You can ride this book to a better horse
594785
I am a horsewoman and competitive English style rider (at lower levels so far). I have two of my own horses and I have been training them for about 4 years and 1 year respectively. All horses have bad habits or areas they need help - this is a great book to expand your knowledge.
1904611
Every horse sport has a different culture, but all are equally filled with passionate, opinionated women.  Olivia Grace Merritt knows just enough about horses to get herself into trouble.  A lot of trouble.  Like, life threatening trouble.  Somehow she survives it all.  Barely.  It makes for entertaining reading. Now, I won't say that I recognize anyone in Olivia Grace Merritt's world specifically, but I certainly recognize their types, and Olivia Grace is one of them herself.  One of them that I, as a riding instructor, am often trying to save from themselves.  The problem is that they are already grown women, ones who have been successful in other avenues of life, and only hear what they want to hear, and do what they want to do.  Hard headed, they seldom do the prudent thing when it comes to fulfilling lifelong fantasys about horses.  They are babes in the woods, with ample wallets and not enough knowledge to discern between the posers and the proficient, the trustworthy and the flim-flam artists.  And boy is the horse world full of posers and flim-flam artists.  Except for the title, which I found a turn-off, and the icky cover photo (That's a dangerous way to hold a horse, imagine where that girl will end up if the horse pulls back!), and the occasional typo, the book is well written and entertaining as all get out.  So worth the cheap download price. I hope Olivia Grace will do a follow up as she heads down the centerline as a para rider.
2051400
Juli Thorson has years of experience as an editor and contributor of some of the equine world's more popular magazines and breed journals.  Her first book, Win with Bob Avila, proves she's got the same magic between hard covers as well.  Teaming up with long-time associate and multiple World Champion horseman, Bob Avila, Thorson has created a "how-to" manual that covers everything BUT in-the-saddle training.  Many horseman get mired in the under-saddle training process of producing a winning ride, but miss the thousands of details, both conscious and unconscious, that enhance or hinder the hard work and mental and emotional effort that go into presentation and delivery of that winning ride.  Thorson and Avila delve into the selection of quality tack, building a support team, selecting the best stock for your program, examining resources and setting realistic goals.  Throughout the book you will find thought-provoking questions and worksheets that will entice you to step back and examine your equine endeavors from angles you may not have considered before or learn how to examine them from the eyes of your customers and competition.  Even if you already have a shelf full of training manuals, this book's fresh insight into the mind of a champion is a valuable addition to any collection.  It will train your eye and skill to all the details that go beyond training and help pave the path to the winner's circle.
3033309
I'm affraid this might sound a little repetitive with the preivous reviews, but what can I say ?
Mark Rashid as an empathy for the horse that seems unmatched by anyone else. He falls in the same category with Buck Brannaman, Ray Hunt (and Tom Dorrance I assume, though I haven't got to the work of this other great horseman yet).
Rashid is also a fatalist, in a good, quiet kind of way. He never seems to have an agenda with horses, all will fall into place when the time is right. Sure might sound a little frustrating for goal driven riders, but as a horse owner without any deadline (I don't compete in anything !) I was at ease with that concept. Taking the time is very important, and more often then not trying to save time actually ends up losing lots of it by having to redo things later, which is always harder than doing them right in the first place !
Rashid is great at reading horses, I'd say that's probably the best strength of this book, help you learn, through the description of any particular problem, how he interpreted, and therefore acted upon it. It can also be discouraging sometimes because it actually goes to show there is not ONE method for all, every horse is different, and Rashid will never train a scared horse like a spoiled one, though in the end both will cooperate and comply of their own will.
The narrative is very good, it's humorous, touching, humble. Very enjoyable. I also read Considering the horse, and I do like Horses Never Lie a tad better (though both books are similar in form) as it comes later in Rashid's horsemanship journey, hence holds even more refined philosophy about it all.
The number one lesson of fairness, reliability and consistency is precious. I've experienced its value with my own horse. Something that'd be a bit tricky, and a potential issue, just disappeared after a few days of positive reinforcement and acting calm and consistent. Another example : while riding in the round pen my mare was a little upset by a poop scoop set against one of the posts, and she'd leave the rail by about a yard while passing the scoop. Instead of making an issue of it, I just totally ignored her avoidance, and by the third lap she too was ignoring the scoop and riding by as if she had never noticed it !
I never thought as humans like refuges to horses, yet they can become just that. If you horse trusts you it will become less spooky, more complient and much nicer overall. But trust is only gained through fairness and consistency, even within discipline.
Rashid also insists on the right of the horse to be an individual with preferences, not a slave or a machine, and that is very refreshing as well.
Like others have said this is NOT a hands-on manual or step-by-step guide (I needed that, got Cinton Anderson's method and am very pleased with it) but a general horsemanship philosophy type of book; However, it is absolutely thought provoking and will definitely help you on a very practical basis with your horse(s) as it is packed with simple yet brilliant concepts. I many not buy all is litterature in the future, but Mark Rashid is certainly a great horseman and an excellent and helpful author.
3126967
This is absolutely the best book out there for seat and position.  I read the first one when it came out, and I do admit it took some effort.  I used my yellow highlighter alot.  Then I wrote a report for our GMO newsletter.  Then I used it for a dressage book club. (By the way it is on the reading list for USDF instructors, and I am a T-4 cert. instructor.)
When the new revised issue came out, I first thought it would be silly to spend the money on it.  But after I flipped through it I had to buy it too.
It is much easier and clearer, and the photos are wonderful.
You still won't rip through it in one read.
And for fun, you will want the companion DVD, which is altogether different again.  It's kind of playful and even silly, but you'll envy the kids who go trotting and galloping along the paths and through the woods with so much natural balance and suppleness.
If you want to know how to sit well on a horse, and you want to understand the bio-mechanical requirements to do it, you have to have this book.
3431419
I recommend this book to all riders of all ages.  Beginners to intermediate experience.  For beginners the book will help you will all you need to succeed in jumping.  For intermediate riders, this book will help keep you polished on what you know and remind you of the little things.  I purchased this for one of my students that is an advanced rider and she loves it.  It helped her to understand what I was explaining to her while teaching her horse to jump.  I too found it refreshing and easy to read.
3190532
This story is great for those horse loving, girl readers out there. The main character loves horses, and when her parents finally give in and let her have one of her own, her world seems complete. But her new horse and her just aren't getting along. This is where a wonderful, fun twist comes in. Nadia does a 'soul' switch with the horse Winny. And Winny does have ideas of her own, now that she's human. It was fun to dive into the head of a horse gone human - not exactly what one would expect.

The characters are easy to feel for. . .even Winny. The author did a great job putting the reader inside a horse's head and giving a new aspect on what these animals might really think. The main character Nadia is sympathetic and one can't help but hope she comes to terms with this strange situation.

I personally would recommend this for the tweeny age group (girls ages 10 -14) and believe that a horse lover will enjoy delving into this exciting adventure.

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
814054
This is a good book for a problem horse and an easy read. I recommend it if you have a bucker.
4432566
I am not the ideal reader for this book, The Five Pound Pony. I am old and grumpy, and have never in my entire life, longed for a horse, not even for a moment.

  Nevertheless, I read the whole book, in one binge, thoroughly enjoying every page.

  All of the stories are about horse-mad children - most of them girls, but some boys. Several of them come from homes which can't afford to supply them with ponies, or even riding lessons. Yet they long for horses, dream of horses - to misquote Tolkein, they desire horses with a profound desire. Karen Bush has the gift of conveying this longing to even such a horse-blind reader as myself.

  As a result, I identified like mad with all the characters and cheered them on. I can only conclude that a child who really is into horses, who really does fantasise about owning one, and really does hopefully add 'pony' to every Christmas list for Santa (like a girl in one of the stories), would totally love this book.

  Karen Bush is particuarly good at capturing that child-like view of the world, where innocence, optimism and longing combine to make it seem genuinely possible that a horse shoe will help you win a competition, or Santa will deliver a horse.
A model horse - Wiki Commons

  As a bonus, each story is followed by a short article about something mentioned in the story. In this way, I was charmed to discover the world of model horse competitions, something I had never suspected existed. (The girl in the story makes her model horse shoes from drink-can pull-rings.)

  Other essays give tips on 'how to win a rosette,' how to raise money for horse charities and information on the Shetland Pony Grand National - something else I knew nothing about and would rather like to see!

  In short, this book wins a rosette!
1939645
Cross-Training?  Why would I want to read a book about jumping or endurance, I practice Classical riding.  Well, if I hadn't been given this book I would probably have skipped it because of the title, and what a loss for me! This is NOT a book about either of those subjects, it is about Dressage. This book turns out to be about as good a textbook as could be written on introducing an aspiring rider into higher horsemanship.  It is clearly evident that Jane Savois' years of teaching make a huge difference in the presentation of the "learning to ride" subject. She has very skillfully balanced the text between not enough and too much information, and the words she chose to present in the book strike a perfect tone.  As a new student I would hope that my instructor would use this book as a guide.  As an instructor I would hope that my student would read the book and use it as a manual.  I really cannot emphasize enough how well this book is done.  There is beginning rider information that is thoughtfully explained, yet she also touches on the advanced underlying principles that the movements are based on without burdening the reader with information that is beyond their ability (or even necessary) to comprehend. Fortunately if the rider is able to advance into higher horsemanship she has written a follow up book as well. Regardless of your riding level, this is a book you should have on your shelf.
2247699
Sure, McKnight takes his time getting to the secrets in this book, but it's worth it if you have the patience.  The book is designed this way because McKnight feels you should earn his secrets of identifying winning horses, eliminating losing horses, and using sure-fire betting techniques.  I used his system and in my limited experience as a horse better, I am still hitting with horses in the money at a 76% clip and my win percentage is 38% (over my last 100 races), which are not bad figures.  With a greater understanding of horse betting and by not trying to bet as many races as possible, I think with McKnight's information I can improve my percentages even more.  McKnight establishes a few different systems in this book for sprint races and routes and teaches you how to avoid races that are too difficult to figure out.  He also includes a few stories about legendary horse bettors from the past.  This is a great book, a quick two or three day read.  The book deals primarily with the figures found in the Daily Racing Form, so get yourself a subscription to DRF online and save yourself a lot of money.  The first day I used this book at Del Mar in California, I hit 8 out of 9 races.  I was even hitting races I shouldn't have bet on.  This book will not only find you decent payoffs on the win end, but huge overlays as well.  I hit several winners at 10-1 odds or greater inside of two weeks.  McKnight is a genius for horse betting.  If you can crack his code in this book, you'll find the secrets you'll need at the track or at the satellite off-track.
2917625
This book offers an interesting look at how "breaking" horses can be done without pain to the horses and the results are better.
1050509
This tells the story of sister, 7 and 8 years old who go to spend the summer with their grandmother who runs a farm with horses.  Her new horse, Jewel, is pretty and spirited, and of course the tom boy sister wants to ride that horse. There are also puppies and other farm things on the farm, and the sisters do not like sharing a room.  Scattered throughout are illustrations of the story with puppies,  ponies, horses, and the girls. It isn't a picture book, but it has enough illustrations that I could read it with my 2 year old and point out farm animals (recommended age range on this is correct, but could go a little wider or older since the childish thing about the book is that nothing really threatening happens).

When I was a girl loving all things horse related, I would have been all over this book just like all other horse books out there.  I would have gotten excited reading it, passed it around with friends, and traced the pics of horses.  As an adult reading this,  and talking about pictures with a toddler, it's pretty boring and ho hum.  The price is low, and you know whether or not your child is obsessed with horses.  If so, go for it!  If not, move along.
2934169
This book is short and too the point, it provides guidance on basic training of the gaited horse and some exercises to assist with an older horse that needs a re-fresher.
1522084
I have been around the race tracks off and on since I was a kid but it was more to just see the horses. As I am much older now and my family still goes I wanted to know what I was looking at. This book really holds your hand through it (which is something I need), and brought extra joy in to the process. Will it make you a millionaire? Probably not and anyone who does think that is a fool. What this will do is at least make the whole track less confusing and more enjoyable, and hey... it might help you get some extra cash.
868331
I ordered this book shortly after meeting the author in person. She seemed like a very interesting and educated individual. After starting it I liked the way the book was written; being easy enough to follow and a small read, able to finish in your free time. The book was created to help with horses but it also helps the person reading it in their own life. The whole point is if you are not happy or centered in your life, things or as in the book a horse, will not fall into place. She gives some tips and tricks she had learned in own life to help out along the way. I learned a few things about myself from just reading it. She sounds like a very caring and sweet person, but like in the book I bet centering her own life is an ongoing process she is trying to achieve everyday. Maybe in a few years there might be a followup in stores. If there is I would most likely buy it to see how it turns out. I'm glad I'm able to say I met her:) Bottom line- I liked the book!
2590355
Amazing book to read for those who have may have struggled with their horses in different ways, I always wanted that special connection with my horse but I was more spoiling him with kindness and treats in an effort to get him to bond with me, now I know there is a way to acheive it without spoiling them or resorting to force, just read or watch anything to do with Buck Brannaman.