Books- Recommended reading Tips
Read these 16 Books- Recommended reading Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Horse tips and hundreds of other topics.
The American Saddlebred Horse
The American Saddlebred Horse by Charlotte Wilcox. This is an older print book, but very informative, and has several photos of the older horses in pedigrees. A nice reference book.
How To Be Your Own Veterinarian
How to be Your Own Veterinarian (Sometimes) by Ruth James. Compact, cost effective and easy to read and index.
Courses for Horses
A Complete Guide to Designing and Building Show Jumping Courses
by Christopher Coldrey
Timber Trail Riders Book Series
Though old, these "nancy drew" type of horse stories are books that both young and old, male and female will enjoy reading and rereading by the fire at night. Amazon can locate old copies for you!
The American Saddlebred, America's Horse of Distinction
The American Saddlebred, America's Horse of Distinction by Judy F. Oefinger, Todd Buchanan this book is a pictoral and historical work of art depicting in the most gorgeous photographic manner possible, the American Saddlebred Horse. Depicting the ASB in every discipline, with breeders/owners and exhibitors commentaries of this beautiful horse in each ring available. An excellent collector's item.
Go the Distance
Go the Distance : The Complete Resource for Endurance Riders written by Nancy S., Dvm. The definitive guide to long distance riding, written by a leading equine veterinarian and endurance ride official. Featuring 100's of photos. This equestrian sport demands such continuous training efforts, such as in endurance and competitive distance riding.
Horses, by J. Warren Evans
HORSES, by J. Warren Evans DVM.
Published by W.H.Freeman & Company, New York, NY
This book covers all the necessary content of horse ownership. Dr. Evans has written the book in lay terms in a manner that is enjoyable to read and to understand what is written.
J. Warren Evans is currently a Professor of Animal Science at Texas A & M University, and for 15 years was a Professor at University of California, Davis. His wealth of experience with horses and in teaching students comes through in his ability to clearly and accurately portray each of his topics.
This book is not a Training Manual. Training is covered in only the basic approach to horses, and this book does not cover Training, proper Riding Styles or criteria, but he does cover how to properly handle a horse. Anyone wanting depth on Training, Riding Styles or requirements of a particular discipline, needs to review other books.
Beginning with the Introduction, Dr. Evans discuss' ownership obligations, costs, facilities, care, careers, hobby/business, types of insurances.
In selecting a horse, he discuss' seeking help and advise, locating a prospective horse, evaluation, cost in perspective to breed, sex, amount of training, age, size, color, conformation, market values, multiple ownerships, gaits, and defects in gaits, temperment and several other considerations for the perspective buyer of those first few horses.
He then presents an enviable chapter on the evaluations of the physical and mental characteristics of your prospects.
A brief discussion on various breeds, their original purpose, and their current popularity and why. A brief discussion on the registrations, pedigrees, and concerns.
A very good section on barn/facility construction with references made for boarding, loafing, breeding, and a discussion on the uses for exercise and showing or pleasure trail riding.
An excellent section on feeds and feeding. With so much information, most people will not use, but will be so much the better for knowing or at least reading about all the "proven's" of feeds and feeding.
A section on Training, Conditioning, Trailering.
Dr. Evans then discuss' grooming of the horse, his feet; with again enough information to last the lay person an entire lifetime!
He has an excellent section on First Aid, how to recognize illness, and what to do after you have called your Veterinarian. This gives you confidence while you wait!
He provides information about parasites and diseases.
A section on Riding, Driving, Showing, Racing, Rodeo, Trail, Sport Events, Equine Assisted Therapy written as an introduction to the activity, as the Breed section is an introduction to the various breeds of horses.
Dr. Evan's chapters on Breeding, Stallion and Mare care, Pre/Post Foal care, are quite informative, and intensive, providing a great foundation for anyone that fancies attempting that avenue of Horsemanship.
His final chapters are dedicated to pursuing horses as a Business Venture, and he covers contracts, legal issues, insurances (again), records, accounting, staff & their selection, interstate and international guidelines.
This book is an EXCELLENT REFERENCE to anyone that is and is not in horses as a permanent venture. The information is excellent, abundant, and so well portrayed that it makes the reading and the comprehension so very easy and enjoyable.
Winning With Horse Power
Winning With Horse Power by Rebekah Witter. Full of fun quotations and philosophies of World Famous Horse Trainers from Yesterday through to Today that includes John Lyons, Richard Shrake, Monty Roberts, Tom Moore, Helen Crabtree, Sally Swift, Linda Tellington-Jones (and too many others to list in this small section!) and goes back in time to many, many old time greats including Roy Rogers and Dale Evans.
Heavenly Gaits
Heavenly Gaits: The Complete Book of Gaited Riding Horses by Brenda Imus. This pricey little book tries to cover all of the "Gaited" horse breeds. Very informative for any one in search of the "right" gaited horse for them.
Show Ring Success
Show Ring Success : A Rider's Guide to Winning Strategies by Kathleen Obenland. Though a competitor in the Arabian Ring, Kathleen has some excellent points to consider for anyone that is showing.
Centered Riding by Sally Swift
Centered Riding by Sally Swift. Combining the philosophy of mind-body-soul in riding, Sally Swift helps riders overcome "blocks" to head down a path of successful riding, by technique, experiences and explanations.
Anne Kursinski's Riding and Jumping Clinic:
A Step-By-Step Course for Winning in the Hunter and Jumper Rings
Hold Your Horses
Hold Your Horses by Helen Crabtree. This is an excellent book by Helen Crabtree (Trainer/Coach) on Showing Saddleseat Horses. Helen wrote this book before her Saddleseat "Bible" titled "Saddleseat Equitation". Full of personal anecdotes.
Training A Colt To Ride and Drive
Training a Colt to Ride and Drive by Marily Childs and Rick Wallen. Rick is a recognized trainer and though this book is directed towards Saddleseat and Pleasure Show Driving and Fine Harness horses, the owners that simply want to start a horse properly under saddle and in harness will do well to read through and learn valuable tips from these two people.
Recommended Books
Horses For Dummies by Audrey Pavia and Janice Posnikff DVM. Excellent Resource Material. Has more information than you will ever need in a very easy to read and understand format! A good Christmas stocking stuffer!
Show Your Horse
Show Your Horse by Bob Robinson is written by a noted Saddleseat Trainer, in the hope of assisting Amateur owners in achieving the same results in the ring as trainers. Sometimes technical, it can be a great resource tool.
