A ridden horse is an athletic horse, and just as a human athlete needs to gauge his diet, condition his cardiovascular and respiratory systems, and take meticulous care of his muscles, bones, and ligaments, so too must the rider maintain these systems in her horse. Now, for the first time in one, full-color comprehensive book, Dr. Nancy S. Loving, noted equine veterinarian and dressage, event, and distance riding competitor, addresses the singularly challenging needs of keeping the working horse in working order. With chapters devoted to cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, digestive, and reproductive health, as well to the hooves, bones, joints, tendons and ligaments, muscles, and skin, Dr. Loving provides a thorough understanding of the intricacies of the equine body. However, this is not just another veterinary manual. While diseases are indeed clearly explained, and relevant diagnostic tools and methods of prevention and treatment are offered for various ailments, Dr. Loving sets her book apart by diligently applying her scientific knowledge to the practical needs of every pleasure, sport, and performance horse owner—whether you simply hack with friends or compete at the highest level. Over 500 color photographs and 4,000 index entries suitably enrich this consummate text. Whether used as a study guide to better understand your equine athlete or as a quick-find reference when you notice a mysterious new swelling on his near foreleg, All Horse Systems Go is the integral ingredient to ensuring your horse can perform to the very best of his ability, whatever his task may be.

This is the long-awaited how-to handbook for treating riding injuries in the field for both rider and horse, with step-by-step numbered instructions for the most common injuries and what to do until help arrives. Injuries range from insect and animal bites, allergies, and broken bones to head injuries, hypothermia, and hoof wounds. This is an authoritative pocket reference that combines advice from a reputable veterinarian and a medical doctor, a perfect package for first aid kits.

The must-have reference for effective and responsible shoeing for the good of the horse. All horses have four hooves that are integral to their overall health, their athletic ability, and ultimately, their longevity, whether their “job” is simply grazing in a pasture or competing at the highest levels. But not all horses are the same—the individual needs of each horse require an understanding of responsible, informed hoofcare on the part of the owner, rider, or trainer. This highly illustrated guide by one of the world’s leading minds in the area of farriery provides an unparalleled look at advances in shoeing and general hoof maintenance, with the goal of helping owners to comprehend the “whys” of certain choices, recognize variations in shoeing options, and become better consumers of horse shoes and horseshoeing all around. Steve Kraus, Head of Farrier Services at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and instructor at the Cornell Farrier School, is uniquely qualified to provide a varied and thorough exploration of hoof-related topics, including: Equine conformation—how to assess it in relation to soundness and performance, and how farriers use it to guide shoeing choices. To shoe or not to shoe? Using sense and science to analyze which horses are better served with shoes and which may be comfortable and healthy barefoot. Types of horseshoes and traction devices, modification devices, adhesives, materials, and more. Shoe loss—why it happens and how to prevent it. Farrier training—where and how it happens, how to find a good one and what you should expect. Horse handling for shoeing—how to prepare your horse and yourself. The future of farriery with 3D printing. And so much more. With plenty of “adventures from the road” and lessons learned during his years of shoeing horses professionally, Kraus provides a guide that is not only massive in value, it’s entertaining, to boot. An excellent resource for all serious horse people who wish to keep their horses comfortable and performing their very best while making informed decisions and having intelligent conversations with hoofcare professionals.

Includes bibliographical references (p. [311]-317) and index.

"A new approach to the classical methods of training dressage horses--methods that can cause the animals undue physical and emotional distress--these powerful new techniques from world-renowned horse trainer and behaviorist Linda Tellington-Jones improve not only the dressage horse's performance but also its well-being. The guide employs the author's legendary TTouch method and features practical dressage-training information on topics such as relaxing the overly touchy horse, focusing the overly playful horse, improving balance and transitions, and solving problems with stage fright. In addition to the providing the tips and techniques needed to ensure that the horse relishes its role in the art of dressage, numerous case studies of the top horses, riders, and trainers Tellington-Jones has worked with in her career are also included"--

Paddock Paradise is a revolutionary model for safe, natural horse keeping, hoof care, and the healing and rehabilitation of lame horses. The premise of Paddock Paradise is to stimulate horses to behave and move naturally according to their instincts.

The Joy of Keeping Horses is a celebration of how to best keep happy and healthy horses at home. With an emphasis on the differences between owning a horse at a boarding stable and keeping that same horse at your own small farm, this beautiful, clear guide is written specifically for horse lovers who are considering taking the plunge into farm ownership. Jessie Shiers lays out all the important facts and information, from purchasing property and building facilities to daily grooming and nutritional needs. Shiers also dispels some common myths and misconceptions about horses, and answers questions the novice owner may not know to ask. Along the way, she shares anecdotes from her own experiences and from interviews with other horse owners that demonstrate the main reason people choose to keep horses: the joy they bring to the lives of their owners.