What’s your horse telling you? Equine behaviour makes perfect sense when you consider a horse’s survival instincts and fears and know what makes him feel calm and confident. Learn what’s going on in his mind, as noted horsewoman Cherry Hill describes your horse’s basic needs and routines and responses to sights, smells, sounds, and touch. You will learn to see things from your horse’s point of view, anticipate his reactions to many situations, and adjust your training methods accordingly.

Author: Cherry Hill
Publisher: Storey Publishing
ISBN-10: 1-58017-835-9
Price: $27.95 CAD
Soft cover / 181 pages / colour photographs and diagrams
To order: Contact Storey Publishing at (413) 346-2100,
write to 210 MASS MoCA Way, North Adams, MA, 01247,
USA, or visit www.storey.com

With photographs of everything from Roy Rogers and his fabulous palomino to the intrepid Seabiscuit, from great jumpers to Vienna’s Lippizaners, from Arabian stallions to Thoroughbred mares and their foals, from rodeos and wild mustangs to ponies and their children, The Big Book of Horses is sure to warm the hearts of horse lovers everywhere. This 384-page tome contains more than 230 images – printed in duotone – taken by such passionate horse photographs as Mark J. Barrett, Bob Langrish, and Kit Houghton.

The images are complemented by the author’s own whimsical horse drawings and by excerpts – both literary and personal – from the works of such diverse writers as Leo Tolstoy, Beryl Markham, Nicholas Evan, Cormac McCarthy, and others, and from stories and anecdotes by horse owners and aficionados. The Big Book of Horses is filled with the remarkable, the famous, the beautiful, and the bold.

Editor: J. C. Suares
Publisher: Random House of Canada
ISBN: 978-1-59962-013-8
Price: $38.95 CAD
Hard cover / 384 pages / b/w photos
To order: Contact Random House of Canada Limited at
2775 Matheson Boulevard East, Mississauga, ON, L4W 4P7,
or visit www.randomhouse.ca

Nursing and bringing a horse back to work after a long layoff can be tedious and frustrating, and is a time fraught with pitfalls. However, Dyer’s new book helps you avoid problems while keeping your spirits high as you tackle the task.

You’ll find guidance from 11 highly regarded veterinarians and professionals – all experts in reconditioning and rehabilitating horses. You’ll also read the stories of 40 amateur riders from all walks of life as they come to grips with diagnosis of tendon and ligament injuries, colic surgery, or laminitis. In addition to their heartfelt accounts, six riders who suffered nerve-shattering falls from horseback, broken legs, car accidents, and cancer surgery share their experiences as they regained lost confidence, conditioning, and locomotion in the saddle – proving just how strong our love for horses and riding can be when put to the ultimate test.

Author: Lucinda Dyer
Publisher: Trafalgar Square Books
ISBN: 978-1-57076-366-3
Price: $26.95 USD
Hard cover / 400 pages / b/w photos
To order: Contact Trafalgar Square Books at (802) 457-1911,
write to Box 257 Howe Hill Road, North Pomfret, Vermont,
05053 U.S.A., or visit www.horseandriderbooks.com

The world’s governing equestrian body has released the first edition of its new dressage handbook. The FEI Dressage Handbook - Guidelines for Judging has been written by some of the most experienced FEI dressage judges in the world.

“This new ‘Bible’ will prove invaluable not only for the education of dressage judges but also to riders and trainers at all levels,” a representative from the FEI says.

“It will not only help the better understanding of the scores, but also improve the awareness of the criteria outlined in the FEI Dressage Rulebook.”

The book is on sale at 40 Swiss francs ($35 CAD) plus postage. Proceeds from the book will be used in the education of FEI dressage judges.

In The Tao of Equus, Linda Kohanov intertwines the powerful story of the spiritual awakening she experienced with her black mare, Rasa, with compelling mythology, history, neurological research, and firsthand anecdotes from years of training horses and researching equine-facilitated therapy.

Kohanov delivers an extraordinary work sure to interest both longtime riders and readers interested in exploring the deepest reaches of the bonds between species.

Linda Kohanov is the founder of Epona Equestrian Services, a collective of riding instructors and counselors exploring the healing potential of the horse-human bond.

Author: Linda Kohanov
Publisher: New World Library
ISBN-10: 1-57731-420-4
Price: $15.95 USD
Soft cover / 360 pages
To order: Contact New World Library at 1-800-972-6657 ext 52 or
(415) 884-2100, write to 14 Pamaron Way, Novato, CA, 94949, USA,
or visit www.newworldlibrary.com

In Trail Riding, Rhonda Hart Poe offers a complete manual of everything you need to know before riding off in the great outdoors. You’ll learn how to evaluate a trail mount, choose equipment, and pack up. You’ll discover ways to train your horse in everything from crossing rivers and encountering traffic to coming when called.

Whether you’re riding close to home or trailering and traveling far, camping out or competing, Poe’s expert advice will enhance your experiences.

Author: Rhonda Hart Poe
Publisher: Storey Publishing
ISBN: 1-58017-560-0
Price: $28.95 CAD
Soft cover / 325 pages /
b&w illustrations
To order: Contact Storey Publishing at (413) 346-2215,
write to 210 MASS MoCA Way, North Adams, MA 01247, USA,
or visit www.storey.com

Veteran rider and trainer Charlene Strickland takes you on a fascinating tour of Western contests, and teaches you the skills and practices that make Western judges sit up and take notice. From learning the rules to preparing to show to riding in show ring traffic, the author gives you everything you need to know for dressing the part and practicing the patterns.

Chapters include topics on Horse Show Basics, The Show Game, Showing for Intermediate Riders, Showing Your Working Horse, Timed Events, and Arena Contests.

Author: Charlene Strickland
Publisher: Storey Publishing
ISBN: 1-58017-031-5
Price: $28.50 CAD
Soft cover / 133 pages / b&w photos and illustrations
To order: Contact Storey Publishing at (413) 346-2215,
write to 210 MASS MoCA Way, North Adams, MA 01247, USA, or visit www.storey.com