A collection for equine enthusiasts *An all-new collection of the best of the classics *Editor was anchor of horse sports in ESPN *Fresh, new series design A perfect gift for riders, writers, or literary buffs, Horse Stories is an essential collection of some of the most compelling stories ever written about America's horses.

When Victoria meets Moonshine, an ex-racehorse saved from the slaughterhouse and abuse, she despairs at having to ride such a difficult horse. The pair compete in dressage, a sport that tests the unity of horse and rider as they engage in what can only be called dancing. They compete against horses bred solely for the sport, always struggling to overcome the bias against horses like Moony. As she grows and comes of age, Victoria teaches Moonshine to trust, and Moony teaches Victoria the importance of heart and perseverance. Together, they master many trials and compete in the Junior Nationals in this inspiring and compelling true story of how a girl and her horse changed each other's lives forever.

In Advanced Dressage Training, Grand Prix rider/trainer Angela Niemeyer Eastwood outlines the hows and whys of advanced training in a practical, logical fashion, with the aim of helping you to create harmonious partnerships with your horses. Dressage has moved beyond the basics of just riding and training a horse, and now encompasses many complementary disciplines, including psychology. This has always been part of the most successful athletes' repertoires and is now acknowledged as being one of the main contributory factors to excellence in any sport. Technical skills need to go hand in hand with mental commitment, discipline, dedication and resilience. Mindsets can be changed - what is needed is knowledge, support, imagination and perseverance. This book introduces the idea that aids are just that: they let the horse know what the rider wants. When this is understood, the horse should be allowed to do whatever has been asked of him - alone and unaided - until something else is required or the horse needs a reminder. The pursuit of excellence - not perfection - is what dressage is all about. Advanced Dressage Training offers advice and encouragement towards the improvement and development of you and your horse as an advanced partnership, taking you towards excellence in the process.

The Lady Rode Bucking Horses depicts an era of the American West when capturing renegade horses from the hills above the homestead served as training ground for extraordinary horsemanship. It documents the life of the outstanding girl who outrode them all at stampedes and roundups and the woman she became, her spirit undaunted throughout a life marked with courage and adventure, triumph and heartache. Born on a Montana homestead in 1887, at the age of two, Fannie Sperry declared "I gonna catch me a white-face horsie." A remarkable woman who became a world champion, she raced thoroughbreds with a women's relay team known as the Montana Girls, twice won the title of Lady Bucking Horse Champion of the World, rode with Buffalo Bill Cody and other top western performers, became the first woman in the state of Montana to be granted an outfitters license, and was named a charter member of the Cowboy Hall of Fame.

While there are many excellent books that help the rider to address the technical goals of dressage, Ride from the Heart can transform the way in which the reader communicates with his horse. Rider and trainer Jenny Rolfe has written this book to share the experiences she gained in Portugal, a country with a long and spiritual history of classical training. For many years Jenny has been writing articles about classical horsemanship and her innovative techniques - particularly communication through breathing - which aim for ultimate lightness and empathy in riding have been met with much interest. Through techniques used in loose work, work in-hand and under saddle, the reader will be on the way to enhancing a sense of 'feel', which in turn will encourage oneness and a spirit of dance between horse and rider. The book underlines throughout, the importance of maintaining a bond of leadership, respect and friendship with our horse and within the pages are important tools for achieving these goals. Wherever you are within your level of training, this book will help to enhance and enrich your relationship with your horse so that art may be formed through love.

Carol Mailer presents foolproof jumping exercises suitable for every combination and size of horse and pony, devised specifically to help riders and their mounts hone their skills, improve their performance and exceed their expectations. Whether you want to jump a little higher or wider, iron out faults, or shave a tenth of a second off a jump-off time, these exercises can help. The set-ups are not complicated and if approached with a workmanlike attitude, they can make the world of difference to a horse's jumping performance. Moreover, the exercises will help eliminate the need to have a top-notch trainer standing by at all times to supervise the work. Indeed the exercises are so straightforward that a sensible rider will be able to use poles and grids to analyse why they are making mistakes, and far more importantly, learn how to correct them quickly and easily.

The Difficult Horse provides many insights as to why a horse may develop unwanted behaviours. 'Problem' behaviour is usually more of a problem for the handler than the horse, which is likely to have established patterns of behaviour as a way of helping himself feel safe in situations he finds mentally and/or physically stressful. As well as explaining the reasons for a horse's reactive and sometimes dangerous responses, this book suggests a number of practical exercises that can help to address a wide range of commonly encountered issues. Even if you consider your horse to be problem-free, these exercises will still be invaluable in helping you and your horse to develop a closer, more pleasurable and successful relationship.

Updated and enhanced information on the most recent topics added to the Pony Club curriculum This C Level manual builds on material covered in The United States Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship: Basics for Beginners/D Level . Whether you're a Pony Clubber who has passed the D Level tests or simply a rider who has mastered the same basics, this manual enables you to increase your skills and teach you what you need to know in order to rise independently and correctly with good position, balance, and use of the aids on the flat, over fences, and in the open. At the intermediate level you're expected to take more responsibility for the care and management of your pony, and you'll learn how to do this as well. In addition, you'll learn the skills needed for conditioning and preparing your pony and yourself for competitions and special events. New and revised coverage of land conservation and horse health and safety Better organization to ease reference A full review and update of critical developments in riding, instruction, and competition In-depth revision of nutrition and veterinary topics, the two areas in which there has been the most significant research and development over the past two decades From the C Level, you may go on to higher Pony Club ratings such as B, H, A, or A Ratings, or specialize in such disciplines as dressage, show jumping, eventing, and showing. Or you may just want to have the pleasure of caring your horse or pony and participating in your favorite riding activities. Either way, The United States Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship: Intermediate Horsemanship/C Level will give you an excellent basis in horsemanship for the lifelong enjoyment of horses and horse sports.

Eventing Explained is a unique, all-around view of how to start eventing for riders of all ages wanting to compete in their first affiliated horse trials. As well as being packed with top tips and exercises for riders in all three phases, it is also an ideal aid for parents or other halves of would-be event riders whose weekends will never the same again once they hit the eventing circuit A who's who section includes, amongst others, the responsibilities of the course designer, builder, secretary, regional coordinator and organizer in running a horse trials, and how their roles are relevant to a competitor. As well as information on getting your horse fit, there are also sections on rider fitness and sport psychology to prepare for the event and to do your best on the day. Color-coded so you can pick out relevant sections at a glance, Eventing Explained is the must-have guide for riders wanting to compete at BE80, BE90 and BE100 levels (formerly Training, Introductory and Pre-Novice levels).

Required reading for every Pony Club Member--now in a valuable new edition The United States Pony Club (USPC) is among the largest equestrian organizations in the United States, with more than 14,000 members in 600 clubs spread across 49 states, credited with training many current and past Olympic competitors. The USPC Manuals are required reading for every Pony Club Member, and will continue to be required reading into their new editions. This book is written and illustrated for youngsters who want to learn to ride, especially members of the U.S. Pony Clubs, Inc., who want to meet the USPC's Standards of Proficiency. If you're that youngster, you will be able to read this book on your own. This classic guide will show you how to become a careful, thoughtful rider and how to communicate with and understand your pony. Some sections, however, are meant to be read by an adult (a parent or riding instructor), so you can get the extra help you may need to reach your goals. By the time you have read this book you will know a lot about riding in a ring and in the open; beginning jumping; pony care and handling; safety; having fun and meeting challenges; and much more. New information on critical developments in riding, instruction, and competition The latest research and development in nutrition and veterinary topics Coverage of land conservation and horse health and safety All-new photos and a fully updated look and feel If you're a beginning rider, parent, or instructor, The United States Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship is a solid source of instruction, regardless of whether or not a Pony Club chapter is within reach.

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.

Have you got what it takes to make a successful career from teaching riding? Would you like to know how to make yourself indispensable to your clients? Ross Algar offers first-hand advice on how to establish yourself in this field of work and then how to move up the ranks. He explains how to deal with almost every type of client (children, teenagers, and more mature riders), whether they be competition riders or pleasure riders, confident or nervous riders, and whatever their chosen discipline. He tells you how best to assist your clients with their immediate goals and long-term aims, and how to conduct yourself professionally at all times. With essential advice for practically every teaching situation, this is an equine career training book like no other.

Not only does the Appaloosa encapsulate colour and beauty, but also it is a truly versatile breed blessed with a willing nature. Anyone who has been lucky enough to own or ride an Appaloosa will agree that there is no other breed that matches its quality or kind nature while still having the ability to display bravery and athleticism. Known for the variety of coat patterns (e.g. blanket, leopard, and snowflake) which set it apart from other equines, the Appaloosa has three additional identifiable characteristics: mottled skin, white sclera to the eye, and striped hooves. The Appaloosa's history has been scarred with war and near extinction, yet the breed is as strong today as it was when running free on the planes of America's Palouse country in the 1700s. With the help and support of the Appaloosa Horse Club, the Appaloosa is becoming recognised and appreciated as a multi -talented athlete worldwide.

This is a frank and encouraging guide aimed at everyone who knows their horse could be better. Key requirements of a perfect riding horse are identified and then explored in depth with a detailed breakdown of how to train each element. The perfect horse requires the perfect rider, and simple yet effective ways to become the rider your perfect horse deserves are discussed so you can train both yourself and your horse. This book takes the reader all the way from choosing the right horse through mastering the basics, lateral work and introducing jumping, all presented in a contemporary 'magazine-style' format. It also provides 'inside' knowledge and essential ingredients with clear step-by-step photography and text to help readers create their perfect riding horse for any discipline or level of ability.

Many horse owners are put off riding to music because it seems too complicated. The task of putting together a routine to ride to appears daunting, as does selecting suitable music, but this book tells you everything you need to know, from choreography and costumes to quadrilles and competition. Schooling to music adds another dimension to daily training, helping both horse and rider to remain calm, developing a sense of rhythm, and fluency in their work. Claire Lilley is an experienced choreographer of freestyle, and here she encourages everyone to have a go at riding to music, even if it is just for fun, and removes the mystery behind creating a routine for competition.

The candid autobiography of one of the world's leading and most popular three-day eventers William Fox-Pitt has been one of the most successful three-day event riders for many years. He began eventing at the age of fifteen and decided to pursue this passion as a career after graduating from university. In 2004, he had a year of extremes, going from winning Badminton to having the agony of seeing his horse get injured during the Olympics, which destroyed his chances of an individual medal and prevented the team from winning gold. The following year, he won Burghley, Gatcombe and Bramham to confirm himself as Britain's top rider. In his eagerly awaited autobiography, he talks about the issues confronting the sport and reveals much about the vital partnerships with team-mates and, above all, the horses that help him to gain such success.

With three full exercise routines for riders at beginner, intermediate, and advanced fitness levels, this guide helps you achieve a good basic riding position that is centered, aligned, balanced, and relaxed. There are clear explanations and photos of each exercise plus three tear-out workout guides, so you can exercise anywhere. An improved seat enhances your riding experience, helps eliminate back pain and post-riding soreness, lessens fatigue, minimizes the risk of injury, and improves your performance.

This book offers a comprehensive gallery of ideas for improving the training of any horse.The chapters deal with a range of topics progressing from improving stable manners and ridden skills, to checking your own riding habits and honing your mental approach to schooling.It is published in an accessible format with easy-to-access information and cross-referenced advice.It is fully illustrated in colour throughout, with practical photography accompanying the detailed advice at every stage.

Top Secret Tips Unveiled Within!
This work is geared towards the occasional handicapper looking for help, but takes you through the entire process, so, beginners can use it, too.
The entire process is clear and concise with plenty of examples and worksheets to guide you.
If you are going to play the horses, you need to read this!

From the leading authority on the subject, "Saddlery" is a comprehensive account of the range, scope and variety of articles available, all put in perspective within the context of their use.For many years a standard recommended book for examination reading, this completely revised, enlarged and updated edition will guide the student and horse-owner through the bewildering variety of saddlery, horse equipment and clothing, describing its construction, purpose and correct usage by means of the uniquely informative text, clear line illustrations and new colour photographs.With every conceivable aspect covered, and now including information on the use of synthetic materials, new bitting systems, the developments in saddle fitting, innovative riding aids and Western riding (and much more), this is the definitive guide to equipping horse and rider for every eventuality.

Drawing on the theories of the old masters of dressage, Lessons in Lightness:
The Art of Educating the Horse shows how both horse and rider can greatly benefit from traditional dressage techniques and exercises. Written by a veteran horse trainer with more than thirty years of experience, this is the only book that takes the core elements of classical dressage and applies them as the basis for good general horsemanship today.
With this step-by-step program, both horse and rider learn from each other. The rider is taught to focus on subtle nuances of communication, while the horse develops gymnastically so he can respond correctly to the aids. Once the horse masters the basic exercises, the rider not only has a very rideable horse, but also one that can perform and advance in almost any discipline for which it is suited--from dressage and show jumping to Western pleasure and performance riding.
An exploration into the horse's physiological and psychological state is the basis for building that strong bond most riders yearn to achieve. Learning lightness opens the door to the art of riding.

Today's Western riders are accomplished, versatile equestrians with many ways to showcase their skills. Whether trying it for the first time at a guest ranch, exploring a new trail with friends, or stepping through the in-gate at a horse show, Western riders love the fact that it's accessible and enjoyable for beginners, yet challenging enough for accomplished pros.
To make your Western riding experience even more gratifying, 101 Western Pleasure and Horsemanship Tips offers the advice you'll need to have a
harmonious relationship with your horse. Tips include tack and equipment, basic rider position, essential riding skills, advanced maneuvers, and indispensable horsemanship information. And for those riders who have an eye on the prize, there's important Western pleasure show information that no savvy competitive rider should be without.

Designed to help develop a bond between the horse and the trainer, which leads to greater trust and the ability to get the most from the relationship. This book includes step-by-step guides on how to improve the horse's suppleness, obedience and education from the groundwork level. It teaches the trainer how to tune in to the subtle body language of the horse and communicate with it in a much clearer way. It also contains techniques developed and applied by top trainers and equine behaviourists.

The most thrilling tales of equestrian adventure ever written! Throughout history, horses have been our partners in struggle and in triumph. They have carried the doctor swiftly to the door of a dying mother and galloped across vast distances of the American West bringing mail to the settlers. Horses today are our companions in sport, dashing to the finish line or leaping impossibly high fences for the sheer glory of the win. Horses also lurk in the mists of ancient myth and legend. Illustrating these dramatic moments are the most exciting horse stories from human history, both fact and fiction, and they are written by notable authors.

This is the 51st "Threshold Picture Guide" where Perry Wood gives much needed advice on common riding problems. It gives practical tips on how to improve your horse's behaviour under saddle, making him safer to ride and a pleasure to own. Subjects covered include bucking, rearing, head-tossing, shying, jogging, bolting, napping, refusing to jump, nose poking, difficult to mount, hard-mouthed, overexcited and inattentive to the rider.