Whether a novice or expert horseman, every rider, trainer, or owner in any equestrian discipline will benefit from this book's wide-ranging and practical information for years to come. As even a quick glance around a saddler shop or through a tack store catalog will show, the world of horse bits is both enormous and mystifying. The primary means of communicating with and controlling a horse, Western and English bits come in a bewildering assortment of materials, sizes, and shapes. Their descriptions-full-cheek snaffle, hackamore, high port, French link, Tom Thumb, spade, KK Ultra-are no less puzzling, and with new bits and refinements being produced every year, even the most experienced horseman must struggle to keep up with the state of the art. The Ultimate Book of Horse Bits will answer all your questions on the subject-and then some. Not only does the author and horsewoman Emily Esterson go into detail about all kinds of equine mouthware and how each is constructed, but she also explains how and why each works in the context of what the rider wants the horse to accomplish. Does your horse have difficulty bending or flexing? Suggestions and solutions to these and myriad other horse-and-rider problems will be found throughout these authoritative yet user-friendly pages.

The Natural Trim: Principles & Practice is the first release by the world renowned wild horse and hoof care expert, Jaime Jackson, since the 2007 publication of his revolutionary book, "Paddock Paradise: A Guide to Natural Horse Boarding" and 20 years since his first book was published, The Natural Horse: Lessons from the Wild (1992/Northland Publishing/Star Ridge).

The Natural Trim is for any interested in horses - as an owner or as a professional. Because the health of the horse shows up in its hooves, the condition of the hoof is to the horse what the canary is to the coalminer. The book looks at the species, equus ferus caballus, and shows the reader why the sound, healthy and fit, wild & free-roaming Great Basin Mustang should serve as the universal model of health for all domestic horses. Part I focuses on all aspects of healthy horsekeeping and Part II provides step by step guidelines to conducting this humane, barefoot trim method based on the U.S. Great Basin Mustangs.

An entertaining and inspiring autobiography. In 2008, 26-year old Tik Maynard faced a crossroads not unlike that of other young adults. A university graduate and modern pentathlete, he suffered both a career-ending injury and a painful breakup, leaving him suddenly adrift. The son of prominent Canadian equestrians, Maynard decided to spend the next year as a 'working student'. In the horse industry, working students aspire to become professional riders or trainers, and willingly trade labour for hands-on education. Here Maynard chronicles his experiences – good and bad – and we follow along as one year becomes three. What began as a casual adventure gradually transforms, and a life's purpose comes sharply into focus.

There are many books and DVDs devoted to the technical training of horse and rider - how to perform movements correctly, clear obstacles, communicate efficiently, and in other ways attain the idealised image of an athletic partnership that results in competitive success. But this book is different: its focus is how the rider and trainer can make it easier for the horse to perform optimally. This includes improved understanding of what are reasonable expectations for a particular horse at a certain level of schooling, how to improve his fitness (including strength and conditioning), as well as background on how injuries may develop as a result of interaction between internal and external factors, such as genetics, conformation, management, and training. Relying on her veterinary background, in-depth research, and dozens of interviews with top riders and trainers from around the world - including Beezie Madden, Carl Hester, and Pippa Funnell, to name just a few - Lonnell provides guidelines for nurturing a happy, healthy equine athlete. With special focus on conscientious pacing when building the horse's physical capability over time, diversification of schooling practices, detail-oriented management and care, and putting the horse's needs above competitive ambition, readers are given a solid grasp of what it takes to truly reach the pinnacle of equestrian sport - and remain there - on a consistent basis. Throughout, gorgeous colour photographs of world-class horses and the people who work with them visually demonstrate the success of these methods.

Plants, Potions and Oils for Horses takes a new look at some old remedies, together with some contemporary alternative therapies to offer the horse owner some simple but safe treatments for common horse ailments. Topics covered in this new book include: herbal remedies; treatments from the kitchen; traditional treatments and aromatherapy.

"Knack Leg and Hoof Care for Horses" is a one-stop information source on how to keep a horse sound, happy, and pain-free through proper care of his (or her) feet and legs. Unlike cumbersome veterinary reference texts, this book focuses solely on hoof conditions and leg ailments, with the added bonus of preventative care. Knowing about the various ailments that affect the horse's legs and feet is only one aspect of horse care--preventative and routine care, as well as various therapies, are also essential in keeping your horse going. Knack "Leg and Hoof Care for Horses" covers a range of care, from mainstream medical methods to massage and supplements. While providing top-notch tips from experts, it is written and presented in terms that any informed lay reader can understand. Its user-friendly format and full-color photos throughout make it a must for horsemen and horsewomen at all levels of understanding. More than 475 full-color photos on topics including: Hoof and leg anatomy Conformation Shoeing options Lameness Bone and joint issues Laminitis Navicular Muscle, nerve, and skin ailmentsTherapies and treatments

Foals imprint on their mothers and are guided by instinct. But over time they get accustomed to humans and can be reared to become trusting, faithful playmates and companions. Therefore, establishing good behaviour at the outset is fundamental to creating a well-adjusted adult horse. The authors, using their extensive experience and personal stories, explain how to balance natural behaviour with training methods to develop a well-behaved horse. The approach is knowledgeable and patient and is based on mutual respect between horse and rider. Key exercises are explained in the text by a great variety of photos, and can also be used with older horses. Practical topics covered include vaccination, hoofcare, herd behaviour, feeding and housing. The reader is guided through the health, well-being, training, education and attitude of the first three years of a horse's life, with a focus on building trust throughout. Foals and Young Horses is a good companion guide for horse owners, riders and especially breeders. It will also be of interest to equine science students and para-professionals.

Barefoot Horse Keeping provides a practical, accessible and objective guide to barefoot horse keeping. The book draws on empirical research and the authors' twenty-five years experience delivering barefoot hoof care, saddle fitting, behavioural training and rider coaching. Topics covered include: the Barefoot philosphy; the herd and the environment; hoof trimming; diet and nutrition and equine anatomy and biomechanics.

Grooming is of vital importance to a horse's health and welfare. This highly illustrated book provides practical advice for establishing good grooming practice. Topics covered in the book are: handling of the horse for grooming; routine cleaning and grooming; clipping and trimming; grooming for showing, eventing, dressage, racing and hunting; healthcare associated with the skin and grooming, and how to spot problems. Includes over 300 step-by-step colour photographs to illustrate techniques.

Give your horse a gorgeous look! Charni Lewis provides step-by-step instructions for 30 mane and tail braids for both casual outings and specialized events of all riding styles. Full-color photographs and detailed illustrations bring every twist and turn to life, while also clearly demonstrating proper hand positioning. Get inspired and experiment with a Scalloped mane braid or a Four-Strand Weave for the tail. Not only will your horse look great, the time you spend braiding will help develop that special bond between you and your horse.

Mindful work with horses, says neurosurgeon Allan J. Hamilton, can enlighten the human handler as much as it benefits the horse. Evolving over 30 million years to become the quintessential prey animal, equines have developed acute right-brain survival skills, such as leadership, awareness, empathy, and cooperation. In particular the horse has finely honed abilities to lead, communicate, and connect not with words, but with the vital emotional energy described in the Buddhist tradition as chi. When we learn the language of chi, we become more effective as leaders, more attuned to others, and more joyful as human beings."Zen Mind, Zen Horse" begins by examining how the equine and human brains function, often related to their respective roles as prey and predator. Going on to draw insights and wisdom from spiritual traditions such as Zen Buddhism, Ayurvedic healing, and Yaqui shamanism and from the great horse cultures of the Mongolians, Bedouins, and Native Americans, Dr. Hamilton shows the importance of developing right-brain awareness and quieting the left-brain dominance of our Western brains.Seamlessly integrating spiritual principles and practical applications, Dr. Hamilton shows how to apply the chi-based approach to every aspect of horse-human communication, including: - The act of grooming as a spiritual practice- Techniques of alpha-horse leadership that make others gladly follow- Gaze, stance, and gesture as training tools- The irresistible power of infinite patienceUltimately, the author shows the depth of insight humans gain into themselves, as well as horses, after working with these amazing animals.

Horse Breeding provides expert advice and practical information on breeding for all mare owners. In this completely revised and updated reference, author Peter Rossdale explains in simple language the biological functions upon which horse reproduction is based, giving enough background to enable those working in stables and stud farms to cope with any problems that may arise. He never overwhelms readers with excessive detail and avoids being doctrinaire, arguing that there are many ways to the same end and that it is the duty of the vet to explain a breeder's options. Rossdale's purpose throughout is to clarify and be a source of reference, advocating that those working in and on stables and farms should be in a position to make decisions based on background knowledge as well as experience--knowledge that breeders will find inside this book.

Derry Moore's photographs celebrate the extraordinary beauty in the trappings and traditions of the equestrian world. Offering a privileged glimpse into the lives of jockeys and cavalrymen, Spanish riding schools, and Midwestern rodeos, these pictures take the reader to paddocks, courses, and stables the world over and reveal the customs and passions of equestrian culture. From stablehands grooming before an English country hunt to blacksmiths shoeing showhorses to pull royal carriages in Spain, and from immaculate dressage riders at Chantilly to roughshod jockeys in the dusty fields of India, Moore's photographs offer a profound and romantic insight into the connection that binds us to these animals. With contributions from legendary owners and trainers, this elegant book paints a picture of an entire equestrian world, from the racecourses of Keeneland in Kentucky to the training stables at Newmarket, and from the majestic working Suffolk Punches to Frankel, the most valuable stud in the world. Moore's work-with a unique eye for character, not just in his portraits of the horses but in the details of their surroundings-is a fitting celebration of a lifestyle that continues to inspire.

The anxiously anticipated sequel to the National Best Seller The Soul of a Horse - Life Lessons from the Herd. Another voyage into uncharted territory from the couple who had no horses and no clue just a few short years ago. A journey of discovery with wild horses going domestic and domestic horses going wild. And a federal agency going mad. Told as only Joe Camp can tell it. For everyone who has ever loved a horse or loved the idea of loving a horse. The author of the highly acclaimed National Best Seller The Soul of a Horse - Life Lessons from the Herd strikes again with an uplifting, inspirational love story of trust, tears and joy that will once again be changing lives for the better all across the planet. Praise for Joe Camp's writing: "Joe Camp is a master storyteller." The New York Times "One cannot help but be touched by Camp's love and sympathy for animals and by his eloquence on the subject." - Michael Korda - The Washington Post "Joe Camp is a natural when it comes to understanding how animals tick and a genius at telling us their story. His books are must-reads for those who love animals of any species." - Monty Roberts - Author of New York Timers Best-seller The Man Who Listens to Horses "To say too much about Camp's compelling book would be to spoil much of the beauty and simplicity of the story. The tightly-written, simply-designed and powerfully drawn chapters often read like short stories that flow from the heart." Jack L. Kennedy - The Joplin Independent "Joe Camp is a gifted storyteller and the results are magical. Joe entertains, educates and empowers, baring his own soul while articulating keystone principles of a modern revolution in horsemanship." - Rick Lamb - TV/Radio host - The Horse Show "I wish you could hear my excitement for Joe Camp's new book, The Soul of a Horse. It is unique, powerful, needed." - Dr. Marty Becker - Best-selling author of several "Chicken Soup for the Soul" books; Popular veterinary contributor to ABC's "Good Morning America" "An amazing, amazing book." Janet Parshall - Janet Parshall's America "Heartwarming, joyful and triumphant. A literary gem." Cate Crismani - True Cowboy Magazine