Latest from Horse & Hound in Horse-books

The Pony Whisperer by Esme Higgs: ‘Gritty yet heartwarming’

Martha Terry — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 11:22:40 +0000

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Author: Esme Higgs and Jo Cotterill

Illustrator: Hannah George

Published: 2025

Available as paperback or Kindle

About The Pony Whisperer by Esme Higgs

This is the fourth book in The Starlight Stables Gang (SSG) series, written by superstar equestrian influencer and YouTuber Esme Higgs in collaboration with award-winning author Jo Cotterill. It’s a fun adventure series, “for animal-mad eight- to 12-year-olds”.

The central themes are ponies, fun and friendship, but this tale has a hard twist of reality with the central character, Daniel, having a tricky time juggling his chaotic home life, poverty, school and his love for the ponies at the riding school. Inclusivity and diversity are always key within Esme’s SSG tales, and this one is no exception.

Christmas is coming but while most of the SSG are excited about the annual seasonal party at the stables, Daniel isn’t feeling very festive. His mum isn’t well and he’s struggling to manage caring for her and helping at home, alongside school work and finding time to go to Starlight Stables – the place he loves the most.

Then Daniel finds an abandoned horse in need of his help and suddenly he’s got another thing to worry about. . . But will it prove one thing too many? Or will Daniel finally trust his friends enough to open up and ask for help when he needs it the most?

Review

This is a heartwarming story of a 13-year-old boy growing up in a large and chaotic household, living on the breadline. For Daniel, horses – and the friendships he makes at the stables – are his oasis of calm. While most pony literature is aimed at girls, this seems like a brave and much-needed departure, with the central character being male.

The Pony Whisperer captures the thrill and emotion of a young teenager who knows the unfathomable rewards that horses can bring to a troubled soul, and wants to reciprocate that gift. Unlike many “pony books” which centre around yard bitchiness, competition fever and pretty ponies, this is a gritty read.

Without wanting to give away spoilers, Daniel is the oldest child with a lot of siblings, and with his dad in prison he shoulders a lot of responsibility for the household at a young age. He wants to throw himself headlong into helping at the yard, but he’s torn with the weight of challenges back home.

Despite the tough setting, The Pony Whisperer is an enjoyable read which races along, yet makes you think and get into the main characters’ minds. The people are likeable; I found myself really rooting for Daniel and sympathising with his tough lot in life. More than once, I felt my eyes prick with tears when he finds solace in the company of a horse and quite what it means to him. And wow, what wonderful friends he has made at the yard! Crucially, there are also some equines to fall in love with – or despise: Toffee and her toffee-nosed owner being cases in point!

As with previous SSG stories, the inclusivity threads are strong. Virtually every character has some diverse side to them, teaching young readers never to judge – unless, of course, it involves anyone being mean to a horse or pony.

Verdict

A gritty yet heartwarming adventure story for pony-mad kids with a strong message of inclusivity, friendship and kindness. With its festive theme, it makes an ideal Christmas gift and could give you some ideas for the yard come December!

You might also be interested in:

(Image credit: Getty Images)

The Starlight Stables Gang by Esme Higgs

£7.99

(Image credit: Getty Images)

31 books that pony-mad children of all ages will enjoy

(Image credit: Getty Images)

All in a day’s work: YouTube sensation Esme Higgs

Esme Higgs, 18, on her unhorsey start, the pressures of social media and being star-struck by William Fox-Pitt

(Image credit: Getty Images)

‘I thought if one person like me could learn more about horses, that would be brilliant’: how This Esme’s drive to make riding more accessible drew in millions of fans

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Badminton Horse Trials at 75 by Kate Green

Pippa Roome — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 07:22:55 +0000

(Image credit: Pippa Roome)

Title: Badminton Horse Trials at 75

Author: Kate Green, with foreword by The Duke of Beaufort

Published: 14 April 2024

Available as hardback, Kindle, Kobo and iBook

View now at amazon.co.uk

About Badminton Horse Trials at 75

The publishers describe this as: “A lavishly illustrated celebration of the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Badminton Horse Trials looking at its history, the notable riders and the horses from over the past seven decades.

“In 1949, the 10th Duke of Beaufort started Badminton Horse Trials with the idea of better preparing British riders for the Olympic Games after a disastrous showing on home ground the year before. His legacy is the world’s oldest and most prestigious horse trials, which has captured the imagination of riders worldwide and in 2024 celebrates its seventy-fifth anniversary.

“Badminton is still an Olympic proving ground as well as a captivating place where dreams can be made or shattered, and the one all riders want to win. The centrepiece remains the cross-country course, a spectacle that draws thousands of spectators and is an imposing challenge for riders, no matter how experienced they are, in an egalitarian sport in which men and women compete on equal terms and the amateur can take on the Olympic gold medallist.

“This superbly illustrated book celebrates those riders and their horses, from Sheila Willcox’s hattrick in the 1950s to New Zealander Mark Todd who came out of retirement to win three decades after his first victory; from the golden era of Richard Meade, Captain Mark Phillips, Lucinda Green and Princess Anne, to twenty-first-century heroes and heroines, including William Fox-Pitt, Pippa Funnell, Andrew Nicholson, Michael Jung, Oliver Townend and Rosalind Canter.”

Review

Lovers of eventing have been crying out for a book which brings us up to date on Badminton’s history – Debby Sly’s great forerunner to this new edition, Badminton Horse Trials: The Triumphs and The Tears, covers only two-thirds of the event’s history now, having been published for the event’s 50th anniversary. This new tome answers that need.

Kate Green, a journalist of huge experience including with Horse & Hound and currently as deputy editor of Country Life, is the ideal author to have taken up the challenge and the result is a delightful book. She takes Badminton decade by decade, giving an introduction to the period’s major changes and trends, and then breaking out into a short section on each renewal of the event. Her flowing prose and ability to pick out the best stories and summarise important themes in a succinct way make this a very easy, enjoyable read.

It is a strength rather than a weakness that this book covers much of the history of eventing beyond Badminton, picking out important developments in the sport, and weaving the history of our major championships into the story – fitting, in the context of how Badminton came about. From the rise and fall of different nations to changes in cross-country course design, the introduction of new formats and the evolution of the modern event horse, this book gives a whistle-stop tour of eventing over the past eight decades.

Kate also introduces us to all the major characters in the sport, bringing them to life with affection and wonderful anecdotes.

Although the more recent history of the event will probably be familiar to many readers, the fact Kate had a front row seat at these Badminton, as either a journalist or a member of the press office team, means these sections are particularly strong.

Verdict

A lovely book to keep on your coffee table and dip into – or read straight through. Either way, Badminton Horse Trials at 75 is a book you’ll want to return to time after time. I love my Kindle, but on this occasion, do buy the hardback so you can really luxuriate in all the gorgeous archive photos.

View now at amazon.co.uk

Kyrgyzstan and the Jailoo: Four Rides in the Mountains of Heaven by Sue Bathurst

Carol Phillips — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 12:00:15 +0000

(Image credit: Carol Phillips)

Title: Kyrgyzstan and the Jailoo: Four Rides in the Mountains of Heaven

Author: Sue Bathurst

Published: 14 November, 2023

Available as hardback

View now at amazon.co.uk

About Kyrgyzstan and the Jailoo

In 2013 Sue Bathurst went to Kyrgyzstan to ride a horse in the jailoo – the nomads’ mountain pastures. She fell in love with the country, sometimes described as the most beautiful country in the world, and with its people. In this book she not only describes Kyrgyzstan, as it was and is, but tells of four of these horse rides in the Tien Shan and Talas Mountains, travelled with English and Kyrgyz friends.

During those rides they covered 500 miles by horse; crossed 20 passes, most between 9,000 feet and 13,000 feet; negotiated precipitous gorges and boulder strewn rivers of cascading snowmelt. In 2017 they rode for over 150 miles down the no-go zone, once the frontier between the USSR and China, and still the Kyrgyz/Chinese border. Everywhere they were welcomed by the shepherds and their families.

This is not only about a beautiful country, illustrated with over 200 colour photographs, 4 graphs and a colour map. It is about traversing challengingly tricky terrain, far from the possibility of helicopter rescue, and seeing, along the way, how the smallest country in Central Asia is rebuilding itself after 115 years of Russian rule.

Review

This book provides a fascinating insight into the lives of the Kyrgyz nomads for whom the Jailoo is home – and the author who chose to ride hundreds of miles across the incredibly challenging terrain of Kyrgyzstan, far away from any chance of rescue should an injury occur, while in her late 60s and early 70s.

While taking us along during her four different rides across epic landscapes that the less well-travelled can enjoy a glimpse of through the pictures in the book, the author does a good job of explaining the political background to the country and how this influences those living in the region.

There were a few places in the book where the passage of time was not entirely clear, as the writer jumped ahead to the following day without explanation, causing me to go back and reread the previous section to see if I’d missed something, but despite that I found the book an interesting and enjoyable read.

Equestrian readers should also be aware that the horses in the book do undergo moments of hardship, which needs to be considered in the context of the lives lived by the Kyrgyz nomads, so it might not be the ideal choice of relaxing reading for those of a more sensitive disposition.

Verdict

A great coffee table book for aspiring adventurers and those who enjoy traversing the routes less travelled.

View now at amazon.co.uk

Mirror Horse by Tamara Williamson

Carol Phillips — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 09:21:58 +0000

(Image credit: Carol Phillips)

Title: Mirror Horse: a memoir

Author: Tamara Williamson

Published: 23 November, 2023

Available as paperback and ebook

View now at amazon.co.uk

About Mirror Horse

In Tamara Williamson’s memoir about the horses that have passed through her life, she opens a door to the complicated and nuanced world of equestrianism. A grand passion for so many of us who have had the opportunity of sharing our lives with these incredible animals, the author shares her personal journey full of ambition, determination, kindness, frustration, fear and joy.

While on the surface Mirror Horse is about horses, the author crafts a complex story about courage, family and the places where we find a reflection of our souls. In her notes from the author, she admits that she had to “come out of hiding and find the courage” to look deep inside herself while writing this book, saying: “This book was meant to be about horses. Instead it took me on a journey I didn’t expect and became about much more than that.”

Review

I found myself quickly immersed in this book as it whisked me back to my childhood helping out at my local riding school, and riding around the countryside on loan ponies, hacking to local shows and attending pony club rallies with my friends. Later it opened a door on to keeping horses in Canada and the country’s dressage scene, of which I have no first-hand experience, but in which I can see similarities with the aura of certain individuals and the drama linked to some situations here in the UK.

The author writes with an authenticity and honesty about her life – and the horses within it – that is refreshing and relatable throughout. She does not shy away from her mistakes or the darker side of what horse sport can bring out in some people. She is open about the challenges, her own shortcomings, and what she learnt – good and bad – along the way.

The book is broken into individual chapters, each focussed on a specific horse, or in some cases two horses. Some of these relationships are positive, others far less so. The years during which these horses were in the author’s life are given, so it is easy to see which overlap, and how they fit into her childhood through the teenage years into adulthood, married life and beyond. The chapters make the book easy to pick and put down, so it does not need to be read in one sitting. I found myself taking natural breaks at the end of chapters, allowing periods of introspection before picking up the book once again.

As an equestrian I found this book very enjoyable to read, prompting me to reflect anew on what the numerous horses in my life to date have taught – and continue to teach – me. For those outside the equestrian world, I think it gives a genuine insight into what it is about horses that results in them becoming a grand passion in the lives of so many people around the world. It’s heartfelt and moving at times, as the horses reflect the best and worst of the author’s intentions and emotions, shining a light on a relationship that requires absolute authenticity in order to thrive.

Verdict

An engaging and endearing book that is ideal to read over multiple sittings with much to offer both horse enthusiasts and a wider audience.

View now at amazon.co.uk

NB: A percentage of the author’s royalties from this book will be donated to the Canadian Horse Defence Coalition.

You might also be interested in:

(Image credit: Carol Phillips)

The best horse books of all genres for all ages

(Image credit: Carol Phillips)

Harmonious Horsemanship by Sue Dyson and Sue Palmer

£34.99

(Image credit: Carol Phillips)

Jorie: The Extraordinary Life of Jorie Butler Kent

£75

(Image credit: Carol Phillips)

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Harmonious Horsemanship by Sue Dyson and Sue Palmer

Carol Phillips — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 12:49:43 +0000

(Image credit: Carol Phillips)

Harmonious Horsemanship by Sue Dyson and Sue Palmer

Title: Harmonious Horsemanship: use of the ridden horse ethogram to optimise potential, partnership and performance

Authors: Sue Dyson and Sue Palmer

Published: 2023

Available as paperback or Kindle edition

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

About Harmonious Horsemanship

In Harmonious Horsemanship: use of the ridden horse ethogram to optimise potential, partnership and performance, Sue Dyson and Sue Palmer share their professional knowledge and experience to teach the reader how to use the list of 24 behaviours to check for musculoskeletal pain in ridden horses.

The book includes research studies and contributions from industry experts, alongside real-life case studies. The book is full of practical tools to teach everyone from amateur owners to experienced equestrian professionals how to use ridden behaviour to recognise the signs of pain, even in horses that appear sound.

Review: Harmonious Horsemanship by Sue Dyson and Sue Palmer

Too often horses are labelled “bad” or “naughty” when they are actually in pain. Dr Sue Dyson’s ridden horse pain ethogram – also known as the ridden horse performance checklist – is a list of 24 behaviours that can be used to recognise musculoskeletal pain in horses which are not obviously lame.

As well as covering the background of how and why the ethogram came about, this book focuses on educating equestrians in how to apply the checklist to their own horses, and includes many real-life case studies. It also contains numerous photos showing multiple examples of each of the 24 behaviours being shown by horses, to help equestrians visualise the signs.

The book poses important questions to the reader though out, promoting us to reconsider some long-held assumptions and beliefs we may have about our horses. It also offers advice on where to go next if you find your horse is showing signs of pain when you apply the ridden horse performance checklist, and includes a useful set of FAQs covering a wide range of questions that may cross your mind along the way.

Numerous experts – from vets to farriers to physical therapists to saddle fitters – have contributed their thoughts on ridden horse behaviour to the book, providing additional insight through the lens of their professional speciality.

For an educational reference book, I found the language easy to follow as it doesn’t get bogged down in too much veterinary terminology. That said, there is a lot of information on take on board so I did need to take breaks from reading to give my brain time to process the information being imparted.

I think this is a book that I will return to time and again. It will help me to be become a more informed owner and rider who can advocate clearly on my horse’s behalf when speaking to equine professional about my horse’s well-being.

Verdict

If everyone involved with ridden horses, whether as a rider, trainer or carer, would read this book, the world would be a better place for horses in all situations.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

The Misfit by Jay Ann Foley

Martha Terry — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 12:37:25 +0000

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Title: The Misfit

Author: Jay-Ann Foley

Published: 2 February 2023

Available as paperback or Kindle

View now at amazon.co.uk

About The Misfit

Georgie Wright is feeling frustrated. Her career as a jockey is more stuck at the start than flying at the finish. Meanwhile her partner, the talented Sam Christie, moves ever closer to his goal of being crowned champion jockey.

When Georgie finds herself blamed for an accident on the gallops and ostracised by her colleagues, she flees to a farm on Bodmin Moor and a temporary position working with father and son team, Fred and Tom Pengelly. There she is introduced to The Misfit, a highly talented thoroughbred whose temperament makes him an untested contender for the Epsom Derby. Can Georgie bond with the horse and earn herself the ride in such a prestigious race?

With a spate of rural crime in the area and under pressure from jealous rivals, Georgie struggles to keep The Misfit safe and sound. Will they ever get to participate in the horse-race of the year and prove their critics wrong?

From the romance of the Cornish moor to the bustling home of British horse-racing in Suffolk, The Misfit will take you on a journey right up to the final furlong!

Review

Set in the world of Flat racing, this is a fairly simple page-turner of beating the odds, a love story with challenges, and some engaging characters. It is a classic tale of the minnows coming up trumps against the whales of the racing world. For me, it is a little too predictable – I was hoping for more of a twist to keep me on my toes, but some readers love inevitable happy endings, and this has a heartwarming conclusion with plenty of jeopardy along the way.

I loved much of the racing detail, the smells and sounds of the stables, the sensation of galloping horses, pre-race nerves, falling asleep in the lorry in the early mornings all rang so true. The Cornish atmosphere and countryside was beautifully rendered, and I almost felt like I was one of the staff at the Pengellys’ tumbledown yard on the moor. However, some of the details were a bit far-fetched, meaning you had to suspend disbelief – but maybe that’s the joy of fiction, that a Derby-bound colt can gallop through a Cornish bog, soaring over stone walls and skimming over bumpy ground, and their jockey not ride a race for several months before lining up at Epsom.

Many of the personalities were winsome, particularly the Cornish crew. The protagonist, Georgie, is plucky and down-to-earth. However, I found the character of Sam – the ex-boyfriend, champion jockey – too vile to be relatable!

Even though there are some aspects that aren’t perfect, overall it is a fun, lighthearted read. I wonder if it would be best targeted at a young adult readership with that fairytale element of winning impossible races in their dreams, but there is plenty to enthral any horse lover who wants a fun “beach read”.

Verdict

An enjoyable yarn to entertain any horse lover who wants a page-turning adventure set in the racing world.

View now at amazon.co.uk

The Bridleway by Tiffany Francis-Baker

Martha Terry — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 12:35:33 +0000

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Title: The Bridleway: How Horses Shaped the British Landscape

Author: Tiffany Francis-Baker

Published: 8 June 2023

Available as hardcover, Kindle or Audible

View now at amazon.co.uk

About The Bridleway

Tiffany Francis-Baker explores how the relationship between humans and horses has shaped the British landscape, how horses have captured our wild imaginations, and how this connection has evolved and become part of our nation’s ecosystems.

Many of us enjoy walking on a bridleway. These ancient networks are familiar to walkers and riders and crisscross the British countryside, but we rarely stop to think about how these old routes came to be.

In The Bridleway, Tiffany Francis-Baker examines our relationship with horses and ponders how they have become part of our nation’s ecosystems. From atop her horse, Tiffany discovers how horses are woven into the fabric of British culture, from street and pub names to trading routes and coaching inns. As she investigates how horses have shaped British landscapes, she offers a glimpse into the intriguing history of the bridleway.

Along the way, Tiffany visits a horse fair and learns about Traveller communities. She explores the role of equestrian sport and inclusivity, sees rewilding in action on the Knepp Estate in Sussex and undertakes detective work to uncover ancient bridleways lost to time and meet the closest living ancestors of the truly wild horse.

Part-domesticated and part-fiercely independent, horses can teach us a lot about our landscape and help us understand nature and our place within it. Except for the dogs and cats we choose to share our homes with, we have allowed horses far deeper into our society than any other animal. And as Tiffany investigates why horses have captured Britons’ attention, she reveals how deeply rooted they have been in our culture for thousands of years.

Review

I loved the start, where the author describes a wonderful hack through the Hampshire countryside. She has an impressive knowledge of flora and fauna, and I enjoyed the eloquent descriptions of frothy blossom, and flowers’ bloom singing “like sirens to the bumblebees”. As a rider myself, I relished reliving the sensation of a lazy hack in springtime among celandines, violets and primroses; the sights, the smells and sounds of winter breaking into spring.

Similarly, the final chapter taps into the essence of the relationship between horse and human. Whole paragraphs are dedicated to the tactile aspect of being with horses – “the velvet nub” of a horse’s nose, with whiskers “drawing in your knuckles like a magnet”. But in between, the chapters are a heavily researched account of the history and culture of horses within the British landscape, veering from Greek and Germanic mythology to coaching inns to the traveller community. It is a little rambling as it covers so much ground, and I personally preferred the more accessible first and final chapters.

She writes beautifully and knowledgeably, but it is a little heavy-going and verbose for those expecting a “joyful gallop through the history of equestrianism”, as touted on the cover. It is more of a long, slow hack, with quite a few obstacles to ponder along the way.

The writer’s background as an environmentalist comes through strongly – and there is a slightly polemical side shadowing the beauty of horses in the countryside, that of man’s effect on our world.

The writer is also an artist, and each chapter opens with a simple black and white drawing, which is a nice touch.

Verdict

An interesting and well-researched read with lyrical detail on nature. Less of a gallop, more of an absorbing hack – a book to pick up, read a chapter and put down, rather than devour in a sitting.

View now at amazon.co.uk

Jorie: The Extraordinary Life of Jorie Butler Kent

Martha Terry — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 12:32:21 +0000

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Title: Jorie: The Extraordinary Life of Jorie Butler Kent, Visionary and Philanthropist

Author: Jorie Butler Kent, with Reute Butler

Published: 1 June 2023

Available as hardcover

View now at amazon.co.uk

About Jorie, by Jorie Butler Kent

Lavishly illustrated and containing stories that include everything from coaching the future King Charles in polo to birdwatching in central Africa with George Plimpton, Jorie: The Extraordinary Life of Jorie Butler Kent, Visionary and Philanthropist allows the reader to delve into the story of a truly unparalleled life.

This memoir is the story of family and its tradition. To name but a few of Jorie’s accomplishments: she is herself a champion equestrian as well as one of the first women to run a championship polo team, among the first westerners to lay eyes on the Terracotta Army in China. A dear friend of the Royal family, she is the organiser of Princes William and Harry’s inaugural African safari, and award-winning pioneer of environmentally conscious tourism and conservation in Kenya. With her business, the world-renowned luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent, built with Geoffrey Kent, and her charity, Friends of Conservation, brings her to places as diverse as the plains of the Masai-Mara and the uplands of Papua New-Guinea. Jorie has changed the lives of thousands of people.

Review

A striking hardback book: large, square and black-and-white, with a simple at-home picture of a girl and her horse on the cover. This is a lavish, chunky and stylish book that brings a touch of class to the coffee table.

This is the sort of aspirational memoir that very few of us will ever have cause to write, but through the pages of this glossy tome, we can taste some of the experiences this extraordinary lady has led. Now in her 90s, Lorie’s joy-filled memoir is a wonderful resumé of the life of a charming, glamorous, American heiress.

Through its 330-odd pages, many of which are full-page photos, quotes or family trees, Jorie puts together the story of her rather magnificent life. She starts before her birth with her paper-making ancestors in Chicago, and goes on through family life, highs and lows, friendship with British royalty, polo successes – as well as the business side. It’s delightful to read, with short extracts describing a certain phase, written mostly by Lorie as well as friends and family, which intersperse the huge, quality photos that dominate the book. Both Lorie and her daughter Reute (who helped produce the book) are professional photographers, and they certainly know what looks good on a large scale, as well as Lorie herself having model looks.

Hers was an enviable life of adventure – of snow sports, flying aeroplanes, global travel, and, of course, horses, which form a thread throughout. Stunning photos of Lorie’s horses, from polo stars to ranch ponies, provide a feast for the equestrian reader’s eyes.

As Lorie herself says: “My life has been filled with incredible adventures, one after another. I have been blessed many times over. I had the great good fortune of walking through so many doors that were opened for me to amazing opportunities and exhilarating experiences. Indeed, I am grateful for every cherished moment.”

Verdict

What a life this lady has led! This gloriously lavish phot0-album style book is a wonderful addition to the coffee table for anyone who enjoys beautiful things, American pioneer family memoirs – and horses.

View now at amazon.co.uk

A Matter of Trust by Lucy Ann Huxter

Pippa Roome — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 13:20:57 +0000

(Image credit: Lucy Ann Huxter)

Title: A Matter of Trust

Author: Lucy Ann Huxter

Published: 27 September 2023

Available as paperback or Kindle edition

View now at amazon.co.uk

About A Matter of Trust

Described as “a contemporary adventure romance set in the world of British Eventing”, this novel follows Emma Mathews, who decides to give up an office job to work at an eventing yard, Coach House Stables.

The situation is tense when she arrives, with difficult relationships between Daniel Ryan – a talented rider but tricky character, with a reputation for breaking hearts even more effectively than he backs horses – and the rest of the team.

The novel follows the ups and downs of the yard, with competitions, horses potentially being sold and the arrival of a rich American pupil. Emma gradually becomes torn between Coach House Stables and her planned future with her solid, reliable boyfriend back at home and has to make some big decisions about her future.

Review

I really enjoyed reading A Matter of Trust and it is clear that author Lucy Ann Huxter knows her stuff about eventing, with accurate progression for the horses through the levels, descriptions of what happens at the events and grassroots events attended and referenced throughout the story as well as bigger competitions. Emma also makes a sensible suggestion of a tactic to try to improve the dressage performance of one of the horses.

I found the story a little slow at the start, perhaps because as a main character Emma seems to lack any clear direction. She doesn’t want to compete, so the novel doesn’t have that as its central driving force, and in fact doesn’t really know what she wants – which is the point of the story in that during the course of the tale she finds herself and a satisfactory future. But initially I found her indecision and rather floaty personality a little frustrating and felt it didn’t hook me in as a reader.

However, the more I read, the more I enjoyed A Matter of Trust and over the final chapters I was well and truly gripped. The ending isn’t a particular surprise – I could predict what was going to happen from very early on – but I was still eager to keep turning the pages.

Verdict

Novels set in the eventing world are few and far between – fans should enjoy this one, which combines an accurate depiction of the sport with a strong story.

View now at amazon.co.uk

You might also be interested in:

(Image credit: Lucy Ann Huxter)

The best horse books of all genres for all ages

(Image credit: Lucy Ann Huxter)

Courses For Horses by Caroline Akrill

£8.99

(Image credit: Lucy Ann Huxter)

Finding Wonder by Lauren St John

£6.49

(Image credit: Lucy Ann Huxter)

Training to Win by Caroline Moore

£25

(Image credit: Lucy Ann Huxter)

The Starlight Stables Gang by Esme Higgs

£7.99

(Image credit: Lucy Ann Huxter)

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Finding Wonder by Lauren St John

Martha Terry — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 09:52:44 +0000

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Title: Finding Wonder

Author: Lauren St John

Published: 7 September 2023

Available as paperback, Kindle edition or Audiobook

View now at amazon.co.uk

About Finding Wonder by Lauren St John

Orphaned Roo Thorn feels like the unluckiest girl in the world. Until she discovers a letter. A letter which urges her to “Grab life by the wings and fly”.

With the help of her aunt, Joni, Roo sets out to buy her dream horse – a fiery showjumper named Wonder Boy.

Then Wonder vanishes without a trace.

Determined to save him, Roo and Joni investigate his disappearance. But as the mystery deepens and more prize horses are stolen, the pair find themselves drawn into a thrilling – but dangerous – adventure . . .

How far will they go, and what will they risk, to find Wonder?

Review

Finding Wonder by Lauren St John is a superbly told adventure story that I found completely enthralling. The plot is rich and the characters are engaging. As in all great detective stories, you never quite know whom to trust, and how the mystery will unravel.

There’s an element of Dick Francis to it, in the skulduggery involved at the heart of a top-level stable yard, though this is set in the showjumping rather than racing world. But there are similarities in a minnow – in this case a 12-year-old orphaned girl and her non-horsey aunt – endeavouring to fix a major crime through their own brain and brawn. As with Dick Francis, the horsey details are authentic and tangible.

I loved the two main characters, the girl and her aunt, they were feisty, brave and intelligent, while the baddies aren’t stereotypical and you have to guess a bit to work out who is the real villain. It ends, as all good adventure stories should, with a rip-roaring chase scene with the goodies coming out on top.

However, the ending isn’t quite the cheesy finale you might expect from a children’s story – and much the better for it. It made for a satisfying conclusion and a gentle moralising touch that money can’t buy happiness (or your dream horse), which is arguably something that readers of all ages need to heed!

Finding Wonder is marketed at nine to 12-year-olds, however I think older children would also enjoy this swashbuckling spin in a fantastical showjumping world – I certainly did.

Verdict

An exciting and dramatic adventure story celebrating friendship, family, and of course horses. Told in a wonderfully immersive style that grips you from start to finish. For me, one of the best horsey books for children.

View now at amazon.co.uk

My Life in 12 Horses by Nicky Henderson

Martha Terry — Mon, 04 Sep 2023 10:29:12 +0000

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Title: My Life in 12 Horses

Author: Nicky Henderson with Kate Johnson

Published: 25 September 2023

Available as hardcover

View now at amazon.co.uk

About My Life in 12 Horses

National Hunt champion trainer Nicky Henderson OBE shares behind-the-scenes stories of the dozen most extraordinary thoroughbreds that have defined his glittering career.

After his early days as an amateur jockey and assistant to Fred Winter, Nicky started his own training yard, which would become the home of such great riders as Sir AP McCoy, Barry Geraghty, John Francome, Mick Fitzgerald, Sam Waley-Cohen, Richard Dunwoody, Nico de Boinville and many others.

From his triple Champion Hurdle-winner See You Then, Remittance Man and Nobby the sheep, record-setting Altior, Sprinter Sacre and the greatest comeback in jump racing history, to his new star Constitution Hill, the Henderson yard has been a breeding ground for success.

Through exclusive interviews with Nicky and his jockeys, Nicky Henderson: My Life in 12 Horses schools us on life, sport, magic, courage, loss, hope and love.

Review

A delightful and revealing biography, which is told via 12 special horses (the title of each chapter) in Nicky Henderson’s life. Starting with Happy Warrior, “his beloved beserker”, who gave him several memorable wins as an amateur jockey, the book tracks through stars such as See You Then, Long Run, Sprinter Sacre and Altior. Author Kate Johnson has compiled the book together with Nicky, and it is both beautifully and evocatively written.

With Nicky still very much training at the peak of his powers, the all-conquering Constitution Hill only squeaks in as an “afterword” – though crammed with both character and excitement – yet this is a full, personable and bewitching account of the genius that is the six-time champion jumps trainer.

This book is not only revealing for what it tells us about Nicky, his astounding natural horsemanship skills and empathy for the horses in his care, but I loved the input from other greats of the game. Luminaries such as John Francome and Steve Smith-Eccles shed light on various aspects of Nicky’s career, which adds such insight.

We learn about his inspirations, his friends, and those, like Corky Brown, who’ve helped make Nicky into the success story he is. There are also quotes from Nicky’s family, such as his sister sharing the emotion of their mother’s sudden death, so painful even 50 years later. All in all, it provides a thorough and fascinating account of this brilliant man, and wonderful anecdotes about his great horses, their personalities brought to light so beautifully.

Despite Nicky’s incomparable achievements that so few trainers will ever match, his biography has a heartwarming (at times heartbreaking), down-to-earth feel. We live the highs and lows with him, feel his thrills and his pain. Most of all, in an era when antis try to point the finger at racing, it brings home just how much these horses are loved, cared for, cherished – Nicky’s every waking thought for so many decades has revolved around their wellbeing.

While this is a must-read for racing fans, I’d recommend it to anyone who has ever loved an animal. As Richard Phillips says of Nicky’s career: “Before anything else, it’s an emotional relationship between Nicky and his horses… That’s probably why Nicky’s so good at what he does, he gets quite attached to them. All the best trainers are emotional people, wearing their hearts on their sleeves. Being emotional means understanding how horses think.”

Verdict

A thoroughly enjoyable and enlightening read about one of the greatest trainers of all time. It gives brilliant insight to the rollercoaster thrills of Nicky Henderson’s outstanding (and still strongly ongoing) career and the personalities behind some of the biggest equine names in National Hunt history, from the “hell-cat” See You Then to the “glittering athlete” Sprinter Sacre. Sometimes I laughed and sometimes I cried, and it made me feel I loved the greatest game more than ever.

View now at amazon.co.uk

Training to Win by Caroline Moore

Martha Terry — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 07:31:35 +0000

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Title: Training to Win: the Complete Training System for the Modern-Day Event Rider

Author: Caroline Moore

Foreword: Ros Canter

Published: 14 July 2023

Available as paperback

View now at amazon.co.uk

About Training to Win by Caroline Moore

A comprehensive guide for the modern-day event rider to support every stage of the training process, from the early years, up to the first four-star.

The introduction gives a thorough vision on the crucial ingredients of what makes a champion at any level, whether it is the Badminton Grassroots, the Youth Europeans, or the World Equestrian Games. This proven and successful training system is broken down into three equally applicable sections: Training to Learn; Training to Compete; and Training to Win.

The reader will be taken through the four to five years that essentially it will take to produce the horse and rider partnership to a high level of performance. Every physical and mental skill required will be demonstrated by an exercise, which can be easily followed with tips on equipment required, setting up the exercise and relevance to competition.

This informative book will be a great support to the event rider, focusing on the three periods of the eventing year: the winter training period, the spring fitness period and the lead up to a championship or long format. There will be coverage on season planning, course design, performance profiling, goal setting and, most importantly, advice on how a rider can manage nerves in a competition environment. The book is packed with performance-enhancing ideas and for any rider wanting to improve their training system this is an essential guide to developing the confidence to succeed.

Review

This is a fantastically comprehensive manual for how to become a winning event rider. It’s a very practical guide, with around 150 pages of exercises, complete not just with helpful diagrams on layouts, but also how to warm up specifically for each exercise, and its relevance to competition. The book is certainly worthwhile for the exercises alone. Caroline breaks down the skills you need to have at every level, and provides exercises that will improve your and your horse’s ability in each of the eventing phases through those levels.

Before the exercises begin, Caroline explains the four ingredients crucial to any champion, namely: the correct training system, a podium mentality, a positive mindset and confidence. She then goes into detail on what each one means, and breaks down the training system into the goals of learning, competing and winning. The book is centred around this system, and the exercises are tailored to each of these three stages.

What I loved about the book was its thoroughness, both in content and plan. It covers everything from mindset to equipment; from annual training plans to what to eat the night before an event; from practising how to trot-up to the skill of riding the last minute on a cross-country course. There’s a useful chapter on dealing with nerves, which will be useful for riders from grassroots to Badminton. There is not one facet of eventing for which Caroline does not give you a masterplan.

I also enjoyed how precise Caroline’s advice is – mirroring how she wants our transitions to be. (Every halt transition you ever make, including stopping to tighten girth or when you reach the gate at home, needs to be square and correct). You have to subscribe to her methods – pressure and release/reward is the foundation of her training – but I feel that if you follow her advice to the letter, you couldn’t fail to succeed.

The content is rich and didactic; it’s not full of anecdotes, but it is easy to read and follow due to many large colour photos, as well as bullet points and boxes pulling out acronyms and salient points to remember.

This is a guide for the serious event rider. You don’t have to have aspirations to make it to four-star and beyond (although it covers everything you need up to advanced-level eventing), however it’s targeted at ambitious riders, whether you’re aiming for grassroots or riding championships or much higher. It’s for perfectionists who want to do a great job, be it your hobby or profession.

Personally, I found the chapter on “making a champion” fascinating even though I will never be a champion. The section on training in the pressure zone was so informative – really enlightening on how Caroline trains riders to perform under pressure at home, when not under competition circumstances.

Badminton winner and 2018 world champion Ros Canter writes the foreword, saying: “Caroline writes in the same clear and concise way that she trains. There is no stone left unturned in her training, and she explains this methodical approach to working with both riders and horses to create successful partnerships.” So, if you want to know how Ros became world champion and a Badminton winner, this is how.

I feel if you read through this book, and methodically went through all the exercises you would be ready to succeed at whatever level is appropriate for you and your horse. It could take you several years however to do it properly – there is so much to get through! A really meaty book for all levels of competitor.

Verdict

Not bedtime reading, but one to keep in your tack room and incorporate the instructions wholeheartedly into your daily routine. It would be fascinating to see how far you could go if you followed Caroline’s instructions to the letter for a whole season!

View now at amazon.co.uk

Be Happy! A Little Book of Mindfulness, by Maddy Bard

Martha Terry — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 07:27:57 +0000

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Title: Be Happy! A Little Book of Mindfulness

Author: Maddy Bard

Illustrator: Emma Dodd

Published: 2023

Available as paperback

View now at amazon.co.uk

About Be Happy! A Little Book of Mindfulness

Filled with pearls of wisdom and positivity, originally written during lockdown, this heartwarming story is told by two adorable dogs, Hucky and Buzz.

The thoughts expressed by Hucky and Buzz reflect the emotions, moods and feelings which will resonate with every young child. In this deceptively simple book Maddy Bard, a mindfulness and meditation coach, shares her tips on boosting confidence, positivity and self-belief. Featuring the creators’ own adorable dogs, and brought to life with Emma Dodd’s enchanting illustrations, Hucky and Buzz is a little gem of a book – a doggy handbook for a healthy and happy life.

Review

This colourful children’s book contains little nuggets on nurturing healthy emotions such as kindness, gratitude and love. Each page focuses on one instruction, such as “Be Kind”. Bold and appealing illustrations give the visual impression of the words. For example, for the page on “Be Thankful”, the two dogs are sniffing a dandelion together, with the words: “Hucky and Buzz appreciate the little things. Look at the beautiful world around you. What are you thankful for?” It’s very simple, but engaging, encouraging the reader to tap into their emotions by making them think about the question.

It’s targeted at young children, either just able to read for themselves, or to listen to and enjoy the joyful pictures.

Eight-year-old reader Guy Owen says: “It has good examples of how you should feel. I like the characters, they have a good bond of friendship.

“The pictures are nice. They make me feel playful.”

Verdict

A sweet little book for young children, with bold and joyful pictures, cute dogs and plenty of practical snippets to help the reader be more mindful and appreciate their emotions. An encouraging way to tap into mindfulness for any dog-loving child!

View now at amazon.co.uk

Lexington by Kim Wickens

Carol Phillips — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 15:41:30 +0000

(Image credit: Carol Phillips)

Author: Kim Wickens

Published: 11 July, 2023

Available as hardback or Kindle edition

View now on Amazon UK or Amazon US

About Lexington – The Extraordinary Life and Turbulent Times of America’s Legendary Racehorse

Set against the turbulent background of the American Civil War, this dramatic true story covers the incredible life of an outstanding Kentucky-born Thoroughbred colt named Lexington. At the time horse racing was America’s supreme spectator sport, with horses being required to run over a gruelling four miles, two or three times in succession, to be crowned the winner. This format required both stamina and speed – a combination referred to as “bottom” – of which this horse had almost endless reserves.

Despite being partially blind, Lexington recorded numerous victories and shattered the world speed record for a four-mile race showing a war-torn nation that extraordinary was possible, even in those perilous times.

Once his groundbreaking achievements as a racehorse ended in 1855, his role as a sire began. Horses from Lexington’s bloodline went on to win more money than the offspring of any other thoroughbred, which led Lexington to be named America’s leading sire of the year an unprecedented 16 times. But his years as stud were less than idyllic as the Civil War raged and soldiers ran amok, looting and kidnapping horses from top stables.

Review

This is a truly remarkable story. I take my hat off to Kim Wickens, not only for her long and meticulous research, but also for her skillful story-telling, in which the life of Lexington – and those associated with him – is brought to life in such captivating fashion.

The book serves as an engrossing history lesson on American horse racing during the 1850s, the challenges faced by horses in that era, and the realities of living through the Civil War in the American South.

I quickly became immersed in this compelling real-life story of a horse I had never heard of, but whose achievements were such that I believe every horse enthusiast on both sides of the Atlantic should know his name. Hopefully this book will go some way towards righting that wrong and spreading awareness of his incredible achievements.

Verdict

A must-read for anyone interested in horse racing, thoroughbred breeding, or wider horse sport.

The True Story Of The Yorkshire Horseman review

Martha Terry — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 13:45:32 +0000

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Title: The True Story of The Yorkshire Horseman Cooper Wilson

Author: Cooper Wilson with Chris Berry

Published: 2022

Available as paperback

View now at gnbooks.co.uk or amazon.co.uk

About The Yorkshire Horseman

The True Story of The Yorkshire Horseman lifts the lid on the life of a man who has a rare psychic gift of being able to understand and help solve horses’ problems.

Cooper Wilson is a man who knows horses. In this his first book he tells how the apparition of a stag started what has now brought him the honorary title of The Yorkshire Horseman.

From humble beginnings as the son of a hunt servant, Cooper was a boy who went to school in his wellies. He began to realise that his extraordinary powers of being able to work with ailing horses was unique.

The blurb hails Cooper as “now the most in-demand horse psychic internationally”. He travels regularly on tour throughout England, Ireland, Scotland and around the world, where huge numbers of horse owners bring their animals almost like a pilgrimage to have Cooper tell them more about what is wrong, what should be done, and to put them back in good health and fitness.

Review

I found this to be a fascinating read, which had me interested the whole way through. I must admit I don’t know quite where I stand on the concept of psychic gifts. Can horses really communicate with humans in a spiritual realm? Reassuringly for the cynics among us, Cooper addresses this in the first chapter.

“People call me the animal communicator and I used to shiver when I heard that because it over-simplifies everything. I am not some kind of weird Doctor Doolittle,” he writes. “My ability to give readings, and all of what others might call the heebie-jeebie stuff, is as much of a mystery to me why I have it, but I’m no one-trick pony. It’s not all about the readings, and it never has been.”

So, first and foremost, this is an account of a horseman, who does everything he can to make life better for every horse he encounters, and enable them to be the best they can be. That he has tapped into his spiritual gifts to tune into what horses are feeling only enhances his horsemanship.

Cooper grew up as the son of a hunt servant and his family were often on the receiving end of horses brought to the kennels to be euthanised and given to the hounds. As a child he formed relationships with these death-row horses, who were sometimes brought because they were a danger to their handlers, other times because of irreparable injury. Many a time, Cooper was able to turn them around, take them hunting and produce them as riding horses again.

Cooper is a proper Yorkshireman, the type who calls spades what they are. He admits he struggled at school (“I never learned to read or write properly. That’s why I got Chris Berry to write this book for me in the way that I speak, because I can’t do it for myself). The result is that you can hear his character coming through on every page. The style is fairly rough and ready, with short chapters and plenty of anecdotes. You get the sense Cooper has had to defend what he sees as a psychic gift throughout his life, and rather than trying to persuade his detractors with eloquent words, he feels the proof is in the pudding – you can take it or leave it.

Throughout the book, I loved all the tales of horses being rehabilitated, recovering their zest for life and there are some fabulous anecdotes. Not all of the stories end well – it’s a balanced account – but horses tend to be the heroes, while the portrayal of humans is usually less glowing. Some of the more spiritual stories are off the scale, but Cooper’s voice is so authentic I cannot imagine why he’d make them up. He’s convinced this cynic anyway that there may be a spiritual realm operating beyond what we see in front of our eyes. And that the equine world is a better place for horsemen like Cooper.

Verdict

Whether you’re cynical or fascinated by a psychic’s approach to horses’ problems, this authentic account of the experience and life of Cooper Wilson, “The Yorkshire Horseman”, will encourage you to contemplate your own relationship with horses. An enlightening read.

View now at gnbooks.co.uk or amazon.co.uk

The Starlight Stables Gang by Esme Higgs

Martha Terry — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 09:16:39 +0000

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Author: Esme Higgs and Jo Cotterill

Illustrator: Hannah George

Published: 2023

Available as hardback, paperback or Kindle edition

View now at amazon.co.uk

About The Starlight Stables Gang

Superstar equestrian influencer and YouTuber Esme Higgs has teamed up with award-winning author Jo Cotterill to write a fun adventure series, “for animal-mad eight- to 12-year-olds”.

The Starlight Stables Gang is the first in the series, with the next book due this summer, 2023.

The central themes are ponies, fun, friendship and mystery. Summer has always loved horses but she never thought she’d be able to learn how to ride them – not with money being so tight at home. Then she discovers the Starlight Stables, where she meets a new gang of friends and learns how to ride in return for helping-out with the horses.

Summer falls in love with life at the stables and especially with Luna, a beautiful dapple-grey pony. But one day, Summer arrives at the stables to find that Luna has been stolen in the night. It’s up to the Starlight Stables Gang to follow the clues and rescue Luna before it’s too late.

Review

This is a sweet story of a penniless child growing up in a single-parent household, who falls in love with horses.

It captures the excitement of a young girl joining a stable yard, with very little of the bitchiness normally portrayed in similar books. There are good characters; you can really root for them and enjoy the Famous Five-esque adventure of kids taking the law into their own hands – or at least a healthy dose of initiative – in a quest to find the stolen pony. I enjoyed the gripping adventure, particularly as it centred simply around the love of horses rather than competition goals and yard spats!

The problem-solving is a touch simplistic – Enid Blyton would have a few more twists and challenges – but given the target readership of pre-teens, what does that matter?

As with most pony literature, it is aimed at girls, especially the huge This Esme fan club. But while girl power is definitely a central theme, one of the four heroes is male, which is probably a fair gender ratio in a stable yard.

There’s an obvious inclusivity message running throughout the book. Virtually every character has some diverse side to them, teaching young readers never to judge.

Verdict

A fun and gripping adventure story for pony-mad girls with a strong message of inclusivity.

Silver Spurs and a Twelve Pound Heart by Helen Newman Wood

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 07:35:09 +0000

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Author: Helen Newman Wood

Published: 2023

Available as paperback or Kindle edition

View now at amazon.co.uk

About Silver Spurs and a Twelve Pound Heart

Helen Newman Wood’s novel is “inspired by the author’s love of equestrian sports and the stunning landscape of Northumberland”.

It features rider Katie, who has always loved “ponies, all things pink and sparkly and dashing event rider Roger Fleming Bowen”.

“Now in her twenties, she’s escaped a desk job in London, packed her collection of pink polo shirts and moved to Northumberland to work for her childhood hero,” the blurb says.

Review

Chick lit set in the world of eventing – what’s not to like?

It’s great fun. Of course the eventer Roger is very dashing, dark and brooding, and a fabulous rider, and of course Katie is beautiful and equally fabulous, and I don’t think it’s too much of a spoiler to mention what may or may not happen between them.

It may not be one to give your horsey grandmother owing to the unexpected and slightly gratuitous bedroom scenes, with erect nipples popping up everywhere, so to speak, but a good easy read, and a great one to take if you’re going on a non-horsey holiday this summer.

Verdict

A good, easy holiday read.

Courses For Horses by Caroline Akrill

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 11:31:50 +0000

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Author: Caroline Akrill

Published: 2022

Available as paperback or Kindle edition

View now at amazon.co.uk

About Courses for Horses

After a wait of more than 30 years, Caroline Akrill has released the sequel to her much-loved Eventers trilogy – Eventer’s Dream, A Hoof In The Door and Ticket To Ride – Courses for Horses picks up the story where Ticket to Ride left off. Many readers have wondered where Elaine and Legend would go next in their eventing career, and what would happen to the Fanes – and now they can find out.

Courses for Horses brings back the cast of the first three books; not just Elaine, Henrietta, Nigella and Lady Jennifer but of course all the equine stars too, as well as some people you may have forgotten…

Review

Anyone who was a fan of the Eventers trilogy will be delighted to hear there’s a new book out.

Readers don’t need to worry that it in any way spoils the others; it’s good as the first three and adds to the story, and although you may be surprised at the turn the story takes at the start, described as a “life-changing” move for Elaine, it’s a great read, in Caroline’s inimitable style, and I’d say a must for fans of the trilogy. The new one and the original set have been republished by Jane Badger Books.

Asked how it felt to pick up the story again, Caroline said: “It was amazingly easy really. I slipped back into their lives as if I had never been away, and because I wanted everything to end well for them, it was great to make it all happen. I really enjoyed writing Courses for Horses.”

Verdict

A must-red for fans of the trilogy.

Happy Days and Winning Ways: Training for the top by the International Junior and Young Rider Team coach

Pippa Roome — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 16:54:31 +0000

Happy Days and Winning Ways: Training for the top by the International Junior and Young Rider Team coach (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Author: Gill Watson

Published: 2022

Available as paperback and on kindle

View now at amazon.co.uk

About Happy Days and Winning Ways: Training for the top by the International Junior and Young Rider Team coach

During the first Covid-19 lockdown, the renowned under-21 eventing coach Gill Watson “became tired of baking cakes and spring cleaning the house” and set up a WhatsApp group for some of the juniors and young riders she had worked with over her 30 years as British team trainer to those age groups. The group grew and spiralled, with rides sharing “tales of antics during team training, team selection and their experiences travelling around Europe”.

With the help of journalist Ellie Hughes, Gill has now brought those memories together into a book.

After a foreword by Pippa Funnell, the book starts with a brief autobiography tracking Gill’s life from childhood through her own competition career, including a Burghley Horse Trials win in 1969, and an insight into her training philosophy.

The book then details each year of her career as team trainer with the juniors and young riders, blending Gill’s own reminiscences with short “notes” from the riders themselves, parents and even the families who hosted youngsters during their training courses with Gill.

The final chapters are given over into insight on and from the grooms at the championships, Gill’s home team and the other team officials such as vets, selectors and chefs d’equipe.

Review

This is a wonderful book which everyone with any interest in eventing – or coaching, team tactics and management of people – should read and will enjoy.

The format has been skilfully brought together so that Gill’s voices and others are carefully ordered and blended to tell the story of each year with very little repetition. Every championship has so many untold stories, from travel disasters to veterinary or medical issues which were overcome to allow teams to triumph, and it is fascinating to go behind the scenes and read 30 years of these tales.

Some of the riders who have contributed to the book have gone on to become household names in the sport, adding a nice celebrity factor; others disappeared from view after success in the “under” teams and it’s fun to be reminded of them and their success. I liked the way each note ends with a sentence of two saying what that person went on to do inside or outside the sport.

The different venues hosting the championships around Europe come to life and it’s interesting to see how things have changed through the years, from the days of travelling behind the Iron Curtain in the early years of Gill’s tenure.

The book is a huge testament to Gill’s skill as a horsewoman and technical coach, plus her ability to bring out the best in people – the medals speak for themselves, plus rider after rider pays tribute to what she did for them and their career in the book.

Verdict

Happy Days and Winning Ways is a very easy book to read and I wanted to start again at the beginning as soon as I finished it.

View now at amazon.co.uk

Six Feet Above, by Peder Fredricson

Jennifer Donald — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 13:55:53 +0000

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Author: Peder Fredricson

Published: 2022

Available as hardcover

View now at amazon.co.uk

About Six Feet Above: Jumping to the top

This is the fascinating story of Swedish equestrian and Olympic medallist Peder Fredricson and his winding road to success. As a five-year-old he was riding on free rein in the Swedish forests and from then on everything was about horses. He worked as a groom for the best equestrians in the world, lived on next to nothing and rode for a while with a buzzard on his arm. He was a skilled rider but not very interested in competing.

When he finally was persuaded to compete in the big equestrian eventing and showjumping competitions, he realised that talent was not enough – he had to rethink completely. He created a structure, both for everyday life and for competitions, and the outcome was almost immediate. After only a few years, he was one of the best showjumpers in the world. Much has changed since his unconventional childhood, but his attitude remains the same – interaction with the horses is what is most important. His mental focus has been his secret weapon in the major competitions.

Today, Peder Fredricson is one of the top showjumpers on the planet with four Olympic medals to his credit. In 2021 he was ranked the world number one rider.

Review

I’m always excited when a new autobiography from the equestrian world is published and Peder’s is, without doubt, one of the best I’ve ever read. The Olympic medallist gives an engaging and insightful account of his colourful childhood, his background in graphic design and previous career in eventing before achieving the highest accolades as a showjumper.

I learned so much about the likeable Swede – his honesty when it comes to his riding: “I do not come to the perfect take-off spot on every fence and I’m not especially good at cantering over ground poles” and the fact he was “really scared” before tackling the cross-country at his first world championships. But his relationship with his horses shines through and Peder shares his fascinating learnings from the likes Mark Todd, with whom he was based for three years, Franke Sloothaak and some of the classical riders he trained with in his youth.

I was fascinated by his pre-competition routines and management, his mental preparation, his switch to competing his horses barefoot and the surprising reason he swapped from eventing to showjumping. But most endearing is his partnership with the “exceptional” horse All In, and their journey of a lifetime together to the Olympics and beyond.

Verdict

View now at amazon.co.uk

The Yard by Grace Olson

Martha Terry — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 12:00:00 +0000

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Author: Grace Olsen

Published: 2022

Available as paperback, Kindle or Audiobook

View now at amazon.co.uk

About The Yard

The Yard by Grace Olson features the comical tales of a new mum on her journey from post-natal depression to the dawning of her self-worth as she discovers adventure, friendship and the healing power of horses.

Join Grace as she battles her negative thought patterns and fears amongst a backdrop of eccentric characters, pampered farm animals and the glorious Yorkshire countryside.

Wisdom comes from unexpected sources leading Grace to a psychological and spiritual awakening of the true meaning of motherhood. While an elderly, opinionated pony teaches her how to love her daughter, a scary young sports horse teaches her how to relax and enjoy life again. Just watch out for the goats…

For fans of James Herriot and Ruby Ferguson’s Jill books, The Yard is a hilarious and heart-warming, feel-good read.

The Yard review

This an entertaining yarn featuring a post-natal mum, fabulously charismatic horses and ponies, and a handful of almost incredibly zany human personalities – set in that hotbed of characters, tempers and baggage that many of us know all too well: the livery yard.

It’s written in an autobiographical style, although some of the characters Grace comes across would have to be seen to be truly believed! You’re drawn into Grace’s life, her battle with post-natal depression, her quest to inject some meaning into her life, right from the first page. Her escapades vary from the mundane to the extraordinary and downright hilarious, but they are held together by the subtitle: “How a horse healed my heart”. Spoiler alert, it’s not just one, but several, each with their own special story, which tug at your heartstrings at the same time as making you laugh out loud.

I admit I was intrigued to see how a story of healing from depression was going to be genuinely comical, as opposed to dark humour. But Grace writes with a simple lightness of touch, and you find yourself increasingly cheering her on as she mends physically and mentally. Her initial inexperience around horses makes her challenges somewhat breathtaking, yet it pales into comparison with some of the other “riders” – such as the lady who buys two terrorising Fell ponies fresh off the hill and can never catch them again.

Many of the characters are surely caricatures – the dashing gay guy, “green-haired Alex” who feeds everyone magical herbs, and one mad yard owner, the opera-loving Valerie, who dresses her chickens and donkeys in jumpers, and drives her Shetlands to the supermarket shop – and there’s plenty of slapstick comedy with riders falling into muddy swamps, but there’s a charm to them all.

I thoroughly enjoyed the read. The setting, passion for horses and crazy characters will be familiar to many horse owners, but portrayed in a fun, exaggerated way that will keep you entertained throughout. And on a deeper level than light comedy, there’s a heartwarming undercurrent for the many of us who have felt the healing power of animals.

View now at amazon.co.uk

Exmoor Bridleway Rides by Philippa Verry

Martha Terry — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 11:53:49 +0000

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Author: Philippa Verry

Published: 2022

Available as ring-bound file

About the author

The author Philippa Verry is a lifelong horse lover, who has done all kinds of riding from dressage to hunting and now – her new passion – endurance. From her home on Exmoor, Philippa has compiled a collection of her favourite rides, with detailed instructions and information on each one.

“Having spent 12 years hacking and hunting on Exmoor, it’s a wild and beautiful place I have grown to love,” she writes. “At every opportunity I have been exploring new rides, certainly with some adventures along the way. My motivation is the thrill of being able to share these experiences with others in my most favourite place, Exmoor.”

Philippa has lived with the effects of thalidomide since birth, as she was born with no arms. However, she has never seen herself as a disabled person, as she has never made any concessions for her lack of arms.

Exmoor Bridleway Rides review

This collection is very practical. It is assembled in a waterproof plastic ring binder, so that you can remove each of the 12 rides rather than taking the whole folder on your adventure.

Each ride has an initial page outlining the distance and duration, as well as the level. Philippa has chosen three grades, one being straightforward with less strenuous hill work, up to three, which requires a fit horse for challenging hill work and longer distances.

The initial page for each rides outlines the level, distance and duration, as well as gives some interesting nuggets about the local area (Image credit: creditUnknown)

There are also fascinating details about the history and culture of the area, which brings character to each ride – and will add to the conversation as you show off your local tourist knowledge to your with companions.

The second page is a detailed explanation of how to get to the start of the ride, with grid reference, and where to park. There are then easy-to-follow, numbered instructions, using landmarks such as river crossings, stone roads, concrete bridges and so on. Overleaf, there is a simple map, showing the ride route, which coincides with the numbered instructions, and shows basic landmarks such as forest, rivers, roads as well as bridleways and footpaths. Photos of the route accompany each leaflet.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

While I have sadly not had the opportunity to test out the routes, from my knowledge of following instructions for ramblers and riders, I can see that Philippa knows these routes well and has thought out every step so as not to misdirect riders.

There are handy tips, such as “this track is only suitable if you are on a small pony”, or “the small stone with a daub of blue paint is easy to miss”.

Aside from the details of the routes, I enjoyed the introduction, in which Philippa details how she started riding, some of her early ponies and the highlights of her riding life. She pays a touching tribute to her current horses, Melitta (a home-bred) and her top endurance ride, the Appaloosa Stilton, in the acknowledgements – “without them, this book would never have happened”.

Not all of us will have the joy of riding on Exmoor, but this collection of adventures is surely one to stoke up your enthusiasm to make it happen. And if you are someone who has the opportunity, then this will be your invaluable guide. And you might even spy the spotty Stilton out enjoying his favourite routes.

Books can be purchased by emailing exmoorbridlewayrides@gmail.com or via Facebook Messenger to Exmoor Bridleway Rides. The cost is £39.99 + £4.50 P&P.

Ned Gets Worried by Suzi Lewis-Barned

Jennifer Donald — Fri, 04 Nov 2022 14:41:37 +0000

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Author: Suzi Lewis-Barned

Illustrator: Ursula Lewis-Barned

Published: 2020

Available as paperback

View now at amazon.co.uk

About Ned Gets Worried

Ned the pony is worried. He worries about everything. Sometimes he wakes up and he doesn’t even know why he’s worried, he just is. Then he meets Valiant, his big, strong friend. Valiant used to be a police horse in the big city and he shows Ned how to manage his anxieties. This picture book, written by Suzi Lewis-Barned and illustrated by Ursula Lewis-Barned, gives children some tools to manage their worries.

Review

Ned Gets Worried is a charming story with a gentle message about children’s natural anxieties explored through the eyes of a pony and a horse. We join the adorable Ned in his field and soon discover the little chestnut pony’s worries – litter, noises, dogs and even the fear that he might stand on the toes of the children who come to stroke him.

It’s enough to pull at your heart strings. But Ned even wakes up sometimes “and doesn’t even know why he’s worried” – and this is where the skilled author’s insightfulness really comes to the fore. When the older, more streetwise police horse Valiant comes to Ned’s rescue and gently guides him through his fears, allowing him to explore and deal with his emotions, we join him on a heartwarming journey, discovering that things really aren’t that scary after all.

In the end, it becomes Ned’s turn to come to the aid of his new mentor Valiant, resulting in a touching and satisfying ending to this delightful tale, which is vividly brought to life by the exquisite drawings that illustrate it.

Verdict

I’ve now read this book dozens of times with my young son, who enjoys the story tremendously on face value, but dig a bit deeper and it’s a great catalyst for discussing childhood fears and anxieties with little ones. A lovely story to have on the shelf.

View now at amazon.co.uk

101 Dogs: An Illustrated Compendium of Canines review

Sophie Cheeseman — Fri, 04 Nov 2022 14:16:46 +0000

creditUnknown

Author: Nicola Jane Swinney, illustrated Romy Blümel

Published: 2022

Price as reviewed: £16.99

Available as hardcover

View now at amazon.co.uk

About 101 Dogs: An Illustrated Compendium of Canines

This delightfully charming little hardback book by Nicola Jane Swinney and illustrated by Romy Blümel is a gorgeous hardback full to the brim with characterful illustrations and entertaining snippets into the world of dogs.

Nicola has worked on Horse&Hound in a number of roles and has been around horses for most of her life. Of course, with horses comes dogs – hunting hounds, gundogs and the rest. Having two Maine Coon cats now, Nicola says if she were to be a dog she would be a golden retriever; blonde, always somewhat dishevelled, and bit daffy and far too interested in food!

The illustrator, Romy Blümel is German and based in Berlin. She works in paint in a linocut style, drawing on top to add details and create beautiful artwork.

Review

I expected to receive a “spotters guide” type book through the door, but when I opened the package containing 101 Dogs I was pleasantly surprised to see the eye-catching mustard yellow and pink cover with lots of happy little dog faces smiling up at me. I immediately wanted to flick through and see what else it had to offer inside.

The first few pages of the book contain information such as “From wolf to weimaraner” a foreword about the history of dogs. This is followed by a few pages covering groups, details and characteristics, accompanied by informative illustrations. While it doesn’t cover all of the 350 dog breeds, each of the 101 pages has a concise paragraph about the general assumptions of each breed, with a large cartoon (but tasteful) illustration in a linocut style.

There is also further information on life expectancy, height, trainability, grooming, exercise and then two comments on “most likely to say” and “least likely to say”, for example “Sure, come on in…” or “Can someone brush my hair?”, which adds some humour to these vitals. And on the most part I think it’s all very relatable and true!

There is a broad selection of breeds in the book, from the common Labrador Retriever to the lesser known Hamiltonstövare. However, I was surprised not to see a whippet in there. Being an owner of two lovely little hounds I was excited to see how they were portrayed by Romy and what information was included. I did spot one on the back page, though, so all is not lost.

What I like most about 101 Dogs is that it appeals strongly to adults and children alike. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed flicking through and reading about breeds we know and love as well as breeds we’d never heard of. My three-year-old nephew also had a lovely time looking at all the pictures and finding our family dog amongst the pages. I think this book would go nicely on a coffee table, in a nursery or anywhere you might find someone with soft spot for dogs. The information is enough without being overwhelming or boring, and the illustrations make for a charming and enjoyable read.

Verdict

A lovely, charming little book with enough inside to keep you entertained for hours on the sofa with a coffee. It appeals to all ages and is a delight to have on the coffee table, with its expensive looking cover and stylish design.

View now at amazon.co.uk

Hands Down by Felix Francis

Martha Terry — Wed, 28 Sep 2022 13:32:00 +0000

(Image credit: Martha Terry)

Hands Down

Author: Felix Francis

Published: 2022

Available as paperback, hardback, Audiobook or Kindle edition

View now at amazon.co.uk

About Hands Down by Felix Francis

This is Felix’s 16th “Dick Francis” novel. Together the Felix Francis and Dick Francis novels have sold over 80 million copies worldwide in 40 languages. Felix continues to honour his father’s thriller-writing legacy with his latest book, Hands Down, published by Simon & Schuster.

Sid Halley, a private investigator, has a new left hand, having had a transplant since his last appearance in Refusal. After receiving death threats, an ex-jockey trainer friend calls Sid to ask for his help, but Sid has his own problems to deal with, like recovering from surgery and saving his crumbling marriage.

When his friend’s stable yard is torched, horses killed and the friend is found dead, Sid can only blame himself for not helping sooner. The police think it’s suicide, but Sid is not convinced after his friend’s terrified phone calls. Heavy with a guilty heart, Sid starts to investigate and soon finds himself embroiled in a conspiracy that cuts to the very heart of the integrity of British horse racing.

Can Sid figure out what happened to his friend, or will he be the next one that the killer targets?

Review of Hands Down

For lovers of Felix’s father Dick Francis, it might be with some trepidation that you spot the return of Dick’s much-loved character Sid Halley. Can Felix perpetuate the broken genius that is Sid? However, it’s great to have this ex-jockey private investigator back on the scene, and he has a new conundrum to cope with alongside his sleuthing, a hand replacement for the injury that caused the end of his brilliant racing career.

There is a certain familiarity to all works in the Dick Francis oeuvre. A main character who is generally a good egg with a few loveable flaws, some proper baddies to “sort out”, against the backdrop of the racing life we know and love.

I enjoyed the storyline – it had the usual twists, a poke at the establishment (always), and it is generally an explosive thriller within a familiar setting.

I find Felix’s writing to be darker than his father’s. Suicide, murder, burnt horses feature here, as well as a sideline of a marriage in peril. Rather than a pretty girlfriend who turns into the hero’s love of his life, here there’s a middle-aged high-flying career woman as the fading love interest.

Felix never tries to hark back to bygone days, which although rather charming would be totally out of place today. The simple plot and daring hero getting in and out of fixes remains the same for those who want the Francis legacy to run on forever.

However, Felix cannot make up for his lack of immersion in the weighing room, the sights, smells and sounds of the racetrack and early-morning stables. To his credit there is nothing that glitches, despite him never having been a rider, but for me that was Dick’s absolute USP and unless you’ve been part of the racing scene it’s impossible to replicate. For many readers this will pass by unnoticed, but that is the crunch for those coming at the book with a deep equestrian interest as most H&H readers will.

Verdict

Overall, it’s a decent holiday read, the pages fly by and it comes to the inevitable satisfying ending.

View now at amazon.co.uk

Betrayal, a novel by Ashley McCarthy

Carol Phillips — Wed, 07 Sep 2022 08:40:58 +0000

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Betrayal: book one of the Winners & Losers series

Author: Ashley McCarthy

Published: 2022

Available as paperback or Kindle edition

View now at amazon.co.uk

About the book

Winners & Losers: Betrayal is the first in a series of three books. Combining humour, mystery, scandal, family dynamics and more than a little romantic spice, the novel follows corporate high-flyer and single mother of five Inés as she helps guide her eldest daughter Erin through the cut-throat world of junior showjumping at the highest level to claim a place on the British team. The action is set four years after the tragic death of Inés husband and the time feels right for her to step back into the dating game – but are those showing a romantic interest really what they seem? In a world where there are winners and losers at every turn, Inés intends to win – on all fronts – even if she has to rig the game.

Review

As I’m sure many Horse & Hound regulars will agree, there are few things more frustrating than reading a novel that purports to be based in the equestrian world, but it becomes crystal clear after the first few pages that the closest the author has been to a horse is admiring them from a distance. Happily, this is absolutely not the case with Betrayal, as the authenticity of the author’s knowledge of the equestrian world as a whole – and the highly-competitive junior showjumping fold in particular – is crystal clear from the outset.

While Ashley’s strong female protagonist may appear almost super human at times – caring for five children as single parent (even if she does have a nanny to help), while working full-time as a Chief Financial Officer at an investment bank in the city, and driving her massive truck, complete with all mod-cons, around the country chasing junior showjumping success on behalf of her teenage daughter – you can’t help but route for her as she tackles corporate, family, financial and teenage showjumping challenges head-on.

As with all good novels, there are a few interwoven story lines to enjoy and the plot moves at good pace to keep the reader’s interest. With plenty of twists and turns along the way, Betrayal ultimately comes to a satisfying conclusion, with opportunities to continue Inés’ story and hope for the future.

Verdict

An entertaining read that will go down a storm with equestrians who enjoy chick lit, with a touch of Jilly Cooper-esque spice on the side.

View now at amazon.co.uk

About the author

Betrayal is Ashley McCarthy’s third book. She lives in the Marlborough Downs and says of her writing experience: “During my writing journey I have discovered a theme in everything I create. I love strong female leads. You can put them through so much and still have them come out fighting the other end, unapologetically, without hiding their vulnerabilities. Whichever genre I write in, I am addicted to the female experience. Long may it last!”

Winning Habits: How Elite Equestrians Master the Mental Game by Annette Paterakis

Pippa Roome — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 10:20:58 +0000

(Image credit: Pippa Roome)

Winning Habits: How Elite Equestrians Master the Mental Game

Author: Annette Paterakis

Published: 2022

Available as Kindle edition, hard cover or paperback

View now at amazon.co.uk

About Winning Habits: How Elite Equestrians Master the Mental Game

Equestrian mental coach and author Annette Paterakis’s book blends theory of sports psychology with tales of her own experiences in the competition arena, interviews with top showjumpers and practical exercises for improving performance in horse sport.

Chapter by chapter, the book tackles topics such as mindset, deliberate training, focus, flow, confidence, motivation and success. Annette introduces each topic and the theory behind it with back up from experts in the field, then uses quotes from the riders to illustrate how they interpret this or use it to their advantage, and then runs through with some exercises which the reader can try, before finishing each chapter with a summary.

Review

I liked the idea of this book and the way it is structured is essentially easy to understand and logical. There is also no doubting the credentials of the riders Annette interviewed, with names such as Laura Kraut, Daniel Deusser, McLain Ward, Cian O’Connor and Jeroen Dubbeldam in the line-up.

On the downside, I didn’t always find the prose the easiest or most compelling to read. I also felt that in places the book was repetitive and some judicious editing, particularly of the quotes from the riders, could have been beneficial and allowed the points to be delivered in a more honed, streamlined way.

The penultimate chapter is called “Learn from the Best” and consists solely of quotes from the riders, answering the question: “What kind of advice would you give young riders to improve themselves and their mental game?” These quotes are grouped into themes that relate to the book’s chapters and messages. I found this chapter one of the most enjoyable and interesting, but I wasn’t sure why it was the penultimate chapter rather than the final one, as the last chapter (“Success”) reverts to the structure used in all the previous ones.

I read the book straight through in the order it is presented, without trying any of the exercises, but I would definitely consider returning to it in the future, picking out particular chapters that I felt could help me as a rider and giving the exercises a go.

Verdict

In places, Winning Habits can feel unnecessarily repetitive and tighter editing could have honed the final product. But this is an interesting book, which many will enjoy reading, both as a manual for improvement and out of general curiosity about how top riders perform at their best.

View now at amazon.co.uk

A Day at the Races by Peter May

Martha Terry — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 13:26:14 +0000

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

A Day at the Races: The Horses, People and Races that shaped the Sport of Kings

Author: Peter May

Published: 2022

Available as hardcover

View now at amazon.co.uk

About A Day at the Races

From King Henry VIII to Queen Elizabeth II, via the introduction of the Classics, a duel at Ascot, the first steeplechase, a Derby Day fraud, a huge Cambridgeshire gamble, the desolation of Fred Archer, a thousand-mile walk around Newmarket Heath, the greatness of Ormonde and Sceptre, Man o’ War’s record-breaking runs, National Velvet and Emily Davison, to the brilliance of Lester Piggott, Tony McCoy and Frankel, Peter May has selected over 100 days that encapsulate 500 years of the Sport of Kings.

His short, informative, easy-to-read essays bring to life racing’s milestone events that set the nation on a different path, such as the 1913 Derby, and the sacrifices horseracing made to support the British military campaigns overseas. A host of anecdotes tell of the exploits of the racing fraternity and cast light on the psyche of those who were prepared to take on bets which, at today’s rates, would stretch into millions. Sure to rekindle fond, and maybe distant, memories of the races and horses that once dominated the sporting section of the daily newspapers.

Review

This book is an astonishing achievement in encapsulating half a millennium of the sport of horseracing in 128 vignettes. I am no historian, but Peter May tells these long-ago stories of the events and horses that form the roots of the modern sport in such a captivating way that I was engrossed. As Henrietta Knight says on the cover, “Peter May’s enthusiasm is infectious; his research is phenomenal.”

The level of research is indeed staggering. While Arkle’s monumental career is condensed into little over a page, it loses nothing of its magic – it’s there in a perfect little nutshell with all the pertinent points. To compact an entire horse’s career or a life-changing achievement into so few words often requires as much research as telling the whole story, in deciding the salient details, and what to leave out. But May does this with both a lightness of touch and the gravitas that these significant horses and events deserve. He has a knack of writing in a non-judgemental way, deftly bombarding the reader with facts without them realising it.

The one time the author really digs in his heels and tells us what he thinks is the final chapter, where he talks about the “concerning decline” of the sport as it shifts away from an emphasis on quality and sport to serving the bookmakers. As he so rightly points out, “Horseracing is not just about the betting, about winning and losing money, it’s about the jockeys, the trainers, the owners, the grooms, the races and, perhaps most of all, the four-legged legends that have decorated so many races with their fabulous talent and tenacity.” Perhaps this is why he writes with such verve – he understands racing’s beating heart.

I came away with a sense of each vignette’s purpose within the canon of horseracing as a whole. For example there is a section on National Velvet which mentions how female jockeys were still not permitted in 1945, when the film came out. But it refers to the success of Rachael Blackmore today, and therefore the reader can understand the journey of female jockeys over the past 80 years.

Although the historical facts are engaging and light to read, this isn’t a book to devour in one sitting. This is simply because there is so much content within every page, you’ll want to digest each story and remember it, rather than skipping through. Each vignette could be a whole book in itself, and May’s skill has been to distill each one to its essence and leave you wanting more.

Naturally, not every horse, race, jockey and trainer could be included. But the overall effect is of a complete and significant work summing up the history of racing in an incredibly well-researched and written nutshell.

Verdict

A treasure trove for racing fans, this book illuminates racing’s journey over the past 500 years, as the author picks out the highlights of the sport – races, historical events, horses – and tells their stories. One to dip in and out of and cherish, to chew over each vignette and the part it has played in the sport we see today.

View now at amazon.co.uk

Merely A Rider: The Autobiography of Anneli Drummond-Hay

Jennifer Donald — Wed, 25 May 2022 09:54:04 +0000

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Author: Anneli Drummond-Hay with Martha Terry

Published: 2022

Available as hardcover

View now at amazon.co.uk

About Merely A Rider: Anneli Drummond-Hay’s autobiography

Anneli Drummond-Hay’s autobiography is a fascinating insight into the making of an equestrian champion through her struggle for survival. It is a heart-warming story of a war baby with aristocratic connections, who grew up with very little money and even less love. She never went to school, she had no friends growing up, but she did have a gift with the horses in which she sought solace.

The big love story of her life was one particularly special horse, Merely-A-Monarch. He was invincible in eventing, but as female eventers were not permitted to compete in the Olympics in that era, Anneli switched to showjumping. She came so close to going to three Olympics but was foiled at the last moment each time, despite winning just about everything else in the sport.

Besides her wonderful horses, Anneli gives an amazing account of the people she met – from Harvey Smith to The Queen, in front of whom she was asked to lend her horse for the British Olympic effort, and refused; to her asking a favour, in person, of Colonel Gaddafi.

The jet-set life of an elite showjumper may be glamorous but there are more lows than highs, whether it’s her top ride being stolen, a potential plan disaster above the Alps, or the sudden death of a star horse.

As The Princess Royal so rightly says in the foreword to this book: “Thank goodness Anneli decided to write her story.”

Review

I sat down one evening intending to read a couple of chapters of Anneli Drummond-Hay’s autobiography but, so captivated was I by charming tales of her bizarrely unorthodox childhood and her gung-ho introduction to top level sport, that before I knew it I was romping my way through the rest of the book. I cannot recommend this book highly enough!

The name Anneli Drummond-Hay was legendary to me growing up, but I must confess that, bar her phenomenal achievements in the saddle, I knew very little about this gifted horsewoman. So what a captivating insight this is into her amazing life and riding career, as well as the wonderful equine heroes, many of whom she nurtures through an assortment of quirks. Her affinity with horses shines through and she is rewarded with immense success over the years.

One particular horse was the “feisty” Xanthos, with whom she would “shut my eyes and let him charge at the first fence” before settling to jump the rest of the course. But I was also enchanted by an early pony, the home-bred Spider (the result of a choreographed mating which will make you laugh) and I feel privileged to have been introduced so intimately to a “naughty” and unbroken Merely-A-Monarch, whom she later likens to a Ferrari.

There are wonderful tales from behind-the-scenes at great events such as Badminton and various championships before she embarks into the daunting world of showjumping where she describes herself as something of an anomaly, a recurring theme through much of her life. Anneli is propelled into the sport in part by “naughty Yorkshireman” Harvey Smith, who endearingly took Anneli under her wing and once gave her a lesson at 3am in how to clear a water jump.

I was left open-mouthed by many of Anneli’s amazing adventures, but I admit I also found tears rolling down my cheek on a couple of occasions – the trust her horses place in Anneli pulls every heart string as they come and go through her life.

Verdict

An enchanting insight into the pioneering life of this gifted horsewoman that will charm young and old, and not just horse enthusiasts. Pack it in your holiday suitcase, put it on your bedside table, but be prepared not to be able to tear yourself away for quite some time.

View now at amazon.co.uk

The Gates to Brilliance, by Robert Dover

Martha Terry — Wed, 13 Apr 2022 11:19:19 +0000

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The Gates to Brilliance: 16 Reasons a Gay, Jewish, Middle-Class Kid Who Loved Horses Found Success – and How You Can, Too

Author: Robert Dover

Published: 2021

Available as paperback or Kindle edition

View now at amazon.co.uk

About The Gates to Brilliance

Billed as three-quarters memoir and a quarter self-improvement guide, US dressage rider Robert Dover’s autobiography takes readers through 16 “gates to brilliance”, key factors that have paved this Olympic bronze medallist’s career and personal life.

Review

I expected a standard autobiography with a dose of personal psychology on what made this hugely high-achieving rider the success he is. However, it delved so much deeper. Rather than a chronological account of Robert’s life, he picks key themes that have contributed to the rider and person he has become, and builds his life-story around that.

This is a no holds barred narrative – Robert doesn’t shirk the issue of abuse he suffered in his childhood, his father’s alcoholism, or his fear of coming out as a homosexual and his often rocky quest for love. He’s not inviting sympathy – his happy childhood, wonderful relationship with his family and particularly his mother, plus his well-heeled middle-class background tell us this is not a struggle against the odds. However, he does carry the reader along with him in his reflections on his very human, often bumpy road to the top in his dressage career and search for fulfilling relationships. His passion to make a difference in the world on a human level, notably in the AIDS crisis that hit so many of his friends, means you can’t help but warm to him.

Robert’s honesty means that the book is at times a little graphic perhaps for the younger reader, but that is in keeping with the overall style of holding nothing back.

For those hoping for a peek into the horsey side of what makes an equestrian star, there’s all that, too – the many horses Robert cherishes, from his childhood horse Ebony Cash on the Bahamas, to those who took him to the Olympic Games. He tells us the stories from the stables, the arenas and famous showgrounds, the glitz and glamour of some of the most prestigious events on the globe. We meet all the people – both his mentors and those who let him down – involved in his path to the top of the dressage ladder; the reader feels you’re allowed into every part.

Robert’s mentor, Swedish equestrian Col Bengt Ljungquist once told him: “The gates to brilliance are surrounded by a cloud of sweat and tears” – and this is the lesson that Robert seeks to portray, with a huge amount of fun, self-deprecation and humour to go with it.

Verdict

A no holds barred account of the personal life and career of leading US dressage rider Robert Dover. He writes with searing honesty, which is at times painful, at others glorious, but his mission to lay down fundamental life lessons both in achieving happiness and career goals is ultimately heartwarming and inspirational.

Suitable for both horsey and non-horsey readers, but a real treat for dressage fans.

View now at amazon.co.uk

A Dorset Kitchen, by Patty Lowe

Martha Terry — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 09:53:24 +0000

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

A Dorset Kitchen

Author: Patty Lowe

Photos: Archie Lowe

Published: 2022

Available as hardback

View now at adorsetkitchen.com

About A Dorset Kitchen

A recipe book with more than 100 recipes inspired by ingredients grown in a Dorset kitchen garden. It’s a family affair – a mother and her children collaborating over growing the vegetables, fruit and herbs, working on the recipes and photographing the dishes.

Review

There is an abundance of cookery books on the market, but A Dorset Kitchen is just a little bit special. Patty Lowe was encouraged by friends to publish the recipe book following the sudden death of her 21-year-old son Archie, due to a rotational fall from a horse in September 2020, and is raising money for charity through its sales.

Fifteen years ago, Patty and her daughter Gertie started to grow their own vegetables, fruit and herbs in their garden, and working out recipes they could use in everyday cooking. Patty’s twin sons, Archie and Jamie, were seven at the time, and Archie “quickly became [the] primary food connoisseur – helping with the kitchen garden, preparing meals, advising on flavours and sampling everything”. As he grew up, Archie took over the photography for the cookbook, and each dish has an artistic colour photograph to go with it.

Archie’s photos are superb, beautifully lit (by his brother Jamie), and creatively arranged. Alongside the fresh, vividly coloured produce, they feature lots of herbs, pretty linens, flowers, and appealing layouts that entice you to test out the recipe. There are also photos of Archie and his siblings and horses, which remind you of the poignancy of this book’s publication.

The recipes are split up into nine sections: Before, Vegetarian, Fish, Chicken, Lamb, Beef, Pork, Duck & Game, and After. While the emphasis is on family everyday cooking, there’s a sense of adventure about the recipes, with Malaysian, Thai and Singaporean influences, rather than the typical British family fare of shepherd pie and lasagne.

The instructions are thorough but straightforward, and with the recipes set for four people, it’s easy to scale up or down.

I enjoyed the vegetarian stuffed peppers – a simple risotto packed with veggies spooned into baked peppers – for a weeknight supper, while the light Asian salmon salad tasted exotic and certainly a few notches up from what’s usually served on my own kitchen table. The “After” chapter is fairly sparse; more time and energy has been devoted to the savoury dishes, however the poached pears in marsala were super simple and very popular, and I’m looking forward to sampling the banana soufflé with toffee sauce.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Sales from the book are raising funds for “The Archie Foundation”, set up in memory of this committed and passionate young rider. Money is being donated to the Air Ambulance, which worked so hard to save Archie’s life at the scene of the accident, and the Archie & Manni Bursary. The bursary is aimed at helping committed young riders, particularly boys, build a partnership with their horses. Recipients will have a year’s training with William Fox-Pitt, Sam Griffiths and Sarah Bullen.

A thousand copies – the first print run – sold out almost immediately, via word of mouth and social media. The second print run of a further 1,000 went on sale in February.

Verdict

How I’d love to be a guest in the Lowes’ Dorset kitchen! Every recipe I’ve tried was delicious, relatively simple to produce and of a higher calibre, with more exotic flourishes, than the average family dish. The accompanying photos are outstanding, with vibrant colours and masses of herbs tempting you to try out the recipe.

View now at adorsetkitchen.com

The Bigger Picture by Claire Lomas

Carol Phillips — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 10:52:37 +0000

(Image credit: Carol Phillips)

The Bigger Picture

Author: Claire Lomas

Published: 2022

Available as paperback (ISBN 978-0-9927990-3-8) and ebook (ISBN 978-0-9927990-4-5)

£1 from each book will be donated to Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation

View now at claireschallenge.co.uk

About The Bigger Picture by Claire Lomas

The Bigger Picture is former event rider turned inspirational speaker and fundraiser Claire Lomas’s second autobiography, following on from Finding My Feet, which was published in 2014. Never one to miss an opportunity, Claire took the shut down of almost everything caused by the coronavirus pandemic as the chance to once again put pen to paper and update her fans with the remarkable rollercoaster that is her life.

Self-published with a foreword written by her husband Dan, who as a sufferer of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) describes himself as “Claire’s challenge” – which is the banner under which all of Claire’s fundraising efforts take place, the book is an honest and open account of the highs and lows of Claire’s life as a wife, mother of two daughters, and so much more. The book touches lightly on the early days after her accident that lead to her paralysis, as these are covered extensively in Finding My Feet, before moving on to more recent events.

Claire is pictured on the cover sat in her wheelchair beside the tree at Osberton that lead to her paralysis in a fall in May 2007.

Review

Firstly, you do not need to have read Finding My Feet to enjoy – and benefit from – reading The Bigger Picture by Claire Lomas. Each of the 51 short chapters focuses on an event in Claire’s life in a loosely chronological order, with a little jumping back and forth as events overlap at times.

While Claire’s story is well known, the book gives genuine insight into both the day-to-day challenges she faces when undertaking seemingly simple tasks that most of us take for granted, such as dropping her two girls at school, through to how much is involved in setting up any of her fundraising challenges, and how she’s come to learn to ride a motorbike and fly a plane. She is also open about the difficulties she has faced in her marriage, the impact of Dan’s OCD on them both, and how they’ve managed to get through some very rocky periods.

Throughout the book, key sentences that offer important takeaways for the reader are highlighted. Some of these are Claire’s own thoughts – “There will be setbacks but we must rise back up and keep moving forwards” – while others are attributed to their authors – “Don’t limit your challenges, challenge your limits” Jerry Dunn. While they sit comfortably in the prose, they often made me stop and think, giving this book real value beyond simply being an enjoyable and inspirational read.

About the author

Claire Lomas is a former event rider who was left paralysed from the chest down following a collision with a tree while competing at Osberton Horse Trials in May 2007. Since her accident she has raised more than £825,000 for charity, is a renowned motivational speaker, rides motorbikes on track days, is a qualified pilot and mum to two girls.

JoJo’s Jump, by Stephanie Mason

Jennifer Donald — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 14:04:51 +0000

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

JoJo’s Jump

Author: Stephanie Mason

Illustrations: Natalie Merheb

Published: 2022

Available as paperback

View now at amazon.co.uk

About JoJo’s Jump

JoJo is a young pony who is growing up quickly in the sunny countryside. The time has now come for her to put her best hoof forward and try her first jump. With the support of her friends, she is reminded to believe in herself. Does she eventually make it over the top?

Review

I haven’t seen many pony-themed books for this age group (pre-school and early learners) so it was a delight to dive into the vivid pages of JoJo’s Jump with my pony-mad six-year-old son.

The author takes us on an enjoyable journey with a young pony called JoJo who needs to learn to believe in herself as she is taught how to jump. She goes through all the emotions young children may experience themselves in new situations – she’s nervous, a bit wary and almost too scared to give it a try. But a lovely message about the importance of friendship and support emerges as she’s helped by the ever-so-cute Bob the bunny, Fiona the frog and Peggy the sheep, who cheer her on and help instil in JoJo the confidence she needs to succeed – even though things don’t go to plan at first!

It conveys a powerful and inspiring message, and it’s written with a lovely lilt that my son enjoyed listening to immensely. As a young reader he found the sentences, which are composed to rhyme, didn’t quite flow so naturally when he said them out loud, but spoken by an adult they do work beautifully for younger children to listen to.

However, it’s the beautiful illustrations that really bring this wonderful tale to life, with vivid animals and lovely detail on every page which my son took great pleasure in.

Verdict

My son is probably at the upper end of the targeted age group (3–7) but he thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful picture book. After the initial excitement of noting how much JoJo the pony’s rider looked like a much younger version of his mum(!) he devoured the sweet tale of this brave pony and, as he’s at a similar stage in his rookie riding career, he says it has inspired him a lot. I’m sure it will prove an enjoyable read for pony-mad children and parents alike.

View now at amazon.co.uk

Stable Condition: How to Stay Sane With Horse People in Your Life

Emily Secrett Hill — Wed, 24 Nov 2021 17:00:15 +0000

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Stable Condition: How to Stay Sane With Horse People in Your Life

Author: Daniel Skinner

Published: 2021

Available as paperback or Kindle edition

View now at amazon.co.uk

About the book

This is the long-awaited second book in the “Skint Dressage Daddy” series, following on from 2018’s From Nags to Numbnuts, which was an Amazon bestseller in both the UK and Australia.

Review

Are you looking for a horsey book that will make you (or someone you’re buying for) laugh out loud? If so, Stable Condition: How to Stay Sane with horse people in your life is just the book for you.

This book continues to follow the life of “Skint Dressage Daddy”, who describes his daily struggle living with his horse-obsessed daughter (also known as “Cost Centre Two”) and dedicated horse mum and wife (“Cost Centre One”).

Each chapter delves into the different aspects of the weird and wonderful world of horses. The author writes it from his perspective – he is someone who has no interest in horses whatsoever, but has found himself surrounded by them and all their clutter – and paying for the luxury of it, too.

This book was clever, lighthearted and easy to read. It made me laugh out loud on most pages. As I read I could imagine my husband feeling exactly the same way when our daughter is old enough to demand a pony, and all the matchy-matchy madness to go with it.

Each chapter is summarised with a funny poem and the book concludes with a witty glossary.

If you are completely horse obsessed and don’t have a sense of humour, this book may not be the one for you. But if you’re looking for a lighthearted feel-good book then look no further – this is definitely worth your time.

About the author

Daniel Skinner is known across social media as “Skint Dressage Daddy”. He is the reluctant, primary funding source of a dressage-obsessed teen.

Verdict

The perfect gift for the long-suffering non-horsey family member. And a good read for horsey person looking for a laugh.

Jill and the Lost Ponies, by Jane Badger

Eleanor Jones — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 11:11:51 +0000

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Jill and the Lost Ponies

Author: Jane Badger

Published: 2020

Available as paperback or Kindle edition

View now at amazon.co.uk

About the book

In Ruby Ferguson’s Pony Jobs for Jill – the final instalment of the popular series – Captain Cholly-Sawcutt told Jill and Ann to put ponies aside as a hobby and go and do a shorthand course. Author Jane Badger always wondered what would happen if they went off and did just that, and so in this sequel to the Jill books, set in the 1950s, we find Jill and Ann are at a London secretarial college, doing what they’ve been told to do. With ponies left firmly behind them. Or so they think.

Review

Anyone who read and loved the Jill series by Ruby Ferguson as a child will be interested to know there’s a sequel out, and another one on the way.

At the end of the last book, Pony Jobs for Jill, renamed Challenges for Jill, the incomparable Captain Cholly-Sawcutt tells Jill and Ann they should take a secretarial course and forget about working with horses. Jane may not have been the only pony-mad child to feel dissatisfied with this, but she is the only one to have written and published a sequel.

In Jill and the Lost Ponies, Jill and Ann have moved to London for their secretarial course and left Chatton and their ponies behind. But if any sensitive readers are by now in tears, remember that keeping these girls and horses apart was never going to last for long…

The book brings back a host of characters from the previous nine instalments; not only Jill, Ann, Susan Pyke and the captain himself, but a lot more, including some you may have forgotten.

Jill’s voice comes through as it ever did, and fans will thoroughly enjoy this and be looking forward to the next episode, Jill and the Pony Club, which is out on 18 November 2021 and in which a return to Chatton is on the cards…

Verdict

A great read for fans of the original series, but also for pony-loving children who are yet to discover Jill.

Leap of Faith: Frankie Dettori’s autobiography

Catherine Austen — Sun, 14 Nov 2021 09:12:17 +0000

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Leap of Faith: Frankie Dettori’s autobiography

Author: Frankie Dettori

Published: 2021

Available as paperback, hardcover, Audiobook or Kindle edition

View now at amazon.co.uk

About the book

This is Frankie Dettori’s second autobiography – the first, Frankie, was originally published in 2004 and charted his rise from stable lad to champion jockey, revealing the endless hours of hard work, the fun along the way, and his determination to succeed against the odds. This book continues the story – the successes, as well as personal anguish, recovery and restoration – both in and out of the saddle.

Review

It must be tricky to work out how, when writing a second autobiography, to avoid a great deal of repetition. Many don’t pull it off. However, Frankie Dettori and his ghostwriter, the novelist Boris Starling, ace it in Leap of Faith, published 17 years after Frankie’s first effort. Its use of the present tense and short blocks of text give it an immediacy and intensity that reflect the world’s most famous jockey’s own personality, and the early years of his career are dealt with in a light but deft manner.

Frankie’s relationship with his father – himself a very successful jockey – runs, ribbon-like, through the book and is clearly intrinsic to everything about Frankie, on and off the racecourse stage. It feels like a very personal book – quite different to many standard sporting autobiographies; any even casual racing fan knows what Frankie has achieved, but this gives us, I think, real insight into who he is, why he is like that and why he has, at times, been his own worst enemy.

He doesn’t shy away from the scandals – failed drugs tests, the break with Godolphin, and the “resurrection” of his career at the hands of John Gosden in recent years.

About the author

Frankie Dettori is an Italian Flat racing jockey. He has been crowned Champion Jockey on three occasions and has ridden more than 500 Group winners.

Verdict

A highly enjoyable – and enlightening – read.

View now at amazon.co.uk

The Pony Club’s Manual of Horsemanship

Georgia Guerin — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 09:06:22 +0000

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Author: The Pony Club

14th edition published: 2012

Available as paperback or Kindle edition

View now at amazon.co.uk

About the book

This book is a young equestrian’s go-to guide to all things horse related. It covers everything they need to know about horses, riding, tack and equipment.

Review

Despite being written and compiled by The Pony Club, the information contained in The Manual of Horsemanship is applicable to any budding young rider. It’s a must-have for a Pony Club member, but non-members – as I was – will certainly benefit from it, too. I know of so many people who grew up with the edition of their time on their shelf – and it was always very well-thumbed and left easily accessible for the next time its wisdom would be called upon.

Not only does The Manual of Horsemanship cover the basics that all young riders and pony care-givers want and need to know, it gives details that many adult riders could do with reminding themselves of, too. It has sections on breeds, colours and markings – which is the sort of thing you need to know to hold a conversation in a tack room at the stables before your riding lesson. And with sections on equine anatomy, health and tack, this book is perfect for swotting up on your pony care knowledge before summer camp.

Simple illustrations add great value to many of the explanations, and while it’s a shame the images are all in black and white, it’s not the be-all and end-all. Despite the latest edition being published back in 2012, this book is still relevant – and a nice change from Googling the answer to your endless pony care question.

About the author

Founded in 1929, The Pony Club is now an international voluntary youth organisation for young people interested in ponies and riding. There are around 345 branches and 480 centres in the UK and the Pony Club has been the starting point for many of the champions we know today.

Verdict

The perfect gift for a young equestrian with their first pony or is starting riding lessons and wants to learn more.

The Equine Listenology Guide, by Elaine Heney

Sophie Cheeseman — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 12:52:26 +0000

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The Equine Listenology Guide

Author: Elaine Heney

Published: 2021

Available as paperback, hard cover, Audiobook or Kindle edition

View now at amazon.co.uk

About the book

The Equine Listenology Guide is part of a trilogy that covers essential horsemanship, equine body language and behaviour, groundwork, in-hand exercises and riding lessons to develop softness, connection and collection.

Review

This guide is a relatable, insightful and practical book filled with a variety of groundwork, behavioural and ridden exercises and scenarios to work on with your own horse. The author carefully picks apart and creates exercises around multiple areas of horsemanship, allowing you to really understand how and why each is important, and offers techniques for you to take home and try out.

Elaine uses personal experience and stories to put each section of the book into perspective and keep the guide relatable. The way it flits between serious, practical training content and witty stories of her own herd keeps the mood light and makes for easy reading.

The book came teamed with The Equine Listenology Training Journal (available to purchase separately), which is a handy diary for tracking and recording all aspects of horse ownership and training. I also had The Equine Listenology Workbook, which I found to be another useful tool for further understanding horsemanship and working through and keeping notes from the main guide book.

As a whole package, the trilogy of books are great for anyone wanting to delve deeper into their horse’s behaviour, keep an in-depth log of day-to-day activities, vet and farrier appointments and training. Plus, you will learn more about how our relationship with horses can be better understood and how that then translates into the ground and ridden work to create a better connection.

About the author

Elaine Heney is an Irish horsewoman and film producer – she created the award-winning documentary Listening To The Horse. Her mission is to help horse owners around the world by teaching them to listening to the horse and build great partnerships together, making the world a better place for the horse.

View now at amazon.co.uk

Verdict

Available in a range of mediums, this book offers a wealth of knowledge for any rider to tap into, especially when used as part of the trilogy set.

Champion Jump Horse Racing Jockeys – From 1945 to present day, by Neil Clark

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 11:23:26 +0000

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Champion Jump Horse Racing Jockeys – From 1945 to present day

Author: Neil Clark

Published: 2021

Available as hard cover or Kindle edition

View now at amazon.co.uk

About the book

This is the first book to tell the story of all 22 post-war champion jockeys in one volume. It includes exclusive interviews with several of the surviving champions and fresh insights from friends, colleagues and family members of champions we have sadly lost. It contains some unique black-and-white and colour photographs of the champion jockeys in action, from the 1940s to the present day.

Review

We all know that jump jockeys are a breed apart and Neil Clark’s enjoyable read takes us back to a time when hospitals were for wimps and future champions were riding winners before their teenage years.

The author tells the story of the 22 most recent champions, from the “fearless” Fred Rimell in the 1930s and 1940s, through the tremendous camaraderie and tussles between title-holders Josh Gifford and Terry Biddlecombe in the 1960s and on to the likes of the determined Richard Dunwoody and “the phenomenon” that is AP McCoy, right up to reigning champion Harry Skelton.

Some of the great tales you may be familiar with – such as Devon Loch’s dramatic Grand National with 1953/54 champion Dick Francis in the saddle and two-time title-holder Tommy Stack’s exploits on Red Rum. But every chapter had me enthralled by a rich array of amusing anecdotes, such as Terry Biddlecombe’s dentures falling out mid-race – after nearly choking him on the way out – the breathtaking horsemanship required from four-time champion Fred Winter when his bit broke approaching the fourth of 30 fences in an Autueil steeplechase, and fascinating insights from the weighing room, such as the “Irish geniality” of Jonjo O’Neill, who was “tough as teak” on the track.

But no jockey pushed the boundaries more than 20-time champion AP McCoy: “In November 2012, he was kicked in the face by a horse at Wetherby,” writes Clark. “His injuries necessitated the extraction of two teeth and some plastic surgery but so keen was he to ride at Ascot the following day, he refused general anaesthetic.”

The stories serve as a stark reminder of how much the sport has changed in 75 years and I came away with a renewed respect for anyone who has been brave enough to make a living from thundering over obstacles at 40mph on half a tonne of horse.

About the author

Neil Clark is a journalist, broadcaster, author and award-winning blogger. He has contributed numerous articles to leading newspapers, magazines and websites and is a regular pundit on current affairs and sport on television and radio.

View now at amazon.co.uk

Verdict

Some cracking anecdotes from the past 75 years of National Hunt racing and an entertaining dip into the extreme life of a jump jockey.

Looking on the Bright Side: A Vet’s Tale by Sue Devereux

Sarah Jenkins — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 10:32:05 +0000

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Looking on the Bright Side: A Vet’s Tale

Author: Sue Devereux

Published: 2021

Available as paperback or Kindle edition

View now at amazon.co.uk

About the book

Written to raise money for Stars Appeal, the NHS charity for Salisbury District Hospital, where the author received life-saving breast cancer treatment, this book is a mixture of memorable stories from her time as a vet and a documentation of how it was to work and care for two teenagers while receiving a diagnosis and undergoing treatment.

Review

“I have learnt to appreciate the present rather than always planning the future”. This is the last sentence of the penultimate chapter of Sue’s book, a memoir of her career from a young vet through to building her own practice, being diagnosed with cancer, going through treatment and ultimately recovering. The stories she tells along the way are sometimes amusing, sometimes heartwarming, sometimes heartbreaking, but all the while she comes across both as a writer and as a person who has the right approach to life.

All the profits from this book go to the Stars Appeal, the NHS charity for Salisbury District Hospital, which is reason enough to buy it in itself. But what is more I would thoroughly recommend it, for the insight into a vet’s life and how that has changed, into the challenges vets face, into the character needed to face them.

Sue rattles through the many stories and experiences with the same unfussy, get on with it approach she takes as a vet. The accessible chunks make for a good bedside book and while you could argue the connections between the stories – her own development – is a little sparse, in many ways it is quite refreshing in an age of too much information. Another writer might have extracted more drama from several of the recollections, not least the moment a German Shepherd almost alters the course of her life, but it is this matter of factness that draws out further admiration for the author, and is a trait we can recognise in so many who work in the equestrian industry. It’s a cracking book, for a horse lover or non horse aficionado, do buy it.

About the author

Sue Devereux qualified as a vet at Bristol University in 1983 and started her veterinary career in a mixed practice in Wimborne, Dorset. Subsequently she went on to establish her own practice treating horses with acupuncture and chiropractic when they did not respond to conventional veterinary treatment. She has written many veterinary features for Horse & Hound as well as the popular Veterinary Care of the Horse.

Verdict

I would thoroughly recommend it, whether you’re horsey or not – it’s a cracking read.

Globetrotter: Meridien Travels the World by Claire Wilby

Sarah Jenkins — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 08:59:04 +0000

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Globetrotter: Meridien Travels the World

Author: Claire Wilby

Published: 2021

Available as paperback or Kindle edition

View now at amazon.co.uk

About the book

This the story of a globetrotting horse, which is based on the travels of a real horse, written for 8–12 year olds. It is a story about friendship, travel and cultural insights – and, of course, a horse.

Review

Appropriate for a primary school aged child, this book will delight young horse and pony enthusiasts whether they are already competent readers themselves or enjoy a bedtime story. The adventures of Meridien the globetrotting horse are written in short and sweet chapters, following the tales of this French-bred gelding as he sees the world with his rider Charlie, following a short stint as an international showjumper.

A lot goes on in each short chapter, with the story galloping along so swiftly there’s no chance for young minds to get bored. But within each story the author manages to squeeze in something of horses’ characters, some key equestrian knowledge – from what colic is to why horses are clipped – and something of the culture from the countries in which Meridien finds himself.

It reads a little like a child’s imagination in places, each tale a sort of day dream I can imagine having as a pony-obsessed nine-year-old. Meridien gets to meet royalty around the world, including The Queen. In fact there is a theme of heading to palaces, once in the Netherlands when a little girl called Sophie who wants to be a princess manages to borrow Meridien for a school competition aimed at celebrating all things orange – Meridien being chestnut.

Chapters end happily, all works out for the best, there is nothing sinister or perilous to provoke nightmares, even when Meridien is poorly and taken to horse hospital in case he needs colic surgery, but all is well after a spell on a drip.

Meridien skips around the globe fairly effortlessly as well, though there is the odd hint of realism when for example a strangles outbreak curtails a trip to California. It’s a fun book, written by someone who knows about horses, so it won’t grate with parents or carers reading to their children. And if a love of horses helps children learn a little geography at the same time, and something of other countries’ cultures and traditions, then that can be no bad thing.

View now at amazon.co.uk

Legendary Hearts of Horses by Adrienne Neary

Alex Robinson — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 07:18:35 +0000

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Legendary Hearts of Horses

Author: Adrienne N. Neary

Published: 2021

Available as hardcover

View now at amazon.co.uk

About the book

Legendary Hearts of Horses is the result of the author’s collection and analysis of information sources regarding the large heart gene. In this book, Neary follows the equine large heart trail instigated by the famous American Thoroughbred, Secretariat.

Review

The beautiful glossy hardback cover contains a well-researched read about the heart of the equine and how the strong bond and connection between humans and horses has come to be.

It begins with a look back at the famous racehorse of the 1970s, Secretariat, who attracted a worldwide fan base of adoring fans and was found to have a mega-heart when an autopsy was conducted after his death. Since this discovery, Secretariat’s heart size became an ‘obsession’ within the equine industry.

Neary provides an overview of some of the impressive feats of well-known horses throughout history and provides evidence that the spirit, determination and power of a horse can go on to achieve remarkable things.

The book contains historical references, research and contains frequent use of direct quotes from published works.

It would appear that one of the author’s main intentions was to educate readers on the X factor theory and present her own findings as she researched the phenomenon of the most powerful of equine hearts.

This book talks about the physical heart of horses as well as the intangible qualities that horses display. The appendix containing a diagram of equine large heart conformation was a helpful addition to tie everything together.

The narrative is fascinating and profound and I learnt mounds about the horses of our past and why we are so connected to the horses of our present.

The stories about each of the legendary horses catches and keeps the attention, though I would have preferred a slightly neater layout with smaller text and fewer research references that break up the author’s captivating, emotive writing.

About the author

Adrienne Neary is an equestrian, author, illustrator, researcher and Equine Energy practitioner. She has a background in animal science and now writes about the wisdoms bestowed on her with her decades of experience teaching and coaching.

Verdict

An ideal gift for someone who wants a relatively quick yet intense read, and wants to delve into history while being moved.

Polo Heritage by Aline Coquelle

Martha Terry — Fri, 15 Oct 2021 08:32:31 +0000

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Introduction by: Nacho Figueras

Photographs by: Aline Coquelle

View at eu.assouline.com or tobiasoliverinteriors.com

About the book

Polo Heritage, which is a coffee table book, guides the reader on a journey across the world and inside the most prestigious tournaments. It is a window into the high society of British polo and Argentinian polo culture that has produced some of the best polo families in the world.

Review

“I see polo as a sport that connects a groom from Argentina to the Queen of England – and the total opposite of elitist,” writes Nacho Figueras in this truly glorious polo tome.

Polo may indeed have participants in every stratum of society, but the book itself shouts out luxurious quality. Weighing in at nearly 3kg, this faux leather-bound collection of large full-page photos embodies the colour, glamour and fun of this “sport of kings”. This is an asset to any horse lover’s coffee table – the horse is the undoubted star.

At the heart of this book is the series of stunning professional photos by Aline Coquelle, which illustrate the history and heritage of the sport. The reader travels through Mongolia to Mexico, from Barbados to Pakistan, and inside some of the most prestigious tournaments on grass, sand or snow.

There are also scrapbook-style pages featuring the likes of Cambiaso, or diverse polo communities, as though the reader is taking a private peek inside a top player’s family album.

But it’s not all about the photos. Potted histories of top players, tournaments and polo cultures are brought to life with short chunks of prose, and quotes from stars of the game, royal fans and even Winston Churchill.

Legendary player Nacho Figueras writes a long introduction, with a fascinating insight into his love of the horses that power the sport.

“Horses are the most amazing thing about polo,” he says. “They are why we stay awake for hours when one is not feeling well or a mare is about to give birth. We know how they move, what they eat, how much they need to be ridden the day before a game to be at their best. We know their mother, their father, sister, uncle. We care about them greatly, and they are the only reason we can all enjoy this sport as much as we do. They become the centre of attention and conversation at every asado (barbecue), where we’ll talk for hours about that horse that runs or turns, or a play of a foul. Horses are simply a huge part of our lives.”

Verdict

This beautiful book encapsulates the modern and authentic spirit of polo, while also highlighting the horsemanship that underpins the giants of the game.

The Hairy Pony’s Christmas Party by Emma Jane McCue

Sarah Jenkins — Fri, 15 Oct 2021 08:31:21 +0000

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The Hairy Pony’s Christmas Party

Author: Emma Jane McCue

Illustrator: Janine Drayson

Published: 2021

Available as paperback

View at emmamccueauthor.co.uk

About the book

This seasonal children’s story follows a lonely pony who feels he doesn’t quite fit in. With some help and encouragement from kind friends, others see the error of their ways, and so the narrative changes and his wish to feel included comes true.

Review

This is a jolly, uplifting, festive tale – perfect for Christmas Eve boxes or stockings. The poem romps along, with a heartwarming message at the end, and one that is very of the moment – be kind. The illustrations are delightful, and young children can be encouraged to engage with the book further by spotting the robin on each page.

Silver Pony, diminutive in comparison to his field mates who cover the ground at far greater pace, feels left out and lonely one year at Christmas. A wise, kind owl notices his distress, and sets about creating a celebration, with Silver Pony the guest of honour. All the animals in the countryside lend a paw, or claw, and Silver Pony’s wishes come true.

The longer legged companions apologise for leaving little Silver Pony out, and pledge to include him and look out for him in the future. Spreading a lovely message of kindness to young children, I imagine this becoming a favourite bedtime story every December.

About the author

Emma’s love affair with horses began at the age of five when she learnt to ride on a very naughty Shetland. Now with two children of her own, Emma has wanted to tell the story of The Hairy Pony’s Christmas Party for more than 10 years – and she finally has. Published in October 2021, this is Emma’s first step into the world of publishing.

Verdict

Perfect for an early Christmas gift to read on Christmas Eve, this book is one that will be chosen at bedtime year after year.

Wild: The Legendary Horses of Sable Island by Drew Doggett

Martha Terry — Fri, 15 Oct 2021 08:30:32 +0000

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Author: Drew Doggett

Published: 2022 – pre-order available

Available as hardcover

View now at drewdoggett.com

About the book

This large-format coffee table book tells the story of Sable Island’s wild horses. The author, Drew Doggett, has been collecting imagery of the island since 2012, including the first-of-its-kind aerial documentation captured by drone.

It features never-before-seen images from Drew’s archive and personal writings that invite you on an intimate journey through a day on the island. This book is an ode to the incredible horses that have thrived, despite all odds, in a place man has failed to conquer.

Review

Sable Island is a narrow, crescent-shaped strip of land, often nestled in a thick blanket of fog, over 100 miles off the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada. It is home to one of the last herds of completely wild horses, who roam freely over the island’s 26 rugged miles.

Award-winning photographer and film-maker Drew Doggett spent more than 70 days, over a period of nine years, on the island (one of the few artists granted overnight access), to create a comprehensive record of this unique microcosm of life.

The magnificent double-spread photos do the talking in this splendid coffee-table book, but the foreword and Doggett’s artistic statement preceding them are important to understand the enormity of this work.

Doggett says his book is meant to “transport readers to this stretch of undisturbed land and honour its only inhabitants”, the Sable Island horses, descendants of animals brought there and abandoned three centuries ago. Against all odds and despite the unforgiving nature of this little island, some of the horses managed to survive.

There are currently around 550 horses, but their population can dwindle to as low as 150 in harsh winters. However, nearly 80 foals are born each spring – a perfect example of survival of the fittest. It has taken them just 300 years to adapt to their harsh landscape – eating the tough grass, digging for water under the sand, and building up strength every summer to survive the winter in this bleak and barren land.

Doggett writes: “Sable’s beauty is her wildness, her freedom and her horses. It is a place man has failed to conquer, and a graveyard to so many who have tried. I am entranced by the vibrant reminders of nature’s majesty and the glory of her brilliance as well as the solitude of the island and the resilience of these horses.

“I gravitate towards the ones that best represent the island’s wild essence. These are the stallions with a tangible energy or those with beautiful manes that cascade towards the ground in rich layers. Other times I’m drawn towards the older horses with time etched into their coats and a peaceful aura, or the younger foals whose heads barely stick out among the tall grass and never leave the watch of their mothers.”

Even without this extraordinary context, the photos are breathtaking. The horses are indeed wild, beautiful and noble, with gloriously shaggy manes, golden with highlights, and short fluffy ears. The black and white frames enhance the bleak and lonely landscape, and the resilience of these indomitable creatures is writ large on every page.

It is hard to describe the emotion provoked by these photos. Of course, they are spectacular, but it’s the horses’ otherworldliness, their connection with nature and Doggett’s passionate vision to tell their story that makes this so much more enriching and significant than most coffee-table books. It is an eye-opener to another equine realm and gives a deeper understanding of the spirit of the animal we all know and love.

Verdict

An emotive story that is so much more enriching and significant than most coffee-table books. It will introduce you to another equine realm and give you a deeper understanding of the spirit of the animal we all know and love.

Ride Big by John Haime

Martha Terry — Fri, 15 Oct 2021 08:16:57 +0000

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Ride Big: the Ultimate Guide to Building Equestrian Confidence

Author: John Haime

Published: 2021

Available as paperback or Kindle edition

View now at amazon.co.uk

About the book

In this book, John Haime covers three important aspects of confidence – he calls them The Confidence Base, The Confidence Builders and The Confidence Threats. Throughout the book, those who have reached the highest levels of competition in a range of disciplines share their stories, explaining what they do in the saddle and how their techniques for performing under world-class pressure might help other riders develop a similar kind of confidence.

Review

The “confidence-building” that is the subject of this book is more along the lines of helping riders to win Badminton than to canter into a cross-pole after a fall. But if you are an aspiring professional with huge dreams, then this is the book for you.

Author John Haime is himself a professional sportsman (golfer) and now works as a performance coach in a variety of sports at the top level. So often we focus on our horse’s performance, but Haime works on improving the rider’s skills and confidence, believing that this will in turn bring out the best in your partnership with the horse.

This is a very practical approach to giving riders the mental tools they need to perform better and more consistently under pressure. Each chapter has truths, keys, stories and exercises enabling you to test new skills and awareness out when training or competing. He addresses all sorts of psychological areas involved in building confidence which we may not have considered as a rider: self-image, getting in the habit of being uncomfortable, using our emotions effectively, and the privilege of pressure.

The book is peppered with quotes and anecdotes from riders, such as Oliver Townend, Laura Tomlinson, Mclain Ward and Michael Jung, who have made it, detailing their struggles and how they’ve overcome challenges. It’s inspiring stuff, even if your goal is simply to master striking off on the correct leg. And if you are aiming for the top, this book is invaluable for helping you to step up another level.

Not all of us are top riders, even in our dreams (certainly not myself), however there is plenty to glean from these lessons to the elite. As Haime says: “Confidence is a central theme in everything you do. Why not learn about it through your passion, equestrian sport, and get double the benefit? The way you develop confidence in your equestrian life is transferable to everything in life. A confident rider can also become a confident business person, confident worker, confident spouse, confident parent, and confident friend.”

Likewise, the dual Olympic champion Michael Jung may be in the equestrian stratosphere, but any rider can heed his advice.

“Equestrian sport is complex and individual for all riders. Ride Big will help you be better equipped to solve problems, be more confident when confronting challenges, and better enjoy your experience with horses. Read this book.”

About the author

John Haime is a former professional golfer who has since entered the world of performance coaching. He has helped some of the world’s top performers in sports, business, and entertainment build mental and emotional strength in order to maximise their abilities.

Since 2014, John has worked with dozens of equestrian clients, from young riders and adult beginners to the world’s top showjumpers, dressage riders and eventers. He has coached Nations Cup winners, Grand Prix winners, and national champions, and has worked with individuals competing at top events, such as Florida’s Winter Equestrian Festival and Badminton Horse Trials.

Verdict

If you are an aspiring professional with huge dreams, then this is the book for you.

Core Conditioning for Horses by Visconte Simon Cocozza

Carol Phillips — Fri, 15 Oct 2021 08:15:10 +0000

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Core Conditioning for Horses: Yoga-Inspired Warm-Up Techniques: Increase Suppleness, Improve Bend, and Unlock Optimal Movement

Author: Visconte Simon Cocozza

Published: 2019

Available as hardcover or Kindle edition

View now at amazon.co.uk

About the book

The majority of us who are involved with horses would agree with the author Visconte Simon Cocozza that the fact horses allow us to sit on their backs and influence their behaviour as they do is “an incredible privilege”. The lucky ones among us will have enjoyed rides where we have felt so in tune with our horses that it feels like they have read our minds and we have “danced”, whether that is in the arena, at a competition, or while enjoying a ride in the countryside. But, for most of us, these experiences are few and far between, so what separates those incredible rides from the rest? The author believes it’s all about the horse’s “posture in motion” and that this is something every owner can help their horses improve.

Review

In summary, this book is designed to help the reader help their horse to improve their core strength through a series of yoga-style exercises designed to condition the key carrying muscles that enable to horse to move fluidly and in balance while carrying the rider.

The book is in two parts. The first section explains how the horse’s core muscles work and includes advice to help the owner/rider analyse their own horse so they can apply a score to their personal strengths and weaknesses. This provides a starting point for the training process and can be used ongoing to monitor progress. Photographs, examples of the horse in art, quotes from both equestrian old masters and experts of the current day, and illustrations are all used to help convey the message.

The second part covers the three exercise levels and the head-and-neck positions that can be used, before explaining the 10 exercises designed to improve the horse’s core condition. These exercises can be combined in various ways to either be used on their own as part of rehab programme for a horse with a back problem, such as kissing spines, or to form a warm-up for a healthy horse that activates the horse’s important core muscles so they are ready to undertake more demanding exercises. The book also explains how to judge which are best suited to your horse at their current stage of their training.

I found the book easy to read with excellent use of photography and illustrations to show how the exercises for our horses should be performed and how they compare to human yoga poses. While I don’t do yoga myself, I did find these comparisons useful, so don’t feel this book is only suitable if you are a yoga aficionado. If you are looking to use this book to solve a specific problem, it is tempting to dive straight into the second part of the book, but I would encourage everyone to take the time to read the first section as it helps build your understanding of how the horse’s core works, as well as how to assess your own horse, which will stand you in good stead for the future.

About the author

Visconte Simon Cocozza’s spent his childhood in Rome, Italy, but he was educated in England, took his BHS exams and studied equine business management at Warwickshire College. He initially worked as a trainer in the UK, before returning to mainland Europe, where he studied with a number of mentors and became driven to discover the unifying principles behind Greek, Roman and the Renaissance Schools to find ways of helping each and every horse be as healthy, happy and useful as they can be. While based in France, he became the first non-French national to earn the Brevet Professionnel and become a trainer and examiner for the La Fédération Française d’Equitation (FFE). He is currently based in Wiltshire, England, where he hosts residential Core Conditioning for Horses training courses, as well as coaching bio-mechanically sound training techniques internationally.

Verdict

Whether you have a horse that is tense, stiff or has been diagnosed with a back problem, or you simply want to expand your knowledge of your horse’s anatomy and add fresh training methods to your toolkit, this book is worth every penny. I think it should be on every horse owner’s book shelf or kindle.

View now at amazon.co.uk

Latest from Horse & Hound in Horse-books

The Pony Whisperer by Esme Higgs: ‘Gritty yet heartwarming’

About The Pony Whisperer by Esme Higgs

Review

Verdict

You might also be interested in:

Badminton Horse Trials at 75 by Kate Green

About Badminton Horse Trials at 75

Review

Verdict

You might also like:

Kyrgyzstan and the Jailoo: Four Rides in the Mountains of Heaven by Sue Bathurst

About Kyrgyzstan and the Jailoo

Review

Verdict

You might also like:

Mirror Horse by Tamara Williamson

About Mirror Horse

Review

Verdict

An engaging and endearing book that is ideal to read over multiple sittings with much to offer both horse enthusiasts and a wider audience.

NB: A percentage of the author’s royalties from this book will be donated to the Canadian Horse Defence Coalition.

You might also be interested in:

Harmonious Horsemanship by Sue Dyson and Sue Palmer

Harmonious Horsemanship by Sue Dyson and Sue Palmer

About Harmonious Horsemanship

Review: Harmonious Horsemanship by Sue Dyson and Sue Palmer

Verdict

If everyone involved with ridden horses, whether as a rider, trainer or carer, would read this book, the world would be a better place for horses in all situations.

You might also be interested in:

The Misfit by Jay Ann Foley

About The Misfit

Review

Verdict

An enjoyable yarn to entertain any horse lover who wants a page-turning adventure set in the racing world.

You might also be interested in:

The Bridleway by Tiffany Francis-Baker

About The Bridleway

Review

Verdict

An interesting and well-researched read with lyrical detail on nature. Less of a gallop, more of an absorbing hack – a book to pick up, read a chapter and put down, rather than devour in a sitting.

You might also be interested in:

Jorie: The Extraordinary Life of Jorie Butler Kent

About Jorie, by Jorie Butler Kent

Review

Verdict

What a life this lady has led! This gloriously lavish phot0-album style book is a wonderful addition to the coffee table for anyone who enjoys beautiful things, American pioneer family memoirs – and horses.

You might also be interested in:

A Matter of Trust by Lucy Ann Huxter

About A Matter of Trust

Review

Verdict

Novels set in the eventing world are few and far between – fans should enjoy this one, which combines an accurate depiction of the sport with a strong story.

You might also be interested in:

Finding Wonder by Lauren St John

About Finding Wonder by Lauren St John

Review

Verdict

You might also be interested in:

My Life in 12 Horses by Nicky Henderson

About My Life in 12 Horses

Review

Verdict

You might also be interested in:

Training to Win by Caroline Moore

About Training to Win by Caroline Moore

Review

Verdict

Not bedtime reading, but one to keep in your tack room and incorporate the instructions wholeheartedly into your daily routine. It would be fascinating to see how far you could go if you followed Caroline’s instructions to the letter for a whole season!

You might also be interested in:

Be Happy! A Little Book of Mindfulness, by Maddy Bard

About Be Happy! A Little Book of Mindfulness

Review

Verdict

A sweet little book for young children, with bold and joyful pictures, cute dogs and plenty of practical snippets to help the reader be more mindful and appreciate their emotions. An encouraging way to tap into mindfulness for any dog-loving child!

You might also be interested in: