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.

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.

Eventing, known as the "complete competition," requires the same horse-and-rider team to complete a dressage test, a demanding cross-country obstacle course, and a show-jumping round on the same or successive days.
The author, one of this country's most successful competitors and trainers, offers a range of advice on selecting a compatible horse and appropriate tack and rider apparel, creating suitable and realistic training programs for all three phases, and preparing for and then competing in an entry-level event.
James C. Wofford competed on U.S. Equestrian Team three-day event squads for two decades, during which he won two Olympic team silver medals and an individual World Championship bronze medal. Now based in Upperville, Virginia, Wofford is one of this country's leading trainers whose students have won many major national and international eventing titles. He is also a well-known television commentator and magazine columnist.

Whether it's for fishing or hunting, nature-watching or camping, or simply to get off the beaten path, there is no better way to travel through the backcountry than on horseback. And riding a sure-footed, responsive mount that has been trained to carry you and your equipment over the most rugged terrain is the best way of all.
To make sure that you and your horse are on the right foot, Dan Aadland, a seasoned horseman and packtripper, shares his expertise and experiences in The Complete Trail Horse. Beginning with advice on selecting a good trail mount (and why Tennessee Walking Horses and other laterally-gaited horses are especially suited for such work), the author delves into equipment, techniques, and strategies for training both the saddle horse and the pack horse to cover demanding and often dangerously steep inclines and descents, narrow ledges, and other features of backcountry terrain in a safe and efficient manner.
The book then moves on to tack and other items specifically designed for trail riding, more advanced training techniques (including contending with spooky, laggard, and overenthusiastic horses), and taking part in trail competitions. Concluding sections contain valuable information and insights into how to organize and then pack gear for the greatest comfort for yourself, the horse you'll ride, and the packhorse you'll lead.
Written with authority and enthusiasm, The Complete Trail Horse is the first--and the last--word on ensuring that you and your horses will be prepared for and can therefore enjoy to the fullest your trips through the backcountry and back home.
Dan Aadland, the author of Treading Lightly with Pack Animals: A Guide to Low-ImpactTravel in the Backcountry, is a frequent contributor to Western Horseman and other equestrian publications. He and his wife, Emily, live in Absarokee, Montana, where they breed Tennessee Walking Horses and organize packtrips.

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.

It has long been accepted that horses - and other domesticated animals too - can be trained to respond to our requests. How those requests are made, however, is a source of debate: Ask or tell? Firm or soft? Positive or negative reinforcement? Perhaps even more interesting is when we question the degree to which we expect horses to read our human behaviours. In general, we just 'act like us' and expect them to 'get it'. It is a testament to the horse's great patience that he usually keeps trying until he does!When we understand the function of both the human brain and the equine brain, we can to communication with horses on their terms instead of ours. And by meeting horses halfway, we not only save valuable training time, we achieve other goals too: we develop much deeper bonds with our horses; we train them with insight and kindness instead of force or command; we comprehend their misbehaviour in ways that allow solutions; and we reduce the mistakes we often make while working with them. In this illuminating book, cognitive scientist and horsewoman, Janet Jones, describes human and equine brains in collaboration. She explores the horse's way of thinking, as well as human brain function during athletic mastery. Mental abilities - like seeing, learning, fearing, trusting, and focusing - are discussed from both the human and horse perspective. Throughout, true stories of horses and handlers attempting to understand each other - sometime successfully, sometimes not - help illustrate the lessons.

Riding in Release considers the relationship between two significant traditions of riding and horse training - The French Classical School and horsemanship born out of the Vaquero and Buckeroo lineage. Both traditions are founded on the development of a partnership with a horse, which enables lightness of foot and thought. This book provides useful insights for riders of all levels - whether you want to hack out in harmony or improve your half pass - with clear, practical, step-by-step instructions and advice. Topics covered include: consideration of the similarities of the traditions and why this is useful for modern riders to understand; how horses move, think and feel, and how this knowledge is useful to us; foundational handling up to high school - common themes; the human side of the partnership - how to make sense to our horse and be someone he wants to learn from and how to help our horse develop a greater ease of movement without the use of gadgets or force. There are detailed explanations of straightness, balance and dynamic posture along with step-by-step guidance on teaching 'the language of the aids'; tapping into your horse's amazing capacity to learn. Finally, the development of good feeling between you and your horse, through logical application that respects a horse's emotional life as well as his physical body is covered.

Land Between The Lakes Outdoor Handbook, by Johnny Molloy, is the only comprehensive guide to the magnificent Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area on the Kentucky-Tennessee state line. The handbook is divided into two sections--water activities and land activities. The water section guides visitors to important fishing spots and lakes, as well as outlines one of the longest paddle trails in the Midwest--the 85-mile-long Land Between The Lakes Paddle Route. Descriptions of all lake accesses and swimming beaches are also included. The land section offers detailed descriptions of more than 300 miles of hiking trails (including the 60-mile-long North-South Trail). Finally, the guide offers an extensive reference section, detailing alternate lodging possibilities, outfitters, and conveniences located in nearby towns. This new edition is completely updated and features new trails and new photos.

'Poignant and compelling, an equine Bridget Jones.' - Racing Post Being a stable lass is probably one of the hardest jobs in the country, and yet for Gemma Hogg it is the most rewarding. She works in the beautiful Yorkshire market town of Middleham and if her colleagues are occasionally challenging, then the horses are downright astonishing. Now, in Stable Lass, she takes us into the closed world of a top racing yard, from the elation of having several winners in one day to the almost indescribable grief of losing a horse. Like most stable lads and lasses, Gemma arrived in her yard as a teenager fresh out of racing college and had to cope with living away from home for the first time, as well as adapting to the brutal long hours, backbreaking work and often treacherous weather. She describes falling in love with Polo Venture, the first racehorse in her care, the pure exhilaration of riding him on Middleham Gallops for the first time and what happens when a horse takes against you, from the growling gelding Valiant Warrior to the potentially lethal Broadway Boy. She brings to life the characters around the yard, from straight-talking boss Micky Hammond to the jockeys starving themselves to make weight, the wealthy owners and the other stable lads and lasses who come from a range of different places and backgrounds. Stable Lass by Gemma Hogg is a unique look into the world of horse racing filled with heart-warming stories and amazing thoroughbreds - some loveable, some cantankerous, all impressive.

The average rider doesn't have Olympic aspirations and a $10,000 horse. Most riders just want to learn as much as they can about horses, to ride as well as possible, and to enjoy the companionship of their equine partners. Many riders, however, feel frustrated with their lack of progress, struggle with uncomfortable tack or painful joints, or find themselves losing confidence after a frightening experience.
In her informal yet informative style, clinician and equine behavior expert Jessica Jahiel addresses numerous rider concerns, from head (properly fitting a helmet) to toe (breaking in a pair of stiff new boots) and everything inbetween (those aching knees). Following the successful question-and-answer format of "The Horse Behavior Problem Solver, she presents real life situations and addresses them in comprehensive detail, offering proven solutions to common problems.
Starting from the ground up, Jahiel covers technical issues in Part I: Mount Up and Ride, addressing questions about mounting and dismounting, position in the saddle, and jumping and trail riding. Part II covers physical and emotional issues, ranging from finding the right size horse to facing fears to seeing things from the horse's point of view. A third section on tack and clothing includes a variety of topics, from holding the reins correctly to using a whip to making saddles more comfortable. Finally, in Part IV: Getting Better all the Time, Jahiel discusses finding (and working with) a good instructor, attending clinics, preparing for shows, and understanding what the judges might be thinking.
The problems presented in this book will be familiar to riders of all levels of experience andin all styles of riding. Jahiel's detailed advice encourages riders to relax and enjoy their relationship with the horse, to always keep learning, and above all, to put the horse first.

ONE OF USA TODAY'S "20 SUMMER BOOKS YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS" In the bestselling tradition of works by such authors as Susan Orlean and Mary Roach, a New York Times reporter and Pulitzer Prize finalist explores why so many people-including herself-are obsessed with horses. It may surprise you to learn that there are over seven million horses in America-even more than when they were the only means of transportation-and nearly two million horse owners. Acclaimed journalist and avid equestrian Sarah Maslin Nir is one of them; she began riding horses when she was just two years old and hasn't stopped since. Horse Crazy is a fascinating, funny, and moving love letter to these graceful animals and the people who-like her-are obsessed with them. It is also a coming-of-age story of Nir growing up an outsider within the world's most elite inner circles, and finding her true north in horses. Nir takes readers into the lesser-known corners of the riding world and profiles some of its most captivating figures. We meet Monty Roberts, the California trainer whose prowess earned him the nickname "the man who listens to horses," and his pet deer; George and Ann Blair, who at their riding academy on a tiny island in Manhattan's Harlem River seek to resurrect the erased legacy of the African American cowboy; and Francesca Kelly, whose love for an Indian nobleman shaped her life's mission: to protect an endangered Indian breed of horse and bring them to America. Woven into these compelling character studies, Nir shares her own moving personal narrative. She details her father's harrowing tale of surviving the Holocaust, and describes an enchanted but deeply lonely upbringing in Manhattan, where horses became her family. She found them even in the middle of the city, in a stable disguised in an old townhouse and in Central Park, when she chased down truants as an auxiliary mounted patrol officer. And she speaks candidly of how horses have helped her overcome heartbreak and loss. Infused with heart and wit, and with each chapter named after a horse Nir has loved, Horse Crazy is an unforgettable blend of beautifully written memoir and first-rate reporting.

The Most Fun You Can Have on Horseback!

Improve your equestrian skills and have a great time with your friends using this collection of safe, exciting, and challenging games for horse and rider. Whether you're a beginning, intermediate, or advanced rider, these games will improve your skills of starting and halting, mounting and dismounting, balance, reining, and leading, making you a better and safer rider.

You'll find easy-to-follow, illustrated instructions for more than 50 games that meet the highest safety standards, including:

Group Games

Follow the Leader

Charades

Treasure Hunt

Elimination Games

Simon Says

Ride-a-Buck

Musical Pairs

Races & Relays

Red Light, Green Light

Pony Cart Race

Root Beer Relay

Timed Games

Barrel Race

Pole Bending

Obstacle Course

Distance Games

Ride and Tie

Point-to-Point

Mock Fox Hunt

Mounted Drills

Mounted Team Drill

Pinwheel

Cavalry Drill