Expert advice on breeds, all aspects of horse care, and step-by-step riding techniques, fully updated.

The Book of the Horse opens up the wonderful world of horses to a new generation of horse riders and owners. It explains the basics of learning to ride, helps the novice to choose the right clothing, details the joys (and warns against the pitfalls) of owning one's own horse and enumerates the wonderful variety of activities to be enjoyed in the company of this most obliging of four-legged friends. Whether you want to hack in the countryside, or try your hand over show jumps; perform a respectable dressage test, or face up to the rigours of endurance riding; fly round a cross-country course, or sample the quieter pleasures of the show ring, The Book of the Horse covers every aspect, from stable management and equine fitness to equipment and equine transportation. There is also a section featuring great places to ride, and a chapter on equestrian sporting excellence.

From tiny ponies to heavy draught horses and rapid thoroughbreds, explore the history and variety of this noble animal that helped shape human history. A stunning celebration of the equine world, The Horse Encyclopedia is a fully illustrated book about horses and ponies, featuring over 150 breeds and types, including all those recognized by national horse societies. First domesticated around 6000 years ago, horses rapidly became invaluable to humans. They pulled chariots and plows, and became essential to transport and war. In this comprehensive volume, you will discover breeds from all over the world, from imposing Shires whose ancestors carried knights in chainmail into battle, to thoroughbreds bred to run like the wind and Lipizzanas that can execute exquisite dressage moves such as the capriole where they jump with all four feet off the ground. The Horse Encyclopedia gives concise details of each breed, including its origins and anatomy, as well as famous individuals such as Secretariat, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest racehorses of all. This dazzling guide also includes expert advice on horse care, feeding and grooming, and horse health, making this a truly wonderful gift for all horse riders and equine enthusiasts.

Provides an overview of the horse breeds in North America, including profiles and photographs of such breeds as the Morgan, Appaloosa, Arabian, and Percheron.

"Truly remarkable in that it is one of the most complete and well-illustrated breed compendiums to date. It should fit into every equestrian's library". --Horse Illustrated

· A comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about horses and our relationships with them · Includes detailed sections on a wide variety of informative topics, including the history of horses, evolution, domestication, horseback riding, training, competing, breeding, and more · Features complete profiles of 175 breeds of horses, from the Abaco Barb and Welsh Pony to the Shetland Pony, American Quarter Horse, Thoroughbred, and many more · Filled with 100 training and behavior tips, 50 riding, grooming, and health takeaways, 25 competitive activities, and countless other important and interesting must-know information · Written by two highly regarded horsewomen, the late Moira C. Allen and Sharon Biggs · Newly updated edition includes a new section on advances in imaging technology for horses and advances in medications, plus updated information on saddles, bits, poisonous plants, deworming practices, and natural horsemanship

"Previously published as The ultimate encyclopedia of horse breeds & horse care"--T.p. verso.