THIS JUST IN - NEW TITLES

Wisdom of Master Nuno Oliveira by Antoine de Coux - Paperback (2012)

This English translation of de Coux's Paroles du Maître is drawn from the author's extensive notes made during the more than twenty years that de Coux rode with Oliveira. In addition to riding during the annual two-month training session that Nuno Oliveira held in Belgium, de Coux also watched the lessons of all the other students, filling over forty notebooks with his notes.

When de Coux died before completing this work, his close friend and fellow Oliveira student, Madame Suzanne Laurenty, carried on the project to completion. For the English version, Jean Philippe Giacomini, also a friend of de Coux's and an Oliveira student, undertook the translation. It shows that all those involved in this work are dedicated equestrians who are well-grounded in the teachings of Nuno Oliveira.

With The Wisdom of Master Nuno Oliveira, we have a new window into Oliveira's dense and detailed instruction for training horses, from basic concepts of the rider's position and steps in starting young horses, to work in the gaits, lateral work, and upper level movements.

Code: 5654 Price: $39.95  Click Here to Order.

USPC C Manual of Horsemanship: Intermediate Horsemanship, 2nd edition by Susan E Harris - Paperback (2012)

Following the revision of the USPC D Manual for Beginners, here is the revised C Manual of Horsemanship from the USPC. As with the first volume, it is updated with an easier-to-read typography and layout, updated photos of Pony Clubbers, and a more universal format for riders wishing to continue developing their horsemanship skills. The riding chapters are split into "Riding on the Flat" and "Riding Over Fences," without being divided by Pony Club certification Levels. Progress for riders is on a continuum, and imposing Pony Club Levels excluded those riders who were genuinely interested in a well-developed riding curriculum but who weren't in Pony Club.

There are small tweaks throughout the book, but nothing major other than the above-mentioned rearrangement. It continues to be an excellent, up-to-date manual for those interested in improving their riding and horse care knowledge. Whether for competition or pleasure riding, the USPC C Manual of Horsemanship ranks among the best available.

Code: 5639 Price: $22.99  Click Here to Order.

Re-Educating Racehorses: A Life After Racing by Fred Cook - Paperback (2012)

A comprehensive guide through the process of acquiring and subsequently re-training a racehorse. Providing an in-depth look at what life was like for your horse at the racing yard, this guide explains how, through correct training and education, you can train the horse to become a happy adjusted athlete, ready for everyday equestrian activities.

It details what to consider when moving a racehorse out of training, how to ensure a smooth transition, how diet affects performance, the importance of groundwork training, and what is required of the horse and rider in reschooling.

Code: 5656 Price: $29.95  Click Here to Order.

Dancing with Horses: Communication by Body Language by Klaus Ferdinand Hempfling - Paperback (2012)

Dancing with Horses: Collected Riding on a Loose Rein offers Hempfling's style of very specific instruction, and is filled with color and black and white photos, and drawings that show his unique methods to gain the horse's trust, working with him as the leader. This is an excellent companion for his video of the same name. This softcover edition is a re-issue of his very popular earlier hardcover edition.

Code: 5644 Price: $29.95  Click Here to Order.

Nature in Horsemanship: Discovering Harmony Through Principles of Aikido by Mark Rashid - Hardcover (2011)

This latest book from Mark Rashid departs from previous titles, although it is still vintage Rashid, helping readers understand the art of working with horses. The starting point is his study of the martial art of Aikido, the goal of which is to bring harmony and balance to inharmonious situations. Oversimplified, this is the practice of self-defense as a means to preempt discord.

Throughout the book, the author relates examples of problems encountered by horses and people he's worked with during his clinics. Gradually, as a reader, you see the overall picture of the balance he's painting. As with his long struggle to understand the eastern philosophy that guides Aikido, you begin to understand this concept of harmony and balance, not as a fixed set of rules but rather as an attitude. Understanding that will prepare you to keep yourself safe around horses as you work through their problems in a way that also keeps them as safe as possible.

Mark Rashid is refreshingly candid at times, no doubt stirring some controversy when he discusses accepted training practices, or riders' expectations that their horses be fit while ignoring their own condition. This is as much an expression of Mark Rashid's philosophy as it is a training manual, and it is good food for thought.

Code: 5650 Price: $24.95 Click Here to Order.

Art of Hackamore Training: Time Honored Step in the Bridal-Horse Tradition by Al Dunning- Paperback (2012)

The Art of Hackamore Training explains this western style of control while riding a horse. The hackamore replaces the bit with a bosal, which fits over the horse's nose, and traditional leather reins with a mecate. The book explains the origin and theory of the hackamore art as well as the benefits, and key points for the best results while training your horse.

There is extensive explanation of how bosals are made and why a rider might choose one style over another (just as in bits). Photographs illustrate how to tie the mecate, and suggest considerations for choosing horse hair or man-made fiber. The authors also explain the method of using the fiador, for security in various situations.

The authors include training techniques for using for hackamore-trained mounts, such as cattle herding, turnarounds, stops and fencing. A final chapter addresses the quarto riendas, or four-rein, which uses both snaffle and hackamore, and dos riendas, or two-rein, the finish training from hackamore to full bridle horse.

Code: 5640 Price: $24.95  Click Here to Order.

Good Horse is Never A Bad Color by Mark Rashid - Hardcover (2011)

In this follow-up to Considering the Horse, Rashid continues to share his gift for using communication, not force, in working with horses. Rashid uses heart-warming and humerous stories to share his techniques of teaching horses by understanding their view of the world. Stories of Arabs, appaloosas, and paints - mistrusted and mistreated because of their breed - will give you a new perspective on these breeds and others. Rashid's accounts of horses bound for slaughter because they couldn't be trained will inspire you to give your own problem horse another look. And when Will, the ugliest horse you can imagine, turns out to be the best on the ranch, you'll understand why a good horse is never a bad color.

Code: 5580 Price: $24.95 Click here to order.

Horses Never Lie by Mark Rashid - Hardcover (2011)

Again, good Rashid stories, showing the horse-rider relationship is best based on the horse being a willing, not dominated, follower. The author weaves his lessons through engaging stories taken from Rashid's own life, and teaches trainers to lead by example rather than by force. Reliving Rashid's experiences with him, you will come to feel the same sort of compassion and appreciation for your horses that you do for the people in your life, and your horse training abilities will grow as a result. This second edition features new notes for each chapter that provide a more complete understanding of Rashid's methods and philosophy.

Code: 5657 Price: $24.95 Click here to order.

BHS Complete Manual of Equitation: Training of Horse & Rider by Patrick Print - Paperback (2012)

The BHS Complete Manual of Equitation is the official British Horse Society handbook for all those learning to ride and/or train horses, and also for teachers of riding. It is based on the hugely successful BHS Manual of Equitation which was first published nearly thirty years ago and has been updated and reprinted many times.

The Complete Manual retains core material from The Manual, and has been improved with new chapters added by leading specialists, all of whom are Fellows of the BHS. New chapters include an Historical Review; The Scales of Training; Training of the Dressage Horse; Jump Training; and Cross-country Riding.

The BHS Complete Manual of Equitation is a complete, authoritative training guide for horse and rider both on the flat and over show jumps and cross-country fences, based on sound classical principles that have stood the test of time.

Code: 5642 Price: $45.00 Click here to order.

BHS Manual for Coaching & Teaching Riding by Margaret Linington-Payne - Paperback (2012)

The official handbook for those studying the British Horse Society teaching qualifications has now been fully updated and revised. Written for the BHS by a chief examiner, this handbook provides clear guidelines on how the skills of riding should be taught and how riding school lessons should be conducted. It is aimed at less experienced and trainee riding instructors, especially those involved with weekly riders.

Islay Auty, is a Fellow of The British Horse Society, a chief examiner and former Chairman of BHS Training and Education. She is also a coach, dressage judge and competitor. As a freelance instructor, she has over twenty years of experience of training career students and competition partnerships, and teaches both in the UK and overseas. Margaret Linington-Payne is Director of Standards (the department responsible for training, education and exams) at the BHS; a chief examiner and former "Where to Train" centre proprietor.

Code: 5643 Price: $34.95 Click here to order.

Knowing Horses: Q&As to Boost Your Equine IQ by Les Sellnow - Paperback (2012)

This one's for the person who just can't get enough information about horses. Arranged in a Q&A format, Sellnow covers everything from horse behavior and training, to explanations about a wide range of horse activities, both past and present. Open to any page or section of the book and you'll learn something new: Do horses understand what we say to them? How did rodeos get started? Are there any truly wild horses left? Why does a horse have a frog in the bottom of his hoof? What is an Appendix Quarter Horse? What's a horse laugh? The topics are wide-ranging and sure to intrigue the most devoted horse lovers for hours.

Code: 5647 Price: $14.95 Click here to order.

How to Speak Horse: Horse-Crazy Kid's Guide to Body Language and "Talking Back" by Andrea and Markus Eschbach - Hardcover (2012)

Here is instruction for the young horse lover who wants to "whisper" to horses, or more accurately, to converse with them through body language. It's a photographic primer on what goes on in the round pen, and why it is so important to establish this relationship from the ground first. The youngsters shown in the book begin round pen work, guided by Andrea or Markus, learning to read the signs of their ponies' body language. Gradually they learn how their own movements cause a response from the ponies: the conversation has started.

The book covers the basic concepts of this silent, visual communication, so natural to horses and often overlooked by humans. The explanations are clear and simple, and the photographs effectively illustrate the concepts. A youngster who wants to learn How to Speak Horse could spend hours absorbing this information and have a head start on reading pony body language and learning to "talk back."

Code: 5612 Price: $15.95 Click here to order.

Pony Club Pocket Equine Dictionary by Judith Draper - Paperback (2011)

From ABSCESS to ZONKEY, this dictionary clearly explains over 500 equine words and terms in clear and straightforward language. With a clean design and pocket-friendly size, it will be the perfect companion for any young person keen to increase their understanding of the world of ponies and horses.

Code: 5638 Price: $19.95 Click here to order.

Sport Horse Conformation: Simple System for Evaluating Athletic Potential in Dressage, Jumping, and Eventing Prospects by Christian Schact - Hardcover (2012)

Christian Schacht is a veterinarian, riding instructor and expert on breeding and horse management, certified by the German National Equestrian Federation, and currently teaching at Virginia Tech. He has developed a mathematical system of assessing horse conformation, which can assist horse people with a more objective way to analyse conformation. With this, he has established geometric factors that can guide us in determining the horse's athletic potential.

With practice, and the help of his book, you will begin to "see" the horse's underlying shoulder structure, for example. From there, Schacht explains the resulting effect of, say, a shoulder that connects more forward of the withers, what the result will be in the horse's gaits or range of motion, and his consequent strengths or weaknesses. Throughout the book, Schacht gives examples of horses of different shapes, superimposing these geometric lines so you can objectively understand what he is talking about. He also presents photos of several horses, explaining why a given horse would be better suited to one discipline than another, and suggesting various training exercises that would help compensate for a particular weakness.

Code: 5634 Price: $27.95 Click here to order.

Man & Horse: 4000 Years of the Mounted Warrior by Andrew Sinclair - Hardcover (2009)

Until very recently, the horse has been the decisive factor in determining military success. Showing that the art of warfare from horseback, with its culture of mobility, has always been at conflict with the urban domesticated culture, this amibitious and fascinating book argues that that tension has created much of the great art and culture of humankind.

Great exponents of the art of equestrian warfare discussed here include Alexander the Great, Hannibal, King Arthur, Saladin, the Knights of the Templar, the Reivers of the Scottish Borders, the Mongols, North American Indians, the Confederate forces during the American Civil War, and the Boers. The uses of the horse by highwaymen and figures such as Ned Kelly are also examined.

Code: 5648 Price: $39.95 Click here to order.

Musings of a Horse Farm Corgi by Leslie McDonald - Paperback (2012)

Leslie McDonald's Corgi has taken charge of her farm, and has "whispered" his story to her. True to type (except that he is "cursed" with being a "Fluffy"!), Beamer pretty well oversees all the workings of the farm, with his inimitable Corgi enthusiasm, persistence and optimisim. We follow him from early puppydom, when his coat flaw was discovered, to his introduction to those huge four-legged hay burners at his new home. Most of these big guys weren't high on his list of friends; but he did have one favorite, Rasir, and he takes credit for alerting his people when Rasir was in trouble.

McDonald offers a warm, amusing tale that dog and horse lovers of all ages will enjoy. Her horse career spans several riding disciplines and eras, both as a competitor and trainer, in addition to her many contributions as an author.

Code: 5649 Price: $12.95 Click here to order.

You've Got a Friend by Mark Barrett - Hardcover (2012)

Here's a pocket-sized gift that's sure to please. With Mark Barrett's delightful – if at times a bit photoshopped – photos, this gem is packed with quotes on the value of friends and friendship. Horses of different colors, breeds and sizes intermingle, share space with other barn animals, and form scenes that highlight quotes such as "Only your real friends will tell you when your face is dirty," (a small dog licking a foal's muzzle). Or two Gypsy Vanners scratching withers together, with the quote:"A good friend is cheaper than therapy." It's certainly worth the smiles your friend will get from it!

Code: 5655 Price: $14.95 Click here to order.

Believing in Horses by Valerie Ormond - Paperback (2012)

After her family moves to Maryland and her dad deploys to Afghanistan, Sadie gets a new young horse named Lucky who proves to be a handful. But all of that is just the beginning of the trouble in this young adult novel. Together, Sadie and Lucky encounter horse thieves, Maryland storms, and unwanted horses destined for auction and uncertain futures. Sadie makes it her personal mission to save these animals, meeting fellow animal lovers dedicated to rescuing horses along the way, while learning that others are driven only by greed.

Code: 5641 Price: $11.95 Click here to order.

Farm Boy by Michael Morpurgo - Hardcover (2012)

Farm Boy is the heartwarming sequel to War Horse, the novel that has now been made into a play and a major motion picture. Albert's son is all grown up, an old man now. But he has a shameful secret he's kept to himself his whole life. As he comes to terms with the truth, he tells stories of the farm of his childhood -- his war hero dad, skipping school to help with the harvest, and of course the wonderful horses, Joey and Zoey. This charming book speaks to the bond between generations, and captures the spirit of rural life and the love of horses.

Code: 5646 Price: $14.99 Click here to order.

Quincy Finds a New Home by Camille Matthews - Hardcover (2009)

After being sold to a new owner and moving to a new barn, Quincy feels like his world has fallen apart. Written for ages 4-7, readers see how Quincy feels going to a new home and how he learns to adjust, making a new friend named Beau. The little red horse does not want to disappoint his new owner because he cannot jump like all the other fancy horses in the stable. But, after talking about his problem with his wise new friend Beau, Quincy feels reassured about being loved at his new home.

Quincy Finds a New Home won the 2010 Mom's Choice Award for being a warm story about love and security. Illustrations by Michelle Black add to the book's charm, filling the pages with colorful oil paintings.

Code: 5651 Price: $15.95 Click here to order.

Raja: Story of a Racehorse by Anne Hambleton - Paperback (2011)

Written from the horse's point of view and filled with authentic details, this young adult novel chronicles the life of a well-bred Thoroughbred racehorse destined for greatness. After a promising – and winning – start on the path to the Triple Crown, a series of bad-luck events end Raja's racing career, and he finds himself pulled into the random world of off-the-track Thoroughbreds.

His odyssey takes him from the breeding farms of Ocala, Florida, to the stakes races on the Kentucky Derby trail; from competing as a show jumper on the A show circuit to becoming a member of the New York City Mounted Police and witnessing the horrors of the livestock auction. Finally, Raja finds himself in a stable belonging to a retired steeplechase jockey, and his 16-year-old niece, where he finally has a chance to realize his destiny.

Code: 5652 Price: $12.95 Click here to order.

White Horse of Zennor & Other Stories by Michael Morpurgo - Paperback (2012)

A set of five haunting, enchanting tales from the master storyteller behind War Horse. Since the beginning of time, strange and mysterious things have happened here. There are stories from the past of mermaids and spriggans and knockers and witches. The stories in this book however do not come from the past; they have all happened in the author's lifetime.

At the furthest edge of Britain, where the sea gently washes over the land and myths brush against reality, lies Zennor. Since the beginning of time strange and mysterious things have happened there, and these stories highlight all the most haunting and enchanting events. Once a year, on a misty fall night, there is a pounding of hoof beats as a great white horse comes thundering over the moor in the moonlight. Then there are the old tin miners that Cherry meets when she is cut off by the incoming tide, as well as limping Billy who learns to swim with the seals. The proud Thomas Barbery and the intriguing Mad Miss Marney also add their own stories to this unforgettable collection.

Code: 5653 Price: $7.99 Click here to order.

DVD - I: 7 Clinics with Buck Brannaman Set 1 by Buck Brannaman - (2012)

Discs 1 & 2: Groundwork

Drawn from the 300-plus hours of footage made when filmmaker Cindy Meehl produced the popular feature film Buck, the first two DVDs in this Clinic series follow Buck Brannaman to several clinics to show important groundwork techniques, including: hooking on, leading, halter work, bridling, saddling, backing up, working in circles and half-circles, using the flag, and firming up. 2 DVDs, 152 minutes.

Code: 5630 Price: $49.95 Click here to order.

DVD - II: 7 Clinics with Buck Brannaman, Set 2 by Buck Brannaman - (2012)

Discs 3 & 4: Lessons on Horseback

Drawn from the 300-plus hours of footage made when filmmaker Cindy Meehl produced the popular feature film Buck, Discs 3 & 4 show some of Buck's most important lessons when working under saddle, including: good riding form and position, finding the release and a soft feel, attaining collection, moving off the leg, riding serpentines, "getting the life up" (finding animation), perfecting the stop, and backing up. 2 DVDs, 195 minutes.

Code: 5631 Price: $49.95 Click here to order.

DVD - III: 7 Clinics with Buck Brannaman, set 3 by Buck Brannaman - (2012)

Discs 5, 6 & 7: Lessons on Horseback, Problem Solving & Words of Wisdom.

Drawn from the 300-plus hours of footage made when filmmaker Cindy Meehl produced the popular feature film Buck, Discs 5, 6, and 7 shows more of Buck's lessons on horseback. They include" turn-on-the-haunches, transitions, jumping, and finding the feel. The clinics also show ways to solve problems, including crowding, biting, striking, fidgeting, rushing, anxiousnes and sensitivity, and bad attitudes. The series ends with Buck's best advice, tips, and ideas about working with, riding, and training horses, as he best tells it - forthright, honest, and with the integrity the world has come to expect of one of the finest horsemen of our time. 3 DVDs, 254 minutes.

Code: 5632 Price: $59.95 Click here to order.

DVD - Dressage Explained: The Secret of a Successful Halt by Reinhart Koblitz (2010)

Dressage Explained, Part I is devoted exclusively to the secret of achieving a successful half halt and full halt with your horse. With Ingrid Klimke demonstrating on one of her schooled stallions, we can see the finished goal of both the half and the full halt. There are also examples of less advanced riders working to perfect the sequence of aids that help the horse understand the movement, and of lower level horses -- one quite green and another well into training but not yet polished in his executions.

For anyone trying to understand the subtle sequence of aids a rider must master to achieve smooth communication of halts with the horse, this film is extremely helpful and correct. About 44 minutes long.

Code: 5645 Price: $45.00 Click here to order.