Product Description
A unique program of yoga for riders that cultivates both mental and physical flexibility and balance ‹ vital keys to achieving harmony between horse and human. Profusely illustrated with color photos and drawings. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Great book
There is wisdom in stretching and relaxing before working with your horse. If you are upset or tense, your horse can sense it and can make for a difficult or really bad work session. My instructor always says "To end on a good note". My mare is particularly sensitive to my moods and would react based on my body language. I had a problem relieving the tension in my lower back due to an injury and my mare could feel it in my seat and legs.

I had picked up a few tips from other riders, but when I purchased the Linda's book, things seemed to click, from breathing to helping me ease the tension in my back. I would try a few exercises before I mounted and while I was mounted. My mare was more relaxed. I think that this book (and Yoga & Riding Volume 1: Balance and Symmetry Techniques for Equestrians) helped.

I recommend getting the book and the video. The book is great with photos and more in-depth instruction of technique and postures. It is recommended that if you are new to yoga, like myself, that you read the first few chapters before attempting the postures. The video is helpful for those who wish to work with voice instruction and movement instead of flipping through pages and trying to execute what they've just read.

Great Book!
As an avid rider for many years, I found this book very helpful. I have a problem with riding "crooked" because of a rotated pelvis. My unevenness has become more noticeable in the years that I have been riding without an instructor. This book helps you become aware of your body and what you are doing with it. Highly recommended (even if you don't do much yoga -- I don't, but this was just my speed!)

Weekend riders need this book
I have waited a long time to buy this book, and now that I finally have it I wish I'd bought it sooner.It has great explanations of how yoga connects with horseback riding.The exercises range from stretching techniques to easy muscle toning for primary riding areas, like the glutes.The stretching exercises are a great way to relax before going to bed.If you're a "weekend" rider and would like a way to work a little bit on your toning and balance between rides, this is the book.Don't let the yoga part turn you off.It's great!

Yoga for Equestrians - works
My daughter and I traveled from Central New York to W. Springfield, Mass Nov. 9, 2002 to attend Equine Affaire.There were many workshops and presentations. Linda Benedik was one that we decided we would both enjoy.She demonstrated many of the yoga positions and had us all doing them with her.My daughter is an avid rider, I however just enjoy horses.At 52 I found the yoga made me feel so much more relaxed that I feel it would benefit everyone whether you are a horse person or not.I can not rate the book as I just got it and haven't had the opportunity to read it all yet but if it is 1/10th as good as the workshop you'll need more than 5 stars.If you ever have the opportunity to see and hear Linda Benedik in person - you'll find it well worth while.

Connie

A must read
This book is excellent.The text is straight-forward and easy to follow, as are the exercises -- amply illustrated. I found just doing a twenty minute routine from this book daily has already helped with suppleness, flexibility and relaxation. If you enjoyed Sally Swift's Centered Riding, then you'll find this a very complimentary read.If fact Swift garners a few mentions along the way.You can't go far in riding if you're tense or inflexible, and this book has lots of ways to counter both those problems.I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Product Description
Elegant equestrians in impeccable attire; glorious hunt balls held in museums; a procession of regal foxhunting paintings in a home fit for a polo king and his brood—the world of horses is full of imagery. Extending far beyond the stable, the racetrack, and the polo field, our love of all things equine appears everywhere from our closets to our dining rooms.

Now journalist and horse-world fixture Vicky Moon captures the equestrian way of life with an unprecedented peek into dozens of stunning residences. You’ll visit a French-accented mansion decorated with contemporary horse art; an equestrian resort on 395 acres, complete with cottages for rent and a large private collection of carriages; a spa with a swimming pool for horses; and a working barn that Kathryn Ireland decorated to do double duty as a home for a professional horseman, riding instructor, and model whose students included Jackie Kennedy Onassis.

Horse enthusiasts will be delighted to find familiar names and faces of the horse world gracing these luxurious pages, from art masters of the past such as painter George Stubbs and sculptor Herbert Haseltine to today’s most popular artists, including Liza Todd Tivey and Beverly Zimmer. Equestrian devotees, such as the up-and-coming star Mayan Lopez, show jumper Georgina Bloomberg, and the late Allaire du Pont, are profiled with their beloved horses and the collections and fashions that reflect their passions. With beautiful photographs, richly detailed stories, and practical advice, Equestrian Style is certain to inspire horse lovers everywhere to bring a stylish bit of the stable into their homes.

In this luxurious tour through stylish equestrian-themed interiors, Vicky Moon captures the rich details—from the coveted to the quirky—of the art, architecture, clothing, and people inspired by the classic horse motif.

Equestrian style begins with a basic love of horses. It is more than a feisty, wet Jack Russell terrier, a pair of Wellington boots, and a tweed jacket. It goes beyond hanging a hunting print on the dining room wall to actually leaping over stone walls on your favorite hunter. An unspoken equestrian philosophy surpasses wearing an Hermès scarf; it celebrates riding over jumps in an Hermès saddle. Equestrian style reaches its apex among people ­who not only love horses, but also practically live with them. It is an enduring tradition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

A must for horse lovers
A beautiful well styled book, definitely a must for horse lovers. I can say this for sure, as all my fellow horsey friends that visit always dive into this book from the stack on my coffe table. Everyone pours over the pages, and comments on various photos. Well done to the author for covering a wide range of equestrian pursuits

Equestrian home design FYI
I'm glad to see this book on the market. However it did not list the beautiful, handcrafted equestrian design door handles which are available from baltica.com

Equestrian Style
Beautiful large coffee table book. I thought it would have more interior design pages of multiple horse owners homes and how they incorporated living with horses into formal design.

Excellent Coffee Table Book
I've bought this book as a gift several times. It has lots of interesting information into the equestrian lifestyle!!!!

Beautiful Book.Purchased as a gift
I purchased this book as a gift for someone who lives on a farm and owns and rides horses.
It will be a lovely addition to her home library or on her coffee table.
... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (7)

Experience the wisdom of a veritable ecuyer.
This book is an absolute delight to read and a source of inexhausitble inspiration for riders of any discipline.I'm sharing it with friends at the moment but can't wait to re-immerse myself in the "just-add-water" classical principles outlined by Sr. Oliveira.His descriptions of both horse and rider describe a state of kinetic beauty that can only be achieved through proper attention to the fundamentals.

How to think and ride
If you are looking for hands on exercises this book is not for you. But if you are looking for deeper understanding on how to think and feel when riding - this is one of the best ones. For many riders today riding is either sport or time to relax. Then there are a few serious students of equestrian art. The ones that ride to achieve unity with their horse, to submerse themselves in the beauty of deep understanding between their equine partner and the rider. If you are looking for a philosophical approach you just found it. A true jewel for the rider that wants to dig deeper and find meaning beyond the sport in his/her riding.

Short book from one of the masters in classical riding
This short book don't give much explanation on how to give the right aids or how to train your horse. But it is quite easy read and might wake up your desire to learn more. As inspiration boook rather than school book I think it is good.

The heart of classical equitation!
Should be required reading for all modern-day dressage riders and anyone who truly believes in achieving harmony with his or her horse!Not a specific "how to" book, but rather the core of the master Oliveira's philosophy of classical horsemanship succinctly and powerfully stated.His was a school of horsemanship that expected and achieved a level of lightness and collection rarely attained in today's competitive dressage horse.As Sylvia Loch said in her book (also highly recommended)Dressage: The Art of Classical Riding,Nuno Oliveira was" . . .aman who could bring magical steps out of the most ordinary horse, a man who rode like a king, so that his horses carried him like a king."

Nuno Oliveira, The Master
This book is written by probably the greatest horse master in the 20th century. A book that every horse lover, and especially dressage rider, must have. It is a pity that only one (I believe) of six books is translatedinto English. ... Read more

Product Description
A must-have for horse lovers! This elaborate, novelty-rich guide to keeping horses and riders in winning form is a breed apart.

A passion for horses inspires a desire not only to ride but also to care for these splendid creatures. And now two experienced stable hands pass on their hard-won knowledge about such tasks as grooming and feeding, tacking up, and keeping equipment in top shape, along with tips on how to mount and dismount and perfect your riding posture so it seems you were born with a set of reins in your hands. Among this book’s many novelty features are:
* A lift-the-flap saddle
* Ribbon stickers
* Informative booklets
* Pull-out cards
* A certificate of achievement at the end

Truly an equine extravaganza, this insider’s guide offers everything a weekend rider or aspiring horse owner would want to know. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Wonderful Book for Young Horse Fanciers - 4.5 Stars for Horse: A Genuine & Authentic Guide
This is a great book for youngsters and I would have absolutely adored it when I was a kid.It contains a ton of information presented in a visual, and sometimes touchable format.(If you know what the "-Ology" books are, it is along those lines... "Egyptology", "Dragonology" and the like.)

For example, inside there is a paper, 3-dimensional saddle.This, I think, is particularly good at showing the under parts of a saddle such as Girth Straps and the Buckle Guard which in flat diagrams are difficult to visualize -- as they lay under saddle flap.

I'll be saying more on my site review (when I get time :) but let me say that there is plenty of color and entertaining information for young horse fanciers.

Here's the Table of Contents to give you an idea of what's covered:

Parts of a Horse
Horse and Pony Breeds
Horse Care
Riding
Horse Shows
Horse Professionals
History of the Horse
The Finishing Post

a Pam T mini-review
(booksforkids-reviews)

Great for Girls!
This book was exceptional and was given to my 10 year old granddaughter for Xmas.She loves horses and has quite a few books on horses BUT this one had lots of extras and got her real excited to go through it.It quickly became one of her favorites and I highly recommend it as not just a basic horse book but one that has many extras.

Horse
A beautifully presented book loaded with interesting information. Though it is recommended for ages 3 & up, I think its language and length is geared more towards maybe 7-10 year olds. ... Read more

Product Description
Contains a condensed and easy to use section on the fundamental teaching skills, integration,pshychology for instructors, a section for new instructors and the Stages of Rider Education, which give an orderly progression to what to teach with steps and exercises. Each Stage is organized with a section on Goals, Theory, Important Points, The Ideal and Real World issues and Practical Application. Information is easy to access and use. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A must for riding instructors
This book is a must for riding instructors, particularly those who are new to teaching.The book is incredibly methodical and systematic.Beyond that, it is extremely practical.There are many books which provide useful advice on teaching, but I have found none so far which is as useful and comprehensive as this one (and I've done fairly extensive research).To use an old cliche, if you could only buy one book on teaching the basic principles of riding, this should be it.However, I would suggest combining this with Anthony Crossley's outstanding book on the use of the seat and aids.Armed with these two books you should be able to set up an excellent teaching plan.

Earnest but not what I expected.
I am a riding instructor and am continually looking for more ideas to keep my teaching fresh and interesting.This book is more about teaching techniques than lesson plan ideas.I think that there is definitely a place for a book of this kind, just not what I expected.If you are looking for a book that would be like a college textbook to learn to be a teacher and specifically a riding teacher this would be helpful.

Exceptional! A must read for all types of riders!
I purchased this book in hopes of more knowledge on becoming a riding instructor one day. This book covers EVERYTHING!! For people looking to become an instructor one day or as a reference for existing instructors of all levels. The information in this book talks about concepts and theories also lesson plans and goals for lessons and so much more. If you are looking to also improve your riding or having difficulty in specific areas, then this book is a must. I can't stop reading it! This book is a tool that I will use over and over again! ... Read more

Product Description
This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery. ... Read more

Product Description

THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO OWNING, MAINTAINING, AND ENJOYING HORSES.

The Whole Horse Catalog, the definitive horse guide, is now completely revised and updated to include everything from advances in nutritional thinking to sources on the World Wide Web. With hundreds of illustrations and a detailed, easy-to-understand text, this new edition of The Whole Horse Catalog is the one-stop book for all your equestrian needs.

Product Description
-Shows how training principles can be applied to the practicalities of day-to-day training

-Accounts drawn from popular trainers will appeal to readers

-Interviews probe the trainers' methods and answer the question, "Why are they so successful?"

Secrets of the Top Equestrian Trainers provides invaluable insight into what motivates the world's top equestrian trainers, as well as sharing the philosophy behind their success. Based on a series of interviews with top horse trainers, including Yogi Breisner, Robert Dover, Kyra Kurkland, David O'Connor, Henrietta Knight and Mark Rashid, each chapter focuses on the subject's unique and particular strengths.

Also featuring explanations of broad equestrian concepts and how these can be applied in day-to-day training, this book provides fascinating insights into what makes the top horse-and-rider combinations tick, giving readers insight into their own horse-and-rider relationships. ... Read more

Product Description

In the style and format of our alphabet books comes H is for Horse: An Equestrian Alphabet. From basics such as mucking out the stall and how to judge a horse`s qualities to historical facts on the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Mike Ulmer relays the fun and fundamentals of the world of horses. Lush, detailed paintings by Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen, whose work School Library Journal has described as `luminous,` capture the beauty and magnificence of these creatures.

Customer Reviews (2)

Perfect
The perfect book for any Horse lover. I bought this for my daughter, but read it myself as well. The pictures are just beautiful.

Attention all horse lovers!
I'm absolutely in love with Sleeping Bear Press Alphabet books. If it wasn't for the fact I wouldn't make any money working at Borders, I'd buy them all.

H is for Horse is a WONDERFUL book. The illustrations are just beautiful showing the different aspects of horses (the bit, trotting, etc). The little poems that go with each letter of the alphabet are cleverly written too. In each book, also, they have the outside of the page for additional information that covers that letter and the information is good (i.e. on 'B' for bit, the side information talks about where the bit goes, what it's typically made out of, and talks about the bridle that goes with the bit).

The book isn't just a picture book using the alphabet. It's a book that can tickle the fancy of a young horse lover, or even older ones, but it's also good for someone who wants to learn a bit more about horses. This is not like any alphabet book anyone will ever enounter anywhere else, besides with Sleeping Bear Press. ... Read more

Product Description
Information about the breeding, training, and careers of twenty-two horses of the United States Equestrian Team. Includes comments by owners and others with first hand knowledge of the horses. ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
In praise of Fitness, Performance and the Female Equestrian
"This book is an important guide for women who want to feel well, ride well and extend their active years." —Chrystine Jones Tauber former member United States Equestrian Team Grand Prix Jumping Squad

"Mary Midkiff is a new voice in our evolving cultural freedom, where insights unique to women—in this case, in relation to horses and riding—are welcome and needed." —Richard M. Timms, M.D. chairman and CEO, Troxel Companies

"This is an exciting approach to an ancient relationship. Mary Midkiff has done horsewomen an important and useful service in bringing it all together." —Mary Vernon practicing physician and professor of medicine Lawrence, Kansas

The Howell Equestrian Library is a distinguished collection of books on all aspects of horsemanship and horsemastership. The nearly fifty books in print offer readers in all disciplines and at all levels of competition sound instruction and guidance by some of the most celebrated riders, trainers, judges, and veterinarians in the horse world today. Whether your interest is dressage, show jumping, or western riding, or whether it is breeding, groomi ng, or health care, Howell has a book to answer your needs. Get to know the books in the Howell Equestrian Library; many are modern-day classics and have achieved the status of authoritative references in the estimation of those who ride, train, and care for horses.
The Howell Equestrian Library ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Boring waffledressed up in high-falutin' language
I agree with the Canadian reviewer. Jibber jabber. This book contains a lot of statements that are perfectly obvious to anyone with a crumb of commonsense. Dressed up in lots of fancy verbiage and selling it as a book.

I give it one star more than the Canadian reviewer for the simple reason that some of the information might be useful to ladies who learn to ride later in life, if they are not very aware of their body.

I was VERY disappointed in this book. Its review led me to believe I would learn philosophical truths, tricks and tips to enable me to adapt my aging body to continuing riding, and other important and useful information. Instead I read that badly-fitting saddles cause discomfort and that as I age I can expect to become less supple. Should I pay money to read that?I don't think so!

Extremely Dissapointed
I really found this book to be a big BORE!! I was looking more towards a fitness program of some sort but instead found myself reading through jibber jabber that never really got to the point...FITNESS AND PERFORMANCE.

Good book on improving riding skills and physical condition
This book is somewhat esoteric but does have some very good exercises for the equestrian.The author discusses how the rider's physical condition can improve riding ability and position.Also how other factors, such as poor balance and bad saddle fit can cause pain for both the rider and the horse. She explains how common training myths and rider interpretation contribute to physical discomfort and what the correct response should be in order to maximize rider/horse communication. She also covers common injuries and their causes,proper saddle fit, diet, pregnancy, and aging.

A great book for female riders!
A series of tips signaling key points on health, fitness, nutrition, safety, and comfort. Discusses: * Biomechanic and anatomical considerations for women. ( I would have bought the book just because of these words!) * Stretching and Strengthening exercises to enhance riding performance. * Techniques to gain more performance with less effort. * Saddle balancing and fitting tips. * Safety tools. * Riding and its relationship to aging, pregnancy, and lifestyles... ( would have bought the book just for that 1st "A"word in this phrase....) * Nutrition and dietary factors in daily riding and competitions. "The author takes us through the changing dynamics of women on horseback, arriving at a new approach to riding effectiveness.Women now represent over 80% of today's horse enthusiasts and riders.The techniques, equipment and teaching methods used with horses, however, have not moved in step with the growing involvement and influence of adult and young women... until now." That's just the stuff on the cover! Here's another reason why I bought the book... calorie expenditures: 120 lb female grooming a horse for 30 minutes =207 calories! galloping for 20 minutes=148 " trotting for 30 minutes =177 " walking for 10 minutes= 22 " Hey!this mythical creature expends 554 calories/hour!!! amazing!In comparison to to other high activity sports like real swimming, cross-country running, galloping is next.Then tennis, then HORSE-GROOMING.then trotting is down 2 more categories including medium to low impact aerobics and snow skiing!Walking is pretty low down on the list... just a bit lower, though than sweeping the floor! Shock!We are in a high calorie burning, high energy activity! Ok, that's all the sneak preview you get! There are many more surprises and new thoughts in here for you to stumble into and exclaim.. AHA!or Wow in a reverent tone! ... Read more

Product Description
In a book studded with revealing photographs, the legendary author of Hunter Seat Equitation analyzes the American style of show jumping and teaches riders the techniques that set the standard for the world.

B & W photographs and illustrations throughout. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Fabulous review and comparison resource!
This book is my favorite. It is well worth waiting for. If you can get it, read it twice, study the pictures and reap the rewards!George has a way with teaching riding. Do not miss out. click -http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0385410824/mcfarm. ... Read more

Product Description
The definitive guide to dressage--the art, science, and secrets of graceful horsemanship for riders who want to exude natural elegance in the saddle

Dressage has been described as "a beautiful ballet on horseback." It embodies an innate grace, a seemingly effortless flow, and an easy harmony between horse and rider.

Dressage elevates riding from a sport to an art form. One of the fastest growing equestrian sports in America, it appeals to competitive riders as well as those who simply want to improve their mounts and their skills. Because the principles of dressage encompass the art and science of horsemanship and every aspect of the horse-rider relationship, dressage training enhances other equestrian disciplines. The exercises and patterns help improve the horse's overall balance and athleticism and make the mount more responsive. Ideal for beginning enthusiasts or people who simply want to appreciate the elegance and finesse of classical riding, Deciphering Dressage unlocks the secrets of classical, precision riding. It covers:
* Choosing and caring for a suitable dressage horse
* Buying tack and riding apparel
* Sitting the horse correctly and using aids or subtle signals to cue the horse
* Preparing for competitions
* Riding a dressage test
* Competition and scoring
* Recognized shows, schooling shows, ride-a-tests, and eventing


Complete with over fifty photographs and drawings, as well as step-by-step explanations of exercises and maneuvers, this guide helps riders master the basics of this exceptionally demanding and rewarding discipline. ... Read more

Product Description
Romance is the last thing on equestrienne Bethany Webb's mind as she gazes across the lush green fields of Highover Gate, her prestigious world-class training facility - the dream of a lifetime. Before the day is over, Beth's future is snatched right out from under her in one wet, terrifying instant.
Ambitious and handsome Brett Hall's only objective is to unseat the national champion in Three Day Eventing. As Hall steadily gains on his goal, a chink in his armor allows his heart to peek out - a weakness that seriously undermines his focus.

Hearts Over Fences glows against the backdrop of Olympic-level equestrian sport - a world filled with drama and excitement - and a large measure of ambition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Video Trailer for Hearts Over Fences
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2CDAOKVYTKFNZ This is video book trailer produced by Equine Graphics Publishing Group is the latest phase of our promotion of equestrian novelist, Toni Leland. Word descriptions and back cover blurbs are good, but nothing gives a more clear impression than images. Follow the characters on their journey and experience the excitement of equestrian sports.

Don't waste your money!!!
I love horses and I am always searching for fiction that oozes anything equestrian. This is NOT that book. There is no horse story,love story or anything remotely interesting about the main character.I am sorry to be so blunt but this was a complete waste of money. Better to buy "Like Water for Elephants" or "Life of Pi" .....both delightful reading experiences for animal lovers!

Amazing Book!
Amazingly well written book!Leland takes the reader of Hearts Over Fences through the perils dealing with a serious injury and what its like to overcome it, the serious life of a accomplishing well thought out goals, and the hardships of love when you least expect it. A well written novel for anyone looking for a quick read whether you're into horses or not.

fun light read
goes fast, good if you like horses, especially jumping.A little simple, but read it in just a couple of nights.

Thank you for taking me back!
Imagine my delight to discover that there IS a book out there that can rekindle the joy I found as a child in reading the Black Stallion series, the Lind Craig series, etc. Only these are horse books for GROWNUPS! The characters are just as well developed and believable as those I remember, and they deal with real issues - including romance, and who doesn't love that? I love this author's style, and she shows her extensive knowledge yet doesn't put it out of reach (to understand) for the non-horsy reader. Her other books "Winning Ways" and "Gambling with the Enemy" are also fantastic, with enticing diverse co-subjects to the horse world. ... Read more

Product Description
This guide helps horse owners, riders, and trainers at all levels learn how to assess any horse's fitness, strengths, and weaknesses. If you're buying a horse, this will help you pre-assess prospects before getting the complete veterinary examination. If you own a horse, these techniques will help you better understand your horse's aptitudes, customize a training program, identify signs of strain, and provide better care for your horse. Features step-by-step instructions and almost 200 photos and drawings showing the proper positioning and approach for the techniques described. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Bravo! This book is "Fabulous", Intellegent, and clear, I easily applied Mr. Hourdebaigt method, it "Works!"
Fitness Evaluation of the Horse (Howell Equestrian Library) This book is "Wonderful", a must have, for any rider,who loves to ride, and, loves their horse! I was always asking myself, regardless of the trainer I had been working with, how can I assess my horse's issues, what impact is my position, and what I may, or may not, be doing,having on my horses's health, fluidity of movement, and his comfort level? I wanted to be an effective rider,a sensitive rider,a horseman,and have an athletic, fit horse! But, perhaps most paramount, I wanted a healthy, injury free, and happy horse!
I picked up this book, and at first glance, I found answers to my questions, I,could understand the concept easily, and apply Mr. Hourdebaigt's methodology, without difficulty! I felt like I was the expert! How liberating, and amazing to read this gem, of a book, written in a easy to digest format, rich, in professional information that I have never found anywhere else! I could just do it!Wow!
Mr. Hourdebaigt made it simple and clear to easily evaluate my horse using simple riding exercises! I applied his knowlegable riding technique's! Then, his book demonstrates how to ,easily, diagnose issues my horse was experiencing and in conjunction with his clear explaination on how to impliment his "signature", palpation routine, to check some 25 vital/key areas of my horse, I was able to intellegently check my horse's health and fitness level, and as a result, make adjusments in my riding method! I also refered to Mr. Hourdebaigt'sThe Rider's Fitness Guide to a Better Seat, to assist and improve my riding! As well as,Equine Massage: A Practical Guide (Howell Equestrian Library), which I already own and use and refer to, what I call "My Equine Massage Bible", don't leave home and go to the barn without it! Fitness Evaluation is a Treasure Chest of professional horsemanship, how to take care of your Treasure, Your best friend, Your Horse!! Pick this one up, your horse would thank if he could talk, but he/she, will show in his/her, own way!

Disappointing, confusing compilation of information
After having read Hourdebaigt's book on equine massage I had high expatations when purchasing this book. However, it seems that someone here just wanted to publish another book, threw together a bunch of information, illustrated by loveless, amateurish photographs and called it a book. I am sure this author could have done much better. Too bad. ... Read more

Product Description
Here's a great investment---in yourself! This excellent book focuses on the three key ingredients for health: physical fitness, nutrition and mental fitness in a complete health and fitness program designed to increase the rider's level of fitness and skill. The nutrition section reflects the latest thinking, including special advice for competition days (yes, you are what you eat!). The physical exercise program is designed exclusively for the rider-athlete (yes, we re different from runners or swimmers or just about anyone else!). The section on sport psychology will get you past your mental blocks and bug-a-boo s. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A valuable addition to the stable
Tom Holmes' "New Total Rider" is not "all the book you'll ever need", but it does some important things well that many other such books don't. A big plus - it articulates the need for balanced strength and suppleness and guides the reader in achieving it. Another big plus - it isn't written for JUST the lithe, flexible 17-year-old. It gives decent coverage of most concepts for people of different ages and capabilities and clearly cautions lesser athletes about expectations. Suggestions for programs for "beginner, intermediate, and advanced" riders are quite helpful. And it's nice to be able to pick 'n choose and put together a "custom" personal exercise program working all from the same book. Another Plus - it relates specific exercises back to specific riding functions which serves as a form a riding instruction in itself. .
On the downside, the organization is a bit unwieldly, necessitating a lot of flipping pages back and forth. Also, the segments on nutrition etc. are mildly dogmatic and the reader should consider them as one philosophy out of several good ones available. But even with that this is a book that will likely be among the ones the average rider will consult most frequently.

Good exercises
This book has good exercises in it.Although I wish they were a little bit better organised, maybe according to muscle groups.I do like how it includes balance as part of the workout.

The thing about this book that I did NOT like is the "New Age" section in the back.Instead of a genuine look at nutrition, there is a description of a lifestyle called "Ayurveda"--which promotes vegetarianism, and is more astrological than scientific.It seems inappropriate to include it in this type of book.I would have prefered something mainstream. ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
This authoritative book gives the horse owner and potential owner practical advice on all aspects of horse care, including how to bathe and groom horses, how to breed and raise horses, how to choose a qualified veterinarian, and much more. Illustrated. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Basic care yes, training no.
Covers horse health, feeding and care.Description is mis-represented that there is 'training' in this book.

The 'Basic' Series
I own all three of Prince and Collier's equestrian books, Basic Horse Care, Riding, and Training, and have found them to be very informative to a begining rider like myself. These authurs write in a manner that explains the content in an easy to understand way while not talking down to the reader. All three of these books can help a rider of any level understand the material and are the foundation of my collection.

How-To Manual For the Horse Owner!
This is an excellent book, it gives sensible knowledge gained from the authors' own experiences.While being in-depth it is not overly technical or overly specified.If you like this book it has two companions by the same authors, Basic Training and Basic Riding ... Read more