The equestrian pursuit known as Cowboy Dressage melds the best of Western riding traditions and classical dressage in the pursuit of a harmonious relationship with a horse. Intended to be accessible to all, Cowboy Dressage is open to all breeds and all levels of riders; there isn’t a set frame for overall look, head carriage, or action. Lifelong horsewoman Jessica Black traces the evolution of Cowboy Dressage back to its roots, sharing the story of Eitan and Debbie Beth-Halachmy and their phenomenal Morgan horses that have served as the movement’s ambassadors. Black then expertly weaves Eitan Beth-Halachmy's experience and expertise into an engaging and articulate explanation of the philosophy of Cowboy Dressage; defines the expectations of the rider; describes what a participant needs in terms of equipment; and explores how the most important element—the horse—should be prepared. A wonderful and thorough section on groundwork, as well as specific training advice for achieving engagement, regulating the gaits, smoothing transitions, and balancing bend and straightness, get the reader started with a solid foundation. Specific descriptions of the Cowboy Dressage tests are provided, with additional tools for those interested in competition, including rules, divisions, and how to execute and judge tests.

HACKAMORE REINSMAN by ED CONNELL, first published in 1952, is a hands-on manual of instruction that describes in detail the use of the hackamore and snaffle bit. He takes green horse and trainer from the first bosal and ground-pulling to the point that the horse will slide and whirl on the hackamore. Ed's method is pure "Californio" having descended from the Moors and then the Spaniards who brought this training to the New World, developing the hair-trigger reined horses found in California. It is the Spanish method of breaking and training a horse before it is ever bitted. The focus is on making a finished hackamore horse with an untouched mouth. It emphasizes the art of reinsmanship as practiced, developed and perfected by the Old Californios and remains the bible of all books on hackamore training. Connell's 2nd book, REINSMAN OF THE WEST -- BRIDLES & BITS, gives the WHY and HOW of making a spade bit horse out of the hackamore horse, using the methods of the Old California Vaqueros. It explains how to choose the right bit and how to use that bit to get the most from your horse. Website: www.hackamore-reinsman.com.

Ranch roping is at the heart of all ranch work, and unlike the rodeo variation of calf roping, the “vacquero” tradition calls for techniques that result in a skillful and graceful throw and catch. Buck Brannaman, a world-renowned master of the art, describes the essential tools, the partnership between horse and rider (incorporating the Natural Horsemanship approach for which the author is famous), and the mechanics needed to become a successful ranch roper, whether in competition or in actual cattle work. One-hundred full-color photographs of Buck in action enhance the step-by-step methodology that leads to mastering this essential Western skill. Whether you ride or rope or just wish you could, here’s a book for everyone who is captivated by Western traditions and contemporary life.