38 great horse books: voted for by H&H fans

Since the arrival of online forums offering instant advice on every equestrian topic under the sun, is there still a place for tried and trusted horse books? We 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 the far the most recommended book by our social media fans. Regularly updated, the current 14^th edition is a relevant now as each and ever one of its predecessors were. For owners of all ages looking for an all-round reference book it’s still hard to beat.

The Manual of Horsemanship: buy online now

Veterinary Notes for Horse Owners

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Another popular suggestion which 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 125yrs. Currently in its 18th edition, it remains a comprehensive guide to horse medicine and surgery, explaining the symptoms and treatment of every disease or injury a horse owner is likely to encounter.

Veterinary Notes For Horse Owners: buy online now

Other equine veterinary books suggested by H&H readers include:

• Black’s Veterinary Dictionary
• The BHS Veterinary Manual Second Edition

When it came to horse riding books about techniques and training, there was a greater 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 by Molly Sivewright

• Thinking Riding: 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 The psychological studies are amazing and apply to all equines, says Amanda Donegan

• Training Show Jumpers by Anthony Paalman

Other books suggested by H&H fans included:

• 101 Schooling Exercises: For Horse and Rider by Jaki Bell
• The Horsemaster’s Notebook by Mary Rose
• The Way to Perfect Horsemanship (Allen’s Classic) by Udo Berger
• From Paddock to Saddle by Elwyn Hartley Edwards
• The Principles of Riding: The Official Handbook of the German National Equestrian Federation (The Complete Riding and Driving System, Book 1)
• First Foal by Jane van Lenneps
  It’s a fantastic book for people who are breeding a foal for the first time, explains all you need to know. I highly recommend it, says Louise Lilley
• Blessed are the Brood Mares (Howell reference books) 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: How the Racehorse Got Its Speed by Alexander Mackay-Smith
• Heads Up Heels Down by C. W. 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
  It’s old but great for quick tips and money saving ideas, says Hannah Flynn
• Re-Educating Racehorses: A Life After Racing by Fred Cook and Rowena Jane Simmonds
  Excellent bible if you have an ex-racehorse or are thinking of getting one, says Sonia Todd
• The Young Horse: Breaking and Training by Jennie Loriston Clarke

Is your favourite equestrian reference book on our list? If not let everyone know about it below… Enjoy your reading.