Prior to joining the Western Horseman staff, Fran Devereux Smith, an associate editor with the magazine, spent a number of years training horses and giving riding instruction. In writing First Horse, she relied on her teaching experience with riders of all ages and her work as a 4-H horse project leader. Fran has a broad-based background in the equine industry. A lifelong horsewoman, she grew up trail riding and showing horses regionally -- primarily in reining, western pleasure, horsemanship, and barrel racing, with some experience in halter and showmanship. A high school rodeo competitor, Fran also was a member of her intercollegiate rodeo team, winning a regional barrel racing championship and qualifying for the College National Finals Rodeo in that event and goat tying. Along the way, she was named Miss Rodeo Arkansas and won a girls rodeo association all-around title that same year. Since then, Fran has earned a state Quarter Horse association reining championship, showed in hunt-seat classes, and team penned. She has ridden trails in 20 states, worked some cattle along the way, driven a wagon team from time to time, and served as an officer or board member for several equine organizations. Book jacket.

A comprehensive guide to preparing for, finding and purchasing a great horse.

Discusses different breeds of horses and how to ride and care for them.

Keep your horse pain-free and performing his best! Introducing 27 simple body checkups you can do on your horse—Where Does My Horse Hurt? is a do-it-yourself method for determining when and where your horse hurts. With this easy-to-follow book, conveniently spiral-bound so you can lay it open on your tack trunk and follow the instructions as you work on your horse, you will: • Become familiar with your horse's normal range of movement so you can prevent minor issues from becoming major. • Stay in tune with areas of temporary or chronic discomfort so you can offer relief as needed. • Solve "mystery" or "phantom" lamenesses that come and go seemingly without reason. • Save thousands of dollars by avoiding expensive diagnostics that rarely get you answers. • Learn how to discuss potential problem areas with farriers, veterinarians, and bodyworkers. • Keep your horse actively and happily "in work" for more months of the year, and more years of his life.

A horse trainer and riding coach focusing on helping horse women rebuild their confidence, Anne Gage often gets calls for help from well horse lovers who thought they had bought the horse of their dreams, only to have it turn into a night mare. Buying the right horse for you is essential for ensuring a happy future for both you and your horse. It's easy to let your heart rule your head, and get caught up in the emotional excitement of choosing a horse. Your buying decision requires careful thought and planning. The tips in this guide will help you make smart choices while still having a fun. Tips in the Guide include: > Where to look (and where NOT to look) for horses for sale > Etiquette when looking at horses > Questions You Must Ask Every Seller > What to Look For When Trying horses > Basic Equine Body Language that Can Be a Sign of Training Problems > How to Take a Test Ride > Making an Offer to Purchase > Much more!

Have you ever wanted to have a horse of your own, but you have a lot of questions? This is the book for you! From the cost of owning a horse to picking the right breed of horse for you, this book covers it all.

This stunningly photographed guide is the ideal handbook for young equestrians, whether they are budding riders with their own pony or those who dream of owning a horse. The informative and inspiring text, combined with exquisite photographs, covers in detail all aspects of first horse and pony facts, care and riding. From explaining the different breeds of pony, to the importance of mucking out your horse's stables, My First Horse and Pony Book by Judith Draper and Matthew Roberts provides a solid foundation in the first principles of horse and pony management. Young horse and pony enthusiasts will love this exciting introduction to the world of riding.