This title aims to show how the horse's muscles work and explains how this knowledge can be put to good use in riding, whether in competition or for recreation. Using her own careful anatomical drawings, the author studies the skeleton, the action of the muscles, and the role of the nervous system before applying this information to various riding situations. The demands placed on the horse's systems in dressage, jumping, eventing, racing and even polo are all examined, with advice on how good riding practice can help avoid problems. With the knowledge of the horse's anatomy gained in this book, the rider should better understand what is being asked of the horse, and how to achive it with sympathetic riding and horse care, making this a useful manual for all riders.

Sara Wyche's Autobiography by the Horse is a unique read as it examines the history of horses through a combination of poetry, in particular the haiku, and original art. Equestrian history has not been presented in this way before, and Sara's new format provides an alternative way for animal lovers to understand the history of the horse. For Sara, when 'early man' first domesticated animals, he did so, not only to secure a dependable source of food and clothing, but also to extend his capabilities as a human being. Some animals were docile, others were muscular, some were fleet footed, but arguably the horse helped most with human development. Sara shows how the horse elevated man and how, through myth and legend, man elevated the horse. Throughout history, the horse has helped plough a furrow for the seeds of human enterprise. Autobiography by the Horse tells this interesting story through pictures and verse. This book will appeal to animal lovers, particularly those with an interest in horses and equestrian history. In addition, this book is also aimed at those who enjoy poetry and art. The structure of Sara's work is based on Nanao Sakaki's poem 'Autobiography' and David W. Anthony's book The Horse, The Wheel, and Language.

Riding, or the art of riding, begins at the point where the rider determines the direction of the horse and the speed at which it travels. The successful outcome depends on the combined skills of the partners, as well as the rider's understanding of the mechanisms at his disposal. Here, Sara Wyche explores the relationship between horse and rider, riding aids and their application, and how an understanding of the horse's anatomy can improve riding skills. Illustrated with Sara's own drawings throughout, this will be a thought-provoking book for horse owners and riders.

Many horses and ponies suffer injuries to their muscles, joints and ligaments, which tend to be poorly diagnosed, yet eventually prove to be incapacitating. The animals are taken out of work for months, then brought back into work hoping that time has cured them, and later sold on as less than sound, retired, or sent to the great pasture in the sky.