Beginning with a brief history of the breed, this book offers detailed advice on locating and selecting a horse, as well as stabling, feeding, grooming, and otherwise taking responsible care of the animal. Also explained are the American Quarter Horse's many uses: from informal trial riding to barrel racing, cutting, and reining; from Western horsemanship to show jumping, dressage, and racing. The American Quarter Horse is the indispensable guide for anyone interested in owning and riding America's favorite horse.
When owning, training, riding, and showing horses, there is a certain “look” to which one aspires. World-class “turnout”—a horse in peak condition, perfectly coiffed and luminous with health, outfitted with gleaming and well-fit tack appropriate for his sport—can take your breath away. And while it can certainly play a significant role in a competitive rider’s success, it is just as appealing to have any horse “groomed to the nines,” whether he’s headed for an afternoon lesson or just out on the trail. Achieving this superior look is not just about clean tack, shiny brass, spotless stockings, or perfect braids. The most important steps are in the day-to-day nitty-gritty of grooming and caring for the horse: noticing “something not-quite-right” about the way the horse looks or moves before it becomes “something wrong”; brushing and combing and trimming a little every day so the horse’s skin and coat remain healthy; knowing how to prepare a horse properly for training, and how to cool him down afterward. Now, two of the best professional grooms in the business share their trade secrets, with over 1200 color photographs accompanying the ultimate modern-day guide for all riders who want their horses to look and feel their best.
In this book Nelson C. Nye, long considered a front line authority on Quarter Horses, presents all the information he could gather that would be of interest or value to breeders, trainers, and owners of quarter horses. The result is the most comprehensive study of this breed ever written. Delving into every use the breed has been put to, every field of endeavor where Quarter stock is found, Mr. Nye discusses racing, arena horses, show horses, polo horses, jumpers, cutting horses, straightaway performance, and cutter and chariot racing. This CLASSIC book is a must have for all quarter horse owners.
A highly illustrated guide to simple yet effective methods for keeping horses sound, healthy, and performing their best. Over time, horses (like people) acquire postural habits, compensate for soreness and injury, and develop poor movement patterns. This limits performance ability, causes unsoundness and health issues, and ultimately undermines the horse's overall well–being. Jec Aristotle Ballou has made a name for herself advocating for the horse and providing sensible instruction in his schooling, conditioning, and care. Her bestselling books and popular clinics are designed to enable any horse person to correctly apply proven principles that bring measurable progress while avoiding boredom and confusion. In her latest collection of mounted and unmounted corrective exercises, Ballou demonstrates how we can actively work to improve the horse's posture and movement, whether he is: An active performance or pleasure mount. An aging or older horse that benefits from gentle exercise. A horse being rehabilitated following injury, illness, or lack of conditioning. Ballou's positive cross–training techniques are free of shortcuts, and her guidelines for analyzing the horse's posture and way of going help readers gain a new awareness of the equine body. Applicable for all disciplines and full of quality color photographs to explain the exercises, this is an integral collection that optimizes how the horse uses his body and helps ensure he stays sounder and healthier for more years of his life.
In Enjoy the Journey- Join in a celebration of warming moments in the memoirs of these women, with their horses, living along the Snake River Plain; Learn what they did to refresh their souls. Whether driving a big team, moving a herd of cattle into a holding pen, seeing a newborn colt get up for the first time and suck from its mother, riding in a race, jumping over four foot tall poles, do specialty riding with disabled people, or watch a young horse you raised perform well as these women in this book fulfilled either their dream or helped someone else achieve theirs. You will learn that several of these women conquered many obstacles; some of illness or injury and yet upon recover, acquired a good horse and continued doing something they loved so dearly. Also in this book are places/ good trails listed where you too could go to ride or hike. It is stated where they are and what to expect as you begin your journey. They are written with clarity that you also will be able to see these beautiful places in your mind. Enjoy your journey as you read and learn. Enjoy the Journey is encouraging and compassionate. It reminded me that time spent on a good horse would be well worth the investment. (K. Hall, writer of non fiction novels)
Set in Wyoming, Chico's Challenge follows a young buckskin quarter horse who is trade to Sierra, a teen who works her father's ranch and dreams of becoming a cutting horse champion. Chico seems to have the makings of a great cow horse, but...he has never seen a cow in his life! Can he and Sierra, both novices, learn to work together as a team?
Get your horse in shape and maintain his overall fitness, regardless of his age or abilities. Equine Fitness will have your horse looking and feeling his best with a series of fun exercise routines specifically designed to enhance his strength, stamina, and agility. Clear step-by-step instructions and detailed illustrations make the exercises easy to follow, and the book includes a handy set of pocket-sized cards that you can use in the ring. Jec Ballou’s simple conditioning program promises lasting results for healthy horses and satisfied riders.
A memoir detailing a woman's insights about being an anxiety-ridden but passionate equestrian. After returning to riding as a mother, she is determined to follow her dreams despite the fear she is somehow lacking in talent or ability. An in-depth look into the heart and head of a returning adult equestrian, this message is not limited only those with horse experience. In fact, Confessions of a Timid Rider is the perfect book to read for anyone whom even for a moment questions their value in their designated profession or life choice. This book will inspire you to pursue your dreams despite the inner voice that says you arenÕt good enough.
