Best of
Horses

2018

Joey: How a Blind Rescue Horse Helped Others Learn to See


Jennifer Marshall Bleakley - 2018
    But when an injury cost Joey his show career, he moved from one owner to the next, ultimately experiencing severe abuse and neglect. A rescue group found Joey nearly dead from starvation--and blind.Then he came to Hope Reins--a ranch dedicated to helping hurting kids who had been abused, emotionally wounded, or unwanted. By teaching these children to care for rescued animals, the Hope Reins staff were convinced they could reach kids with love and hope and show them that we are never forgotten by God.But could the financially struggling ranch afford to take care of a blind horse that no one else wanted? Could Joey somehow learn to trust people even though the world had hurt him so badly? And what would happen--to Joey, the kids, and Hope Reins--if they failed?A true story of friendship destined to become a classic, Joey will touch your heart and reveal the power of finding light in the darkness.

The Girl on the Dancing Horse: Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro


Charlotte Dujardin - 2018
    The world was captivated by the young woman with the dazzling smile and her dancing horse. The YouTube clip of their Freestyle performance has since had over 1.7 million views, and Dujardin is considered the dominant dressage rider of her era. When Valegro (affectionately called "Blueberry") retired from competition at the end of 2016, his farewell performance at the Olympia Grand Hall sold out and the dark bay gelding received a standing ovation.Dujardin began riding horses at the age of two, but dressage was the domain of the rich–not the life a girl from a middleclass family was born into. Her parents sacrificed to give her as many opportunities as they could, and she left school at 16 to focus on equestrian competition. It was at 22, when she was invited to be a groom for British Olympian Carl Hester, that she met the equine partner that would change her fortune.This is the story of an outsider, an unconventional horse, and the incredible bond that took them to the top.

In the Middle Are the Horsemen


Tik Maynard - 2018
    A university graduate and modern pentathlete, he suffered both a career–ending injury and a painful breakup, leaving him suddenly adrift. The son of prominent Canadian equestrians, Maynard decided to spend the next year as a “working student.” In the horse industry, working students aspire to become professional riders or trainers, and willingly trade labor for hands–on education. Here Maynard chronicles his experiences–good and bad–and we follow along as one year becomes three, what began as a casual adventure gradually transforms, and a life's purpose comes sharply into focus. Over time, Maynard evolved under the critical eyes of Olympians, medal winners, and world–renowned figures in the horse world, including Anne Kursinski, Johann Hinnemann, Ingrid Klimke, David and Karen O'Connor, Bruce Logan, and Ian Millar. He was ignored, degraded, encouraged, and praised. He was hired and fired, told he had the “wrong body type to ride” and that he had found his “destiny.” He got married and lost loved ones. Through it all he studied the horse, and human nature, and how the two can find balance. And in that journey, he may have found himself.

Long Ride Home: Guts and Guns and Grizzlies, 800 Days Through the Americas in a Saddle (Journey America Book 1)


Filipe Masetti Leite - 2018
     Two years. Three magnificent horses. Ten countries. A thousand stories of drug cartels, mass migration, the glorious wilderness, the old cowboy ways, the kindness of strangers and the powerful connection between man and beast. This is a tale of grit and inspiration, of Filipe and Frenchie, Bruiser and Dude chasing a dream, one hoof at a time. Please scroll up to grab your copy today!

Unbridled Faith: 100 Devotions from the Horse Farm


Cara Whitney - 2018
    Horses nuzzle their way into our hearts and have a way of teaching us a lot about ourselves, about life, and even about God. Just ask horse enthusiast Cara Whitney, wife of comedian and actor Dan Whitney (aka Larry the Cable Guy).Through years spent working with these majestic animals, Cara Whitney has learned countless spiritual lessons that have brought her closer to God. She shares those stories in Unbridled Faith. In 100 heartfelt devotions with stunning photography, you'll:Learn about being flexible in your faith from a gangly legged colt.Discover the secret to overcoming temptation through a horse's "sneak and eat" game.From a pony with a sweet tooth, find out why we should be glad God doesn't answer yes to all of our prayers.Be reminded that you are priceless to God by a one-eyed quarter horse named Roanie.  This devotional is perfect for anyone who adores horses and the simple farm life.

Top Ten: (Pony Jumpers #10)


Kate Lattey - 2018
    After a disastrous start to the tour, an unexpected encounter brings her closer to international stardom than she could ever have imagined, and onto a path toward the future she has always dreamed of. But as the day of the competition looms closer, Katy discovers that no matter how far she is from home, she can't outrun her own self-doubt, which soon starts threatening to overtake her chance at international glory.  Can Katy conquer her demons, or will she let her team — and herself — down on the world stage?

Six-Month Horse


Tudor Robins - 2018
    The one that got away.Meg’s heard the expression before, but now she truly understands it.She wishes she didn’t.Because the one that got away was the horse that tugged at Meg’s heartstrings.Meg’s going to need the help of best friend, Slate, and brother, Cam, to make sure she doesn’t miss out on her next heart-horse, and to set her up for her first fateful appaloosa summer on the island.

Back on Course: (Full of Running #2)


Grace Wilkinson - 2018
    But despite believing in her ponies and their potential, Sybil still fears she's failing, especially when everything seems to come so easily to her friends. India's life is too perfect to believe, and Freya looks like she takes her continuous success for granted. Sybil thinks she's struggling, but she may not be the only one...

Lady Long Rider: Alone Across America on Horseback


Bernice Ende - 2018
    According to Bernice Ende, the trip was all that and more. Since swinging her leg over the saddle for that first long ride in 2005 (at the age of 51), Ende has logged more than 29,000 miles in the saddle, crisscrossing North America on horseback - alone. More than once she has traversed the Great Plains, the Southwest deserts, the Cascade Range, and the Rocky Mountains. Along the way, she discovered a sense of community and love of place that unites people wherever they live. From 2014-2016, she was the first person to ride coast to coast and back again in one trek, winning acclaim from the international Long Riders' Guild and awe from the people she met along the way. Saddle up and come along for the journey of a lifetime.

Out of the Clouds: The Unlikely Horseman and the Unwanted Colt Who Conquered the Sport of Kings


Linda Carroll - 2018
     In the wake of World War II, as turmoil and chaos were giving way to a spirit of optimism, Americans were looking for inspiration and role models showing that it was possible to start from the bottom and work your way up to the top-and they found it in Stymie, the failed racehorse plucked from the discard heap by trainer Hirsch Jacobs. Like Stymie, Jacobs was a commoner in "The Sport of Kings," a dirt-poor Brooklyn city slicker who forged an unlikely career as racing's winningest trainer by buying cheap, unsound nags and magically transforming them into winners. The $1,500 pittance Jacobs paid to claim Stymie became history's biggest bargain as the ultimate iron horse went on to run a whopping 131 races and win 25 stakes, becoming the first Thoroughbred ever to earn more than $900,000. The Cinderella champion nicknamed "The People's Horse" captivated the masses with his rousing charge-from-behind stretch runs, his gritty blue-collar work ethic, and his rags-to-riches success story. In a golden age when horse racing rivaled baseball and boxing as America's most popular pastime, he was every bit as inspiring a sports hero as Joe DiMaggio and Joe Louis. Taking readers on a crowd-pleasing ride with Stymie and Jacobs, Out of the Clouds -- the winner of the Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award -- unwinds a real-life Horatio Alger tale of a dauntless team and its working-class fans who lived vicariously through the stouthearted little colt they embraced as their own.

Know Better to Do Better: Mistakes I Made with Horses (So You Don't Have To)


Denny Emerson - 2018
    We have to live with the choices we make, even when-looking back-we know there might have been a better way to communicate, a different way to teach a new lesson, or another means to reach the desired end.In this smart, honest book chock full of valuable takeaways, gold medalist and renowned rider and coach Denny Emerson uses stories of the standout horses from his own riding career, which spans almost 70 years, to detail some of the things he wishes he'd known "then" that he knows now. With a candid willingness to share mistakes he's made over the years and clearly articulated ideas on how others can avoid them, he commits himself and those reading to finding more conscientious ways to ride, train, and work with horses. From basics like aids and equipment to more specialized subjects, such as rider fitness, emotional control, and how to determine what success with your horse really means, riders of all skill levels can gain valuable, hard-won knowledge from his bite-size lessons in life and horsemanship. Perhaps most importantly, Emerson insists that it is never, ever too late to change-for the good of the horse and for the good of oneself.

The Fire Stallion


Stacy Gregg - 2018
    Norse fire ritual tells that on mid-summer’s day, animals and humans can shape-shift and one night Hilly finds herself connected to the young warrior and her fire stallion. As the two girls’ lives intertwine, Hilly soon realises that they’ll both have to risk everything for the love of their horses…Inspired by real-life historical events, The Fire Stallion is an epic tale…

Irish Luck: (Pony Jumpers: Special Edition #2)


Kate Lattey - 2018
    But how will he ever be good enough when the only ponies he has to ride are tired riding school mounts at the end of a long day? His mam Mairead knows first-hand just how difficult it is to make a living from horses, and keeps quietly hoping that her son’s dreams will fade into something more realistic. When Olympic show jumper Deacon O'Callaghan arrives at their local show and happens to see Dan ride, he is impressed by the boy's courage and natural ability. He enlists Dan to ride his daughter's new pony, a talented but bold show jumper that is too much for the young girl to handle, with the aim of qualifying to compete at the Dublin Horse Show. It’s the opportunity that Dan has been waiting for, but there are several obstacles in his path. Can he help the pony to reach its potential? Can he convince his mother to let him take his chance? Most important of all, can he possibly live up to Deacon’s expectations?

Taos Lightning


Johnny D. Boggs - 2018
    But a terrible accident seriously injures Evan’s drunken father, forcing Evan to saddle up instead. This is no ordinary race. Running from Texas to New England, its course is eighteen hundred miles—maybe even longer—and Evan will be riding a barely half-broke mustang stallion that he and his father caught. He’ll be competing against all breeds of horses, ridden by professionals and amateurs from across the world. Although Evan has learned a lot about horses from his father, Edward has also taught his son that horses are good for nothing—“You ride one to death, you get another and do the same.” Luckily, but somewhat reluctantly, the race’s chief veterinarian, Patrick Jack, takes Evan under his wing. But a horse doctor can teach a hot-headed teenager only so much. For six weeks, Evan Kendrick will learn a lot about horses, riding, friendship, life—and himself. He’ll form alliances with two of his competitors, a Negro Seminole Indian scout named Dindie Remo and a hard-drinking young woman, Arena Lancaster, whose life has been harder than even young Evan’s. Evan will make enemies, too. He’ll see new country, and he’ll discover what America can offer, both good and bad. But to win this race—to even survive it—Evan will have to put his trust in a tough stallion the color of trader’s whiskey: a mustang named Taos Lightning.

Taking the Reins (Hearts & Horse Trials Book 2)


Laurie Twizel - 2018
    But when a disaster throws her back into his path, can she easily forget her ill-feelings towards her knight in shining armour as he comes to her rescue? Despite Elsa’s yard being dogged by injuries and setbacks, it is inevitable that the pair of them will continue to cross paths at events. But can they rekindle their former passion, and if not, what is stopping them? And who is the beautiful new working pupil he constantly has in his shadow? Can the arrival of a tall, dark and handsome Frenchman help heal Elsa’s broken heart and wipe Frederick from her mind once and for all, or will her feelings towards him intensify? Frederick Twemlow is the envy of all his fellow competitors, but as his own problems deepen, he is growing tired of putting on a brave front. But there’s only one person who can help him, and he can’t seem to stop pushing her away. Without Elsa by his side, does the guy who has everything, really have anything at all? As Frederick’s world begins to fall apart around him, Elsa knows his problems run deeper than what meets the eye. But she is torn between helping someone who is reluctant to accept her, and preparing for announcements that will turn her own life upside down.

Jill Rides Cross-Country


Jemma Spark - 2018
    She wants to remarry a man who owns a Scottish castle and they're due to go up and visit there within a week. All bets are off and Jill catches the train to Blainstock Castle, where Richard owns acres of grouse moors and mobs of sheep and a stable full of horses.

From Nags to Numbnuts: A Skint Daddy's Guide to Horses, Horse People & Horse Sports


Daniel Skinner - 2018
     On the other hand, if you’re the fool that foots the bills, they’re dreadful, needy creatures that can suck a bank account dry quicker than you can say “I think we need to buy a lorry”. Follow one man’s journey into misery, mild alcohol dependence and, ultimately, probable financial ruin as he hilariously explains everything you need to know about the world of horses and horse sports. This book is the first from Daniel Skinner who writes a blog under the name 'Skint Dressage Daddy', where he describes his life as a downtrodden husband and father in a house dominated by his daughter's obsession with horses and dressage. Described as "The funniest thing on the internet" and "So funny you'll laugh till you cry", the blog regularly attracts over 250,000 readers and posts have been featured in Horse & Hound and others. Daniel also writes a monthly column in the national GB Rider magazine. Warning: The book contains much swearing! Reviews: "Fabulous, wonderful, exceedingly well written" "It's priceless, I've not stopped crying with laughter" "I just couldn’t put it down!!!" "So many moments of hysterical giggles and tears" "Absolutely loved the book!! Couldn’t put it down" "Received mine, my other half pinched it and loves it" "It’s f****** hilarious" "LOVING IT!" "Eager to read more but also not wanting it to end!" "Bloody brilliant!"

The Essential Hoof Book: The Complete Modern Guide to Horse Feet - Anatomy, Care and Health, Disease Diagnosis and Treatment


Susan Kauffmann - 2018
    It also changes daily–for better or for worse–in response to external and internal factors. Few horse owners have the opportunity to acquire a deep understanding of the hoof, which limits their ability to advocate on their horses’ behalf and make informed decisions about hoof care and management. This book is the first resource of its kind to combine the most current and useful information available, gleaned from the research and wisdom of top hoof experts around the world, with a unique “hands-on” approach. The authors provide basic terms and anatomy, clearly illustrate the differences between healthy and unhealthy feet, discuss biomechanics and management concerns, and cover the causes, treatments, and prevention of commonly encountered problems, including laminitis, white line disease, and thrush. Along the way, readers are given activities to help them better analyze and understand the most important aspects of equine hoof health, such as hoof balance, depth of sole, and point of breakover. Easy–to–follow language, over 400 full–color photographs, and do–it–yourself exercises promise to empower horse owners and caretakers of all experience levels with the tools they need to accurately assess hoof health and keep their horses as sound and happy as possible.

Stable Lass: Riding out and mucking in - tales from a Yorkshire racing yard


Gemma Hogg - 2018
    She works in the beautiful Yorkshire market town of Middleham and if her colleagues are occasionally challenging, then the horses are downright astonishing. Now, in Stable Lass, she takes us into the closed world of a top racing yard, from the elation of having several winners in one day to the almost indescribable grief of losing a horse. Like most stable lads and lasses, Gemma arrived in her yard as a teenager fresh out of racing college and had to cope with living away from home for the first time, as well as adapt to the brutal long hours, backbreaking work and often treacherous weather. She describes falling in love with Polo Venture, the first racehorse in her care, the pure exhilaration of riding him on Middleham Gallops for the first time and what happens when a horse takes against you, from the growling gelding Valiant Warrior to the potentially lethal Broadway Boy. She brings to life the characters around the yard, from straight-talking boss Micky Hammond to the jockeys starving themselves to make weight, the wealthy owners and the other stable lads and lasses who come from a range of different places and backgrounds. Stable Lass is a unique look into the world of horse racing filled with heart-warming stories and amazing thoroughbreds - some loveable, some cantankerous, all impressive.

Lilly and Her Unicorn Doll


Aaron Chandler - 2018
     Her best friend is her Unicorn Doll that has magical powers, and only Lilly knows about it. Lilly doesn’t show any love for her younger sister Mia and she refuses to share her toys with Mia. The Unicorn Doll takes Lilly on a magical journey to a castle where she sees princesses playing with wonderful toys. Lilly is excited because she loves toys! But, will Lilly get to play with the princesses' toys? Lilly is a little girl with a very active imagination. Her best friend is her Unicorn Doll that has magical powers, and only Lilly knows about it. Lilly doesn’t show any love for her younger sister Mia and she refuses to share her toys with Mia. The Unicorn Doll takes Lilly on a magical journey to a castle where she sees princesses playing with wonderful toys. Lilly is excited because she loves toys! But, will Lilly get to play with the princesses' toys?

Winx: Greatest of all racehorses


Andrew Rule - 2018
    She is undefeated in a winning streak of 25 races over three years-which includes three Cox Plates, the Queen Elizabeth Stakes and a record number of other elite Group 1 races. She is described by her trainer, Chris Waller, as a supreme athlete-a world-class sprinter with a freakish ability to dominate longer distances 'like Usain Bolt running in 1500-metre races'. She is the Phar Lap of the modern age, and one of the greatest racehorses in 300 years of Thoroughbred racing. 'I am proud and humbled to work with Andrew Rule and Allen & Unwin on this important book that details the life of a very special horse' Chris Waller, Trainer 'Peter, Patty, Richard and I are thrilled to have Winx's story honoured in this book about her incredible record. Winx has performed amazingly and we are excited to work with Allen & Unwin, and for everyone to read her story.' Debbie Kepitis. Co-owner

Tovi the Penguin: Goes to Ireland


Janina Rossiter - 2018
    Do you think he might even catch a leprechaun? Let's find out...Tovi the Penguin goes to Ireland (Volume 9)Tovi books are designed in a simple animated way to give young readers the impression of watching a short film where Tovi and his friends play out their adventures.The books are aimed at children aged 2-6 (picture books), who hopefully will join Tovi in his mini-adventures, and learn something about life and the world around them. As the lovable characters in these books share a whole range of experiences, they learn about sharing, about helping each other, and most important, they learn the value of friendship.You'll be surprised what an exciting time little penguins can have!Tovi the Penguinis a children's book series. Also available to buy on Amazon:Tovi the Penguin - goes camping (Volume 1), Tovi the Penguin - goes away for Christmas (Volume 2), Tovi the Penguin - goes to London (Volume 3) Tovi the Penguin - goes into space (Volume 4) Tovi the Penguin - goes to the seaside (Volume 5) Tovi the Penguin - goes trick-or-treating (Volume 6) Tovi the Penguin - goes on a treasure hunt in Paris (Volume 7) Tovi the Penguin - goes playing in the snow (Volume 8) and Tovi the Penguin - goes to Ireland (Volume 9).www.tovithepenguin.com

Changing A Cowboy's Tune


Stephanie Berget - 2018
    Dex wants nothing more than to marry the woman he loves and build a future on his family’s ranch, but when he pushes her to settle into life as a mother and rancher's wife, she bolts. Years apart haven’t dampened their desire, but can they see past their own dreams for the future and invent a life they both love?

Fergus and the Night Before Christmas


Jean Abernethy - 2018
    With colorful, light-hearted comedy on every page, Fergus and his motley group of equine teammates bravely take to the skies to give St. Nick the sleigh ride of his life. Can Santa manage his ungainly hitch and deliver the perfect gift on the most magical night of the year? Fasten your seatbelt! Recommended for ages 5 to 95.

Bob Langrish’s World of Horses: A Master Photographer’s Lifelong Quest to Capture the Most Magnificent Horses in the World


Bob Langrish - 2018
    From the Mongolian steppe to the South African desert, barrier islands to city streets, Langrish has recorded the lives and activities of these majestic and beloved animals. His images capture the grace and soul of horses in all shapes and sizes. Brisk, lively text by Olympic gold medalist Jane Holderness-Roddam accompanies each photo, relating the story of how horse behaviors and traits vary by habitat, as well as the behind-the-scenes details of Langrish’s adventures. Dramatic, poignant, and personal, Langrish’s photos are a testament to the ancient and abiding horse-human relationship.

Horse Gentler in Training


Dandi Daley Mackall - 2018
    Winnie could ride horses before she could walk, but training them is another story. In this new series, eight-year-old Winnie learns the fine art of horse gentling from her horse wrangler mom as they work together to save the family ranch.

Rafferty Lincoln Loves...


Emily Williams - 2018
    Not one bit. But when the popular high school girl of his dreams, Liberty Ashburn pulls him into a world of lead ropes and horse brushes, who is he to say no?Except this isn't any old horse. This is the missing racehorse, Profit's Red Ridge. The horse Rafferty and three of his friends are hiding from the world. And Liberty Ashburn isn’t just any ordinary high school girl. How far will Rafferty go to win her over?An intense, witty and powerful coming of age story with startling consequences.

Let's Ride: The Personal Memoirs of a Legendary Horsewoman


Sheila Varian - 2018
    "This enchanting collection of stories is sure to inspire every reader

The Walking Horses


Linda S. Browning - 2018
    Then, Henry Meyer did not commit suicide in his tobacco barn in Columbia and the case went cold. When Olivia Honeycutt takes on the case of Eloise Venable Freeman, she must accept her paranormal proclivities. Eloise and her infant daughter, Andrea, allegedly died in a horrific fire thirty years ago. Her husband, David, is not satisfied with ashes. David wants answers. Olivia travels to Shelbyville, Tennessee, and the world of the Walking Horses to solve her most challenging mystery to date.

The Sporting Horse: In pursuit of equine excellence


Nicola Jane Swinney - 2018
    Naturally fleet of foot, they have strength, stamina and intelligence to match. We ask a great deal of these amazing creatures when we ride them in competition, and our horses always deliver.  The Sporting Horse is a glorious celebration of the athletic abilities of these beautiful animals, and the unique relationship that has evolved between horse and rider. Working side-by-side for centuries, horse and man have achieved a lasting synergy – and nowhere is that more evident than in the sporting arena.   Taking each of the four key sporting characteristics – athleticism, speed, agility and endurance – veteran journalist Nicola Swinney explores how hundreds of years of selective breeding and careful training have developed and refined the horse’s natural ability to perform a diverse range of sporting pursuits. From dressage to polo, snow sports to carriage driving, steeplechasing to barrel racing, the book reveals how horse and rider work as one to achieve sporting excellence.

Equine Behaviour in Mind: Applying Behavioural Science to the Way We Keep, Work and Care for Horses


Suzanne Rogers - 2018
    This book advocates a mindful approach to working with horses, encouraging the reader to think in a horse-centric way. Academic behavioural research is used to underpin understanding of horse behaviour and changes that can be made to positively improve horses’ lives. The aim is to provide both the theory behind behaviour-minded horse management and the practical application to enable impactful changes to be made. Real world examples and case studies are provided to highlight these points. Horse behaviour is discussed in a range of contexts, including breeding, training and competing. A behaviourally minded approach to teaching riding, to medical and dental check-ups, to rehabilitation and rescue, and to driving change for horse welfare in both developed and developing countries is also covered.