Conference noted::equitation

    There is also an excellent bookstore for Arabian horse owners --
    El Zar Book Bar.  Mostly books on breeding Arabians, but also some
    general books on health, ferriery, anatomy, genetics (including
    THE HORSE by Evans et al).  I don't have the address here, but call
    me later, if you're interested.  DTN 341-2395 or (301)867-1584.

    
    Hi again,
    
    	After reading the dressage notes, I have gotten my curiosity
    aroused.  I am starting to learn dressage and therefore understand
    quite a bit of what is being discussed - but since I love to learn
    as much as possible I am looking for more information.  I noticed
    that there were several books that were mentioned that people used
    to help them in their training/riding.  I would like to start reading
    up on dressage,  does anyone have any books that they would reccommend?
    I am not looking for one for a real novice - but rather ones that
    are for the intermediate to advanced riders and horses.
    
    Also, does anyone have a reccommendation for a good Equine Veterinary
    Book.
    
    Thanks.
    
    Sherry
    
    

    Sherry,
    
    You might want to read the Sally Swift book, Centered Riding,
    although it is not targeted to dressage only, you will get
    a lot of good ideas and insights from the book.  I have a
    dressage book at home (work at 2nd and 3rd levels) I forget
    the author, but I'll look it up and post it here.  You might
    want to go to your local tackshop or even library and browse
    through the books to see which ones appear to be what you
    are looking for.                         
    
    The only problem with the books are that they can tell you
    how to perform a particular movement, or what it should look
    like, but it doesn't mean that it will work with your particular
    horse - that is why it's important to have a good instructor/trainer
    working with you, because you could be creating more of a problem
    even though "that's what the book says to do".
    
    Good luck.

    
>        The only problem with the books are that they can tell you
>    how to perform a particular movement, or what it should look
>    like, but it doesn't mean that it will work with your particular
>    horse - that is why it's important to have a good instructor/trainer
>    working with you, because you could be creating more of a problem
>    even though "that's what the book says to do".

    I couldn't agree more.  I haven't really looked at any books on
    riding but I have read some magazine articles - and found that quite
    often what I think the article is saying is exactly opposite of
    what I have been taught - and what I have found to work for me.
    I expect to get two things out of any book on training:
    
    	1)  A different aspect of looking at a problem or a method
    	    to train an exercise
    	2)  A reference source to look to in case the current method
    	    I am using is not working properly. 
    
    I am working with an instructor - and rely more on what she explains
    than what I would read  in a book.   But I think it would be nice
    to have a couple of references. Reading the books makes me think about
    a situation from a different angle  - which if I are having a
    problem may give some insight into why.         
    
    Thanks for any pointers.
    
    Sherry
    
    

    The dressage book I have is called "Intermediate Dressage"
    by R.L.V. ffrench Blake - it's a paperback U.S. edition, and
    I found it at the Equestrian Shop in N. Andover.  I think
    it is a little outdated, but worth reading because of the
    descriptions of the movements and the illustrations.

    You might also want to look at An Anatomy of Riding (see note 10.75
    for authors, publisher, etc.).  It explains exactly which muscles
    are used in riding and how to use them.  I have found that sometimes
    instructors will tell you to do something and they "know" by feeling
    what muscles to use and how, but can't describe it well to you.
    This book deals with all level of dressage and also has a section
    for instructors.
    
    						Jan

    
    Thanks for the pointers.  I had forgotten about the list in 10.69.
    So between the pointers here and in 10.69 - I should have enough
    reading for awhile.
    
    thanks again
    
    Sherry
    
    

    I agree that it is very difficult to describe how to ride using
    the written word.  I don't know if they are available in the USA
    but over here the British Horse Society make and hire out video
    tapes on differant aspects of horse riding and schooling, also some
    of the top riders in differant areas, dressage, show jumping and
    cross country sell their own videos.
    
    I have found that the videos make up for some of the deficiencies
    in books.
    
    Mike.

    There are videos available to rent at State Line Tack shop, and
    in various catalogs (eg. Miller's) there are video tapes that
    you can buy.  The prices are still quite high on some of them,
    so if you can rent them you are better off, I have seen a couple
    of them playing at State Line while I was shopping there, one was
    a Sally Swift tape, one was a jumping seminar, and another was
    a western training tape - State Line has a pretty good variety,
    and I think you can take them out for 3 days.

    Does anyone know of any good books about horses that would be
    appropriate for children?  Say in the 7 - 12 year old range.
    
    thanks!
    Cheryl
    

    
    The BLACK STALLION series.
    
    Any of the THELWELL books.

    try marguerite henry's 'misty' series.  its about the chincoteague
    ponies.....i loved them as a child.
    
    jan
    

	BLACK BEAUTY is a classic - in addition to which it is a
	lesson in the humane treatment of animals. I just read it
	again recently, and it was as wonderful as the first time!

	-Julie

    Also, C.W. Anderson; one of my favorite books was The Blind Connemara
    which was actually based on a girl who had a blind pony. This girl
    is Rhonda Watts and she lives in New Hampshire. I remember visiting
    Rhonda and her blind pony when I was about 8 years old...
    
    It really is a sight to watch a totally blind grey Connemara jump
    a 2 1/2 foot fence, with a saddle and only a rein around the neck.
    I also watched her do some dressage and such...
    
    Ahhhh.... what a beautiful memory....
    
    Talk about a special partnership...
    
    Linda

    
    
    How about My Friend Flicka or the Billy and Blaze series.
    
    

    THANKS!  That should keep her busy for awhile.  
    
    I'd forgotten about many of those terrific childhood 
    stories (which probably turned me into the "horse nut" 
    that I am today!)
    
    Are there any which might cover care, handling... 
    you know, something more along the lines of learning
    about what to expect (realistically) about owning your own horse?
                                     
    
    Thanks Again!
    
    ps: about that blind pony... not to get to personal 
        (you said you were about 8 years old...) but 
        is there ANY chance that pony is still around?
        I get goose bumps just thinking about how special
        a relationship like that would be.
    

    
>    Are there any which might cover care, handling... 
>    you know, something more along the lines of learning
>    about what to expect (realistically) about owning your own horse?

	 The Horseman's  Bible  is written in fairly easy to understand
     terminology.   I've seen it at State Line Tack Shop in Plastow, NH.
     I think I got my first copy of the book when I was about 14.  There
     are  also some books put out by Farnam on specific aspects of horse
     care.   
     
	 The best  thing  to  do  is to go to a tack shop (State Line or
     Dover (in Wellesley)) and browse.  You know your daughter's reading
     level  best,  and  could probably find something appropriate.  Also
     ask the shop owners which books they would recommend.
    

    Re: .8
    
    unfortuneately, probably not but if I run into Rhonda, I'll ask
    her...

    Another good book for the barn is "How to Be Your Own Veterinarian
    (sometimes)" by Dr. Ruth B. James.  Full of practical info, with
    a
    Western states slant.  You'll note that when she talks about certain
    hays, to say nothing of the cover.
    
    Merrie

    
    
    Hi all - hope that your barnyards are not the skating rinks that
    we have here in Maine...  even the warm rain last night did not
    take all the ice away, but it is getting better (of course my horses
    are also becoming better skaters too!)
    
    NOW! To get to my note - thought you all might be interested in
    a bookstore that I found over the Christmas holidays.  It's called
    KNIGHT EQUESTRIAN BOOKS, and it is owned and operated by a wonderful
    

    woman in North Edgecombe, Maine.  A friend dragged me along to an
    open house/coffee and I ended up spending hours sitting on the floor
    in 'horse book heaven'.  This "store" is situated in the front room
    of a lovely old cape and has by far the greatest selections I've
    come across.  The owners name is Janet Blevens and she is an active
    horse person as well as connoisseur of horse related reading materials.
    
    There is a directory available - send $2.00 with your name and address
    to KNIGHT EQUESTRIAN BOOKS  Boothbay Road  P.O. Box 78   N. Edgecomb
    Maine  04556.
    
    But to tantalize your imagination I thought I'd share the MAJOR
    elements of this directory.  The major elements include the title,
    author, date published and price.
    
    .  Riding on the flat
    .  Teaching Riding
    .  Dressage  (dressage to music, nuno oliveira books, alois podhajsky
                  books, etc etc etc)
    .  Sidesaddle
    .  Driving  (history, how to, competition categories)
    .  Jumping and Hunt Seat
    .  Hunting
    .  Racing
    .  Polo
    .  Combined Training
    .  Distance Riding
    .  Western Riding
    .  Vaulting
    .  US Pony Club Materials
    .  Books for Young Riders
    .  Training  (general, early training, ground work, western emphasis,
                  retraininig, etc etc)
    .  Horse Behavior
    .  Show Preparation
    .  Enclosures  (american barns, stone walls, building your own jumps,
                    practical pole buildings, etc etc)
    .  Horse Care and Stable Management (divided into each element)
    .  Nutrition  (including books on nutrition 'just for the rider'
    		   on sports medicine, staying supple, riding out of
    		   your mind - tapes, etc etc)
    .  Foot and Farriery
    .  Veterinary Care
    .  Conformation and Color
    .  Breeding and Foal Management
    .  Breeds
    .  Horses in Art  (including drawing/coloring books, photography
    		       and robert vavra)
    .  History
    .  Reference
    .  Leisure Reading (Dick Francis, Thelwell, Western lit, Ben K Green,
                        Will James)
    .  Biography  (The Champion, Nijinsky, Driving Force, etc)
    .  Books for Young Readers  (including books for VERY young readers)
    			         the black stallion series, marguerite
    				 henry books - these are just as wonderful
                                 as when i read them as a child!!)
    .  VHS Video Tapes (32 listed w/a note to check about recent arrivals)
    
    
    	WHEW... There it is condensed from 43 pages of information.
    
    	Oh, one other thing I REALLY like about this store - Janet keeps
        a BRIDLE REGISTER - which is a form that YOU fill out and she
        keeps which identifies books you'd like to have!  That way when
        your friends/family/whomever want to get you a gift they are
        less likely to get something you would take/send back.  The
        form is a simple listing of book/author/price kept under your
        name.  Since the store will "happily take mail and phone orders,
        accept Visa and Mastercard, and gift wrap at no extra charge"
        it is a great way to shop!
    
    	I hope that you all find this helpful - and tell Janet I sent
        you if you send for her directory or stop at the store.  Its
        on the way to Boothbay Harbor, so if any of you are visiting
        Maine in the summer and head for 'the harbor' don't miss the
        chance to visit...  it's right off Route 27.

	Rather then start a new note, I'll ask my question here.

	My wife and I need a book on raising our new foal.  Does anyone have
 a suggestion of a book which will explain everything, including training?

	Thanks in advance for any help.

		Dave.

    
    
    There are two that I have found to be very informative.  One is
    From Foal to Five Years and the other is called, I believe, The
    First Two Years.  I saw them in the Breathrough catalog and in several
    tack stores.  You might want to call around to the tack stores in
    your area to see if you can find them locally.  You might even try
    B. Dalton or Waldenbooks to see if they can special order them.
    They should be listed in the current Books in Print.  If you can't
    find them let me know and I will get more info for you.
    
    Pat

    
    
    Here is some info on the two books in .12.
    
    The Formative Years.  Raising and training the young horse from
    birth to two years.    by Cherry Hill.
    
    $19.95 228 pages. Order number 213C. 
    
    Includes training procedures for starting the young horse correctly, 
    evaluation techniques to use for the weanling and yealing to arrive 
    at a sound prediction of their maental set and athletic ability, and 
    the latest research findings in care, nutrition, veterinary and farrier
    work.  
    
    
    Foal to Five Years by Ann Hyland.  Covers every stage of raising
    and training.  Points out common mistakes to avoid.  Shows how to
    correct faults, deal with immaturity.  
    
    $16.95 136 pages.  Order number 008C
                                        
    
    Both of these books are available from:
    
    Breakthrough Publications
    Millwood, New York
    10546
    
    Toll free order number:
    
    1-800-824-5000  Monday through Friday 9-5 Eastern time.  Credit
    card orders only.  
    
    Pat

    
     I've got hold of a really thorough book on veterinary medicine,
     if anyone is interested. I have found it to be very detailed &
     helpful.
     
     Name; VETERINARY NOTES FOR HORSE OWNERS
           Captain M. Horace Hayes, F.R.C.V.S.
           Revised by Peter D. Rossdale, Ph.D., F.R.C.V.S.
           Seventeenth revised edition copyright 1987.
           Library of Congress Catalog Card #: 87-062114
    
           AN ILLUSTRATED MANUAL OF HORSE MEDICINE AND SURGERY
    
     Some info.
           Captain M. Horace Hayes's Veterinary Notes for Horse Owners
           has been the standard work on equine health care for more
           than a century. The seventeenth edition of this "bible" is
           fully revised by one of England's leading veterinarians,
           Peter D. Rossdale, Ph.D., F.R.C.V.S., with the help of leading
           veterinary specialists.
            A totally comprehensive manual of horse medicine and surgery,
           it explains the symptoms and treatments of every disease
           or injury that the horse owner is likely to encounter. Written
           in a straightforward manner that will appeal to both novices
           and experts, the book contains detailed sections on the organ
           systems, the musculoskeletal system, the reproductive system
           infectious diseases, medical and surgical advances, management
           and husbandary, exercise physiology, the purchase of horses,
           legal and medical certification, and up-to-date info. on
           the veterinary service itself. Also included are invaluable
           sections on nutrition, determination of age, proprietary
           medicines, prohibited substances, and notifiable diseases.
           The latest revised edition has entirely new illustrations
           and photos. 
            Clear, concise, and authoritative, Veterinary Notes for
           Horse Owners saves horses' lives. 
    
                                            
           This manual is 740 pages of extremmely helpful info.
           I hope others find it just as helpful.
           Cost at local book stores was $26.95...Dave'
    
    

    
    Could you let us know the publisher?
    
    thanks

    re:-
    
    Sorry, one thing I didn't include...I will get that info for Monday.
    

    
    
    The art of livestock feeding and the fundamentals of nutrition are the
    subject of two new publications, FEEDS & NUTRITION and FEEDS &
    NUTRITION DIGEST.  The books were written by Dr. M.E. EmEnsminger,
    president of Agriservices Foundation; Dr. James E. Oldfield of Oregon
    State University, and Dr. Witlon W. Heinemann of Washington State
    University.
    
    FEEDS AND NUTRITION, which costs $79.50, consists of 1,552 pages and
    contains 721 illustration.  FEEDS AND NUTRITION DIGEST, which costs 
    $45.50, is an 800 page condensation that eliminates much of the
    technical information and emphisizes practical application.  Both books
    can be ordered from Ensminger Publishing Company, 648 West Sierra
    Avenue, P.O. Box 429, Clovis California 93613.  The mailing and
    handling charge is $5.00 per book ordered.
    
    From The Blood Horse dated Dec. 2, 1989.
    

    Question from a UK noter ...
    
    Can anyone recommend a good book that covers all the basics of riding?
    I can ride (took lessons as a teenager) and have been
    polishing/relearning since about May of this year. I'd like a book with
    diagrams and clear advice. Something easy to read for the long winter
    evenings! Also, I am interested in stable management - I help out at a
    local stable and I'd like to get it right (for a change!).
    
    Any suggestions for a novice greatfully received! I really love riding
    but I'm not very good. I have an excellent instructor, but I keep
    forgetting his advice once I've got home!
    
    Thanks,
    
    Lisa
    
    BTW My ultimate aim in all this is to get good enough to excercise race
    horses - I live in Great Shefford (near Lamborn) - I think it will take
    a few years!!

    Lisa,
    
    There are quite a few good books on the market but they are quite
    expensive,  I have got a lot of my Pony Club books which are really
    helpful and the British Horse Society have got a number of books
    that they publish for people who are taking exams.  If you write to 
    them I am sure they will have the type of book that you are looking
    for.
    
    What about hireing a video about stable management, there is quite
    a good one made by Virgina Leng. Just a suggestion!
    
    Wendy
    

    Wendy,
    
    Do you have the address of the British Horse Society? Are you in Dec
    Park by any chance?
    
    Lisa.
    

    ......have you thought of video taping your riding lessons?
    
    That way, you could have a continuous progress report on your
    riding improvements!
    
    Lynne

    Centered Riding is definately available in the UK - I saw it in
    Folyles in London - about 3 weeks ago - sports section.

    There is a super book available here in the U.S. from
    Half Halt Press. It is called 'Common Sense Dressage' 
    and it is by a woman named Sally O'Connor.
    
    She does a wonderful job of describing the relationship
    between the riders position and the anatomy and
    dynamics of each gait. There are more than 200 diagrams
    and suggested exercises both on and off of the horse.
    
    I think it is a book that people of all skill levels and riding
    disciplines would find applicable. I have been riding and showing
    for over 20 years and I found it to be very insightful.
    
    I will put the mailing address to Half Halt Press in the services
    note if you are interested.  
    

    Thanks for all the replies - I will be searching the book shops for
    these books this weekend..... I'll let you know if I get better at
    riding - I nearly fell off last week!
    
    
    Thanks again,
    
    
    Lisa.
    
    

    
    
    I got these books at a local tack shop here in Illinois.  They are
    listed in the State Line catalog that I have.  The publisher is
    Equine Research, Inc. in Tyler, Texas and the have an ad and order
    form for these books in the January issue of Equus on page 105.
    
    THE ILLUSTRATED VETERINARY ENCYCLOPEDIA FOR HORSEMEN  728pp. 
    Hard bound_________________________________________________$56.00
    Leather bound______________________________________________$88.00
    
    VETERINARY TREATMENTS AND MEDICATIONS
    Hard bound_________________________________________________$48.95
    Leather bound______________________________________________$84.00
    
    FEEDING TO WIN
    Hard bound_________________________________________________$23.95
    Leather bound______________________________________________$46.00
    
    CONDITIONING TO WIN
    Hard bound_________________________________________________$23.95
    Leather bound______________________________________________$46.00
    
    EQUINE GENETICS AND SELECTION PROCEDURES
    Hard bound_________________________________________________$38.95
    Leather bound______________________________________________$75.00
    
    BREEDING MANAGEMENT AND FOAL DEVELOPEMENT
    Hard bound_________________________________________________$43.95
    Leather bound______________________________________________$80.00
    
    I have copies of the first two and am planning on getting the rest
    in the series and my budget allows.   

I agree with other noters that Pegasos Press, Knight Equestrian Books, El-Zar 
Book Bar (great name!) and Breakthrough Publications are great sources for new 
books on horses. But did you ever try to find a copy of something that was out 
of print? An unusual or imported book? I mean other than J.A. Allen stuff 
    which lots of tack shops carry as do the aforementioned horsey 
    specialists?

When I'm not playing with the dogs or on a horse, I'm probably reading about 
horses, riding or some related subject....OK I confess I occassionally read 
spy novels too. Anyway, over the years I have had occassion to need/want an 
uncommon or out of print book. Here are some sources for such books:


Robin Bledsoe - Bookseller
1640 Massachusetts Ave
Cambridge MA 02138
617-576-3634
Tues-Sat 12:00-5:00 PM
New & Used (US and imported) books on horse subjects
Very good source for all sorts of horse books which are difficult to find.
Catalog w/ sections on
     Art
     Hunting
     Western/Cavalry
     Racing/'Chasing
     Dressage/3-Day
     Breeds
     Care & Health
     Horse people
     Books for young horse people ("And their adults")


Bright Books
Dianna Dennis Bright
PO Box 420
Elverson PA 19520
Catalog & Search Service
Catalog sections:
     Beagling
     Bassetting
     Horses
     Horsemanship
     Horse People
     Racing & Chasing
Dianna is interested in dressage. She reprinted one of Podhajsky's books 
because she thought it was too useful not to be generally available. I also 
got a copy of one of James Fillis' books through Dianna.



Barbara Cole
October Farm
Rt 2 Box 183-C
Raleigh NC 27610

Barbara is a horse person but I don't know whether or not she has a catalog, 
etc. She was recommended to me by a very book knowledgeable dealer as a source 
for out-of-print dressage books. I don't know what else she stocks.



Bucephalus Horse Books
Patricia Randazzo
PO Box 380
Long Valley NJ 07853
201-879-7733

Specializes in First and Rare editions 16th to 20th Centuries

    Anyone know where Bucephalus books moved to?  
    
    Nancy
    

A couple days ago, I recommended a book entitled "Make the Most of Your 
Horse" in a long note. I highly recommend this book. I think it is one of the 
most useful books I have ever read. And we have about 15-18 feet of shelf 
space dedicated to horse books! The book is out of print BUT I know Robin 
Bledsoe Booksellers(Cambridge MA 617-576-3634) has copies she is selling for 
$15. Robin says they sell quickly but she has reserved a copy for me until
March 6, 1992. If anyone is interested in this book, let me know and I will 
tell her to release the reserved copy to you. 

The subject is teaching your horse balance and collection, two things 
needed in all disciplines: SaddleSeat, Western, Showjumping, Dressage and 
especially 3-Day. Even trail horses(pleasure or competitive) will benefit from 
the work described in this book. 

"Make the Most of Your Horse: The practical application of collection to all 
types of riding", Jan Dickerson w/Foreword by George Morris

An extract from the foreword:
"In 'Make the Most of Your Horse', the author has contributed quite a little 
literary gem for any equestrian bright enough to realize that they can ride 
better with the understanding given them through reading a book. And let me 
emphasize that the understanding given in this book is practical, workable, 
and honest for anyone riding any kind of horse." George Morris

CONTENTS
Chapter I 	Understanding Collection
Chapter II 	Understanding Horse Sense
Chapter III	Riding in Good Form
Chapter IV 	Choosing Your Equipment
Chapter V	Introducing Balance Control
Chapter VI 	Balance on a Light Rein
Chapter VII	Soft Contact and On the Bit
Chapter VIII	Into Collection
Chapter IX	Collection for Handiness
Chapter X	Collection for Beauty

    Just an FYI, I have a 1995 Horse Industry Directory (American Horse
    Council Publication) if anyone needs any special info or addresses I
    would be happy to look them up for you.  It has listings for Breed
    registries, associations, organizations, schools, interstate health
    requirements, museums, race tracks, publications, annuals,
    newsletters, rodeo, sales companies, State info on fairs, parks,
    trails, etc., 
    
    Please feel free to ask me if you need something looked up. 
    Sharon
    

I'm basically a read-only noter in this conference because I don't own a horse,
nor do I often have a chance to ride one (sigh :-) ), but I wanted to mention
this book:

	First Horse
	by Fran D. Smith

	An associate editor with Western Horseman, Fran D. Smith has
	experience as a 4-H leader, riding coach, and trainer.  "First
	Horse" is a detailed guide for novice horse owners.  The book
	tells how to purchase and care for a horse and offers basic
	instructions in horsemanship and safety around horses.  176 pages,
	over 200 black and white photographs and illustrations.

The book is published by Western Horseman Books; the description above comes
from their Web page for this book at 
http://www.horsesetc.com/western-horseman/firsth.htm.

The author of this book is my cousin, which shouldn't influence any decision
(except mine!) to buy it... :-)

-- Nina