The National Cowboy Poetry Gathering is the granddaddy of all cowboy poetry events, proclaimed by the US Senate in 2000 in recognition of its pioneering role in the preservation and revitalization of this important American tradition. In conjunction with the 30th anniversary of the event, this commemorative volume collects 100 poems by various cowboy poets who have appeared at the gathering over the last three decades, from Baxter Black and Wallace McRae to Georgie Sicking and Paul Zarzyski. Representing the best contemporary cowboy poetry from the first gathering to the present, the poets and poems are culled for their importance and quality with consideration for a wide range of topics that represent the richness and depth of this broad genre. In addition to poems that will make you smile, sigh, or sit up straight in your saddle, the anthology features expressive photos of the contributors, biographical and explanatory headnotes, relevant artwork from the Western Folklife Center's extensive archives, and illuminating sidebars on various topics such as working cattle; life on the land; the relationship between cowboy poetry and song; gear, horses, or cattle mentioned in poems; and profiles and photos of important cowboy poets from earlier times. Cowboy poet extraordinare Baxter Black will provide a foreword, and Charlie Seemann, executive director of the Western Folklife Center, will write an introduction that gives context both to the event itself and to cowboy poetry in general, from the days of the trail drives in the nineteenth century to the lives of the hardworking men and women who still ranch and live on the land in the West today.

This book provides an overview of the field of Equine-Assisted Therapy and Learning and gives a powerful account of a research study charting the experiences of seven 'at-risk' young people attending a pioneering Therapeutic Horsemanship centre in the UK. The book includes a foreword from Leif Hallberg, author of Walking the Way of the Horse .

Saddles is the first complete work on the subject to appear in print. It is an exhaustive survey, in words and more than eight hundred illustrations, of the one indispensable item of horse equipment, whose history began about the time the horse was domesticated, in the dim mists of unrecorded time.More than history, Saddles also explains the construction of the basic saddle, describes the different saddle types, and explains how they have been altered to meet the changing needs of riders down through the centuries. Those who work with horses for pleasure or profit, from novices looking for suggestions on buying saddles to professionals who want to round out their knowledge, will find this book useful, absorbing, and a delight to the eye. It covers virtually every aspect of saddlery, saddle measurement, selection, and care, plus tips from a knowledgeable horseman on the intricacies of fitting horse, rider, and saddle into a dynamic whole. The aesthetics of the craft are also presented in detail: the uniquely American leatherwork of the show saddle, the elaborate use of silver (now undergoing a revival), the adoption by American saddlemakers of useful accessories from other lands (the tapadero from Mexico, for example). The construction of the saddle is described and illustrated in careful detail, along with descriptions of the many accessories of early and modern times. The section on famous saddles shows now-priceless gem-studded examples of the saddlemaker's skill. The first compilation of American saddlemakers is given in the appendix. A glossary of saddle terms and a thoroughly researched bibliography conclude the book. In undertaking the enormous task of compiling this work, one of the author's underlying purposes has been to enhance interest in the few surviving old saddles as collectors' items and as artifacts of American history. For, as he says, ""Much of that history was made on horseback.""

A Dusty Grey Pony is an in-depth study of the Connemara Pony breed in Australia. Illustrated with charts and photographs, and interspersed with many personal anecdotes, it details all of the stallion and mare families contained within the Connemara Pony Breeders' Society of Australia's studbook and traces the pedigrees back to the original ponies of the Irish studbook. Book 1 focuses on the ponies whose pedigrees can be traced back through the sire line to the first pony recorded in the Irish studbook, Cannon Ball.

Following UNbridled and UNtamed, the final in this trilogy explodes to a dramatic conclusion in the author's native Australia. The stories collide to a tumultuous ending, showing how one suicide can change the lives of so many. UNscripted's protagonist Mike Bradley returns to Byron Bay and finds his girlfriend has left him. His shadowy past, coupled with his shock, ignites a journey to hell as a heroin addict. After a brutal beating, a famous retired doctor becomes the catalyst for Mike's dramatic recovery. Mike lives with Doc and his family for three years until tragedy strikes, jolting Mike back to reality. Mike leaves in search of his true love. He takes a train ride on the Indian Pacific across the rugged outback to Sydney. There, he reunites with his best friend Burton Phillips and ruthless polo patron Jack Keating. Mike finds himself enmeshed in the rich and famous world of polo. The Hunter Valley in Scone becomes the backdrop as the story lifts the shroud of mystery surrounding polo in a shocking manner, resulting in a massacre. As the country prepares for the Australian Open, competition and greed gain power, contributing to a senseless death. For more information on the trilogy series please go to: www.samanthaelphick.com

No wild animal captures the spirit of North America quite so powerfully as the wild horse-nor has any faced such diverse and potent enemies. In this provocative account, Hope Ryden-who helped to ensure the passage of the Wild and Free-Roaming Horse and Burro Act, which grants mustangs special protection-combs the history of these proud and noble horses. Descended from the Spanish horses ridden by the conquistadors, they evolved into the tough and intelligent ponies that Native Americans-and later, explorers and cowboys-learned to rely on. From the period when wholesale extermination of the buffalo was underway until recent times, commercial and political interests have sought to eliminate the wild horses as varmints.
Unfortunately, these magnificent creatures are in trouble again. In November 2004, an amendment to the 2005 Appropriations Bill opened the way for America's wild horses to be sent to slaughterhouses-thus rendering the no-kill 1971 Wild and Free-Roaming Horse and Burro Act obsolete. A few senators have been trying to pass bills to stop the killings, but so far no action has taken place. Meanwhile, horses are being slaughtered by the truckload.
In her new introduction, Ryden addresses these latest developments and tells of the successes and failures of regulation over the years. The subject of a front-page article in The New York Times when it was first published, America's Last Wild Horses continues to be a compelling testament to the life of a uniquely American symbol of grace and wildness, and is a must-read for horse lovers and Western history enthusiasts everywhere.

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.

Before trucks and tractors, draft horses performed the heavy work of pulling wagons, plowing fields, and hauling logs. But the internal combustion engine did not entirely replace these animals; they are still used in many parts of the country for agricultural and other jobs. The Book of Draft Horses is a celebration of these "gentle giants," as well as a practical handbook on breeding, care, training, competition, and working horses.

Donkeys are gaining in popularity across the country. They are used in trail riding, as pets, to guard livestock from coyotes and wild dogs, and as show animals. Donkeys are also used to breed mules, which are a hybrid produced by crossing a male donkey with a female horse. In The Book of Donkey, Donna Campbell Smith will cover the origin and history of donkeys world-wide. She will include chapters on breeds and types, care, housing, breeding, training, and the use of donkeys in the same format as her previous three books with Lyons Press. The Book of Donkeys will stand alone as an introduction to the world of donkeys and donkey keeping.

In 1987, former naval intelligence officer Jonathan Jay Pollard was sentenced to life in prison for passing classified information to the Israelis-the only person ever to be so severely punished for spying on behalf of an American ally. Why was his sentence so harsh? This fascinating, intensively researched book, by investigative journalist Elliot Goldenberg, finally reveals the whole story. After numerous interviews with top intelligence operatives and government insiders, Goldenberg is able to make a strong case that Pollard's sentence was not due to the severity of the damage he inflicted on the security of the United States, contrary to assertions by the Justice Department and the Pentagon. His greatest crime, Goldenberg insists, was that Pollard inadvertently stumbled upon and threatened to expose secret dealings between President Reagan's most-trusted advisors and Saddam Hussein. Pollard, realizing how much of a threat this might mean to Israeli security, took it upon himself to pass on vital information regarding these U.S.-Iraqi dealings to Israeli security. Pollard's information eventually helped Israel target Iraqi military establishments for strikes during the Gulf War.
The Hunting Horse (the Israeli code name for Pollard) provides a rare glimpse into what may be the greatest cover-up in American history, a world of secret agendas and covert operations that is too often kept hidden from congressional oversight and public scrutiny.

'[Park Lane Stables] is such a force for good' - Rob Brydon '[An] uplifting story' - Horse and Rider This is the story of Park Lane Stables. It is about hope, about horses and about lots and lots of heroes. Natalie O'Rourke was an ordinary little girl from Birmingham in all respects save one: she was lonely. When she discovered how much she loved horses, she decided she wanted to grow up and run a riding stables. She wanted her stables to cater for children and adults with disabilities, additional needs and anyone who needed a friend - people who you might not expect to find riding, but who she knew could find happiness through horses, because she had. Full of guts and optimism, Natalie fought tooth and nail to achieve that dream in the face of some hefty tragedy, heartbreak and hardship. Even the Covid-19 crisis couldn't slow her or her league of fearless Park Lane colleagues down - despite barely surviving financially in lockdown, the stables' 'Pavement Ponies' paid visits to the community on a mission to cheer their neighbours up, and tirelessly supported the NHS. But when the news came that the landlord was selling the stables, and that the Park Lane horses and their humans would be evicted unless they found a whopping GBP1,000,000 to buy the plot, it seemed a mountain too high even for this plucky team to climb. Could they win the support of the nation and with it their fight to save the stables?

Equine Color Genetics, Fourth Edition presents a detailed examination of the color variation in horses and donkeys and the genetic mechanisms that produce color variations. * Thoroughly covers the basic colors in horses, including bay, chestnut, black, and brown * Details the genetic basis of the colors built from the basic coat color, including dilutions and white patterning * Provides an explanation of genetic mechanisms that determine coat color * Presents a thorough revision and update, including new advances in molecular genetics, biochemistry, molecular mechanisms, genetic loci, coat colors before domestication, and more * Offers a new introduction describing the principles of genetics and genomics research to help outline how knowledge is discovered and to assist the reader in understanding concepts covered in the book

As pleasure riding becomes increasingly popular, more riders are contemplating buying their own horse. However, the cost of maintaining the animal at a boarding stable can be off-puting, leaving potential horse owners to wonder if it's possible - and practical - to keep a horse on their own land.According to experienced backyard horsekeeper Joan Fry, the answer is yes. Beginning with the basics, Fry helps readers to consider whether they have sufficient and suitable land, access to a veterinarian and farrier, and available feed supplies. She also carefully leads the prospective backyard horsekeeper through constructing and furnishing a small barn, paddock, and corral; locating and purchasing the horse; as well as feeding, grooming, and otherwise tending to the animal's creature comforts. Backyard Horsekeeping will easily lead the way to maintaining and enjoying your very own horse on your very own property in no time.

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.

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.