Written for those involved in riding, training or breeding today's competition horses, and especially valuable for anyone wishing to buy a horse for a chosen competition.

Contains description of the ideal dressage horse and what it takes in conformation, movement, and temperament for a prospect to go from the lower levels to Grand Prix. This work analyzes the elements of success and explains the differences (and similarities) between 'ordinary' horses and those that become international superstars.

The director of the riding program at Sweet Briar College for more than 30 years, Cronin is a well-known and highly respected trainer and riding instructor. Here he presents a clear and practical guide to getting the most out of a horse in a humane and sensitive way.

Everything you need to know about horse anatomy is found here. Follow expert Dr. Deb Bennett as she takes an in-depth, informed look at conformation and reveals how to improve your performance and harmony with your horse. The three popular volumes of Principles of Conformation Analysis are now available in this one edition, providing the most comprehensive insight into equine structure and its effects on movement, soundness, and performance. Within these pages, you'll find: * Valuable guidelines for examining the suitability of horses for various activities * Hundreds of photos, charts, and drawings explaining various body parts and the way they work together * Detailed information on how to minimize conformational limitations and maximize your horse's performance, whatever his breed or sport * Simple methods for analyzing hind legs and detecting horses with lame backs * Exclusive lab exercises from Dr. Deb's files that offer practical help in evaluating your own horse Whether you're looking for an international dressage horse or a comfortable pleasure mount, Principles of Conformation Analysis will improve your eye for conformation.And no matter how you're involved in the horse industry--as a buyer, trainer, rider, or breeder--this book will enrich your equestrian experience.

100 percent ability is in your hands! Conformation Balancing is deceptively simple. With patient, conscientious placement of your hands on specific areas of the horse’s body, you can bring about profound change in his physical and mental well-being. The secret? The internet-like web of fascia beneath the skin. Fascia is the connective tissue that “holds everything together”—it wraps around, attaches, and stabilizes muscles and internal organs, communicating with all parts while providing structure and organization. But here’s the thing: Fascia is also a reservoir for emotional trauma and tension. This means that when you help a horse find physical release in a “stuck” area of strain or stiffness, you invite psychological healing as well.

This is the long-awaited how-to handbook for treating riding injuries in the field for both rider and horse, with step-by-step numbered instructions for the most common injuries and what to do until help arrives. Injuries range from insect and animal bites, allergies, and broken bones to head injuries, hypothermia, and hoof wounds. This is an authoritative pocket reference that combines advice from a reputable veterinarian and a medical doctor, a perfect package for first aid kits.

Horses with good conformation move fluidly, experience less wear and tear on joints, and are more apt to stay fit. Explaining how conformation relates to structure and function, Heather Smith Thomas shows you how to identify a horse’s desirable attributes and potential faults. You’ll learn to train your eye to see past an animal’s physical beauty and recognize proper balance, leg angles, and height as you confidently select horses that have superior durability, trainability, and athletic potential.