Horses and ponies: general interest Books

Book SynopsisGood nutrition is essential for a strong and healthy horse. Here are in-depth explorations on the benefits of additives and herbal supplements inform Worth’s dietary approach toward treating common health problems that include colic, cribbing, Cushing disease, ulcers, tying-up syndrome, and more. Providing your horse with a healthy, well-balanced diet will keep him looking and feeling his best for years to come.

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Book SynopsisThe domestication of the horse in the fourth millennium BC altered the course of mankind's future. Formerly a source only of meat, horses now became the prime mode of fast transport as well as a versatile weapon of war. Carolyn Willekes traces the early history of the horse through a combination of equine iconography, literary representations, fieldwork and archaeological theory. She explores the ways in which horses were used in the ancient world, whether in regular cavalry formations, harnessed to chariots, as a means of reconnaissance, in swift and deadly skirmishing (such as by Scythian archers) or as the key mode of mobility. Establishing a regional typology of ancient horses - Mediterranean, Central Asian and Near Eastern - the author discerns within these categories several distinct sub-types. Explaining how the physical characteristics of each type influenced its use on the battlefield - through grand strategy, singular tactics and general deployment - she focuses on Egypt, Persia and the Hittites, as well as Greece and Rome. This is the most comprehensive treatment yet written of the horse in antiquity.Trade Review'The Horse in the Ancient World is aimed at a broad audience. Its unusual strength lies in Carolyn Willekes' attractive combination of academic expertise with considerable practical experience. This has produced a work of sound scholarship which is also accessible to the general reader. It should be an invaluable companion to classical specialists and equine enthusiasts alike; it is of good quality, and fills a gap in the current literature.' - Iain G Spence, former Associate Professor of Ancient History, Australian National University, author of The Cavalry of Classical Greece: A Social and Military History; 'Carolyn Willekes' book is a most welcome addition to a growing list of publications devoted to ancient equestrian and cavalry studies. It is a richly informative work, giving ample evidence of the author's long personal experience with horses and equestrian activity. That she journeyed to Mongolia in search of the famous Steppe Pony gives her study a real life grounding and certainly attests her personal pluck. Throughout her book, Willekes stresses the close relationship between humans and horses since the domestication of the latter in the fourth millennium BC. Her chapters on the evolution of the horse and horse riding, and her clear categorization of horse types, are clear, concise and persuasive. Willekes' book should appeal to an audience far broader than just horse enthusiasts: she covers the use of the horse in war; in art (for example, offering a provocative interpretation of the Parthenon frieze); and in sports. She also includes lengthy translated excerpts of ancient Greek and Roman writers on what we would call "equine conformation". All in all, this is an enjoyable, well researched and nicely balanced introduction to the subject.' - Glenn R Bugh, Associate Professor of Classical Studies and Byzantine History, Virginia Tech, author of The Horsemen of Athens and editor of The Cambridge Companion to the Hellenistic World

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Book SynopsisThe horse is an animal that has accompanied man since the earliest times. For him, the horse has always symbolised different qualities either in his daily life, at work or leisure, in dreams and in the spiritual world. We should remember that horses are present in numerous holy books of Central Asia and the Far East. Goodness of heart and dignity, strength and spirit, speed and balance, are some of the qualities that may arise when one observes a wild colt. This simple but profound book represents a bridge towards that mystery of strength and intelligence that is the horse. It is a valuable contribution to the serious study of animal behaviour and an excellent metaphor in which the horse represents instinct and intuition, while the author represents the eye of science that is, in this case, subtle, tender and kind.

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Book SynopsisNutrition is an essential part of the daily management of the horse. It affects the health, welfare and performance of the animal. In natural surroundings the horse would spend up to 65% of time foraging for food. The digestive system reflects this behavioural process. Whilst recent advances in equine nutrition have improved our knowledge of how to optimise the feeding of horses under different physiological challenges, this book tries to incorporate the interaction between nutritional and behavioural requirements. The dynamic interaction between feed characteristics, the physiology of the animal and processes of nutrient absorption are examined in depth, drawing on a biological approach to solving problems associated with nutrition as well as an applied approach for the equine industry. This involves analysing current feed evaluation systems to quantify the digestive process and the requirements of the horse. A balance needs to be maintained between feeds available, the biology of digestion and nutrient requirements. This book aims to blend theoretical knowledge and practical feed management by creating an understanding of the physiological processes which form the basis for practical rationing.

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Book SynopsisMight it be that learning to communicate with the horse helps us to reframe the way we perceive each other and how we see ourselves? In this sequel to her book The Spell of the Horse, Pam Billinge’s exploration of the spiritual connection between horse and human unfolds in a timeless, profound way. When she follows her dream to a farmhouse in France, she is able to live alongside her herd for the first time. Here, in the heart of nature, deeper insights are revealed into the true nature of the horse and the incredible power of presence to transform. A pioneer in embodied horse-led therapy and leadership development, Pam’s story is interwoven with those of inspiring individuals and groups she has supported: from people experiencing relationship breakdown to large organisations looking for culture change; from the bereaved or lonely to the confused wishing to explore what next. Steeped in simple wisdom, the stories offer the reader a pragmatic, mindful template for personal transformation. Through the wisdom of the horse, learn how to live authentically and to engage open-heartedly with all that is.Trade Review‘Masterful, uplifting and insightful, this book has left an indelible stamp on my heart'Justin Featherstone MC; ‘This is a wonderful book full of laughter, tears, joy and compassion, it takes you on an extraordinary journey of self discovery.’ Goodreads; ‘Beautifully written, honest and authentic.’ Goodreads;‘Thought-provoking, uplifting and incredibly inspiring - a beautiful, beautiful book.’ Emily Maguire. Poet, singer, songwriter.

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Book SynopsisThis book is an introduction of sorts into the world of Equido. Equido is more than an equestrian qualification, it is an ethos, a way of thinking and interacting with your horse that should enable you to step into a world of possibilities that you did not even know existed. Equido strives to show you a new way, fit for this new century, of looking at all manner of horsemanship, from stable management, training, competing and rehabilitation, all from the horses' point of view because it is only when we look at things through their eyes that we can truly understand what it means to be a horse and understanding is the first step in communication. You may have seen or heard about great horsemen and women and how they seemed to have a natural empathy or feel for a horse. They seemed able to almost "think" with their horses till the line between human and equine became blurred. You may (like most people) have wondered what this illusive feel actually was, what it meant to the rider and the horse and how it impacted on the way they work together. Many of you may even have been inspired by these horsemen to take your first tentative steps into the world of horses. By following the principles of Equido the rider and the horse can both enjoy the experience.

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Book SynopsisConnection Training's approach creates the best experience for the horse, based on the science of learning and equine emotions. We focus on building positive emotions around you and the training, such as relaxation, confidence and willingness. These emotions create safe, happy horses who are a joy to train, ride and handle.In this book, you will learn:> How emotions drive your horse's behaviour and why training from an emotional perspective makes so much sense.> How to solve problems in handling, healthcare and loading.> How to teach healthy postural engagement through gymnastic groundwork in a fun and positive way your horse will love.> How to make riding rewarding, safe and fun for both of you.Following the guidance in this book, you can solve your problems, achieve your goals and create a wonderful equine partner for life.'Connection Training has transformed my life with horses after 30+ years of ownership. The focus is on your connection with the horse and that is what I have been searching for all this time! Once you get that then trust builds and suddenly all things seem possible.'Lynne Hockney UK'As a clinical animal behaviourist and university lecturer I am regularly asked for recommended reading around equine training and the science behind it; this text would definitely be on my essential reading list. Crafted into a volume that seamlessly combines the science of behavioural ethology with the practice of training, this book consistently champions the ultimate aim; to provide optimally for the welfare of our domesticated equines in all our interactions with them.'Extract from the forewordby Loni Loftus MSc, BSc(Hons), PgAEd, CABHead of Equine Operations, RSPCAAbout the AuthorsHannah Weston and Rachel Bedingfield are pioneers in combining equine ethology, the science of equine emotions and positive horse training techniques. They are passionate about helping leisure horse owners to connect with their horse and achieve their goals, whether that's being able to ride confidently, teach healthy movement and lateral exercises or help a frightened rescue to overcome fear. Their training approach is soft, gentle and always puts the horse first. Rachel brings the science and theory and Hannah brings the real-world practice. Together, they are a great team, combining a firm base of knowledge and understanding with step-by-step exercises and techniques you can use with your horse.www.connectiontraining.com

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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