Horses and ponies: general interest Books

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Book SynopsisIn recent decades, knowledge in the field of equine physical therapy has accrued as different types of bodywork have steadily gained acceptance in the horse world. An understanding of anatomy and biomechanics, and a grasp of the variable options available to both keep the active equine healthy and rehabilitate following an injury or layoff have become integral aspects of general horse health management. Equine physical therapy expert Helle Katrine Kleven understands the need for a reference that supports the horse owner as she strives to keep her horse sound in body and mind, and at the top of his game. In this highly illustrated book, she begins with a comprehensible introduction to the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, as well as an instructive conversation covering biomechanics basics, then explores the major areas of therapy in detail. Readers will find practical how-to guidance in the most popular therapeutic modalities, as well as cutting-edge alternatives that are currently gaining ground: fascia work, stretching, massage, stability and strengthening exercises, laser therapy, kinesiotaping, and much more. With this incredible course in preventive and rehabilitative techniques, horse owners and professionals will be thoroughly prepared to ensure their horses’ comfort and well-being. Table of ContentsForeword by Bettina Hoy Foreword (for 4th edition) by Victoria Max-Theurer Preface 1. Introduction to Physical Therapy for Horses 2. The Anatomy of the Musculoskeletal System 3. Biomechanics 4. The Nervous System 5. Observation 6. Palpitation 7. Massage - The Art of Healing With Your Hands 8. Mobilizing and Stretching 9. Stabilization and Strengthening 10. Physical Therapy 11. Rehabilitation 12. Preventive Measures Anatomy Tables (Skeletal and Muscular) Glossary Acknowledgements Index

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Book SynopsisMany women become Horse Crazy as girls and never lose their admiration for the beauty and dignity and the wisdom and whimsicality of these remarkable creatures. Here, fifty women offer their stories of the path of equine wisdom and the benefits of a good relationship with a loving horse, from improved confidence (and yes, even firmer thighs) to reconnecting with the world after a period of grief. Includes such stories as: A wheelchair-bound woman overcomes her physical limitations, not only learning to ride but to compete - and win! - in dressage Pregnant for the first time, a mother to be watches a brood mare deliver a colt and gains the confidence to face the arrival of her own child A stresses out executive learns that a bored cow pony can teach her a thing or two One lovelorn woman finds she can learn a lot about men from watching horses

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Book SynopsisIn the tradition of "The Man Who Listens to Horses", "The Horse Whisperer" and "Horse Miracles" comes "Horse Healers: 50 True Stories of Courage and Hope". Inspired by her work with horses and patients at the National Center for Equine Facilitated Therapy, horse lover and author A. Bronwyn Llewellyn brings together the most moving tributes to the healing power of horses ever collected in one volume. With a foreword by Cynthia Ruiz, the internationally known dressage competitor who's own paralysis led her to promote therapeutic riding throughout the world, "Horse Healers" will appeal to everyone with a love of horses and an appreciation for the unique relationship we humans have with these very special animals, a relationship that can transform lives for the better.

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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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