Search results for ""Trafalgar Square""

When owning, training, riding, and showing horses, there is a certain 'look' to which one aspires. No one knows how to do all of this better than those working as 'professional grooms' for the world’s top riders and trainers. It is the responsibility of these elite experts to keep their four-legged charges happy, healthy, and primed for peak performance — in body and mind. Now, two of the best professional grooms in the business share their trade secrets, with over 1200 colour photographs demonstrating how to clean the horse from nose to tail; wrap, clip, braid, and ship him; prepare him for or present him in various English competitive scenarios; and care for him after work or showing so he is rested and ready to do it all again. The ultimate modern-day guide for all riders who want their horses to look and feel their best. The complete guide to daily care of keeping horses and preparing for competition. Written by two professional grooms at the top of their game. Everything you need to know with over 1200 photographs by Jessica Dailey. Includes techniques for wrapping legs, bandaging tails, adding quarter marks and polishing the metal on tack

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Nina Granlund Sæther—the best-selling author of Mittens from Around Norway, Socks from Around Norway, and Knits from Around Norway—is a fan favorite of knitters worldwide for her attention to detail, her engaging color combinations, and her talent for breathing fresh life into Norwegian textile history. Now, she's brought together a selection of her personal favorites from her previous titles, plus a handful of brand-new patterns, in this one-of-a-kind collection of two-of-a-kind projects: over 40 patterns for both mittens and socks, inspired by traditional designs from every corner of Norway.

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Crochet is fun, engaging, and incredibly versatile—and no one knows that better than May Britt Bjella Zamori. Known for her vivid, dynamic color choices, her compelling design details, and the sheer variety she embraces in her pattern collections, Zamori has pulled together all the inspiration and instruction you need to create your own gorgeous scarves, sweaters, shawls, skirts, dresses, bags, pillows, and throws. You’ll find brilliant and undeniable style perfect for going out and about, cozy everyday wear that invites you to relax on a day in, and useful, usable essentials combined in a single stunning collection. Experiment with all kinds of crochet techniques and stitches, including front and back post crochet, popcorns, bobbles, flowers, lace, and more; stay on track with detailed full-color photographs, charts, and diagrams, plus step-by-step instructions from start to finish; relax with something quick and straightforward, or stretch yourself with full-length garments shaped to a perfect fit. It’s all right here, at your fingertips.

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Over the past few decades, an evolution in how we go about training horses has encouraged horse owners to spend more time handling their horses on the ground in order to achieve good behavior, mutual trust, and a healthy partnership, before they ever think about getting in the saddle. In addition, horses are being discovered as ideal companions by many individuals who may have little interest in riding at all, but who do enjoy pursuing activities that are fun for both human and horse. These changes have created a generation of horsepeople eager to pursue the competitive and social benefits of Horse Agility, the first internationally recognized, competitive horse sport dedicated to those who most enjoy working their horses from the ground. In this terrific handbook, Founder of the International Horse Agility Club and horse trainer Vanessa Bee, shows you all you need to know to try it for yourself.Like the hugely popular Dog Agility classes enjoyed by countless canines and their handlers

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Professional horseman Sean Patrick's now legendary Countdown is the most clear, thorough, “doable” system of horse training available. Quite simply, you begin at Lesson Number 33 and count your way down through the basic exercises—the “primary education”—every horse needs. And when you get to Lesson 1, you've done it; you've prepared your horse for advanced work in any number of equestrian disciplines. You can't get lost along the way. There's no room for confusion. The happy result? Sean trains you to be a trainer. Whether your horse is a foal or five, green or educated, well-started or lacking fundamentals, he will benefit from the Countdown—a true “foundation” program, serving to prepare him for the endless variety of activities and “jobs” horses perform today. From indispensable handling, “sacking-out,” and tying exercises, to how you, the rider, can control the different parts of the horse's body from the ground and the saddle; from mounting on both the left and the right to performing flawless flying lead changes, you'll be amazed at how effective and efficient this program is. In this book you'll find: - Explanations of the “conditioned response,” the Five Control Points, and how to recognize and use a “give.” - Advice for building the horse's confidence, knowing when to “push” but most importantly, how to be fair. - Lessons in conscientious use of the round pen for teaching movement, turning, and inviting the horse in. - Progressive steps for preparing for first rides and having them be successes. - Tips for developing the back-up, “whoa,” and seat stops without stress. - Exercises for achieving a correct and soft collection. Because you are the one teaching your horse, you also have the opportunity to build your own skill set. Sean promises that by the end of the Countdown, readers will have a deeper understanding of how horses learn; an improved ability to gauge the pressure necessary to communicate with the horse and pace teaching accordingly; a capacity for recognizing behaviors (both good and bad); and an intuitive understanding of the root of a problem and the steps to take to work on it. In essence, he helps you become self-sufficient and ready to take your horse that next step, whether along the rail, down the trail, or into the show pen.

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Maja Karlsson — an experienced and beloved knit designer — is back with an all-new selection of toe-tapping socks you won’t be able to resist! Knitting socks is fun and fast, and there’s no limit to the possibilities: from easy single-colour socks that keep it simple for beginners to beautifully complex designs for the sock veteran, there’s something in this collection for everyone. Kick-start your sock skills with technical tips to help with shaping and finishing; follow along with step-by-step instructions and charts; and fall in love with Maja’s endlessly inspirational designs, drawing from the natural world, traditional motifs, and the deeply-rooted cultural history of Sweden. From fun and funky to classic and elegant, treat your feet to Scandinavian socks in all shapes and sizes.

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Former international event rider Eric Smiley has brought along his own top-level horses for decades. Now he taps his immense knowledge to help riders whose horses may not have had “the right start.” Every horse comes with his own “baggage”—behavior or training issues, minor or significant, that may be difficult to pinpoint or resolve. In these pages, Smiley addresses the most common problems he has seen over the years in dressage, eventing, and show jumping, including: - Problems with head and neck position. - Connection issues. - Failure to follow the rules of forward, straight, and regular. - Difficulty with collection. - Lack of consistency. Smiley teaches readers how to identify what isn't working by looking at how things should work. Then he walks us through dismantling and reassembling the issues, providing an easy-to-follow system for determining what's potentially wrong with a horse and choosing sensible exercises for fixing it. He introduces a troubleshooting five-point system: - Ask yourself, “What is the problem?” - Ask, “How, when, and why did it arise?” - Ask, “Why does it need solving?” - Formulate a plan. - Analyze the results in the context of “now” and what they may mean for the future. Layers and shifts of understanding in horses combined with the physical and psychological challenges of riding can often make solving problems that arise seem complicated, and sometimes it is difficult to know where to even begin. Smiley's system helps readers find that “start point” and map out a sensible plan for future training. He shows how to determine when something may have become an issue for your horse or your performance, ways to try and avoid it happening in the first place, and of course, offers highly practical solutions to employ when you find you do have a problem. Smiley's goal is to “always leave people and horses with a positive journey to go on, with the prospect of ‘better to come.’” With its usefulness, cross-disciplinary approach, and optimism, The Sport Horse Problem Solver is all you need to achieve success in partnership with your horse, wherever you are in your journey together.

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Birger Berge is a trend-setting contemporary designer and is deeply passionate about traditional patterns and their origins. Berge was taught to knit as a child by his mother and grandmother, and for him, handcrafts have become a source of comfort and creative energy, and a well of endless inspiration. In this collection of stunning knitwear designs, he blends his own distinctly modern style and a love of contrasts and dynamic colour combinations with the classic beauty of Norwegian patterning. Inside, you’ll find eye-catching and varied knitting projects, including sweaters, cardigans, scarves, hats, mittens, and home décor and accessories; striking, wearable garments for everyone, featuring timeless motifs in vivid colours and compelling combinations; and beautiful full-colour photographs, easy-to-read-charts, and Birger Berge’s characteristic attention to detail and flair for composition.

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This modern-day quick reference to more than 50 grids and jumping exercises brings the best of top international training and instruction into your home ring. Build your skillset and your horse's confidence and conditioning with a fantastic selection of lessons you can use to: - Diversify your training routine. - Sharpen your horse prior to competition. - Address specific problem areas. Within these pages you'll have regular access to the tips and tricks that have brought some of the most accomplished riders and trainers professional success. Amateur eventer Margaret Rizzo McKelvy has compiled an unparalleled collection of exercises for any jumping discipline—eventing, show jumping, hunters, and equitation—by tapping the expertise of a remarkable group of top equestrians never before found together in one instructional book, including Olympians Anne Kursinski, Phillip Dutton, Kim Severson, Ingrid Klimke, and Will Coleman. Plus, you'll find: - Easy-to-follow diagrams and clear explanations make it a snap to recreate the lessons at home. - Workouts are easy to modify for smaller or larger arenas. - Recommendations help you adjust exercises as needed relative to the experience level of riders and horses. This one-of-a-kind resource is not only a fabulous addition to any rider's training toolbox, it is invaluable to coaches and instructors looking for ideas and inspiration to help keep their students engaged and growing as riders and educated horsepeople.

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A wealth of stylish patterns inspired by the textile history of Norway. One of the oldest textile factories in Norway, Salhus Tricotagefabrik (1859-1989) operated outside Bergen for over 130 years, producing thousands of sweaters and other durable everyday clothes such as wool and cotton underwear and woollen socks. The technical limitations of the knitting machines of the day gave rise to timeless geometric motifs with strikingly distinctive features―motifs which inspired some of Norway’s best-loved knit designers to come together and create this striking collection of all-new contemporary hand-knit garments, now translated into English for the first time! A detailed introduction to Salhus Tricotagefabrik Sweaters, jackets, skirts, home décor, and more, for children and adults The best of both worlds: bold, dynamic, fashionably retro designs, and flattering contemporary shaping and cut! Full-colour photographs and step-by-step instructions, with patterns that include both complex finishing for veterans and simpler raglan shaping Features designs from Birger Berge, Kristin Wiola Ødegård, Siv Dyvik, Berit Løkken and other notable Norwegian designers

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Bestselling knit designer Jorid Linvik makes it easy with hand-knit patterns for hats, mittens, gloves, and socks—over 40 delightful projects, overflowing with Jorid’s undeniable talent for designs bursting with warmth, charm, and colour. With easy-to-follow charts and step-by-step instructions, it's never been simpler to keep a kid cozy with warm, colourful accessories they'll want to put on! Inside, find basics for planning, sizing, and making adorable socks, hats, and mittens for children, arranged by theme in matching sets; a bountiful collection of pre-charted patterns that includes timeless classics like stripes, zigzags, and polka dots ... and fun-and-funky delights like dancing ponies, hooting owls, joyful giraffes, and more; and blank charts for multiple sizes and types of projects, to make it easy to keep up even when kids’ interests are changing as fast as their shoe size.

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'Whether first time horse owner or seasoned professional, you are guaranteed to come away with a detailed, systematic, and comprehensive method for a happier, healthier equine partner'. Lameness is the most common cause of poor performance in the horse. This makes management of his soundness over the long term integral to both his general well being and his ability to participate in recreational and competitive activities. Unfortunately, most equine caretakers are unable to perceive abnormal movement in the horse, extending the period between the onset of a problem and its eventual treatment, and the longer an issue is allowed to persist, the greater the chance that it will progress. Many equine veterinarians also find it difficult to visually decipher lameness, which leads to lengthy, expensive, and often inaccurate diagnostic work ups. It is with these two key audiences in mind that Dr. Bob Grisel has created a book unlike any other. With hundreds of illustrations, dozens of charts, and links (via scannable QR codes within the book) to online videos of explanatory case studies, readers are given a complete course in observing, identifying, and decoding equine lameness. Dr. Grisel helps you interpret what is seen, plain and simple (no need for medical knowledge of equine anatomy and pathology).

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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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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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The latest from Tina Ignell: a comprehensive study of 2-shaft stripes, plaids, color effects, and so much more. Renowned weaving expert Tina Ignell (Favorite Scandinavian Projects to Weave, Favorite Rag Rugs, Simple Weaves) turns her attention to the deceptively simple and endlessly adaptable category of plain weaves, in this exhaustive overview of techniques, sample projects, and inspirational possibilities. Combine a wide variety of materials, setts, beats, and other effects with just two shafts—though sometimes four is preferred for the sake of space—and you'll be astounded by the technical complexity, visual and textural effects, and stunning pattern styles you can achieve. - Project photographs as close to "actual size" as possible, to allow a true-to-life look at pattern structure and threading - Descriptions, instructions, and tips for dyeing, finishing, specialty techniques—everything necessary to master plain weave from start to finish - Variations including open rep with weft showing, using a fan reed, weaving in pleats and other textures, ikat and other patterned dyeing techniques, knotted paper yarn, and more

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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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