Search results for ""TRAFALGAR SQUARE""

Anne Bårdsgård grew up in Selbu and has always had a close relationship with her hometown and its rich knitting history—her relentless interest in the traditional mittens that made Selbu famous worldwide became the groundwork for her first book, the stunning all-in-one historical reference, design compendium and mitten pattern guide Selbu Mittens. Now she’s back to delve into the wider realm of sweaters, cardigans, socks, and hats with this companion collection: over 450 motifs that can be adapted and combined using any of the foundational garment patterns included, based on extensive and thorough documentation of photographs, drawings, and preserved samples of historical knitted items from Selbu. The result is a unique and unequaled look into the traditional knitting culture of the Selbu region—and an endlessly inspiring pattern resource.

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For six decades, Lynn Palm has been a mainstay of the horse training, showing, and clinicing industry. Her successes in diversity in training and the development of willingness and ability across disciplines are unparalleled. She has four Superhorse Titles-a prize awarded to a horse that demonstrates a broad skillset and proficiency in multiple sports. In these pages, Lynn shares the eight keys to her success in training and competing, and how you, too-whether you're eventing or ranch riding-can shape a horse with a good attitude, correct movement, healthy biomechanics, and top-notch conditioning. A "Superhorse" will take you farther for longer, and you'll enjoy every minute of it. Readers will learn how: - Not all knowledge is good knowledge, and which knowledge is best. - Groundwork in the form of in-hand, longeing, liberty work, long-lining, and trick training is integral to attaining training goals - To incorporate longevity training with progressive lessons that have the "long game" in mind - The rider's ability directly impacts the horse's - A competitive edge serves both the recreational rider and the one who shows - To overcome the inevitable challenges when training a horse and facing questions of persistence versus suitability - We need to do better for the horse in equestrian sport - "Giving back" to the industry provides a foundation for Superhorses for generations to come With a rich mix of stories curated from years of horse adventures, practical ideas you can put to work in your own arena, and exercises to incorporate in your daily practice, Finding Your Superhorse is the rare inspiring read that teaches. Throughout, Lynn's warmth of character and intense commitment to horses, horse people, and improving the industry that has given her a life and a livelihood shine through, guiding us all toward what's possible and the "super" in every horse.

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Whether taking their first lessons, handling horses when visiting friends, or enjoying the glorious challenges of first-pony ownership, children need to learn more than just “how to ride.” When it comes to horses, the most important lessons begin on the ground, not only to ensure a young person's safety, but also to promote the fair and informed care of an animal so that he remains healthy and happy in their interactions, too. This highly illustrated, easy-to-use book is the most complete and correct guide available for horse-crazy kids and their families to learn basic horsemanship standards and responsibly apply them in the barn, in the arena, at home, and at competitions. Professional grooms and authors of the bestsellers World-Class Grooming for Horses and World-Class Braiding–Manes & Tails Cat Hill and Emma Ford are both lifelong horsewomen who have managed barns and strings of horses for top riders in all disciplines, including Olympians and World Champions. Since publishing their first book, they have traveled the country teaching clinics in proper horsemanship and grooming to aspiring young riders. Now they have put their wealth of experience to the page with over 400 professional color photos and clear, numbered steps that teach readers the following: - Catching, leading, and handling - Daily grooming - Tacking up - Post-riding or lesson care - Tack cleaning - Barn chores - Packing for shows and competitions - Bathing, clipping, and braiding - Bonding and playing - Games and goals for those who don't want to show - And more! With cool tips and tricks they've learned over the years, and an emphasis on safety and detail without detracting from the fun of being around horses, Hill and Ford have created an instant classic—a much-needed resource that will not only encourage young readers to become complete “horse people” as well as “riders,” it will preserve and pass along the management skills honed over a lifetime in barns held to the highest standards. Hands down, this book is the must-have starter-kit for every young rider.

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Nina Granlund Sæther has captivated knitters intrigued by the textile history of Norway, with deep dives into the rich pattern traditions for both mitten- and sock-knitting that have formed in various regions of the country. Now she expands her scope to knitwear of all kinds, including shawls, sweaters, cardigans, hats, and more, in this brand new collection. With her trademark attention to detail and patience for painstaking reproduction of knitted patterns, based on archival photographs and examples preserved in museum collections, Nina guides readers through the history and origins of each design, in a fascinating step-by-step tour of Norwegian knitting tradition no knitter should be without. Including a wide variety of styles and techniques—colourwork, relief stitch, openwork, cabling, and more—and adaptable patterns for men and women in sizes from S to XXL, plus tips and tricks for working in multiple colours, finishing necklines and edges, and completing thumbs and heels, this invaluable reference guide treats the reader to a deeper understanding of Scandinavian knitting history, and of the living cultural traditions that follow in its footsteps today.

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Whether competing in the show ring or riding at home on the trail, every rider wants to be more secure and balanced in the saddle and effective with their aids. This innovative guide uses highly effective exercises to develop your athleticism on horseback so you can say goodbye to common rider problems, such as: - Swinging lower legs. - Stiff arms. - Trouble balancing over the horse’s center of gravity. - Half-halts that go unanswered. - Incorrect mechanics, on the flat and in the jumping position. - And more. Division I collegiate riding coach Sally Batton has spent over 30 years perfecting her methods specifically designed to refine and polish riders, whatever their level. In her work with hundreds of varsity team athletes, she found that trouble with position and lack of specific horsemanship skills happens for two reasons: First, riders may not have an understanding of the biomechanics required to maintain the correct position. Second, they may not have attained the suppleness and strength required to maintain a fluid, elastic position on the horse. Her secret to combatting these difficulties won her teams dozens of championships and awards through the years. Here you learn both her time-proven warm-up and her exciting “Equicize” routine: a series of progressive exercises similar to aerobics on horseback. Batton's recommendations help you build and strengthen the major muscle groups used by equestrian athletes, and all exercises can be customized so you can raise or lower the intensity as needed to suit your age, level, and riding style. Plus, readers find dozens of creative training “hacks” that will get them on their way to greater levels of riding proficiency in no time at all.

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Do-it-yourself physical therapy techniques for keeping your dog happy, active, and pain-free-now and for years to come. Kinesiology taping on humans is now commonplace—it is widely used by physical therapists, chiropractors, and personal trainers. The idea behind taping is that it provides incredible support and stabilization of ligaments and tendons while simultaneously stretching and flexing like a “second skin” to allow full range of motion. It can also activate or relax muscles, depending on its application. Taping is now also being successfully applied to other animals. Canine and equine physiotherapist Katja Bredlau-Morich, author of Kinesiology Taping for Horses, is a pioneer in bringing the method to the dog world. She believes that dogs can benefit hugely from taping techniques, and even better, dog owners and trainers can learn practical steps to using kinesiology tape themselves. In her terrific guidebook, Bredlau-Morich provides the ultimate reference for understanding both the uses of kinesiology tape and its numerous canine applications. With hundreds of color photographs and step-by-step instructions for the do-it-yourselfer, her book explains the following forms of kinesiology taping: Muscle Scar Fascia In addition, numerous case studies demonstrate how taping can change a dog's life, keeping him a happy, active, pain-free companion for years to come.

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If there is one thing that equestrians have learned to do over time, it is laugh at themselves. The horse world is a crazy, wonderful, ridiculous, awful, beautiful place, and horse people know it. We spend an inordinate amount of money on insanely fragile animals with a well-recognized ability to get hurt just enough to be out of work most of the time and eating and sleeping all of the time. We dress ourselves, and our horses, in silly outfits, obsess over diet, exercise, and footwear (for the horse), and invest in regular massages, chiropractic work, acupuncture sessions, and pedicures (again, for the horse). Morgane Schmidt knows all about the madness that comes with the equine territory, having owned and competed horses in eventing and dressage for years. A lifelong fan of the classic equestrian cartoons penned by internationally renowned artist Norman Thelwell, she began her own comic series in 2011, sharing deftly funny reflections on life with horses with an avid online fanbase. Ten years later, her witty observations and fabulously rendered characters have been brought together in one immensely entertaining collection. Featuring both viral favorites and never-before-seen comics created exclusively for this book, Life with Horses Is Never Orderly offers endless laughs and on-point commentary about the equestrian world and those insane enough to fumble along within it, knowing full well absolutely nothing is within their control. With plenty of evergreen humor that always applies, hot topics and seasonal hits, and cartoons inspired by current events in the “outside world” that some equestrians are willing to admit actually does exist, readers will find hundreds of reasons to feel good about all the bad decisions they've probably made because they “love horses,” and a whole lot to laugh about.

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In 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.

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Christoph Hess, a Fédération Equestre International (FEI) “I” Judge in both dressage and eventing, is highly respected around the world as a teacher of riding and the development of the horse according to classical principles. Here he collects some of his very best riding and training tips along with well-honed insight related to the topics that he finds most often challenge equestrians and their equine partners. Ride Better with Christoph Hess provides thoughtful, easy-to-apply advice when dealing with issues with the gaits, in particular the walk and canter; high-headedness or the horse that is “too light” in the poll; inconsistency of performance; leaning on the bit; falling out; lack of straightness; and much more. In addition, Hess breaks out particular skills and movements that often need specialized attention when in the dressage or jumping ring, and when going cross-country. Throughout Hess emphasizes that a rider must always strive to improve, for the simple reason that you can always do better for your horse. While competitive and training goals do, of course, bring a certain satisfaction, it is having an equine partner who is contented in his work and happy in your company that rewards most. This lesson, and all Hess's tips and solutions, are invaluable to equestrians of every level - everyone can walk away from this book a better rider.

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Andrea Sinner embarked on her equestrian journey at age 30 while navigating an all-consuming global consulting career. A neophyte with little to guide her but passion, she found the horse world''s customs and complexities challenging. After 25 years of hard-earned lessons and continuous growth, Sinner now shares the wisdom she fought to gain along the way, with a book for adults who are newcomers to the equestrian lifestyle as she once was.Whether riders themselves or the parents of horse-crazy children, the equestrian realm can be daunting and often perplexing to those beginning their journey with horses. Luckily, Sinner's book serves as a comprehensive insider''s guide, offering a sensible pathway to enjoying the company of horses while always advocating for their welfare. Sinner's advice is clear and on point, helping readers confidently find their place among both the professionals and the lifelong enthusiasts in this unique world.Rather than focusing on horse care or ridingtopics

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Is it possible to be simultaneously passionate about winning in an equestrian sport and about the welfare of horses? Professional polo player Adam Snow and sport horse veterinarian Shelley Onderdonk answer this undeniably twenty-first-century question with a resounding, "Yes!" They have spent a lifetime together, nurturing Adam's astounding career at the top of his sport (he is the last American polo player to achieve the perfect 10-goal handicap) with the artful, conscientious care and training of the equine partners he needed to be the best. And Shelley's twenty-five years as an equine veterinarian have been spent helping sport horses compete at the highest levels in other disciplines, as well-including reining, racing, eventing, show jumping, and dressage-while always prioritizing long-term health and well-being. In these pages, Adam and Shelley share the keys to their success...and the struggles and celebrations that taught them along the way. Through the lens of their disparate and yet synchronous experiences in the intense realm of world-class equestrian sport, they explore topics of concern and those worthy of consideration, including the: - Role of natural training methods and horse-human communication - Cultivation of a competitive training mindset - Responsibility of a veterinary team member: goals of prevention and realities of diagnosis - Options offered by therapeutic alternatives - Best steps when preparing human and horse for competition - Hard questions to ask when maintaining an equine athlete - Pieces that make up the performance puzzle: conditioning, farriery, tack, and travel - Reality of retirement and when it is the right thing to do, for horse and human Smart, engaging, and honest, this book is the answer to the online debates and the boardroom arguments. With intelligence and experience, the authors provide the much-needed antidote to the dark side of horse sports. "Our story is an explicit acknowledgement that doing good for the horse is good for results in the competitive arena," they write. "Our task is to explain our method, and yours is to prove that it can be replicated."

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One day in 1983, Annemor Sundbø of Kristiansand, Norway, became the owner of a ‘shoddy mill’, a facility designed to process rags, scraps, and other discarded fabric into reusable material. However, Sundbø wasn't interested in running the mill; she was drawn instead to the store of thousands of mittens, gloves and other knitted castaways, bundled into a warehouse on the mill's grounds, awaiting their turn. These well-used discards were in fact a treasure trove of traditional Norwegian patterning and technique, and the beginning of her life-long effort to document, preserve, and reconstruct classic Norwegian designs — dozens of which are assembled here in a timeless collection, now available for the first time in paperback. Among the traditional Norwegian motifs featured are animals, figures, flowers, hearts, palm and thumb patterns, and border designs, for mittens and gloves. The historical and cultural context of each motif accompanying every pattern are explored. Also included are resources and instructions for understanding pattern repeats and successfully transferring motifs to hats, sweaters and many other items.

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Surveys show that riders over the age of 40 are the fastest-growing segment of the horse world, with those age 65 and above seeing the biggest jump. Yes, when we conjure up images of “horse girls” the picture is generally comprised of happily grubby youngsters or teenagers with roomfuls of ribbons, but there is healthy segment of the equestrian population that first finds—or first finds time for—horses in midlife or beyond. And this is the only handbook available for these riders, trainers, rescuers, and volunteers. With carefully curated guidance collected over years of horsing around, rider and writer Fran Severn knows of which she speaks and wants readers to feel emboldened and empowered by the tips, lessons, and advice shared in these pages. You'll find: - Options for riding…and not riding (but still having horses in your life). - Finding an instructor and being a good student. - What can your body still do? Fitness, weight, and fear. - Effects of menopause, arthritis, and changing vision, hearing, and breathing. - Rules for buying, leasing, and boarding horses. - Dealing with family and horse-related finances. - And much more. Riders of a Certain Age is poised to provide an important reference to any individual who craves the companionship of a horse and the sisterhood that can go along with it. If you have ever wondered what it might be like to “be an equestrian” but aren't sure which steps to take first, Severn provides all you need to get started safely, comfortably, and with confidence—and with the knowledge that you are far from being alone.

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The use of music with horses is truly an art in itself -- one that award-winning musical freestyle designer Sandra Beaulieu has perfected in her years of experience as a dressage competitor and professional entertainer,

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Over time, horses (like people) acquire postural habits, compensate for soreness and injury, and develop poor movement patterns. This limits performance ability, causes unsoundness and health issues, and ultimately undermines the horse's overall well-being.Jec Aristotle Ballou has made a name for herself advocating for the horse and providing sensible instruction in his schooling, conditioning, and care. Her bestselling books and popular clinics are designed to enable any horse person to correctly apply proven principles that bring measurable progress while avoiding boredom and confusion.In her latest collection of mounted and unmounted corrective exercises, Ballou demonstrates how we can actively work to improve the horse's posture and movement, whether he is an active performance or pleasure mount, an aging or older horse that benefits from gentle exercise, or one being rehabilitated following injury, illness, or lack of conditioning. Ballou's positive cross-training techniques are free of shortcuts, and her guidelines for analyzing the horse's posture and way of going help readers gain a new awareness of the equine body.Applicable for all disciplines, this is an integral collection that optimizes how the horse uses his body and helps ensure he stays sounder and healthier for more years of his life.

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With an astounding eighteen medals in eight international championships and team gold medals at the Olympic Games in 1976 and 1984, Jack Le Goff created the standard by which modern-day equestrian teams are measured. But Le Goff's techniques could be unforgiving — tough, brutal, and abrasive — earning him critics as well as converts. In this, his autobiography, Le Goff tells the whole story, from impoverished beginnings in Morocco, to the tragic death of his father, to his successes as a competitive equestrian. Readers will enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of high-level international equestrian sport, as well as an entire section devoted to Le Goff's much admired and extremely successful training philosophy.

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True liberty, says Jonathan Field, is much more than simply removing equipment and stepping outside the pen or arena; it is moving with your horse, communicating only with intention, and creating a seamless, smooth, and rhythmic dance. 'When you do liberty right, you become one with the herd,' he writes, 'and not only do you develop an amazing connection with your horse, but it's one of the most fun things you'll ever do.' Developing communication skills and your relationship with your horse through liberty benefits all that you do, whether on the ground or in the saddle, whether competing or riding for pleasure. Quick responses to subtle clues, clear aids, and a relaxed attentive horse: these are the keys to liberty, and they are also objectives when you ride, drive, or interact with the horse on the ground. With Jonathan Field's step-by-step liberty training method, you learn to have a better 'feel, to reward the horse sooner and to time your aids just right to ensure you get the response you want. Plus, discover how to approach things from the horse's perspective - an important key to getting a horse to act because he wants to, rather than because he has to. Fabulously illustrated with hundreds of action-packed photographs taken on Field's spectacular ranch in British Columbia, this book can change the way we are with horses - and change the way horses are around us. 'The horsemanship journey doesn't end with liberty,' writes Field, 'it's just the beginning of the journey.'

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USEF 'S' and FEI 4* Dressage Judge Janet Foy issued an invitation to the dressage population: 'Ask me your toughest dressage questions; ask me about the things about riding, training, and competing that you just don’t understand; or, just ask me the questions you’re always afraid to ask because you don’t want to look like you don’t know what you’re doing!' The result was an outpouring of queries, from riders at every level, and from both those who just ride for fun as well as those who show. Foy earned a dedicated following teaching popular clinics alongside US Olympians Steffen Peters and Debbie McDonald, and her vast knowledge of dressage and sense of humour propelled her first book Dressage for the Not-So-Perfect Horse to bestseller status. In her eagerly awaited follow-up, she responded to the hundreds of dressage questions she received in an easy-to-engage-with Q-and-A format. Readers find no-nonsense answers to everything from understanding how horses learn the movements to really 'getting' the importance of the outside rein to gaining coordination and achieving 'throughness'. As always, Foy’s enthusiasm emanates from her words, and her drive to provide solid understanding is underscored by her insistence that riding dressage is, above all, fun.

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This book delves deeply into the sections of the horse and the human brain to describe core personalities. Understanding these personalities allows the reader to determine what horse will work best for which person.

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There are many horses out there that express discomfort or discontent in a variety of troublesome ways. These are the common problems riders at all levels deal with on a regular basis, such as bucking, rearing, bolting, pulling, grinding teeth, refusing fences, and running out - to name but a few! Doug Payne has made a name for himself in equestrian circles as the "go-to guy" when it comes to finding a way forward with problem horses. Now he's sharing his tips and techniques for solving some of the most common contact issues, unruly outbursts, and jumping problems that riders experience. Learn about causes for problem behaviour - from physical issues to "holes" in a horse's education - and discover dozens of safe and professionally tested solutions and step-by-step exercises.

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A 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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A practical and down-to-earth handbook for all skill levels. Designer and weaving expert Åsa Pärson and professional textile curator Amica Sundström have come together to create the modern reference book that weavers worldwide have always longed for—both inspiration and essential guidebook, for the novice and the experienced weaver alike, filled with engaging sample projects, in-depth discussions of techniques and materials, review of cloth textures and types, and explanations of weaving methods and levels of quality. Try out sample projects ranging from the elegantly simple to the increasingly complex, covering a wide range of weaving techniques Understand the principles behind the arrangement and preparation of the loom Learn about weaving tools of all shapes and sizes, and how to use them Discover the differences between various fibers and fabric types, and their looks, feels, and visual effects And so much more!

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A handy quick-reference with step-by-step color photos and easy-to-follow instructions from two top professional grooms. Braiding a horse’s mane kind of comes with the territory—who can resist playing with all that hair? While it may begin as a downtime activity on a rainy afternoon or fun with friends after riding lessons, braiding takes on a life of its own when it comes to competition. Professional grooms and others who braid on the show circuit can make a living doing just that when they have the skills to do it fast and do it well. Professional grooms Cat Hill and Emma Ford, co-authors of the bestselling World-Class Grooming for Horses, have braided thousands of horses for a variety of disciplines over the course of their esteemed careers in the equestrian industry. Now they’ve highlighted those skills in a book conceived to be a helpful barn companion—one you can take with you and keep in your tack trunk, providing a go-to reference whenever you need it. Chock full of full-color photographs that illustrate every step of the process, readers learn techniques for: Braiding down—a nice, tight, smooth braid is the key to a sophisticated finish. Using thread, yarn, or rubber bands. Properly finishing and removing braids to avoid hair damage. Button braids two ways. Hunter braids. Running braids. Unpulled manes and long manes. Braiding forelocks. With their expertise, top-tier standards, and trademark clarity as professionals who have made teaching their trade an integral part of their lives, Hill and Ford provide everything you need to know to turn a horse out with professional polish, ready to impress the judges and wow the crowds.

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A rollicking comic treasury, starring the world's most famous cartoon horse. He has hundreds of thousands of followers on Facebook and a surging presence on Instagram. Each day, he and his diverse group of friends share their mishaps, their successes, and their innermost thoughts with the world. He is seemingly ageless, looking even better now than when his ascent to fame began. Who is this intriguing Internet celebrity? Fergus the Horse (Equus hilarious), the creation of artist Jean Abernethy, has been entertaining audiences—young and old, in print and online—with his comedic adventures for the past 20 years. His rise to fame was documented in the epic equine comic collection The Essential Fergus the Horse, and now, Abernethy celebrates his age—and the wisdom that should come with it—with an all-new selection of horsey humor, including many cartoons fans have never seen before, created exclusively for this book. With a genuine appeal that crosses boundaries of breed, discipline, and geographic location, Fergus unites anyone with an eye for a horse and a need for a laugh. Readers of all ages—from 5 to 95—will be delighted by his wit, honesty, and profoundly funny observations on horses, humans, and the life they strive to live together.

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German Olympian Isabell Werth is one of the most successful horsewomen in the world. With six Olympic gold medals and scores of championship titles to her name, there are few who equal her on paper. But an equestrian’s success is wholly dependent on the relationship she has with her athletic partner—her horse—and Werth’s astounding accomplishments would not have been possible without her unique approach to working with the animals she’s loved since childhood. Even as a little girl, growing up on a farm on the Lower Rhine, it was clear that Werth possessed an extraordinary gift for empathizing with horses and foreseeing how they were likely to react in certain situations. This insight gave her a special ability as a rider and trainer. Here, Werth collaborates with accomplished sports journalist Evi Simeoni—someone who has witnessed and written about her career from the very beginning—to tell her life story. Readers will get the inside scoop when it comes to Werth’s accomplishments—and her failures, too. They’ll hear her personal thoughts regarding some of the biggest controversies to rock the dressage world: Rollkur and Totilas. Perhaps most importantly, they’ll learn about each of the sensitive and talented horses that has impacted Werth’s life, including Gigolo, Satchmo, and Bella Rose. For you see, there is a meme that is popular in the riding community that says, 'Two legs move our body, four legs move our soul'. And it is this sentiment that Werth feels perhaps best defines her.

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Stride control (striding) is an essential part of any rider’s development when jumping obstacles, and jumping them well, is a goal. Understanding and implementing stride control (being able to adjust the number of strides before and between fences) improves a horse’s rideability and allows the rider to further improve the horse’s technique over an obstacle. Jen Marsden Hamilton discovered striding from the master himself: former US Show Jumping Chef d’Equipe credits her as being the first student to whom he taught the method that he’d learned from Bertalan De Némethy, one of his mentors. Now, after coaching countless riders and horses around the world in the striding techniques that brought her success during her own impressive competitive career, Hamilton has compiled her knowledge in a concise book of exercises and insightful strategies. This fun, approachable guide will help all riders train with correctness and form good habits at home so they can be stars at their next jumping or eventing competition. Exercises include detailed set-up instructions and illustrations for reference; clear discussion of the purpose and strategy for the training session; and helpful tips, to ensure all involved are benefiting from the lesson. Throughout, Hamilton’s straight-talk and wry humour provides entertainment as well as advice, providing an all-around superb guide to this necessary jumping skill.

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The goal of a relaxed and willing horse crosses disciplines. Whether striving toward competitive goals in the show ring, working long hours on the ranch, or simply enjoying a leisurely trail ride, a horse that is supple in body, relaxed in mind, and light in the hand will be better able to perform, and stay sound and healthy while doing it. The exercises in these pages are a classically correct and horse-friendly starting point to building a routine you can rely on to prepare your horse in the best way possible for training or performance, or to cool him down afterward. The author has organized them in three categories: - Exercises to relax and supple the horse from back to front (longitudinally). - Exercises to relax and supple the horse from the circle and other arena tracks and figures. - Exercises to relax and supple the horse from side to side (laterally). Addressing both general training targets and specific issues, the relaxation exercises include: - A summary of their benefits. - Explanations of what they are not likely to accomplish (their limitations). - Prerequisites that ensure the exercise is done safely and correctly. - Instructions on how to begin and complete it. - Troubleshooting-an idea of where things are likely to go wrong with either the rider or the horse. With lovely photographs for inspiration, and explanatory illustrations and diagrams to help instruct readers in the practical application of each lesson, this is a fundamental book for all riders who desire a healthy, happy equine partner who can perform his very best with ease and comfort.

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No Bored Horses is for every desperate equestrian whose horse is going stir-crazy, and for the owner of the horse with behavioral problems that she just canât seem to fix.

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Renowned wild horse ecologist Mary Ann Simonds provides a soup-to-nuts manual for stress-reduction in performance horses. Based on her 30-plus years of personal research and experience of wild horse ecology and domestic horse behaviour, as well as data provided by other equine scientists, readers will find a foundation of understanding related to the natural life cycle and history of the horse, from birth to forming friendships and families. The importance of gender, age, breed, culture, and habitat in the horse’s natural development are clarified. Simonds then explores horse-human relationships, communication, care, and training, as well as “the things we do with horses,” clarifying how to reduce the stress typically experienced by horses when pursuing specific equestrian disciplines and activities. Throughout, colour-coded tips, indicating whether its information is “Essential,” “Important,” “Makes Life Better,” or “Ensures Safety,” highlight the different ways riders and trainers can address the horse’s quality of life to ensure stress is minimised or negated whenever possible. Simonds analyses all manner of equestrian activities, including: - Pleasure riding, trail riding, and keeping horses at home. - Training for sport or performance. - Horse shows and competition. - Human-animal interaction programs, such as equine-assisted therapy and horse tourism. - Equine bodyworkers, including chiropractors, acupuncturists, and massage therapists. - Rescues and wild horses. - Clinical work and research. - Shipping and travel. - Sales barns and boarding barns. Fun, friendly, and informative, A Horse By Nature is designed to help both novices and experts gain better insight into how horses think, feel, learn, and generally perceive our human world. It also looks at humans and gives suggestions as to how we can change our own thinking or behaviour to better understand our horses, eliminating unnecessary stress and inhumane treatment while ensuring healthier, better performing equines, whatever the equestrian pursuit.

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The centuries-old art of Fair Isle knitting evolved on the Shetland Islands, inspired by colors and forms found in nature, for a distinctive look that's instantly recognizable. Now, Carina Olsson, one of Sweden's leading experts in Fair Isle knitting, is here to guide you through this technique's fundamental principles: how to choose and combine colors in vivid, organic palettes, with over 20 sample patterns for sweaters, mittens, hats, and gloves, ready to adapt to your favorite motifs—plus inspiration and instructions for designing a Fair Isle sweater of your own.

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The "Scales of Training," "Training Scale," and "Training Pyramid" are familiar terms to riders. Around the globe and across disciplines, equestrians hear reference to them or study them as a part of their equestrian education. Dressage rider and trainer Sue Grice grew up with these concepts, too, and like many, found them to be not only fairly boring, but also confusing when it came to actually implementing them as part of daily training. In the course of her work with other riders, she came to realize that although many seemed to know about the Scales of Training in theory, few actually applied them in practice. Grice determined that this was because there was really no clear framework or methodology for implementing the system in a progressive manner. So Grice conceived a new approach based on the standard but with a focus on a better rate of success. Success could be achieved when the rider was engaged with the system and understood how to continually adhere to it, even as advances (or falters) might occur. For over 30 years she has continued to develop and apply her ideas, and now she has finally brought them together to share with the world in this book. Here readers find a detailed plan for applying what Grice calls the "Training Spiral." She does not try to rewrite what history has shown to work in the development of the riding horse, but instead simply provides a fresh framework that enables riders and trainers to: - Apply the classical elements of the Training Scale in a more progressive and logical manner, and, - Employ them systematically within daily training as well as over a longer period of time. Grice provides clear explanations of how to use each of the six elements (Rhythm, Suppleness, Contact, Impulsion, Straightness, and Collection), how the elements are to be used in order, and what can go wrong if they are applied in the wrong order. Clear examples are given at all levels of training, and detailed case studies demonstrate how the Training Spiral can succeed where traditional systems have failed. The spiral structure provides a means of applying the Scales of Training in practice that is not just logical but also extremely easy to follow. The clarity of Grice's approach also helps horses understand what is being asked of them, leading to a happier relationship between horses and riders, and training that progresses more quickly and easily overall. The Training Spiral is an invaluable and immensely practical guide for trainers and riders at all levels, from novice to advanced.

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While working with ground poles is not new to most riders, incorporating them in training with creativity and regularity may require a little inspiration and guidance. Enter Ann Katrin Querbach and her positive and persuasive ideas for developing the horse's body and movement in healthy and correct ways over poles. With progressive exercises at all three gaits, on the longe line and under saddle, she provides a basis for building a strong foundation, step by step. Or, just as easily, the reader can cherry-pick the exercises best suited to resolving a particular issue or improving a certain quality. Readers will find exercises that focus on: - Rhythm and tempo - Forwardness - Straightness - Transitions - Collection and lengthening - And building the horse's abs, legs, and hind end Pole work develops coordination, balance, and concentration in both horse and rider. It helps the rider develop a feel for a "correct" trot, active hindquarters, and lifted back in the horse. The rider learns to maintain "positive tension" ("engagement") in her body, while still remaining relaxed enough to follow the horse's movement. The horse must lift his hind legs significantly higher than usual in order to clear the poles, developing the coordination of the dorsal and ventral muscle chains, lifting the horse's back and engaging his neck. He is encouraged to build muscle in a manner that's both systematic and correct. This collection of exercises seeks to provide all these benefits and more, not only for the dressage rider seeking to correct or optimize the elements judged in competition but also for the recreational rider wishing to keep her horse fit and sound over a lifetime.

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“The gates to brilliance are surrounded by a cloud of sweat and tears.” That is what Olympic dressage rider and coach Robert Dover’s mentor, the revered Swedish equestrian Colonel Bengt Ljungquist, told him. It is a lesson that stuck—only with great passion and determination can one achieve success, and just maybe, happiness, too. In a fascinating book that reads like a potent elixir, three parts memoir and one part inspirational self-improvement guide, readers are ushered through 16 “gates to brilliance”—keys that Dover discovered as he made his way through his own life, from gawky, horse-crazy child to influential Olympic coach and entrepreneur. Sharing deeply personal stories that were fundamental to his evolution, Dover is candid about the path he took on his way to becoming one of the most successful equestrians in the world. Readers learn about abuse he suffered as a child, and his formative years as the only Jewish kid on Grand Bahama Island. He writes frankly about his father’s alcoholism, his parents’ divorce, and his unwavering devotion to his mother. The book delves into his fear of coming out, explores love and loss, and examines the perfectionist tendencies that have at times held Dover back, while at others, have helped him rise to all new heights. In addition, readers hear stories from the barns, arenas, and show grounds where Dover built his career, from his days as a wild Pony Clubber to his struggles in Germany under the tutelage of some of Europe’s great riding masters. We meet the horses and people he partnered with along the way as he offers a glimpse behind the curtain at the pomp and politics of international equestrian competition. Throughout, Dover’s dedication to self-betterment and belief in living a life with purpose stands front and centre, softened by his humour and willingness to cast a critical eye on himself. With countless moments of searing honesty bound to fundamental life lessons from which he hopes we can all learn, Dover assures us the road to success is there for the taking. The ultimate goal, though, is to emerge on the other side of whatever comes next a brighter, more compassionate, happier person—that is brilliance.

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The true tale of a voyage that broke a man down and built him back up, with the help of one special horse. At 37 Jesse McNeil - at times carpenter, commercial fisherman, dabbler in real estate - decided to buy an untrained horse, make himself into a horseman, and ride all the way across the United States, from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean. A fiercely independent traveler, Jesse had navigated previous coast-to-coast trips - solo journeys by moped, bicycle, and small airplane. This time, however, he had a partner: a five-year-old Tennessee Walking Horse named Pepper. An inexperienced horseman with an equally inexperienced mount, Jesse would quickly discover the immense challenges of his new undertaking. Over the course of eight months and fourteen states - beginning in Oregon and ending on a beach in New Hampshire - he would be tested many times over as he learned not only what it took to keep Pepper safe and healthy, but the true value of qualities that he had once easily dismissed: patience and companionship. The generosity of strangers, from helpful ranchers and storekeepers to suburban families, shaped the pair's journey east. And while at some points the miles didn't unfold as Jesse hoped, others yielded unexpected events that changed his perspective - and quite possibly, his future. Written with honesty, grit, and grace, On the Hoof captures an arduous voyage that broke a man down and built him back up, with the help of one special horse.

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