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Reviewed Books on Horsemanship
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101 Longeing & Longlining Exercises

An Introduction to the Tellington-Jones Equine Awareness Method

Balance in Movement: The Seat of the Rider


Becoming An Effective Rider: Develop Your Mind and Body for Balance and Unity

Beyond The Mirrors


Centered Riding

Complete Training of Horse and Rider

Dressage

Dressage From A to X

Dressage In Harmony

Dressage Riding

Dressage with Kyra: The Kyra Kyrklund Training Method

Enlightened Equitation

Equestrian Instruction

Fitness for Horse & Rider

Fitness, Performance and the Female Equestrian

For The Good of The Horse


From Birth to Backing

Fundamentals of Free Lungeing

Go The Distance: The Complete Resource For Endurance Riders

Horse, Follow Closely

Horsemanship

Horses Are Made to Be Horses

Horses Behavin' Badly

In Search of Your Image

Lyons On Horses

My Horses, My Teachers

Natural Horse-Man-Ship


Reading The Horse's Mind


Reschooling The Thoroughbred

Ride with Your Mind

Riding For The Rest Of Us

Retraining: Teaching New Skill to Previously Trained Horses

Teaching Safe Horsemanship: A Guide to English & Western Instruction

The Body Language of Horses

The Classical Rider

The Natural Horse

The Nature of Horses: Exploring Equine Evolution, Intelligence & Behavior


The Way to Perfect Horsemanship


Training The Three-Day-Event Horse and Rider


Understanding Your Horse

Visions of Dressage

 

101 Longeing & Longlining Exercises

by Cherry Hill, Richard Klimesh (Illustrator)

Published by IDG Books Worldwide, Nov 1988

Includes a wide variety of exercises for both english and western horses from basic round pen work to advanced lateral movements while longlining. In addition to the exercises, the author also provides the reader with diagnostic tools as to what may go wrong and how to fix. 

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An Introduction to the Tellington-Jones Equine Awareness Method
(The T.E.A.M. Approach to Problem Free Training)

by Linda Tellington-Jones & Ursala Bruns

Published by Breakthrough Publishers, 1988

One of the first to write about the importance of understanding horse behavior from an 'inner' perspective.  This is an important book to read as you evaluate all the information on 'natural horsemanship'. 

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Balance in Movement - The Seat of the Rider

By Susanne Von Dietze

Trafalgar Square Publishing, 1999

Easy to read, excellent for all riders to better understand the relationship between the horse's movement and position. Includes basics of building a good seat.

 

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Becoming An Effective Rider: Develop Your Mind and Body for Balance and Unity

by Cherry Hill, Ann Blackstone (illustrator), Pam Art (editor)

Published by Storey Books, Dec 91

Manual for the American Association for Horsemanship Safety. A good book for both instructors of all levels and students who want to know more about what safe instruction should include. Includes useful sections on selection of school horses and legal concerns and precautions for an instructor.

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Beyond the Mirrors  (Click here to view larger image)Beyond the Mirrors: A Study of the Mental & Spiritual Aspects of Horsemanship

by Jill Keiser Hassler

Illustrated by Eleanor McDonald

Goals Unlimited Press, 1994

An inspirational book about love, life & horses. Readers report they LOVE to read this best selling book because it helps them to feel "good". It is easy to read, and helps the reader understand more about themselves through their love of the animal. It is the only book of its kind. It takes the reader beyond the face of the mirror into their mental and spiritual being.

From the late Col. D.W. Thackeray, well respected AHSA & FEI judge, "Beyond the Mirrors should have universal appeal. Anyone involved with horses should be sure to reach it in order to better understand the relationship between himself & his horse."

From Western trainer & AHSA judge, J.L. Gochenauer, "This book should be helpful to many people, not just 'horse’ people. In so many ways it points out different ways to approach life and its many small problems."

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EB-CenteredRiding.gif (7542 bytes)Centered Riding

by Sally Swift

A Trafalgar Square Farm Book, David & Charles Inc., 1985

entered Riding shares the imaginative and innovative philosophy of Sally Swift. We are guided, step by step, through wonderfully accessible ideas and visualizations. Based on years of experience as a successful instructor, the author gives a refreshing contrast to the all too often mechanics-only school of training. Harmony of human and horse, mental and physical, is offered as the guiding principle.  This book will appeal to riders of all levels, especially those who seek to merge the visual mind with the physical self. Includes photographs, diagrams and often delightfully humorous illustrations.

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Complete Training of Horse and Rider

By Alois Podhajsky

Published by Wilshire Book Co, 1982

A classical must for all dressage rider's reading and library.

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Dressage

by Henry Wynmalen

A.S. Barnes & Company, 1971.   (Currently out of print)

A classic book about horsemanship that includes both the physical and mental riding skills.  Written with love of the horse that you can feel as you review the classical approach to breaking and training.  Henry Wynmalen explains the principles of handling to the highest level of dressage in an easy to understand application.  He talks about horse and man listening to each other so that they better understand each other, thus developing a clear communication that promotes enjoyment and success for both partners.  A beautifully written, useful book of 285 pages. (Hard to find)

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Related (in print) publication by author: Dressage: A Study of the Fine Points of Riding

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Dressage From A to X: The Definitive Guide to Riding and Competing

By Barbara Burkhardt

Trafalgar Square, 2000

A great book for those beginning to show dressage, beginning dressage, or for those who have been showing, but have not felt they have met with the success they wish. Easy to read, but not a good read for the successful experienced competitor.

 

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Dressage in Harmony: From Basic to Grand Prix

By Walter Zettl

Half Halt Press, 1998

A training book based on the love of the horse, this book is a real treat to those who are interested in the art of dressage. With love of the horse at the heart of the writing, Zettl covers rhythm, relaxation, contact, straightness, suppleness, and collection. Dressage in Harmony is a must for all dressage riders and great for those who want to delve into the classics.

 

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Dressage Riding
a Guide for the Training of Horse and Rider

by Richard L. Watjen

Published by Sydney R. Smith, 1969   (Note: allow 4-6 weeks for delivery)

This well written book is supported by some excellent illustrations.  The information presented is full of excellent building blocks on a solid foundation.   Recommended for the serious dressage rider.

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Dressage with Kyra: The Kyra Kyrklund Training Method

by Kyra Kyrklund and Jytte Lemkow

Trafalgar Square, 1998

Kyra Kyrklund is a popular, well-balanced, and successful trainer, competitor, and instructor.  Her book is a must for the dressage enthusiast.  It is a great way to compare your trainer's program with one who has proven her success and knowledge.  Kyra gives a clear explanation of a system to build a sound foundation.  Excellent reading.

 

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Enlightened Equitation: Riding In True Harmony With Your Horse

By Heather Moffett

David & Charles Publishing, 1999

Easy to read, step by step approach to training via "non-confrontational training methods." From ground work to equitation, is good for beginning riders as well as riders who may not have gotten a solid beginning or have ill-performing horses. If you are frustrated, you may discover your missing ingredient by reading Enlightened Equitation.

 

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Equestrian Instruction: An Integrated Approach to Teaching and Learning

by Jill K. Hassler-Scoop and 16 additional contributors

Illustrated by Emily Covington

Goals Unlimited Press, 2000

Equestrian Instruction is an excellent source of comprehensive information for aspiring instructors, accomplished instructors, and riders of any discipline. This handbook reveals the process of successful learning and teaching. The ideas and techniques presented create independent, confident, well-balanced riders on happy, comfortable horses performing optimally to the delight of their inspired instructors.

From Lendon Gray,  "For years I have been frustrated that I had no book to recommend to supplement riding teachers' practical experience. Here is a book to encourage equestrians to think about and analyze what they are doing and to reach out to other areas of life to improve their riding and teaching. If every riding teacher spent time with this manual, the quality of instruction in our world would rise dramatically. Likewise, students who read Equestrian Instruction will greatly increase their ability to become the best that they can be."

From Jim Wofford, "This book is bound to be a valuable source for every instructor who is trying to improve their skills."

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Fitness for Horse & Rider
(
Gain More From Your Riding By Improving Your Horse's Fitness and Condition - And Your Own)

by Jane Holderness-Roddam

Published by David & Charles UK, 1997

Book is great for event, dressage, & show jumping riders.  It is filled with exercises for both horses and riders, from novice to advanced.

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Fitness, Performance and the Female EquestrianFitness, Performance and the Female Equestrian
by Mary D. Midkiff

Published by Howell Book House, 1996
ISBN:  0876059450

Mary's book is the first to approach riding exclusively  from a woman's point of view, it is written for women of all disciplines who ride.  The focus is AWAREness, A Woman's Approach to Riding Effectively, relating to safety, health, nutrition, fitness, and comfort.  An interesting book filled with valuable information.

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For The Good of the HorseFor The Good of the Horse

by Mary Wanless

Published by Trafalgar Square, 1997

This is an essential book for open-minded horse lovers who want to understand what makes a healthy, sound, happy, good performing horse.  Written from the essential point of view - the horse's.  Years of experience are behind the presentation of this book.

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From Birth To Backing
Give Your Young Horse a Head Start in Life by Using the Appropriate Body Language, from the Initial 'Join-Up' Right Through

By Richard Maxwell & Johanna Sharples

Published by: Trafalgar Square, 1998

Maxwell combines his training practices with Monty Roberts "Join-Up" to give the reader a comprehensive and clear understanding of handling methods that include foal handling, behavior problems in horses as well as correct use of tack and equipment.  The step-by-step photos help the reader clearly understand Maxwell's suggestions. Great for the reader who wants to develop a deeper understanding of the 'inner skills' of natural horsemanship. 

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Fundamentals of Free Lungeing
An Introduction to Tackless Training

By Stephen A. Mackenzie, Ph.D.

Half Halt Press, 1994

More and more trainers and students are being introduced to the training techniques of Buck Brannaman, Tom Dorrance, Ray Hunt, John Lyons, Monty Roberts, Richard Shrake and their use of free lunging in the round pen. Often their methods seem mysterious. Stephen Mackenzie’s book takes the mystery out of the process. Specific, simple details explain what the experts take for granted. If you are not getting the free lunging results you want, or if you want to learn to communicate more effectively with your horse, both on and off, I suggest you read this well written, easy to use book. It will help remove the mystery and expand your understanding of body and mind language.

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Go the Distance: The Complete Resource for Endurance Riders

by Nancy S. Loving

Trafalgar Square, 1997

If you are interested in long distance and endurance riding, this book is a must.  The well qualified author gives you a full guide for safety and peak performance.

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Horse Follow CloselyHorse, Follow Closely

by GaWaNi Pony Boy

Published by BowTie Press, 1998

With the popularity of ground training from the Horse Whisperers, this book tells how the American Indians bonded & trained their horses.  A first time insight into the American Indian's mysterious ability to connect to a horse.  Colorfully illustrated, the reader will have an interesting combination of philosophy, practical training and spirituality.  It is about the relationship between horse and man from the American Indian point of view.

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Horsemanship

by Waldemar Seunig

Doubleday & Company, 1956. ISBN:038501015X

From buying a horse  through riding, this book is about the classic principles of training which lead to a performance filled with harmony.  It is one of the best books about understanding and evaluating the physical and inner qualities of horse and man, and how they relate to performance.  It is one of the best books about "how to buy a horse".  A complete book filled with valuable information.  Some of the terminology is difficult to understand, but that should not stop the inspired reader.   This 325 page book is filled with valuable information that needs to remain in the forefront of the minds of ALL serious horse persons.

Note: This book is hard to find. 
It is listed here as a reference source for you. 
(A good library may contain a copy.)

 
Horses are made to be horsesHorses Are Made To Be Horses

By Franz Mairinger

Published by: Howel Book House, 1997

A book filled with compassion, love, understanding and insightfulness. This book contains dressage philosophy without details of movements. This book is for riders who want to learn from their heart and understand the deeper relationship between horse and man.  Franz studied at the Spanish Riding School and went on to become the Australian Olympic Equestrain trainer.

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Horses Behavin' BadlyHorses Behavin' Badly:
Training Solutions for Problem Behaviors

By Jim & Lynda McCall

Half Halt Press, 1997

A book about understanding horses, how to handle the most common behavior problems (running away, rearing, spooking, disobediences); offers reasons and practical solutions.  The result is a stronger bonding with your horse. A great book for those starting with horses or those experiencing behavior problems with their horse.  

 

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In Search of Your Image   (Click here to view larger image)In Search of Your Image: A Practical Guide to the Mental & Spiritual Aspects of Horsemanship

by Jill Keiser Hassler

Illustrated by Jeanette Manley & Emily Covington

Goals Unlimited Press, 1993

This practical book requested by readers of Beyond the Mirrors, is positive, encouraging and full of suggestions on how to increase your ‘mental skills tool box’. The more ‘mental skill tools’ we have the more we can enjoy our riding, improve our horsemanship and get the results we want. It will help you understand yourself and through your work with horses overcome some of the obstacles in riding and maybe life!

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In Search of Your Image - WORKBOOK  (Click here to view larger image)In Search of Your Image: WORKBOOK

by Jill Keiser Hassler

Goals Unlimited Press,1993

The Workbook helps you learn the ‘mental tools’, map your progress, and get new ideas, thus becoming more aware and confident about your training. It also offers practical ‘how to’ exercises to speed up learning and develop a strong foundation. A popular book that serves as a great annual journal format!

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Lyons on HorsesLyons on Horses
by John Lyons with Sinclair Browning

Published by Doubleday, 1991
ISBN: 038541398x

John is a gifted horseman and communicator. The reader who understands basic communications and horse psychology can take John's step by step training system and apply it to their training program.  It is filled with wisdom, but requires a basic understanding before it can fulfill its value.  John takes the complexities of training and puts them in a logical step by step system that promotes safety and confidence in the horse.   A valuable book for any person training and handling a horse.

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My Horses, My Teachers

By Alois Podhajsky

Published by Wilshire Book Co, 1982

A classical must for all dressage rider's reading and library.

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Natural Horse-Man-ShipNatural Horse-Man-Ship

by Pat Parelli

Published by Western Horseman, 1993

A book well illustrated and explained in the area of 'Natural Horsemanship'. It covers how horses think and learn from experience.  Parelli's goal is to give you the understanding and skills to help you have a willing, safe, and happy partner.  The author believes that the handlers must be trained as much as the horses, and perhaps first, thus he feels it is a MUST for all horse handlers. A must for readers seeking to understand the ground training principles. 

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Reading the Horse's Mind

by Jackie Budd

Published by Howell Book House, 1996

Budd, an English event rider, who writes for magazines in England, shares her insight on the importance of understanding the 'natural' horse. Her book covers subjects from handling and feeding to how to ride, all built on awareness and trust. A very interesting book considering it is written by an event rider who uses 'natural' horsemanship.

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Reschooling The Thoroughbred

by Peggy Jett Pittenger

Published by Half Halt Press, 1997

A good book for those considering taking a Thoroughbred off the track and changing his/her career.

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Ride with Your Mind
An Illustrated Masterclass in Right Brain Riding

By Mary Wanless

Trafalgar Square Publishing, 1992

A very good book to explain and relate to our cognitive thinking. Mary believes that understanding what ‘ought to be’ helps to produce results. She has tried to make simple, detailed explanations. A great book to help understand the connection between our mind and body.

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Riding for the Rest of Us  (Click here to view larger image)Riding for the Rest of Us: A Practical Guide for Adult Riders

by Jessica Jahiel, Ph.D.

Howell Book House, Macmillan Publishing, 1996.

Award-winning book, American Horse Publications, 1996

This book is for adult riders, the neglected majority. It doesn't assume that all riders are thin, fit, and wealthy, or that they ride every weekday, every weekend, and all summer long. It doesn't assume that every rider can be on the show circuit, or wants to be -- or that every rider's goal is the Olympic Games. But neither does it assume that adult riders without competitive ambitions are happy to potter about on their horses, never making an effort and never improving.

This book is for all of the sometime riders who love their horses and their sport, who work from 9-5 all week -- and sometimes on weekends -- to support their horses, and who can't afford the time or money to go to many clinics or shows. It is for the riders who have houses or apartments to clean, laundry to do, bills to pay, and families and friends who need attention. It is, in short, for real, normal adult riders.

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RetrainingRetraining:  Teaching New Skills to Previously Trained Horses

by Sharon B. Smith

Published by Howell Book House, 1998

Many horse owners come face to face with retraining a horse.  Often horses are overlooked because they have been trained to a different discipline than you are looking for.  Sharon gives practical advice on how to select a horse, how conformation affects performance and retraining tips.  Her information is well organized and useful to the reader who is considering retraining of any kind.

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Teaching Safe Horsemanship: A Guide to English & Western Instruction

by Jan Dawson (illustrator)

Published by Storey Books, Jul 97

Manual for the American Association for Horsemanship Safety. A good book for both instructors of all levels and students who want to know more about what safe instruction should include. Includes useful sections on selection of school horses and legal concerns and precautions for an instructor.

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The Body Language of Horses
(Revealing the Nature of Equine Needs, Wishes, and Emotions and How Horses Communicate Them--For Owners, Breeders, Trainers)

by Tom Ainslie & Bonnie Ledbetter

Published by William Morrow & Company, 1980

A wonderful study of horse behavior.  To develop a broad base of natural horsemanship, and understand the horse, a good way to start. It is based on developing a relationship with your horse on trust and affection rather than fear. Some behavior problems are discussed. ***Recommended for the new horse owner or for the horse owner just beginning to look into the 'inner' horse.

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The Classical RiderThe Classical Rider

By Sylvia Loch

Published by Trafalgar Square, 1997

The focus of this book is to understand a horse's physiology and psychology related to freedom.  Sylvia encourages education of rider to sustain beauty of horse.

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The Natural Horse
(
Foundations for Natural Horsemanship)

by Jaime Jackson

Illustrated by Larry Lindahl

Published by Star Ridge Publishing, 1997

Jackson, a lifelong farrier, writes about what he feels will improve the life of a horse based on horses nature from the wild.  The book contains valuable information on communication, movement, nutrition, and hoof care.  A book that explores ideas and promotes deeper understanding of your horse and his care.  A book that is particularly interesting for the horse owner who wants to understand the role of a horse's 'history' from the wild to domestication. Excellent illustrations.

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The Nature of Horses, Exploring Equine Evolution, Intelligence, and Behavior

By Stephen Budiansky

Published by Free Press, 1997

A well-documented account of the evolution of the horse, including the role of how horses think, see, and process information. An excellent resource book to better understand a horse.  

 

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The Way to Perfect Horsemanship

by Udo Burger

Trafalgar Press, 1999

A beautifully written book about sensitivity in training. The author is a veterinarian, accomplished horseman, and judge. An important book about the psychological makeup of the horse, its muscular system, and the mechanics of movement.

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Training the Three Day EventTraining the Three-Day-Event Horse & Rider

By James C. Wofford

Published by Doubleday, 1995

Captain Mark Phillips states, "Anyone who aspires to train or work with horses should be able to learn something from this wily horseman.  I wholeheartedly recommend his splendid book to any eventer, young or old."    Jimmy Wofford, who won two Olympic silver medals, and four National Championships, shares his years of education and experience in this well written book.   This beautifully illustrated book is filled with almost everything an event rider needs to know including: useful equipment, training techniques, fitness schedules, and preparing for the competition.  We highly recommend this book and welcome you all to look forward to our on-line Interview which is coming up in the next few months!

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Understanding Your Horse
How to Overcome Common Behaviour Problems

By Lesley Bayley & Richard Maxwell

Trafalgar Square Publishing, 1997

Bayley's book begins with explaining how horses communicate with each other and what confuses or frightens them. It then leads into how she uses Richard Maxwell's system of training from starting foals to dealing with difficult horses. It is a down to earth, easy to understand book. Includes Problem behaviors.

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Visions of Dressage

by Elizabeth Furth

The Lyons Press, 1998

With photos better than the writing, because she captures the warmth and beauty of her subjects, most famous in and out of the show ring. The interviews with the haute ecole riders are particularly interesting.

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