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.""

"Are you involved with another woman?" As I looked straight into my husband's eyes- the husband I trusted to keep us safe- I held my breath... Do you remember a specific moment in your life when everything changed? When the life you thought you were living abruptly took a sharp curve? In {An Unsinkable Soul} readers will look deep inside the lives of 22 courageous women who share their incredible pain, frustrations and fears as they struggled to deal with the unexpected storms that turned their lives completely upside down. Each woman's personal journey in {An Unsinkable Soul} provides readers with encouragement, wisdom and specific steps to take right now to move forward with more confidence and resilience. Although we cannot control what unexpected things are thrown our way in life, readers can greatly benefit from the wisdom and insights in {An Unsinkable Soul} to gain more inner fortitude and explore their life's true purpose. Reality is the Leading Cause of Stress....shares the story of what it is like to re-enter the job market at age 45 following a life-altering divorce with kids and no recent career experience to fall back on. After struggling with the overcrowded job market for several years, becoming an entrepreneur lead to amazing possibilities that I had no idea existed.

A mixed-media volume with text by Hoyt Hilsman and original artwork by Nancy Kay Turner

In "Speaking for Spot" Dr. Nancy Kay taught us why we need to be medical advocates for our pets and how to fulfill this important role. In "Your Dog's Best Health" she takes us to the next level by spelling out what is reasonable to expect from your vet. The book's clear, humor-laden content focuses on "relationship centered care," a style of communication that facilitates collaborative discussion with your vet about your dog's diet, vaccinations, second opinions, referral for specialized care, your Internet research, and medical and financial options. Additionally, Dr. Kay teaches you to expect round-the-clock care, email communication with your vet, and the opportunity to be with your beloved pet when he or she passes away. The last chapter of "Your Dog's Best Health" is reserved for clarifying what your veterinarian reasonably expects from you What you learn will result in a win-win-win situation for you, your dog, and your veterinarian. Visits to the vet will never be the same This book is filled to the brim with new and wonderfully practical information and advice. In her usual direct and humorous style, Dr. Kay has once again established herself to be a stellar advocate for successful communication between pet owners and their vets.
--Dr. Marty Becker, Featured Columnist Vetstreet.com and Veterinary Contributor for Good Morning America and the Dr. Oz Show Brilliant Everyone who has a dog should have a copy of this concise and useful book. Dogs (and vets) everywhere will thank Dr. Nancy for writing it.
--Patricia B. McConnell, PhD, CAAB, Author, "The Other End of the Leash" and "For the Love of a Dog" So many of the complaints I hear from family members and friends about their veterinarians could be prevented if only these dog-loving consumers read I. Put into practice, Dr. Kay's sensible and informed advice about achieving a dozen reasonable things to expect from your vet can help any guardian get the most value for their veterinary health care dollar. Importantly, Dr. Kay's advice will also protect and preserve the lines of communication and trust between the veterinarian and his client, thus maximizing the benefits to the all-important patient.
--Nancy Kerns, Editor, The Whole Dog Journal The author of I has done it again Dr. Nancy Kay pulls no punches as she educates us about what we are entitled to as consumers of veterinary medicine. This book belongs on the shelves of dog lovers everywhere. Dr. Kay continues to be our best friend when it comes to advocating for our dogs' health. We have a lot to thank her for
--Claudia Kawczynska, Editor, The BARK Magazine There is no one in the veterinary world today advocating more powerfully for clear communication between pet owner and veterinarian than Dr. Nancy Kay. In I she cuts through misconceptions and false assumptions to lay out a simple blueprint to guide vet and owner to an effective working relationship and the best possible outcome for every dog.
--Christie Keith,"Your Whole Pet" Columnist, San Francisco Chronicle/SFGate.com Few veterinarians have the credentials, skill and knowledge of Dr. Nancy Kay, and fewer still have the gift for sharing what they know to help pet lovers get the best care for their animals. A paragraph by Dr. Kay is worth a celebration. Another book? A bargain at any price, full of passion, compassion and easy-to-understand knowledge you can use to work with your own veterinarian.
-Gina Spadafori, Syndicated Pet-Care Columnist and Author, "Dogs For Dummies"

After the author went blind at the age of eight, most people tried to tell her she must play it safe. She refused to listen! She explains how she learned how to turn her challenges into unbelievable success.

Challenged To Win: Turning Overwhelming Challenges into Unbelievable Results is a book about winning. It's about beating the odds. This book tells the story of Nancy Shugart, a woman who beat the odds not once but twice.Have you ever wondered if you should play it safe in life or risk going after your dreams? If so then this book is for you.After going blind at age eight, most tried to tell Nancy that she must play it safe. She refused to listen But the enormous roadblocks placed in her path finally wore her down to the point of feeling like giving up was now her only choice.What happened to pole vault her over those roadblocks and transform her into an unstoppable woman? Read how she then used lessons learned from her first challenge of blindness to transform her second life-altering challenge of Type 1 diabetes into unbelievable success

Award winning veterinarian and author Dr. Nancy Kay provides an insider's guide to navigating the often overwhelming, confusing, and expensive world of veterinary medicine. With warmth, candor, and humor cultivated over 25-plus years of working with canine patients and their human companions Dr. Kay explains how to initiate and nurture a healthy relationship with your veterinarian. She provides expert advice and insider tips. You will learn how to: -Find a vet who is just the right fit -Avoid overvaccinating -Tackle tough medical decisions -Ask your vet the right questions to get the right answers -Advocate for your pet when the diagnosis is cancer -Know when to get a second opinion - Make wise decisions about pet health insurance - Know when it's time to say goodbye Plus, you'll find descriptions of hundreds of common diseases and related points you should be certain to clarify before leaving your vet's office with a treatment plan in hand. Additionally, SPEAKING FOR SPOT provides you with lists of important questions to ask your vet when contemplating a new medication, general anesthesia, a major procedure, spaying/neutering, or breeding for your dog. Whether you are new to dogs or a seasoned veteran, and whether you share your home and heart with a healthy pup or an under-the-weather mature dog, Dr. Kay will provide you with a wealth of insights. Learn how to become a super- savvy medical advocate for your best friend. Visits to the vet will never be the same