Harness racing has been and still is a sport that draws in famous people like celebrities and athletes. George Forman, for instance, has owned more than twenty horses since 1991. Owners and trainers play an important role in the harness business, but it is the drivers who are the real stars. They possess not only courage, but have to make quick and precise decisions that develop into wins and losses. The trainers turn out the horses, but the drivers are the ones who sit behind those horses and transfer that training into big money. This is the story of driver Ray Smith, well known and respected on the race circuit. Ray's career in harness racing ended in a terrible accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. He endured a seven-year recovery and eventually got feeling back and was able to walk again. Follow Ray's story that takes us behind the scenes of the race industry and exposes the life of a driver. It is as dangerous as it is exhilarating, and yet young men and women have been drawn to it for decades.

The life of a farrier can be back breaking, frustrating, heart-warming, rewarding, and funny all at the same time. This book captures the hearts and soul of many different farriers as they share their experiences, both serious and humorous, and offer time-tested advice to horse owners. This often unappreciated profession is truly an art form. The hammering of the red-hot steel on the anvil is music to a farrier's ears. Every horse owner should read this book to get a better understanding of what goes into caring for his or her horse's feet. Hear from the farrier's themselves what an important role the owners play in their trade and what horse owners can expect from a good farrier. A must read for both farriers and horse owners!

This third and final book in the "Sweet Dreams" trilogy features the adventures of young Alexis Carter, great-granddaughter of Jack Sweeney, and her quest to master the equestrian art of barrel racing. Finally realizing her dream of owning what she considers to be the perfect barrel horse, problems for the headstrong teen just seem to escalate, as she encounters a battle of the wills with her demanding trainer who questions her overconfidence and stubbornness. Despite this, the feisty young rider is unwavering in her dogged attempt to pursue her mission of becoming a winning barrel racer, and faces each obstacle with willful determination. The final chapters bring a close to the Sweeney family saga, a story that has been enjoyed and followed by many faithful readers for the past four years.

Yet another well-structured, informational equestrian book from Lynne M. Caulkett, this one relating everything the novice horseperson as well as seasoned riders must know to train their horses successfully. The book covers such topics as horse behavior, common behavior problems, tips from professional trainers, safety, equipment, proper feeding habits, and the author's own training and riding techniques. An easy to read, practical guide for anyone interested in horse training, or simply to improve his or her own horse knowledge or riding skills.

When twleve-year-old Kayci Sweeney first lay her eyes on the sleek black horse standing in her grandfather's barn, she knew immediately that this was the horse that had been in her dreams since she was a small child. The dream was always the same. The young girl rides a majestic black horse in front of the judges at a national horse competition, head held high, while thousands of spectators shout their support for the girl and her horse. To make this dream come true, Kayci plunges forward with determination into the adventure of a lifetime with this special horse. In these chapters you will share in her persistance, her hard work, her heartaches and her triumphs. The close bonds that the girl and her mare form are heartwarming. You will feel it from the beginning. Journey with them as they travel down the road of competition.

This newest book by Lynne M. Caulkett focuses on the expanding field of hippotherapy and therapeutic horseback riding. "Big Smiles, Small Miracles" is the story of some of the children and their families involved in this remarkable form of physical and mental therapy. Heartrending in its graphic presentation of the challenges of children who have rare diseases and the handicaps that they face from the moment of their birth, their stories of courage, determination and success will warm your heart. A must read for anyone who has ever loved a child or a pony.

The saga of "Sweet Dreams" and the Sweeney family continues when in a strange chain of events, fifteen-year old Rebecca Winslow finds herself trespassing in order to see the stunning colt that has caught her eye. Blazing Glory, son of Shiloh''s Sweet Dream, is a rambunctious, four-year old horse, full of mischief and spirit. This redheaded teenager, who is surrounded by a dark cloud of sorrow, feels a sense of joy for the first time in a long while, as she watches the frolicking, young horse skim across the pasture. Little does Rebecca know what an impact this colt will have on her life. Follow her as she finds new hope when she is introduced to the trails of training a headstrong horse, and the exciting world of competition. The highs and lows that Rebecca experiences are both inspiring and uplifting as the story captures the hearts of all readers from the very first page.

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.