When owning, training, riding, and showing horses, there is a certain “look” to which one aspires. World-class “turnout”—a horse in peak condition, perfectly coiffed and luminous with health, outfitted with gleaming and well-fit tack appropriate for his sport—can take your breath away. And while it can certainly play a significant role in a competitive rider’s success, it is just as appealing to have any horse “groomed to the nines,” whether he’s headed for an afternoon lesson or just out on the trail. Achieving this superior look is not just about clean tack, shiny brass, spotless stockings, or perfect braids. The most important steps are in the day-to-day nitty-gritty of grooming and caring for the horse: noticing “something not-quite-right” about the way the horse looks or moves before it becomes “something wrong”; brushing and combing and trimming a little every day so the horse’s skin and coat remain healthy; knowing how to prepare a horse properly for training, and how to cool him down afterward. Now, two of the best professional grooms in the business share their trade secrets, with over 1200 color photographs accompanying the ultimate modern-day guide for all riders who want their horses to look and feel their best.

A kid-friendly introduction to safe and proper horse care from the best in the business. Whether taking their first lessons, handling horses when visiting friends, or enjoying the challenges of first-pony ownership, children need to learn more than just “how to ride.” When it comes to horses, the most important lessons begin on the ground, not only to keep all involved safe, but also to ensure the fair and proper care of the horse so that he remains healthy and happy. This highly illustrated, easy-to-use book is the most complete and correct guide available for horse-crazy kids and their families to learn basic horsemanship standards and responsibly apply them in the barn, in the arena, at home, and at competitions. Professional grooms and authors of the bestsellers World-Class Grooming for Horses and World-Class Braiding-Manes and Tails, Cat Hill and Emma Ford are both lifelong horsewomen who have managed barns and strings of horses for top riders in all disciplines, including Olympians and World Champions. They travel the country teaching clinics in proper horsemanship and grooming to aspiring young riders. Now they have put their wealth of experience in these pages with over 700 professional color photos and clear, numbered steps that teach readers: Catching, leading, and handling Daily grooming Tacking up Post-riding or lesson care Tack cleaning Barn chores Packing for shows and competitions Bathing, clipping, and braiding And more! With cool tips and tricks they've learned over the years, and an emphasis on safety and detail without detracting from the fun of being around horses, Hill and Ford have created an instant classic—a much-needed resource that will not only encourage young readers to become complete “horse people” as well as “riders,” it will preserve and pass along the management skills honed over a lifetime in barns held to the highest standards. Hands down, this book is the must-have starter kit for every young rider. Ages 8-12.

The complete beginner's guide to horses and riding for kids 8 to 12 This ultimate guide to horses for kids teaches you all about the basics of equine care—from anatomy to housing to bathing and feeding. Whether you're just starting out or already have a horse of your own, you'll learn how to ride, how to stay safe around horses, and how to develop a healthy and friendly relationship with them. Horse basics—Brush up on your techniques and learn about all the necessary gear, with illustrations to explain horse body language, horse lingo, the different ways horses move, and much more. Safety first—This standout book on horses for kids demonstrates the best practices to keep you and your horse safe during handling, training, riding, and grooming. The perfect horse for you—Learn all about the qualities of different types of horses so you can figure out your dream breed. If you're a horse lover, Horse Life is your perfect companion for getting ready to saddle up.

Natural horsemanship for kids Horse trainers Andrea and Markus Eschbach have created easy lessons in "horse speak" for horse-crazy kids. Their book, chock full of beautiful color photographs, explains the basics of horse body language and how to "talk back" in a way horses understand, using body movement, expression, and physical distance. With a focus on groundwork that is safe and fun for children, this lovely book offers a one-of-a-kind introduction to the keys to natural horsemanship and how good communication can keep you safe in everything you do with your horse.

Provides information on horse shows, covering such topics as training, grooming, apparel, competing, and sportsmanship.

Discusses such handling and care topics as haltering, tying, grooming, bathing, clipping hair, and caring for the mane and tail

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.