In this book, 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. This practical book: 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 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.

This volume offers both an insight into the current state of research on domestic animals in leisure and a lens through which to begin to chart the future of research in this field. All of the contributions to the collection are underpinned by ongoing debates about human-animal relationships and the rights and welfare of the latter.

Originally published in the early 1900s. The author was Master of the Biggleswade Harriers who followed hounds for over eighty years. He was a successful breeder of hounds and also hunted the fox and deer throughout England. This book is compiled from notes he made during his lifetime. The illustrated contents include: Early Memories - The Coaching Days - Hare Hunting - Fox Hunting - Making a Pack - Deer Hunting - A Great Run - Handing over the Horn - Shooting and Fishing - Old Friends. Many of the earliest hunting 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.

In no uncertain terms, this book asks what it means to be a responsible rider, and whether, in today's society, it is indeed possible for equestrians in any horse sport to put the good of the horse first and foremost, and above ambition and fame. With vibrantly clear illustrations of the horse's anatomy and how it is impacted by various riding techniques, Balancing Act presents proof that, although some steps have been taken to prevent the use of forceful and cruel techniques, many sport horses still perform in pain and discomfort. With fabulous art to help show the anatomy of the horse and multiple examples of poor riding in pictures so that the reader can avoid similar pitfalls, Dr. Heuschmann gives all of us reasons to examine ourselves and those around us through the lens of the horse's welfare. Readers will also find five chapters full of researched and proven recommendations for retraining horses with behavioural or biomechanical issues related to poor training techniques, including: the tense horse; the rein-lame horse; the horse with gait deviations; the hyperflexed horse; and the unbalanced horse that is completely off the aids. In paperback for the first time with new observations from the author, Balancing Act is for every conscientious horse person intent on riding and training with the good of the horse in mind.

Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

PONIES PAST AND PRESENT - THE BREEDS OF THE BRITISH ISLANDS. By Sir Walter Gilbey, Bart. Originally published in 1900, this rare early work on Native British Ponies is both expensive and hard to find in its first edition. READ COUNTRY BOOKS has republished it using the original text and illustrations. The author was a respected authority on all equestrian matters and published several important books on the subject as well as contributing numerous articles to the sporting and farming press of that era. This title was the first comprehensive work on British Ponies ever written, and the first to draw attention to their important contribution to polo pony breeding. The book consists of one hundred and thirty six pages, including eight full page plates. A lengthy introduction takes the reader through some of the early history, origins, and laws relating to the pony breeds. This is followed by eight Detailed chapters: The New Forest Pony. The Welsh Pony. The Exmoor and Dartmoor Ponies. The Cumberland and Westmoreland Ponies. Ireland The Connemara Pony. The Ponies of Scotland and the Shetland Islands. Uses and Characteristics of the Pony. Breeding Polo Ponies. This is a fascinating read for any pony enthusiast or historian of the breeds, and also contains much information that is still useful and practical today. Many of the earliest equestrian books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. READ COUNTRY BOOKS are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

Originally published in London 1900. An early record of the art of English hunting. The authors unique observations and reflections on the various hunting sports. Contents Include; The Hound - The Fox - The Farmer - The Master - The Huntsman - The Whipper-in - The Art Itself - The Horse - Hare Hunting - Stag Hunting - Otter Hunting. etc. The book is illustrated with vinatge photographs and text drawings. 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.

Ten years have elapsed since the last publication of this book, necessitating a substantially revised edition of this invaluable guide to equine law for students, owners and professionals within the horse industry - and solicitors involved in cases concerning horses. Existing subjects brought up to date include: buying and selling, lending and borrowing, negligence, import and export, riding establishments, rights of way, road traffic, veterinary surgeons, betting and gaming, and rules and disciplinary procedures of equestrian bodies. Of special interest in this third edition are the new sections on the Hunting Act, changes in the Welfare Act, and horse passports. Written by a practising barrister and explained in lay terms, this is an essential book for every responsible horse rider or owner, and a valuable reference for anyone outside the horse industry who needs to understand the legal pitfalls where horses are concerned. * A comprehensive guide to equine law, indispensable to owners, professionals and lawyers alike. * Substantially revised and updated, its reappearance is long-awaited. * With important information clearly presented, this is an immensely useful book for all involved with horses at every level.

Simple to use and inexpensive to acquire, cones and poles are a valuable addition to the regular work you do with your horse, both on the ground and in the saddle, whatever your discipline or sport. Here you'll find ideas for using them as practical markers for training exact transitions, improving responses to the aids, helping to ensure well-shaped circles and straight lines, and teaching your horse to negotiate basic obstacles. And, best of all, while enriching your riding experience and engaging your horse in the training process, exercises using cones and poles are fun! With its colourful photographs, easy-to-use diagrams, and spiral binding so you can lay it flat for quick reference, this handy guide demonstrates over 35 lessons that incorporate cones and poles. It is the perfect learning aid, with ideas anyone can use to improve, while keeping everyone interested in the learning process.

Regarded as a standard work since first publication in 1975, The Horse from Conception to Maturity has now been enlarged and extended to include the very latest in veterinary techniques and research relating to the breeding of horses. Peter Rossdale has been assisted in the preparation of this revised edition by experienced stud manager, Melanie Bailey, and this collaboration has resulted in a comprehensive manual which will prove of inestimable value to students and stud personnel, as well as providing valuable professional insight to anyone interested in the care and management of breeding stock. The contents include an examination of the anatomy and function of the reproductive organs, the oestrus cycle, and the general management of the brood mare including necessary veterinary examinations. There are chapters on stallions, their anatomy and physiology, their handling and management, and a full description of mating procedures. Artificial insemination and embryo transfer are covered, as are matters of sub-fertility in mares and stallions. The authors explain the mechanics of conception, the development of the foal in the womb, and the care of the pregnant mare. Foaling and the care of the foal are covered in detail as are foaling problems, abortion, and the method of fostering orphan foals. Sound advice is provided on weaning and worming, and there is a concluding chapter on the mature horse. The book includes both glossary and index and is profusely illustrated with excellent and informative photographs, many in colour, plus line drawings.

Over 30 years ago, renowned horseman and popular storyteller Mark Rashid's first book, Considering the Horse, was published. In it he shared his experiences with horses and people, subtly delivering practical lessons in horsemanship and life in a conversational style that resonated with audiences around the world. Now Rashid considers all that has happened in the years that have passed since that first book was published—the transformative moments and impactful individuals who have helped shape his philosophies and methods since then. With his distinctive voice, he shepherds readers through topics of relevance in the equestrian industry while telling more of his life story, resulting in an engaging memoir-style read that remains rich in nuggets of wisdom that you can put right to work in your daily interactions with horses. In For the Love of the Horse, Rashid explores: - Ways he tried to find his own way of being with horses without actually knowing what he was looking for. - How the art of aikido, and the teachers he had, changed his ideas about life and relationships outside the dojo. - How it feels to be soft (and how it feels to not be), and how Rashid learned to stay true to the principles of softness as he understood them, regardless of the situation. - How he broke out of the pattern of assigning human emotions and comprehension to horses. - The impact neuroscientist Dr. Steve Peters had on Rashid's understanding of the horse's behaviors and responses and how they correlate to what is actually going on in the horse's brain. - The power of observation and learning how to be still, even in the midst of activity. - The difference between trying to connect with the horse versus allowing the horse to connect with you. - How over time Rashid has shifted from trying techniques that alter a horse's behavior, to adjusting his own thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in order to help the horse feel safer. In his familiar way, Rashid takes readers on a journey that rewards with both adventure and education, finding new inroads in our attempts to become better company and fairer caregivers to horses. With his thoughtful lifetime of study leading by example, we are all encouraged to consider how far horsemanship has come and how bright its future might be.

For those who have denied their inner cowgirl for far too long, it is time to level up, jump back in the saddle, and return to life's passion with Promote Your Inner Cowgirl. Lifelong cowgirl, entrepreneur, and nurse practitioner, Dr. Lynda Flowers has the answer. Throughout her life she's had to balance the rigors of work and family with time to enjoy her love of horses. Now, after founding several startups, including her cowgirl coaching business, Dr. Flowers guides fellow horse lovers away from their frustration and toward the lifestyle they've always wanted. In Promote Your Inner Cowgirl, Dr. Flowers sets forth a framework to launch a business, generate income, and free up time to do what horse lovers love, along with how to: Set boundaries while aligning their goals and passions Stand out as a leader and team player Find and launch a business that works Turn past failures into future successes Identify a team that is supportive