Alfred Pollock knew at age eight that he wanted to race horses. By the time he was in high school, he had already designed a course for sneaking out of Commerce High School on the Upper Westside of New York City. He arrived with binoculars, a racing form, and betting money, but sneaked stealthily down the steps and out the doors to the racetracks. Reviewing his doo-day days-a term from Stephen Foster's famous song, "Camptown Races"-Pollock combines a natural flair for finding the irony and absurdity in each event. Readers will be magnetized by Pollock's retelling of his uproarious, rib-tickling adventures-some raucous, some surreal, many unbelievable. Add to those scenes his ingenious reworking of and commenting on the rich language he encounters, and you have one remarkable personal testimony based on tenacious perseverance.

THIS 36 PAGE ARTICLE WAS EXTRACTED FROM THE BOOK: Thoroughbred Racing and Breeding: The Story of the Sport and Background of the Horse Industry, by Tom R. Underwood. To purchase the entire book, please order ISBN 1419160702.

This scarce antiquarian book is included in our special Legacy Reprint Series. In the interest of creating a more extensive selection of rare historical book reprints, we have chosen to reproduce this title even though it may possibly have occasional imperfections such as missing and blurred pages, missing text, poor pictures, markings, dark backgrounds and other reproduction issues beyond our control. Because this work is culturally important, we have made it available as a part of our commitment to protecting, preserving and promoting the world's literature.

Why was the book "The Horse Crucified and Risen" by Alexander Nevzorov burned by the president of the Russian FEI in the presence of hundreds of event visitors and TV crews? This book was a best-seller in Russia, demanding several print runs. It changed the worldview of thousands of people. This is the first book in history to reveal the whole truth about the painful essence of equestrian sport, the true story of the cavalry and the history of those cruel instruments of strict enforcement that people have used for horses over almost thirty centuries, never thinking that there is a completely different way... Alexander Nevzorov, a brilliant thinker and revolutionary, was one of a few people who understood the core of equestrian sport and was not afraid to call things aloud by their names. He was the first and the only one to expose equestrian sport for what it really is: ..". Equestrian sport by nature can't be even defined as a sport. Yes, any sport includes records and victories, but these records and victories are gained by one's own sweat and blood, by one's own pains and efforts. And equestrian sport (if we study the issue) represents parasitizing on the physical abilities of another living being which does not want to be engaged in this sport, but is forced to it by pain and beating. So how the hell can we call that a sport?" Alexander Nevzorov is a renowned Russian journalist, film director, politician, scientist, writer and horseman. He is founder of the Horse Revolution and Nevzorov Haute cole - the art of horsemanship in its highest form, where he has managed to keep the tradition of Classical School horsemanship without a bit or bridle for collection. He is the author of many films including "The Horse Crucified and Risen" and "NHE Principles," as well as hundreds of articles and many books.

LOOK INTO THE HEART AND SOUL OF A HORSE

Joe Camp's best seller The Soul of a Horse - Life Lessons from the Herd, now in its seventh printing, has been turning the horse world on its ear and changing the lives of horses and people all across the planet since its publication in May of 2008. This engaging, emotional, and often humorous book deftly lures readers into the heart and soul of a horse, unlocking the mystery of a majestic creature who has survived on earth without humans for more than 52 million years.

The Soul of a Horse BLOGGED - The Journey Continues follows the lead of its predecessor once again engagingly navigating uncharted and often controversial territory while forging a change in traditional thinking about horses forever.

Live the moments with Joe and Kathleen as they adopt a wild pregnant mustang and move their herd from the dry rocky hillsides of southern California to the wet grassy hillsides of their new middle Tennessee home. This book is full of inspiring new stories and compelling new discoveries as the horses continue to teach their life lessons from the herd. Plus an exclusive preview: the first three chapters of Joe's next book Born to be Wild: The Soul of a Mustang - Riding the Winds of Change.

Critical and reader acclaim for The Soul of a Horse from more than 150,000 readers has generated a profound impact on the way horses are being trained, kept, and cared for all across the planet, and it is with that same passionate spirit that Joe has written The Soul of a Horse BLOGGED The Journey Continues.

Praise for the Works of Joe Camp

Joe Camp is a master storyteller. - THE NEW YORK TIMES

The tightly written, simply designed, and powerfully drawn chapters often read like short stories that flow from the heart, not just the corral. - THE JOPLIN INDEPENDENT

Joe Camp is a gifted storyteller and the results are magical. Joe entertains, educates and empowers, baring his own soul while articulating keystone principles of a modern revolution in horsemanship. - RICK LAMB, Author and TV/Radio host The Horse Show

Joe Camp is a natural when it comes to understanding how animals tick and a genius at telling us their story. The Soul of a Horse is a must-read for those who love animals of any species. - MONTY ROBERTS, Author of New York Times Best-seller The Man Who Listens to Horses

One cannot help but be touched by Camp s love and sympathy for animals and by his eloquence on the subject. - MICHAEL KORDA, The Washington Post

Handicapping reference guide for the Kentucky Derby, by Liam Durbin, public handicapper for the Chicago Tribune and LA Times

All secrets of equine sport in one book.

Your horse dances about and tries to keep you from getting into the saddle because he's either scared -- or because there's been a coup in "your little herd of two." This handbook shows you the steps necessary to put an end to this annoying and dangerous habit regardless of its cause.
Section I of "Get On Your Horse: Curing Your Mounting Problems" shows you, step-by-step, how to move your horse to the mounting block, to lunge, to give respect -- and to stand rock solid.
Section II presents four additional chapters designed to "round out" or "book end" the previous training. Each offers buckets of additional insight into the specific issue at hand, that is, the horse that's begun "dancing" at the mounting block. (See the Table of Contents for a complete listing.)
You will:
* Correct the horse that has decided he's in charge, not you
* Learn to position your horse no matter which way he moves
* Learn to sidepass your horse toward you on the ground
* Learn how to lunge your horse
* Follow easy exercises to make lasting changes
* Cure a situation that could grow dangerous, left unchecked
Teach your horse to show respect, to move to the mounting block, to lunge, and to stand rock solid with this DIY roadmap to the methods of John Lyons written by Certifed Trainer Keith Hosman.

Does it scare the devil out of you when your horse throws himself in the air?
It should
Wanna make riding fun again?
You can
But how? How do you fix this -- when the very touch of the reins sends your horse up and over? When things escalate so fast?
Start by asking yourself what you were doing seconds before your horse reared the last time. The odds are pretty good you were trying to stop or back up - and you were applying even pressure on both reins as you asked.
In "When Your Horse Rears: How to Stop It" we'll train your horse to accept pressures typically associated with stopping and backing and the like. We'll learn the theory and practice allowing us to soften and relax our horse, giving us greater control over his mind and various body parts. We'll teach respect for the bit while building smooth transitions from standing to walk to trot to lope.
In the end, you'll be able to make ordinary requests, (to "stop" or "back," for instance), without fear that your very pressure is an overt invitation to rear up. In fact, once you've put the time in, you'll be amazed at the difference made in your overall control, safety and enjoyment.
With this guide, you will teach your horse to:
- Keep his feet on the ground
- Deal (well) with increased pressure
- Pick up the correct leads
- Move his hips independently
- Drop his head immediately
You can't make your horse stop rearing with a "bigger, badder bit." You've got to retrain the brain. This downloadable book shows you the steps you must take to put an end to this scary and very dangerous habit:
- Greatly improve your ground control
- Get your horse amazingly soft on the bit
- Greatly improve your brakes
- Follow easy, step-by-step exercises for lasting changes
- Cure a nightmare situation that could put you in the E.R.
This is true "Do It Yourself" training - and only you can decide if this is something you, personally, are up for. Horse training can be a dangerous activity - so if you have any doubts whatsoever in your abilities, then I suggest you purchase and read this book simply for the deeper understanding you will glean - and then hire a pro for help and guidance.
"When Your Horse Rears: How to Stop It" is broken down into five "Days" or sessions:
- Day 1: Start turning your horse's first thoughts from "fight" to "give"
- Day 2: Teach your horse respect for rein pressure -- and do it where you're safest: on the ground
- Day 3: He can't rear with his head on the ground Teach your horse to drop his head and "calm down now"
- Day 4: Gain "Control of the Hips" and get a great way to calm or slow any horse in a bad situation
- Day 5: Teach perfect transitions, tune up your brakes and nail your lead departures
Plus, the second half of the book offers 9 more chapters you should know if you ride a "rearing horse"
- How to Pick Up Your Reins Like a Pro
- The Reins: 5 Ways to Improve Your Use
- Rider Checklists
- Whoever Moves First, Loses
- How to Teach a Horse to Pivot on Its Hindquarters
- When You Get On, Do This First
- Is My Horse Hard to Train... Because of His Feet?
- See Yourself Leading When Riding
- Training Magic: Release On the Thought
See the first half of this book as a set of detailed instructions designed to fix your horse; see the second half as a way to develop and improve you the rider/trainer, your training habits and methods.

A history of the first 50 years of the National Cutting Horse Association Futurity.

Green: The Missing Horseback Rider's Guide for Keeping Your Money, Sanity, and Joy may not save your marriage, but it very well could save your horse career.

Green contains 25 biting chapters on how to protect yourself in the horse world including:

How to Find a Barn Being an Adult Rider Horse Crazy Kids Goal Realization Money Commitments The Real Scoop on "Horse Whisperers" and more... "So You Don't Know What You're Doing and You Just Bought a Horse..."

At the heart of the book, Green is esteemed author Kristine Oakhurst's quest to prevent you from making mistakes, burning out, and quitting horses altogether.

Before you buy another piece of tack, or (gasp) another horse, first read this book because it is THE trusted guide to help you make every big and small decision weighing on a new horsewoman's mind.

Many trainers dislike the use of treats for training. Some even say we shouldn't talk to our horses. Training should all be based upon body language, just as the horses use with each other in the herd. We believe that the horse's language is important because once the horse understands that you know his language, once you have given him the choice of trusting you, of being in relationship with you, and once you have proven your leadership to the horse then he has a clear capability to grow and understand our language. To learn things he might not have ever had the chance to learn if he had remained in a herd somewhere. Sort of like you grew when you went off to school. I believe that horses love that opportunity to grow with you, and have fun with you... to learn new things and be rewarded in a positive way that they truly enjoy. I also believe that they love being able to speak to you, to initiate conversation. Like Cash does when he walks up and offers his big toothy smile, saying, Might I have a treat please? Teaching the horse that you understand his herd language - the use of pressure and release of that pressure - is a must in the beginning. But we now know that communication increases exponentially, both in comprehension and speed of learning, when treats are strategically used. I suppose it comes from so many years working with Benji before horses, and finally drawing the conclusion that whatever a dog can learn, a horse can learn as well because, with treats, they both want to learn.. And the horse will be just as happy about showing off as Benji is. Believe it or not, now all backed up by a new scientific study. Come with us as we step outside the box and discover how to give our horses a new and exciting way to learn, and communicate with us... and have fun Whoa Hold on there. Have we stumbled onto something that actually teaches the horse and the horse enjoys it, thinks it's fun? Yes, we did. And with this book we share it all with you. The stories you love and the information you need will always be with you. What Readers and Critics Are Saying About Joe Camp "Joe Camp is a master storyteller." The New York Times "Joe Camp is a gifted storyteller and the results are magical. Joe entertains, educates and empowers, baring his own soul while articulating keystone principles of a modern revolution in horsemanship." Rick Lamb, Author and TV/Radio host "The Horse Show" "This book is fantastic It has given me shivers, made me laugh and cry, and I just can't seem to put it down " Cheryl Pannier, WHO Radio AM 1040 Des Moines "One cannot help but be touched by Camp's love and sympathy for animals and by his eloquence on the subject." Michae Korda The Washington Post "Joe Camp is a natural when it comes to understanding how animals tick and a genius at telling us their story. His books are must-reads for those who love animals of any species." Monty Roberts, Author of New York Times Best-seller The Man Who Listens to Horses "The tightly written, simply designed, and powerfully drawn chapters often read like short stories that flow from the heart. Camp has become something of a master at telling us what can be learned from animals, in this case specifically horses, without making us realize we have been educated, and, that is, perhaps, the mark of a real teacher." Jack L. Kennedy, The Joplin Independent "This book is absolutely fabulous An amazing, amazing book. You're going to love it." Janet Parshall's America "Joe speaks a clear and simple truth that grabs hold of your heart." Yvonne Welz, Editor, The Horses Hoof Magazine "I wish you could hear my excitement for Joe Camp's new book. It is unique, powerful, needed." Dr. Marty Becker, best-selling author of several Chicken Soup for the Soul books and popular veterinary contributor to ABC's Good Morning America "Joe transports me into his words. I feel like I am right there sharing his experiences." Ruth Swander - Reader

Charles de Kunffy retells the dramatic events of his privileged and turbulent young life. A European nobleman in the stormy years of World War II and the Hungarian Revolution persevered to become a prominent equestrian. During the Soviet occupation, de Kunffy finds a life-saving island of tranquility in the ancient art of classical horsemanship. Fascinating accounts of his great mentors, 'professor' horses and remarkable characters are vividly described against an uncertain historical landscape. The author's account of life under brutal tyranny, and the victorious survival of a civilized mind are a testament to a determined and sensitive spirit. Tragic at times, funny at others, this true-life tale of travel through a rugged social landscape is graced with equestrian salvation.

The encyclopedic dictionary of the art and science of farriery, designed for cross-referencing. Well illustrated with appendices of full-page illustrations, historical reference material, and resource guides. Composed by a Registered Master Farrier.

The Melbourne Cup Compendium (1861-2010), revised edition, is a unique reference guide to this world famous race, which had its 150th run in November 2010. It focuses on historic firsts, records and statistics, with an A-Z reference index, easy to follow charts and tables, and an overview of each Cup since the race began in 1861.

Many masters of horsemanship have studied horses and riding over the last centuries, but few have given the subject greater consideration than Agoston d'Endrody. In preparing this book, he gave considerable thought to the practical principles of riding and to the process of becoming a good rider. And he explains why horses perform more or less successfully according to whether they are mounted by a talented rider or by one of limited natural abilities. In "Give Your Horse a Chance," his goal is to reduce the disparity between these two divisions of riders by carefully delineating the processes of good riding and training. The first part of the book explains the proper development of horse and rider so that both learn to enjoy their work. The latter part offers excellent, concise training advice for combined training and show jumping.

The ideal of good riding is to make whatever horse you ride look better without directing him in ways obvious to the casual observer. "Quiet Riding" was written to help its readers along the journey toward this goal. Most of the concepts presented in this volume have been used by knowledgeable horsemen for hundreds of years. Often, however, these concepts have been eclipsed by methods used by less knowledgeable or less caring practitioners. It is this author's wish that all riders may one day approach riding with the desire to ride in such a way that their horses do what they ask -- not because they are afraid not to, but -- because they actually want to.

Alcohol. Lithium. Buddhist chanting. To quiet the voices in her mind, Sylvia Harris tried all of them. Her bipolar depression brought on bouts of erratic behavior and unsettling delusions. It led her to look for love in all the wrong places and to create a family she had difficulty caring for. But it was at the nadir of her twenty-year battle with this devastating illness that Harris found redemption in the least likely of places--an equine ranch outside Orlando, Florida.

Written with an unflinching eye toward her weaknesses and a reverent wonder at the healing power of horses, Long Shot is Harris's tale of perseverance in which an underdog in life becomes a champion on the track and her Thoroughbred becomes a beacon of hope.

On horsemanship deals with the selection, care and training of horses in general. Military training and the duties of the cavalry commander are dealt with in the Hipparchicus.Written in about 350 BC, the treatises of Xenophon were considered the earliest extant works on horsemanship in any literature.

Whether you want to build a solid foundation in your young horse or refresh an older horse's manners, this colt-starting program, featuring emotional training, is for you. It's based on techniques Stacy Westfall used to win the prestigious Road to the Horse colt-starting competition in 2006.
Stacy Westfall shows you how to introduce pressure to a horse in a safe environment so he'll be able to control his fear in the real world, thus building his and your confidence, and making him a safer partner.
In "Smart Start," you'll learn how to: Read your horse's body language to establish the communication necessary for safety and basic control Establish respect and build trust Develop responsiveness and self-confidence in your horse Gain independent control of his head, shoulders, and hips, which will increase your safety and ability to direct his movement both on the ground and under saddle Establish forward motion the key to control when you mount up Use verbal cues Despook your horse

Imagine being given the opportunity of a lifetime. A test of talent and skill so great, the prize would guarantee historical immortality. Sham's Dream is a personified picture book about courageous Sham, the horse that challenged legendary Secretariat for the 1973 Kentucky Derby. Through Sham's extreme effort a hidden message surfaced worth much more than expected. Inspired by actual events, this story teaches a valuable life lesson: the act of trying without reserve is as honorable as being triumphant. Written and illustrated by Mary Walsh. Captivating ink and watercolor imagery create an unforgettable experience for young children and horse lovers of all ages.