Since the arrival of online forums and social media channels offering instant advice on every equestrian topic under the sun, is there still a place for tried and trusted horse books? We definitely think so.
Clearly H&H social media fans agree, as when we asked them which horsey reference books they couldn’t live without, we were inundated with responses. There are a plethora of brilliant books out there, written by experts, which are relevant and useful for owners and riders of all levels.
So here are the most popular horse books that H&H readers believe no self-respecting horsey bookshelf (or e-reader) should be without…
Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship
First published in 1950, this was by far the most recommended book by our social media fans. Regularly updated, the current 14th edition is as relevant now as each and every one of its predecessors were. For owners of all ages looking for an all-round reference book it’s still hard to beat.
View at amazon.co.uk
Veterinary Notes for Horse Owners
Another popular suggestion that many H&H fans described as their “Bible”, Captain Hayes’ Veterinary Notes for Horse Owners has been explaining equine health and sickness in a clear and concise manner for nearly 25 years. Currently in its 18th edition, it remains a comprehensive guide to horse medicine and surgery, explaining the symptoms and treatment of every disease of injury a horse owner is likely to encounter.
View at amazon.co.uk
Other equine veterinary books suggested by H&H readers include:
When it came to horse riding books about techniques and training, there was a wide variety of books being put forward. Among those suggested by multiple readers were:
- The New Basic Training of the Young Horse, by Reiner and Ingrid Klimke
- Thinking Riding: Book 1 and Book 2, by Molly Sivewright
- The Balanced Horse, by Sylvia Loch
- Centred Riding, by Sally Swift
- Riding Logic, by Wilhelm Museler
- Enlightened Equitation, by Heather Moffett
- Hunter Seat Equitation, by George Morris
- Breeding The Racehorse, by Federico Tesio
- Training Showjumpers, by Anthony Paalman
Horsey fiction is very nostalgic for most equestrians and some of our favourites – classic and modern – include:
- Black Beauty, by Anna Sewell
- The Pullein-Thompson Treasure of Horse and Pony Stories, by Christine, Diana and Josephine Pullein-Thompson
- Jill’s Gymkhana, by Ruby Ferguson
- My Friend Flicka, by Mary O’Hara
- Heartland, series by Lauren Brooke
- Pony Club Secrets, series by Stacy Gregg
- The Racehorse Who Wouldn’t Gallop, by Clare Balding
- Tilly’s Pony Tails, by Pippa Funnell
Some of our favourite equestrians have released autobiographies or had biographies written, including…
- The Triumph of Henry Cecil, Henry Cecil by Tony Rushmer
- I’m Champion, Call Me Bob: My Story, by Bob Champion
- Frankie, by Frankie Detorri
- The Girl on the Dancing Horse: Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro, by Charlotte Dujardin
- Form: My Autobiograhy, by Kieren Fallon
- Pippa Funnell: The Autobiography, by Pippa Funnell
- Not Enough Time, by Henrietta Knight
- Winner: My Racing Life, by AP McCoy
- The Man Who Listens To Horses, by Monty Roberts
- Gold, by Nick Skelton
- Second Chance, by Mark Todd
- Man Behind The Mike, Mike Tucker by Jane Wallace
- 101 Schooling Exercises: For Horse and Rider, by Jaki Bell
- The Horsemaster’s Notebook, by Mary Rose
- The Way to Perfect Horsemanship, by Udo Berger
- From Paddock to Saddle, by Elwyn Hartley Edwards
- The Principles of Riding: The Official Handbook of the German National Equestrian Federation
- First Foal, by Jane van Lenneps
- Blessed are the Broodmares, by M Phyllis Lose
- Matriarchs: Great Mares of the 20th Century, by Edward L Bowen
- Dynasties: Great Thoroughbred Stallions, by Edward L Bowen
- Speed and the Thoroughbred: The Complete History, by Alexander Mackay-Smith
- Heads Up Heels Down, by CW Anderson
- Conditioning to Win: Encyclopedia of Equine Exercise, edited by Don M Wagoner
- Getting Horses Fit: Improve Your Horse’s Performance, by Sarah Pilliner
- From Birth to Backing: The Complete Handling of the Young Horse, by Richard Maxwell
- The Fearless Horse: Effective Training Strategies, by Roger and Joanna Day
- Right from the Start: Create a Sane, Soft, Well-Balanced Horse, by Mike Schaffer
- Physical Therapy and Massage for the Horse: Second Edition, by Denoix and Pailloux
- Diagnosis and Management of Lameness in the Horse: Second Edition, by Ross and Dyson
- Dressage Formula, by Erik F Herbermann
- From My Hands To Yours: Lessons From a Lifetime of Training Championship Horses, by Monty Roberts
- Training the Young Horse: Schooling for Success, by Pippa Funnell
- 201 Handy Hints for Horse Persons, by Karen Bush
- Re-Educating Racehorses: A Life After Racing, by Fred Cook and Rowena Jane Simmonds
- The Young Horse: Breaking and Training, by Jennie Loriston Clark
- Dream Horse: The Incredible True Story of Dream Alliance, by Janet Vokes
- Unbreakable: The Woman Who Defied the Nazis in the World’s Most Dangerous Horse Race, by Richard Askwith
- Starting From Scratch: Inspired to be a Jump Jockey, by Henrietta Knight
