"The Thomas Herding Technique is thoroughly explained in this book that helps trainers of top equine athletes get them to perform their very best while living happy, contented lives. While following wild horse herds in Wyoming and Montana, independent researcher Kerry Thomas realized that what is inside the horse (emotional conformation) and not what is outside (how a horse is built, or its physical conformation) is what governs herd dynamics. He determined that this was the basis for everything horse: whatever role a horse plays in a human environment-whatever breed, sport, or job-the emotional conformation dictates, in large part, success or failure. Thomas identified a system of emotional profiling-the Thomas Herding Technique-that enables him to determine a horse's performance tendencies, and then began to develop ways in which horses can be mentally conditioned toward a given goal. The technique is already used by some leading racehorse training and breeding programs in the world, and this book explains this unique way of analyzing the psyche of the equine athlete for all horses, and particularly those in competitive careers where performance is a primary focus"--

It is no secret that speed, stamina, jumping ability, and athletic prowess depend on the horse’s physical ability to perform. However, the world has seen many ‘great’ athletic bodies, human and horse, fail to reach their true potential, while others, perhaps thought to be less great in form and function, reach the pinnacle of their sport or discipline. In the world of human athletes, we might claim hard work, ‘grit’, or ‘heart’ as the force greater than muscle that propels them to the top. But the horse doesn’t have performance goals in the way we do, so what is it that motivates one racehorse to leave the rest of the field behind to cross the finish line first?In these pages, Kerry explains how it is possible - initially by using an Emotional Conformation Profile - to determine if a horse has what it takes inside him to make what he has on the outside great. Can your racing prospect handle distance? Does your event horse have the ‘finish’ to clear that last enormous cross-country obstacle when his legs are tired? Is your horse capable of maintaining focus in the face of large crowds and multiple distractions? More importantly, he tells you how to develop specific training protocols towards given goals, thus enabling a horse to perform at his very best.

The most comprehensive single volume dedicated to horses, Original Horse Bible, 2nd Edition is a celebration of the long relationship that humans and horses enjoy, written by two highly regarded horsewomen, the late Moira C. Allen and Sharon Biggs. Covering an array of topics that span the world of horses, from evolution and domestication to horseback riding, training, competing, and more, this complete guide is a must-have for any avid horse-lover! With detailed profiles of 175 horse breeds, over 100 training and behavior tips, more than 50 riding, grooming, and health takeaways, and so much more, the Original Horse Bible belongs on the shelves of anyone who admires these magnificent creatures. This second edition includes new sections on advances in imaging technology and medications, as well as updated information on saddles, bits, poisonous plants, deworming practices, and natural horsemanship.

In a monumental and important work for the Thoroughbred industry, author and pedigree researcher Avalyn Hunter provides extensive pedigree analysis of every American classic race winner from 1914 through 2002.

In thirteenth-century China, a Daoist monk named Gao Daokuan (1195-1277) composed a series of illustrated poems and accompanying verse commentary known as the Daoist Horse Taming Pictures. In this annotated translation and study, Louis Komjathy argues that this virtually unknown text offers unique insights into the transformative effects of Daoist contemplative practice. Taming the Wild Horse examines Gao's illustrated poems in terms of monasticism and contemplative practice, as well as the multivalent meaning of the "horse" in traditional Chinese culture and the consequences for both human and nonhuman animals. The Horse Taming Pictures consist of twelve poems, ten of which are equine-centered. They develop the metaphor of a "wild" or "untamed" horse to represent ordinary consciousness, which must be reined in and harnessed through sustained self-cultivation, especially meditation. The compositions describe stages on the Daoist contemplative path. Komjathy provides opportunities for reflection on contemplative practice in general and Daoist meditation in particular, which may lead to a transpersonal way of perceiving and being.

I always knew my girlfriend was into riding, but it wasn't until we moved near Wellington, FL that I was unknowingly pulled into the vortex of the A-circuit hunter/jumper equestrian world. By the end of the Winter Equestrian Festival there, she had quit her job to visit horse shows all over the east coast and blog about them. I made the decision to go along and logged over 20 weeks at horse shows in 6 states, observing everything from FEI 5* Grand Prix events to Cleveland Bay classes. I realized eventually to justify it all, especially Pony Finals, I would need to write about my trip. This is an account of the places, horse shows, and the people I observed and experienced. It is written for those who want to know more about the sport, as well as for seasoned riders to read and give to friends and loved ones who think that they race horses.

Equip yourself with the knowledge to keep your equine partner by your side for a good, long time! Freedom from dental pain enables your horse to be at its best (all the time) ... essential to achieving your equestrian dreams! How do you know whether the horse upon which you lavish so much time, attention and, let’s be honest, money, is getting the best dental care possible? How do you know it even needs dentistry, when the most common signs of dental disease are hard to detect, even by the most astute horse owner? Although equine dentistry has rapidly advanced in recent years, not everyone can access that knowledge—so how can you, as an owner, possibly be expected to know what constitutes optimal and safe dentistry for your beloved horse? It’s such a frustrating, anxiety-filled mystery! This book will unlock that mystery and give you full access! By the end, you’ll be able to relax, knowing everything you need to know about that dark cave called “your horse’s mouth”. You will learn about anatomy, disease, treatment options, and why it’s so vital to use the most effective, modern equine dental methods. Through clear explanations and examples, Dr Thompson hands you the keys to understanding your horse’s mouth and dental needs, plus how to select the right expert help to keep your equine companion or sports teammate in the best possible shape, regardless of your riding or driving style, your horse’s breed, or its age. Author Elizabeth Thompson DVM, MANZCVS, GradDipTeach is a 1988 U.C. Davis Veterinary School graduate and equine veterinarian with postgraduate qualification in equine dentistry. Dr Thompson’s referral veterinary dental practice encompasses tricky procedures on horses, ponies, minis, donkeys, zebras, white rhinos, and alpacas, along with teaching equine dentistry to veterinarians. Her veterinary journal articles are multiply awarded and she also writes awarded historical and veterinary fiction under the pseudonym Lizzi Tremayne. With an emphasis on the safety of horses, handlers and vets, Dr Thompson has designed Equi-Still Portable Equine Stocks and markets them around the world. This is a nonfiction resource, textbook, horseowner’s manual, and Q & A all in one, designed to demystify equine dentistry for horse owners. Watch for the upcoming online courses, plus books for younger readers.