At some point in a mother's life, her child--most likely, her daughter--will smile sweetly and say, "Mommy, I want to learn to ride a horse. And then I want to win a blue ribbon." What's a mother to do? (Or for that matter, a father, since he'll become involved too, even though ferrying the child to and from lessons and competitions is far more often the equivalent of a Soccer Mom.) Even people who rode when they were younger may not remember the ins and outs of the sport, and especially the way it's played these days. Riding to the rescue comes Susan Daniels, an experienced and accomplished Horse Show Mom. Taking the perplexed parent under her wing, she provides advice on locating a suitable lesson stable (including how to tell whether a particular instructor is right for your child, and what to do if he or she isn't), determining when - or whether - to buy a horse or a pony, outfitting horse and rider (must the animal's leg wraps and the child's ponytail ribbons match?), and understanding and coping with stable politics (such as when it's appropriate for barn managers and instructors to pay more attention to another youngster than to yours). When it comes to horse showing, the author explains how to tell when your child is ready for competition, what's expected of horse and rider at various levels of proficiency, which supplies Moms should always have on hand (safety pins and hair nets lead the list), how to deal with your child's triumphs and tears, and how to understand the complicated but crucial national and regional championship points systems. With pages of warm and encouraging humor, sound advice and illustrative true-life adventures from the worlds of hunter/jumper, Western, combined training, and dressage competition, The Horse Show Mom's Survival Guide is a valuable "leg up" for any parent whose youngster has that blue-ribbon gleam in her eye.

Dive into the exciting world of hunter/jumper schooling shows with 'Let's Horse Show: The Parent's Guide to Surviving Show Day.' Written by a seasoned instructor and horse show mom, this comprehensive handbook offers essential tips and advice for parents navigating their child's first forays into the show ring. From grooming your pony and packing all your gear to deciphering class lists and filling out entry forms, this book covers it all. Filled with full-color photos capturing the excitement of show day, along with practical checklists and insider insights, 'Let's Horse Show' is your go-to resource for ensuring an enjoyable and less stressful experience at ring side. Whether you're a first-time show parent or a veteran looking to brush up on your show day skills, this book is your ultimate guide to becoming a confident and supportive member of the horse show world. Get ready to cheer on your young rider with confidence and enthusiasm. With 'Let's Horse Show' by your side, you'll be prepared to tackle every challenge and celebrate every success along the way. Let the adventure begin!

Horse lovers know all too well that keeping a horse is practically a full-time job-with lots of fun and, well, goof-ups. For those new horse owners who sometimes wonder if their horse is smarter than they are, Horse Sense and Nonsense is a great reminder that the "joys" of owning a horse are universal. This refreshing spoof of the usually staid horse owner's manual blends common-sense advice with side-splitting spins on the issues of horses and horse ownership. Whether nodding your head in agreement or giving a hearty horse laugh, you'll delight in reading Horse Sense and Nonsense.

This comprehensive guide starts from the basics of choosing the right kind of horse for the rider and looks at the various costs involved and ways to cut them down. The confusing issue of what to feed and how much, grooming, veterinary fees and theft are all covered.

Diary of a Horse Show Mom is a 150 page diary that many parents and show kids that are now adults, wish they would have had. Horse shows are where many lessons are learned, many tears (of both joy and disappointment) are shed and many friends are made. A friend taught me that everything that happens, especially at horse shows with friends, is "Making a Memory" and he was so right. So take a few minutes and jot down some thoughts and years from now, you'll be glad you did.

A guide to planning and budgeting which explains how you can cut costs and save time while still maintaining a high level of care for your horse. It also discusses topics such as horse sharing, keeping your horse at livery or managing on your own.