"The Course Companion" covers the horse care and knowledge elements of the BHS Stage Two examination along with some subject matter which leads on to BHS Stage Three. Within each chapter are suggestions for practical follow-up work and helpful hints on examination technique. The book is an invaluable study and revision aid, which no examination candidate will want to be without. The subject matter will be equally helpful to anyone involved with the care and management of horses whether in a private or professional capacity.

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.

This book has been written to appeal to all relevant audiences, i.e. in the tack-room, the forge and the surgery. It is easy to read and understand and above all, the book is informative and thought provoking. The gulf of understanding between owner, farrier and veterinary surgeon is bridged, by bringing together all interested parties to share a common pool of knowledge and understanding of natural biomechanics, technique and systems practiced. A different perception of Farriery has long been overdue. Foot balance is the main quintessential aspect of farriery and the questions of what is normal and what is undesirable have teased farriers and veterinarians for generations. A number of authors have set down their opinions but none have explored hoof balance in such detail. This book looks at anterioposterior and mediolateral hoof balance, not only defining what is normal and ideal but explaining how, through the forces imposed by the weight of the animal and the levers which make up the limb, the hoof can change shape. Lameness and shoe loss are often considered a reflection of the competence of an individual farrier. This book will help provide the confidence and the evidence to help all parties involved in farriery to understand how form and function are inextricably linked. This book is essential reading for those who are looking to expand their knowledge and for those who seek a more philosophical approach to this ancient craft. It starts as a journey of inquiry, reviewing the past and examining the present, objectively introducing to the reader the wider perspective of farriery; not just about 'shoes on horses' but as a benign manipulative therapy, which forms an integral part of the whole horse concept.

Written by experts and founders in the world of equine assisted services (EAS), Integrating Horses into Healing: A Comprehensive Guide to Equine Assisted Services is an all-inclusive, hands-on guide for any practitioner, researcher, or student interested in EAS. The book provides a wealth of knowledge, including perspectives from therapy and coaching practitioners, equine professionals, veterinarians, researchers, clients, board members, and founders of the EAS industry. These diverse perspectives offer a depth and insight that make this a go-to guide for EAS practitioners and researchers. The focus of the book is on the ethical incorporation of equines into different therapy modalities. The well-being of the equine as well as the practitioner team is addressed, as well as sustainability and health within a for-profit and non-profit structure.

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.

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.

Here renowned trainer Mark Rashid introduces us to his revolutionary method for training horses. His sensitive, thoughtful approach emphasizes the importance of balance, and has led some to refer to him as a real-life horse whisperer. "It has always been my contention that working with horses is, or at least should be, a delicate balancing act between finding how much or how little direction it will take to help the horse we are working with understand whatever it is we are trying to teach. Too little direction and our efforts might become ineffective. Too much direction and we may develop resistance and animosity between our horse and us." With this sensitive, thoughtful approach, Rashid challenges the conventional wisdom of "alpha leadership" and teaches the reader to become a "passive leader"-a human counterpart to the kind of horse other members of a herd choose to associate with and to follow. Applying Rashid's principles and techniques helps cultivate horse personalities that are responsive and dependable regardless of the rider. Reliving Rashid's experiences with him, you will come to feel the same sort of compassion and appreciation for your horses that you do for the people in your life. This edition features additional notes at the end of each chapter that contribute to a more complete understanding of Rashid's methods and philosophy.

Black Beauty is a novel that changed our world. Intended to ‘induce kindness’ in a Victorian audience who relied on horses for transport, travel and power, it remains a dearly loved children’s classic. Writing Black Beauty is the story of the remarkable woman who wrote this phenomenal book. Born in 1820 to a young Quaker couple, Anna Sewell grew up in poverty in London. She was 14 when she fell and injured her ankle, leaving her permanently disabled. Rejecting the limitations that Victorian society forced on disabled people, she developed an extraordinary empathy with horses, learning to ride side-saddle and drive a small carriage. Rebellious and independent-minded, Anna left the Quaker movement as a young woman but remained close friends with the women writers and abolitionists who had been empowered by its liberal principles. It was not until she became terminally ill, aged 51, that she wrote her own book. It was published in 1877, but Anna tragically died just five months later. After modest success in Britain, Black Beauty was taken up by American activist George Thorndike Angell, who made it one of the bestselling novels of all time. Using newly discovered archive material, Celia Brayfield shows how Anna Sewell developed the extraordinary resilience to rouse the conscience of Victorian Britain and make her mark upon the world.

How the humanitarian act of saving one foal, a by-product of a Premarin producing Pregnant Mare Urine Line (PMU), from slaughter evolves into a life changing odyssey. The unforeseen trail leads a woman from the California Wine Country through the PMU farms in Canada to the National Champion Draft Horse Driving Shows of two countries. Along the way, while learning to drive and show her Percheron Draft Horses, many emotional experiences, from comical to tear-producing are encountered. Her amusing thought-provoking story is brilliantly delivered, as she candidly reveals behind-the-scene secrets about driving, training and showing horses, with the turn of every page. Embark upon the spirited adventure of this inspiring literary work that will intrigue all. Those who have read this uplifting book find it impossible to put down, cover to cover.

"Stallions: Their Management and Handling" is of fundamental interest to all breeders of horses and ponies. This wide-sweeping yet meticulously detailed work considers the many aspects of the management and handling of all types of serving entires, from Thoroughbreds on the most modern stud farms at one end of the scale, to Native Ponies living out at the other. The author's considerable international experience and practical grasp of his subject are apparent throughout the book, which has become a standard work. A special feature of this intensely practical volume is the superb collection of photographs of techniques and of outstanding stallions of many breeds.

The inside story of the crisis within the country’s most classic sport—horseracing—and why money is killing thoroughbreds at the top of their game.

Every year, hundreds of horses die on the racetrack. Why?

In this deeply reported and propulsive narrative, CNN reporter Katie Bo Lillis shows how two high-profile cases lay bare the ills facing the sport: the abrupt, industry-rocking indictments of top trainers Jason Servis and Jorge Navarro, and the untold story of Bob Baffert, the most successful and recognizable horse trainer in modern history, and the allegations he faced after a string of mysterious horse deaths and the high-profile disqualification of his latest Kentucky Derby winner for a failed drug test.

Death of a Racehorse delves deep into the horse racing world, offering intimate access to dozens of top trainers, owners, breeders, veterinarians, lab specialists, and more. The mainstream perception has been that rampant drug use is forcing these horses to run past their natural ability, resulting in heart attacks and broken legs. But this doesn’t paint the full picture.

That picture is driven by class tension between the affluent old stables and an ambitious new guard. This upstairs-downstairs drama shows blue-blooded families on a quest to restore horse racing to the good old days that never existed, versus those like Bob Baffert who are still viewed as outsiders—fantastically successful, but coming from less pedigreed backgrounds and experience. The privileged few, determined to save the sport, seem to hold a powerful suspicion that the sport’s brash, pioneering working class could not possibly be doing so well on their own.

Lillis shows how the breeding industry prioritizes making millions over breeding a sound, durable horse. A disjointed race schedule, created by racetrack operators that are trying to maximize betting opportunities, makes it impossible to manage a horse’s athletic career safely. In this purely capitalistic industry, the brute force of winning and the money that follows has taken the place of a responsible husbandry of the animal that is its beating heart.

Death of a Racehorse is a cutting, on-the-ground investigation into the morally ambiguous behavior at the industry’s glamorous center, raising nuanced questions about the relationship between animal and human—and offering a hopeful path forward for one of America’s oldest and most treasured sports.