Learn Dozens of Things You Probably Don't Know About Horses!
359678
This is a wonderful book of horse facts and photos.  It's incredible how much you can learn about horses in a mere 56 pages.  Showing photos of each breed helped anchor the facts with the breed.

Although this book is excellent as it is, the next paragraphs offer some suggestions. There were some instances in which I wanted to "see" what the author meant.  First, it would have been wonderful to see exactly where a horse is measured.  I have no idea where the 5th vertebrae is on a horse.

Most of the photos went along with the descriptions (ie:  a photo of an Appaloosa was right there with the information).  However, there were some photos that were not marked (for example -- the opening of a new chapter).  Also, I was disappointed that several photos were 'cut off' without a full view of the horse in question (see the Andalusian and the Morgan horses for 2 examples).

Finally, it would have been helpful to have seen a photo of the different breeds standing beside each other.  'Hands high' may mean something to a horse owner, but it doesn't really mean much to the uninitiated.

I found myself flipping between the text offered here and photos I found on Google.

The author did an exceptional job of explaining difficult words and terms in words that a child would understand.  Two examples are:  defining a 'gelding' and defining and comparing horse gaits.

This is one of those books in which the reader learns as much as the listener!
4428860
I found this book to be the most useful of all the "beginner" books I have read. I have read books by Lyons, Morris, Swift, and many others. One of my students let me review her copy and I found that although the foreward states this is not a book to teach you to ride, it had more clear information than all the rest of the books I have read combined. It has exercises for the rider, descriptions of different school horses, safety issue discussions, and most important for beginners- a description of the different types of aids and how and when to use them. Important points are stressed more than once. All the aids and in what order to initiate them are in list form as well as discussed in an understandable depth. There is also a lot of "what if" scenarios discussed that will answer many common questions and  also trail information and jumping instruction. I guarantee beginners will learn from this book, it is excellent for those who want to learn more than just simple riding basics. The information contained will make you a better rider. I HIGHLY recommend this book!
4284756
As a new horse owner, I'm devouring every book on training that I can find. Pat Parelli's Natural Horse-Man-Ship stands out as one of the best.

The key lesson I took away from this book was the importance of learning to think like a horse; without that, you can never really connect with your animal. The book is a good balance between clarifying the underlying concepts and providing enough basic exercises to allow the reader to get started on developing a productive, positive relationship with her horse.

What's often lost in the criticism of Parelli's showmanship and geegaw-hawking is that the success of his program lies in the principles upon which it is based. What it all boils down to is this -- learn to think like a horse, and you'll be far more successful in communicating with your horse. And you'll have a lot more fun.

I do wish there was not such a hard sell on his tools. It's not the tools that magically transform the horses, it's the application of the principles and exercises.

I did find there to be excessive repetition of some concepts if the book is read cover to cover, but if you examine it section by section, it becomes more helpful, since he repeats important ideas when they are relevant instead of expecting you to remember it from previous chapters. I could do without all the alliteration and aphorisms, but at the same time, they are useful memory tools. This isn't meant to be great literature, after all.

Parelli emphasizes the importance of taking the time necessary to work with your horse. I think his clinics and some of the media coverage he gets may overshadow this, by showing problem horses that seem to be transformed into perfectly behaved animals in the course of a day.

In the book, he provides estimates for how long it should take for you and your horse to reach certain levels of proficiency and expertise. His timeline makes it clear that there is no substitute for wet saddle blankets. Parelli's system is not a shortcut that will magically transform you into a super trainer with a horse that could substitute at the last minute for a Lippizaner. But it may save you time by letting you understand how not to do things, and how not to teach your horse bad habits that you will then have to untrain.

I'm truly surprised at the criticism I see in some reviews of his methods as being "bully" techniques, etc. I was actually quite impressed with the gentleness of his program. This is a man who insists that the rider should be able to go on bended knee and get the horse to take the bit gladly. You cannot terrify a horse into that sort of behavior.

While I don't consider myself a Parelli convert, I am convinced just from the progress I've seen with my horse over the past three weeks that his principles are sound and the exercises useful.

This book is an excellent starting point that will give you enough information to try out the ideas within, and decide if the Parelli system is going to work for you and your horse. You don't have to buy all the Parelli-branded tack to get started. All you need is you and your horse, plus some patience and some love. Get ready to play with your horse!
4210324
So many books in the horse world address the "how to" of riding. Ms. Bok takes a deeper look and shares with her reader some of the life lessons to be gained from jumping into a world of these fabulous creatures. A very enjoyable read with its fair share of poetry, humor and humanity. Not to mention a tutorial in gaining some just plain good old horse sense. Let's hope we hear more from this talented writer as she moves up the dressage levels!
2099870
Incredible advice for serious horse people! The quantity of well-researched, concise information is unmatched, considering that the manual covers horse care and riding as well.
1741660
This is more a text book than just simple reading even though it is easy to read and understand.
It is a huge help to anyone wanting make the most of their horse and save time and money at the same time.
It will help you determine what each horse needs and why and then give you ways to solve the problems.
There is MUCH MORE to feeding horses than just a scoop of oats or corn!  And more to oats and corn than you think!
Maximize your horses potential with knowledge of this book. It's a book you will read over and over and refer to for a long time.
2009196
I've recently gotten back into horseback riding as an adult and have much to learn.  Although I don't have my own horse, this magazine is wonderful for someone who wants to learn more about riding, training and taking care of horses, without bogging you down with too much detail.  It's a lot like Dog Fancy magazine for dog lovers, except it's for horse lovers. I even think it could be beneficial for people who have owned horses for years, because new information is always out there for people who have an open mind.  I highly recommend this magazine for anybody that cares for and is around horses!
3219047
Not just great articles but you learn about different animals you have only heard of, or haven't. You learn how to care for new breeds and old ones, and what might work great on your own farm, or even small piece of land. You always learn something new from someone with experience.
4949707
An excellent book you'll want to keep forever!  The thoughts, ideas, techniques presented will be well used by the beginner and the expert.  Really makes you wonder why some horse owners find the need to use excessive force with their horses.  Buy it, read it, and re-read!  You and your horse will benefit!
1874609
This book is fabulous for every level of rider - though it starts with the history of eventing and the basics, it is not "dumbed down" and answers many of the questions riders new to eventing will have and is a great refresher even for those riders who have been at it for awhile. It is also an amazing analysis of the step-by-step process of participating in eventing that focuses on the horse, not just on the rider. I really cannot find a thing that is not addressed in the book that should have been.

I recommend it even to non-eventers as many of the skills needed to compete are applicable to any discipline.

In short - buy this book. You will not be disappointed
1056784
Do you know if your horse's shoe is properly fitted? Is that tiny crack on your horse's hoof something serious, or just "normal"? What is that weird lump on your horse's leg, is that "normal"? Rob van Naussa's book takes the guesswork out of hoof care. This book is so good that they translated it into English from the Dutch. Does this mean no English-speaking country has ever written something this comprehensive? It's clearly one of the best in its class as a lavishly-illustrated "textbook" of proper shoeing and common hoof problems. If you are a horse owner, you need to read this and acquaint yourself with what a problem looks like. Your farrier may not be shoeing correctly and you may not even know it. There are as many kinds of farriers as there are kinds of people - just because someone charges you to do something and they know how to attach a shoe on a hoof doesn't mean they are doing it properly or have any equine understanding. Your poor horse, meanwhile, is mutely suffering. Don't let that happen to you. This book is easy to read and the photographs tell all. Many horsecare books are all text and the authors are too lazy to take a photograph. Words mean nothing - a picture tells all. Read this and read all kinds of picture books on the market about horsecare and take good care of your animal!
3915457
Bryan's books are small but packed with excellent, well presented information on caring for horses. As my farrier for the past many years, I can attest that he knows his stuff-- and presents it in a way that anyone can understand. I'm motivated to become more of a partner with my horses in caring for their hooves. Bryan has opened my eyes to the importance of shoeing the horse, not just the hoof (read the books and find out why), and I have never had a lame horse in the many years he's been helping them.  Short of having him come to your barn, get the books!
456136
Although no one area is covered in any great depth, it provides enough general knowledge to point the reader in the right direction for further research.  General areas include basic physio information, care, tack ,feeding, health issues and diseases, an overview of various equestrian disciplines, and probably the most comprehensive (and well photographed) listing of known breeds with brief descriptions of each.
My 11 yr.-old daughter (new horse owner) was given a copy for her birthday last year and it is almost in tatters from constant use!
608544
So there's something not quite right with your horse, you change this and tweek that and make improvements, but still she is trying to tell you something? this is the book for you. Sooo informative, and covers SO much.  I bought the Western version of this for my friend and she loves it. I am a vet and the behaviours she describes in this book are classic and COMMON. I wish all horse riders and saddle fitters would read this. Thank you Joyce Harman
3100575
Great book, uses common sense and horse sense to train your steed into a steady companion and a great ride.  I'm using it with my colt (I've never had a horse before) and the trainer I got him from is impressed with how much more advanced my boy is from the other colts she has that were born 2 to 4 weeks before he was (he's only 5 months old).  All thanks to this book.
985595
Being a fellow horse lover we had to pick this one up.  I read it one night during a weekend trip away and discovered that horses and nature not only help to ground us, but they can also teach us important lessons.  The author does a great job of teaching us some important leadership principles and uses her experience with horses to help demonstrate the possibilities that we all have...really enjoyed this book and you will too!
4474789
I received a free review copy of this book "It's For the Horses" by Author Dutch Henry and I must admit, I have learned so much more than what I thought I knew about taking care of my horses!
I highly recommend this book if you would like to learn more about understanding what your horse is trying to tell you and for having a better understanding of their needs. It doesn't matter if you have been around horses all your life or if you are just a beginner.
Dutch easily explains how to better care for their needs from proper care of their hooves, to dental work, from what is the proper feeding to therapy when they are feeling stressed or hurting. He teaches how to condition your horse, learn their trust, notice their emotions, if they are happy, sad, stressed or just what they are feeling.
Being able to understand what your horse is telling you in turn makes your relationship so much stronger and closer.
I lost my horse a few years back and I thought we had a very good relationship between us and I thought I was doing everything right but after reading this book that Dutch has written has shown me that there was a better way to care for him. I wish I would have had this knowledge when he was still with us.
I could go on and on because there is so much more in this book that I haven't even touched base on but I encourage you to take the time to read this book and see for yourself that there are so many more things you can learn about caring for that great companion in your life.

I have not had the pleasure to meet Dutch but have truly enjoyed the books he has written and his morning Facebook posts.

Thank you Dutch for sharing your experiences, wisdom and insight into caring for these wonderful friends and creatures.

IT TRULY IS FOR THE HORSES!!!!!