What does the horse feel when a rider is crooked in the saddle? What is it like to go faster or slower, to round curves and travel straight, with an unbalanced load to carry? What goes through the horse's mind when he is over-flexed and over-aided...when he is forced into biomechanically unsound positions? What happens when a prey animal (the horse) must learn to defeat his own preservation instinct and perform on cue with a predator (humankind) clinging to his back? In this important book, Dr. Ulrike Thiel-a clinical psychologist, psychotherapist, sport psychologist, dressage rider, riding instructor, judge, and Xenophon Society classical trainer-examines these important questions, and others. With the use of exercises and astute comparisons, Thiel gives readers an eye-opening tour of the realm of the ridden dressage horse, ensuring we all work to make the job of "being ridden" part of a mutual pursuit-a dance involving two engaged and caring partners, a friendship binding mind and body.

Originally published in 1896. An illustrated Record of Names, Pedigrees, Performances and Running Weights of the Principal Greyhounds That Have Run for the last Fifty Years. Particulars of the Waterloo Cup and Enclosed Meetings from the Commencement. Descriptive Tables of Light and Heavy Weights and Performances; Dogs Against Bitches. Notes and Reminiscences of Coursing etc. Many of the earliest books on dogs, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. Home Farm Books are republishing many of these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

The rich heritage of Virginia horse racing traces its roots back to the colonial days of the late seventeenth century. Horse racing began as single-day events held at county fairs, family farms, and hunt meets, taking a long and meandering path to become the sport we know and love today. "Colonial Downs and More" examines the important changes that occurred in Virginia's horse racing industry during the last half century, with a particular focus on the debates over pari-mutuel wagering. The legalization of pari-mutuel wagering became a hot-button legislative issue in the 1980s, sparked by horse breeders and owners hoping to improve the industry. In 1988, voters approved the legalization of pari-mutuel wagering, a move that opened the doors for the establishment of a new racetrack that would come to be known as Colonial Downs. Colonial Downs faced major obstacles from its inception. Construction was bogged down by licensing delays and legal issues. Nine long years elapsed before it finally opened its gates in 1997. After a modest opening, attendance and wagering slumped over the next three to five years. Nonetheless, despite the difficulties, the track and associated operations remain high quality, offering breeders and owners needed funds and providing racing fans with unparalleled fun and excitement.

Six Chukkers of Love is more than Clark Hetherington's autobiography. It is a first-hand account of the history of polo in the United States post World War II. Clark knew all of the movers and shakers, great players and sundry characters that were responsible for polos growth and development. His book is filled with wonderful stories of these individuals and their enthusiasm for the sport. These pages portray not only his love of polo and his important role in its growth but also the influential roles played by each of many other individuals. At the National Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame part of our mission is to preserve, record, and archive the history and tradition of polo. Much of what Clark has written in these pages are anecdotes of personal experiences no where else previously documented. The anecdotes and stories convey what all of us who live the sport know to be the true flavor of its tradition. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the author for preserving this history. Six Chukkers of Love is another chapter in Clark Hetherington's dedicated service to the sport of polo. In 2004, the National Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame recognized his lifetime contributions with the Iglehart Award. Some of these contributions are briefly outlined on the plaque in his honor at the Museum as follows: He spent a lifetime dedicated to polo. An avid player since age 7. He later captained the Oklahoma University team. He started Broad Acres Polo Club in 1954 and served four years as USPA circuit governor. At his own expense, he produced educational films such as Charlie Chukker and an umpire training presentation. Clark has been called by many, "The father of professional umpiring." He tirelessly promoted a uniform standard for all umpires to the USPA and to clubs around the country. After his appointment as USPA chief umpire, he developed umpire training programs and conducted numerous clinics across the nation, furnishing horses and equipment. More than 250 polo players, including several Hall of Fame inductees, claim Hetherington as their mentor. I know the many friends Clark has made over the years on the polo field will enjoy reading through these pages. Undoubtedly, they will arouse in each reader treasured memories of polo fun. For me and countless others in the sport, his career has been a wonderful influence and example. Stephen Orthwein Chairman National Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame

Originally published in France 1854 then translated into English in 1919 by John Swire. The author's methods are simple and practical. He treats a horse like a human being; he maintains that the rider can only influence his mount by placing it in such a position that the movement desired is the only possible one, and then stimulating it; the placing being made easy by specially graduated exercises which supple the horse's will as well as his muscles. Contents include: New method of giving the Rider a good Seat. - Control and Distribution of Energy. - The Suppling Exercises. - Suppling the Hindquarters. - The Use of the Horse's Energy by the Rider. - Concentration of the Horse's Energy by the Rider. - The Canter. - Jumping. - The Piaffer. - Scheme of Work. A Concise Explanation of the Method by means of Question and Answer. . Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. Home Farm Books are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.