The Principles of Teaching Riding
by Julian Marczak and Karen Bush
published by David & Charles
An ideal present for those who teach at any level, this book includes useful advice on the relationship between teacher andpupil as well as tips on dealing with a wide variety of lessons and situations. It contains a good selection of exercises and plenty of suggestions on how to get the most out of horse and rider during a training session.
Click here to view The Principles of Teaching Riding at Amazon, priced £15.19.
The Dressage Rider’s Problem Solver
by Barry Marshall
published by Crowood Press
This book is designed to help rider at all levels identify their faults, find the causes and then set about putting them right. If you read this book from cover to cover you will gain lots of handy hints, but it is also an invaluable reference book which can be used just when you need help with a specific problem.
Click here to view The Dressage Rider’s Problem Solver at Amazon, priced £11.99.
Masters of Equitation on Trot
complied by Martin Diggle
published by J A Allen
This book takes a historical look at the differing views, past and present, on the pace of trot. It doesn’t promote one person’s philosophy over another, but provides a reference to different schools of thought. It explores the value which trot has in schooling and suppling the horse, and explains how the natural pace is developed into the working gait. Masters of Equitation on Canter is also available.
Click here to view Masters of Equitation on Trot atAmazon, priced £15.95.
The Voice of Bugle Ann
by MacKinlay Kantor
published by Derrydale Press
This little book is the tale of how one man?s love for a special Foxhound leads him to extreme measures when she disappears. It is the delightful story of how they are reunited.
Click here to view The Voice of Bugle Ann at Amazon, priced £11.81.
Hound Music
by Rosalind Belben
published by Chatto and Windus
Hound Music is an historical novel, which tells the story of an MFH’s widow and her distaste for her late husband’s beloved hounds. She is determined to be rid of the hounds, despite her children’s love for hunting, but an incident while she is overseas begins to change her mind.
Click here to view Hound Music at Amazon, priced £12.79.
Think Like Your Horse
by Michael Peace and Lesley Bayley
published by David & Charles
Thoughtful and practical without being egotistical, this book covers everything from backing to behavioural problems with the emphasis on training as a science. Michael Peace’s “think equus” philosophy is beautifully illustrated with photographs by Bob Atkins.
Click here to view Think Like Your Horse at Amazon, priced £15.99.
Schooling Problems Solved With NLP
by Wendy Jago, featuring Charles de Kunffy
published by JA Allen
Wendy Jago explains how neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) has changed her riding. Wendy has found that NLP builds up communication between horse and rider, which makes training and competition calmer and less pressured. Charles de Kunffy, who is one of the instructors at the Training the Teachers of Tomorrow Trust, also contributes. Unfortunately, the excellent text is let down by the quality of some of the photographs.
Click here to view Schooling Problems Solved With NLP at Amazon, priced £19.99.
Schooling Horses In-hand for Suppling and Collection
by Richard Hinrichs
published by JA Allen
Working in-hand is a key element in the classical tradition, but has largely lost currency in recent years. Richard Hinrichs explains how work in-hand can be used to improve the horse’s suppleness and teach and improve higher dressage movements. The explanations are clear and the advice always practical. A video is also available.
Click here to view Schooling Horses In-hand at Amazon, priced £19.99.
The Injury-Free Horse
by Amanda Sutton
published by David & Charles
Amanda Sutton, former physiotherapist to the British team and one of the most respectedin the business, shows how to assess your horse’s state of health and looks at massage, suppling and stretching exercises, tack and many other issues. Extremely readable and clearly illustrated, this book contains a wealth of information on maintaining a sound, healthy horse.
Click here to view The Injury-Free Horse at Amazon, priced £14.39.
The Organic Horse
by Peter Gray
published by David & Charles
Vet Peter Gray says that most of the diseases affecting horses are either man-made or aggravated by factors we can control – everything from what they eat and where they live to the way they work and the amount of freedom permitted. While not all experts will agree with all his beliefs, he provides much to think about.
Click here to view The Organic Horse at Amazon, priced £15.29.
Care and Management of the Older Horse
by Heather Scott Parsons
published by J A Allen
Horses are now living and often competing for longer. This book is essential reading for anyone looking to prolong an older horse’s life, whether in work or retirement. An excellent mix of compassion, common sense and scientific research, it looks at general care, feeding and health problemsand ranges from nutrition to farriery.
Click here to view Care and Management of the Older Horse at Amazon, priced £18.99
Horse and Pony Ailments – Recognition and Treatment
by Eddie Straiton
published by The Crowood Press
Some users may already have an earlier edition of this classic book from the original TV vet. The text and pictures have more than stood the test of time (with some updating) and, for a veterinary book, it is a surprisingly good read. This would be a valuable addition to any horse owner’s bookshelf or would make an excellent present.
Click here to view Horse and Pony Ailments – Recognition and Treatment at Amazon, priced £13.59.
Channel Four Racing Complete A-Z of Horse Racing
by Sean Magee
published by Pan Macmillan
Have you ever wondered how many winners Nicky Henderson rode as an amateur, the origins of the Cesarewitch or what a jockey’s valet does to earn his pay? Channel Four’s new offering answers these questions, and many more, in its comprehensive reference guide on the sport of kings. The text is well laid out and cross-references enhance the easy-to-follow format. An essential present for enthusiasts and new converts alike.
Click here to view Channel Four Racing Complete A-Z of Horse Racing on SportsBooksDirect.co.uk, priced £12.99.
