collision: Animals, Sport and Interspecies Co-Presence Michael Atkinson and Kass Gibson

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Book SynopsisThis radical reinterpretation of Ottoman and Arab influences on horsemanship and breeding sheds new light on English national identity, as illustrated in such classic works as Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels and George Stubbs's portrait of Whistlejacket.Trade ReviewThis is a fascinating thesis, absorbing in its many insights and detours, and lovingly argued. -- Allan Mallinson Country Life 2009 Only someone who is both a cultural historian and a devoted horse person could have written this remarkably engaging, wide-ranging book. Landry... tells in clear, vivid, fascinating detail of developments that will engage cultural and literary historians and animal fanciers. Choice 2009 Donna Landry has produced a book of clean organization and admirable coherence. She writes with telling precision, as well as first-hand acquaintance with all horsey matters. -- Pat Rogers Times Literary Supplement 2010 An important and most welcome contribution to our understanding of the multi-faceted impact of horses on humans and focuses on the significant influence of Eastern imports on English culture... Johns Hopkins University press have published a book with exemplary production values to complement the content. -- Peter Harrigan Arabian Studies 2010 A timely and valuable contribution to the recently burgeoning field of animality and animal studies in the early modern period. -- Richard Nash Eighteenth-Century Studies 2010 It would make a surprising story and support claims that animal studies can make important contributions to the study of history and culture. -- Nicholas Russell American Historical Review 2009 A multi-faceted work that will serve as a landmark in the emerging field of animal and cultural studies. -- Peter Edwards Agricultural History 2010 All historians of the early modern period would benefit from reading this multi-faceted and fascinating book. -- Mike Huggins Journal of Social History 2010Table of ContentsIntroduction: What the Horses Said: An Equine History1. Horsemanship in the British Isles before the Eastern Invasion2. The Making of the English Hunting Seat3. Steal of a Turk: Tracking in Bloodstock4. About a Horse: The Bloody Shouldered Arabian5. The Noble Brute: Contradictions in Equine Ideology, East and WestEpilogue: Her Ladyship's Arabian: AftermathsAcknowledgmentsNotesEssay on SourcesIndex

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