When it's springtime in horse country, few sights stir the hearts of horse lovers more than that of mares and foals on good green pasture. It is an image filled with both the satisfaction of the moment and the promise of the future. For horse people, the foaling process is one of the most critical and satisfying aspects of ownership.
The Foaling Primer captures the foaling experience in amazing, up-close photographs taken by noted horse photographer Bob Langrish. The friendly, informative text guides the reader through the first year of a foal's life with detailed descriptions and instructions on birth, care, handling, training, and weaning. Perfect for novice horse owners, first-time farmers, 4-H and Pony Club members, and anyone who is fascinated by horses and their lives, this introductory handbook provides everything one needs to know to be successful with a foal.
The chapters are divided along critical points in a foal's developmental timeline: the first 24 hours, the early weeks, one to three months, four to six months, weaning time, and approaching the yearling mark. There are how-to boxes for such tasks as bottle-feeding, introducing a foal to grooming, and practicing rope leading; "to-do" lists for each stage of a foal's development; charts of what's normal and what's not (with clear guidance on when to call a vet); lists of supplies and equipment needed; definitions of key words and terms; and forms to use for accurate record keeping.
The pages of this hard-working guide are sure to be dog-eared by the time a foal reaches the one-year mark, as readers will refer to it again and again for reassurance, guidance, and complete, dependable information.

This scarce antiquarian book is a selection from Kessinger Publishings Legacy Reprint Series. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment to protecting, preserving, and promoting the worlds literature. Kessinger Publishing is the place to find hundreds of thousands of rare and hard-to-find books with something of interest for everyone!

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 1900's 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.

To meet the case in which the horseman may chance to be leading his horse with the left hand and carrying his spear in the right, it would be good, we think, for every one to practise vaulting on to his seat from the right side also. In fact, he has nothing else to learn except to do with his right limbs what he has previously done with the left, and vice versa. And the reason we approve of this method of mounting is 8] that it enables the soldier at one and the same instant to get astride of his horse and to find himself prepared at all points, supposing he should have to enter the lists of battle on a sudden.

CONTENTS Introduction Breeds and Their Characteristics Selecting and Judging Horses Breeding Horses Feeding Horses Management of Horses Buildings and Equipment Diseases and Parasites Horsemanship Breed Registry Associations Horse Magazines Precautions

"Sullivan has found the transcendent in the horse."--"Sports Illustrated"
Winner of a 2004 Whiting Writers' Award
One evening late in his life, veteran sportswriter Mike Sullivan was asked by his son what he remembered best from his three decades in the press box. The answer came as a surprise. "I was at Secretariat's Derby, in '73. That was ... just beauty, you know?"
John Jeremiah Sullivan didn't know, not really-but he spent two years finding out, journeying from prehistoric caves to the Kentucky Derby in pursuit of what Edwin Muir called "our long-lost archaic companionship" with the horse. The result-winner of a" National Magazine" Award and named a Book of the Year by "The Economist" magazine-is an unprecedented look at Equus caballus, incorporating elements of memoir, reportage, and the picture gallery.
In the words of the "New York Review of Books," "Blood Horses" "reads like Moby-Dick as edited by F. Scott Fitzgerald . . . Sullivan is an original and greatly gifted writer."
"Wisdom that is both personal and universal . . . Brilliant"--"Chicago Tribune"
"A splendid account of [the] Triple Crown . . . In horses' beauty and power, and with their hint of danger even when schooled, Sullivan senses a restoration of what has been lost to us."--"The New York Times"
"As unconventionally lovely a book as you are likely to read for some time."--"The Arkansas Democrat Gazette"
"A clear picture of a highly specialized world . . . A gem of curiosity."--"The Associated Press"
"Sullivan subtly extends the theme of bloodlines to make this book as much about family as it is about horses . . . Its appeal isn't limited to the equine crowd."--"0Outside"
JohnJeremiah Sullivan is a writer-at-large for "GQ" and a contributing editor at "Harper's Magazine."

The 112th Field Artillery Regiment (Horse-Drawn) was a New Jersey Army National Guard unit called into active military service in January of 1941. The Old Gray Mare describes life in this unit, the Army's last horse-drawn field artillery unit, through the eyes of a young lieutenant during the Plattsburg Training Maneuvers in 1939 and during the 112th's post-activation training at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The Old Gray Mare provides an insightful picture of the daily routine in garrison and the field of a horse unit during what proved to be the final year of its existence. It describes the close bonds formed between men and their horses, the care and handling required to maintain a well-trained horse artillery unit, the pride and professionalism developed by serving the guns, and the archaic, social environment that surrounded this elite formation. It gives witness to the dreaded man and horse-killing stampede of crazed animals as well as the excitement of the polo field that was so much a part of the fabric of the horse artillery. view of a military unit forced out of existence by advances in technology at the beginning of World War II. It is an interesting and unique snapshot of a time and a life-style that no longer exists.

NAKED LIBERTY is a captivating memoir of Carolyn Resnick's detailed account of how she gained a magnetic connection with horses. Carolyn reveals her struggle to be accepted into a herd of wild horses, beginning at the bottom of the pecking order, working to gain higher rank and ultimately riding on the back of a lead mare from a bonded trust. This book goes beyond "horse whispering" and will inspire readers to seek a higher level of communication with their horses. "I learned that dominant horses must fight for their position and lead horses do not. From these waterhole rituals I discovered the secret society of wild horses, and that the spirit of the bond has its own language," says Carolyn.

When the intrepid Isabella Bird landed in Hawaii in 1873, she discovered the islanders rode - everywhere - and the clergyman's daughter soon joined them. Having never ridden astride because of the English cultural taboo, Isabella was reluctant to cast aside her native equestrian traditions. When she did, the greatest female equestrian traveller of the Victorian age came to life. This classic account of thrilling equestrian adventure tells the story of one woman's discovery of both her own soul and the wide world beyond.

Throughout recorded history, the horse has played many roles in human life. He has been mans partner in war, his servant in work, his teammate in sports, his inspiration in art. So it is only natural that literature includes many masterpieces about horses and horsemanship.
The Greatest Horse Stories Ever Told gathers together the best of the equestrian genre. It includes stories and articles by Pulitzer Prize-winners Red Smith, Maxine Kumin, and Jane Smiley, and tales by jockey-turned-mystery novelist Dick Francis and veterinarian-turned-writer James Herriot. Here also are reflections on fox hunting by Steven Budiansky and Anthony Trollope; a profile of Buck Brannaman, the inspiration for The Horse Whisperer; an inspirational piece from Ellie Phayer; and a story about the Spanish Riding Schools dancing white horses by Felix Salten (author of Bambi), as well as writing from Tom McGuane, Bill Barich, humorist Cooky McClung, and classic western authors Will James and Zane Grey.
Heartwarming, adventurous, profound, and funny, this anthology is a treasure trove that includes favorite writers and little known or long-forgotten gems, illuminating our fascination - and captivation - with horses.

The love of animals can touch our lives. Often we learn life's most valuable lessons from our four-legged friends. But sometimes that love is met with ruthless abuse, neglect and mistreatment. In this collection of uplifting stories for all ages, you will meet some remarkable horses who have lived through unthinkable pain and suffering, but because of some special "angels" who weren't afraid to get involved, have triumphed over the pain they endured to be given a "Second Chance."You will feel their pain and then celebrate their joy as they journey from abuse to the safety of loving hands and hearts. Their stories are nothing less than miracles, and their spirits are inspiring.

This book is dedicated to the protection of horses, ponies and donkeys and is based on first-hand international experience from a lifetime spent with horses - hunting, racing and welfare - whether with The Pony Club, The Jockey Club or international horse charity. It covers all equines to the highest levels of performance - racing, show jumping, eventing and endurance riding and encourages all owners to care for their animals. Horses are beautiful animals that can work with their owners to the best effect; it is only right that they should all be cared for with respect so that the partnership is equal, one of working together and free from abuse. Christopher also looks at the world of working horses, donkeys and mules in the developing world, where they are often the only means of transporting people and goods, provide the only power to work the land and are essential for their owners' survival. He calls for them to be given closer attention and care and that training is given to the owners who may not be aware of how to care properly for their animals. He also writes about people in equestrian sports both nationally and internationally and the work of the major charity World Horse Welfare of which he was chairman, calling on his role as a leading regulator and lifelong horseman. He held one of the highest profile jobs in the Jockey Club, steward in charge of enforcing the rules of horse racing - and provides an insight into the high stakes world of racing where winning is everything. But whatever the activity or level, readers will be aware that horses are the real stars.

In the first horse book ever to be completely written and illustrated for kids by a kid, Kiki Osbourne connects with her reader. According to mentor Dr. Kathy Kelly, ..".as this book shows, Kiki was not content to educate herself. Through her articles, she reached out to others, wanting to share what knowledge she gained, so that everyone would enjoy the horses like she did." Enthusiastic young riders around the country can read a comprehensive, hands-on account of what it's like to grow up in a world full of horses. This book is spilling over with first hand accounts of topics ranging from Pony Club, to competitions and ribbons, grooming, and friends (two and four legged), caring for your tack, and winter rides in the woods. In short, this is a horse book for kids, which was written and illustrated by a kid...a young Kiki Osbourne (age 12 - 16) that you'll love no matter what your age. Today, Kiki (a graduate "A") trains people and horses for a living, and is also a competitive eventer. She gathered up fifty-one of her favorite Equispecial columns, weaved them together into a book that she's entitled "The Kiki Chronicles: An Equispecial Journey."

This book describes the unique way my Cherokee grandpa taught me to handle horses and mules. It starts with the blending of one's spirit with the mare and unborn foal and then gives a step-by-step instruction to create a lifetime of harmony with your horse.

Hamilton documents the journey of a family and their horse from the time she was a six-month-old filly to her being named National Champion Mare. Vividly written and illustrated with 142 photos of Arabians, Appaloosas, Saddlebreds, Shetlands and Welsh ponies. (Animals/Pets)

A bestseller for 25 years, now updated for the 1990s, this perennial classic is packed with photographs and sound, practical advice on every aspect of horses, horse care, and horsemanship.

B & W photographs throughout


From the Hardcover edition.

The human love affair with horses is an ancient and far-reaching one. Moving effortlessly from history to literature, from science to sport, from anecdote to personal experience, Lawrence Scanlan sets out to discover the essence of our powerful, almost mystical attraction to this noble creature. Scanlan covers a wide territory: from the mythic horses of cultures long past to the real-life whisperers of today, to the timeless wild mustangs still roaming the Great Plains.

As he touches on each aspect of the equine-human bond, Scanlan makes perfect sense of "horse fever" -- that curious affliction that has been known to strike both the seasoned professional and the rider who has galloped only in his or her dreams. Written in lyrical prose with wit, humor, and an eye for drama, meticulously researched and complemented by fifty compelling black-and-white photographs, Wild About Horses addresses our need to know everything we can about the horse.

What does the world s most famous equestrian explorer do when he comes home to England after making a 10,000 mile ride from Argentina to Washington, DC? He writes a best-selling book about his adventures, Tschiffely s Ride, then sets off on a new horse to explore rural 1930s Britain. Through the ancient New Forest, over the lonely mountains of Wales, and across the rugged landscape of Scotland, the renowned author investigated the nooks and crannies of this island kingdom. Mounted on his gentle Cob mare, Violet, Tschiffely details the last roving adventure of its kind. Bridle Paths is a final poetic look at a now-vanished Britain, as it was before the advent of suburbia changed it forever. This superb book is amply illustrated with Tschiffely s own pencil drawings. As a bonus, it includes a special appendix listing the equipment used by the mounted traveler, as well as detailed sketches of the method he used to pack his horse. No equestrian travel collection is complete without this classic tale.

A great many equestrian travelers could say they were inspired to take to the saddle because of the exploits of someone who rode before them. However John Beard is the only horseback traveler whose journey can be directly linked to the influence of the famous Buffalo Bill Cody. Beard determined as a child that he wanted to see the Wild West from the back of a horse after a visit to Cody s legendary Wild West show. Yet it was to be more than sixty years after seeing the flamboyant American showman before Beard, and his wife Lulu, finally mounted their dreams. Setting off on a matched pair of horses, Black Diamond and Black Fairy, the Beards left to discover the long cherished equestrian quest of the author s youth. Their mission in 1948 was to ride the length of the Old Oregon Trail. What followed was a 2,500 mile odyssey from Oregon to Missouri through a vast sea of weariness, thirst, hunger, hardship, and danger as the aged equestrians rode down the trail of their pioneer forefathers. Amply illustrated with photographs, Saddles East is more than a mere tale of adventure, it is the romantic story of two pilgrims of the sunrise riding back into the morning of their youth, hunting for America s yesterday with everything they own on the backs of their faithful horses.

Ella Maillart was the adventurous Swiss woman who made her name as an intrepid explorer and one of the most remarkable woman travelers of the early twentieth century. An amazing sports woman, she first represented her country as the only woman competitor at the 1924 Paris Olympics in the single-handed boat-sailing contest, then later raced for Switzerland as a member of the international ski team. Yet these outdoor activities only developed Maillart s insatiable curiosity to travel east, leaving behind the confines of her early life in Geneva in search of the perfect life that she was instinctively seeking. Her later adventures took her across many continents and various oceans. Maillart sailed the Mediterranean in a yawl, traveled with famed travel English travel writer Peter Fleming from Peking to Kashmir, explored Tibet with a half-wild tiger-cat in search of spiritual enlightenment, and finally drove 4,000 miles from war-torn Europe to the fabled Khyber Pass in a battered Ford car. Yet her solo journey through Central Asia in the early 1930s was considered to be a highlight of her adventure-filled life. Setting off from the Tien Shan mountains of Mongolia, Maillart rode horses and camels to the far away walls of fabled Bokhara. Turkestan Solo is her vivid account of this wonderful, mysterious and dangerous portion of the world, complete with its Kirghiz eagle hunters, lurking Soviet secret police, and the timeless nomads that still inhabited the desolate steppes of Central Asia. If any book can give its reader the ability to look back in time, this one does, written as it was by one of the world s foremost female equestrian explorers. Amply illustrated, it remains a timeless adventure classic.