Building Show Jumps Review

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(More customer reviews)I can't say anything bad about this book. I bought several to build some jumps for my wife, anything to keep her happy. This book is very detailed if you are a detailed person. I have to admit that I bought "Jumps, etc." by Lisa Campbell and pretty much use that book the most check it out before you buy this one. Again I can't say anything bad about this book, it is very good, maybe too detailed for us simple guys.....

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As a rider, testing your skill over jumps is one of the most exhilarating experiences. Part of developing the confidence to soar over the pole or rail comes from an understanding of the nature of the jump—and how better to understand this than to build your own. A practical, step-by-step guide to the construction of a set of show jumps and their associated fillers, Building Show Jumps explains everything you need to know clearly, concisely, and with numerous photographs and diagrams.

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The Eighty-Dollar Champion: Snowman, the Horse That Inspired a Nation Review

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(More customer reviews)Like the author of this lovely book, I was a horse-crazy little girl and one of the books I remember reading is SNOWMAN by Rutherford Montgomery. Therefore I'm thrilled that Snowman's story is being rescued from the dustbin of children's lit and being told again with greater detail and accuracy. I especially like the way Elizabeth Letts paints a complete picture of Snowman's time. This is history not just a horse story; a portrait of the America that embraced the former plow horse and his immigrant owner, Harry De Leyer, also known as "The Flying Dutchman".
This is the stuff of horsemen's dreams: to literally pull a thin and dirty horse off the slaughter truck and train him to become a champion. That is the true story of Snowman.
Could any book have a more charming hero? Snowman sparkles in these pages, a quiet gentle giant who gave pony rides to little children and taught timid beginners not to be afraid. He's so loyal that he repeatedly jumps both paddock and pasture fences to return to the man who rescued him from the slaughter truck. Harry De Leyer is a young horseman with a growing family who desperately desires to run his own horse business. He's looking for that magic horse who can take him to the top.
He'd been training a top thoroughbred prospect, Sinjon. In 1957, Harry persuaded the owner of the horse to take him to the National Horse Show in Madison Square Garden. Sinjon, a nervous and hot-blooded animal, exceeded expectations by jumping out of the qualifying rounds to place fourth. That very success was Harry's undoing: he loses the mount he has carefully and lovingly trained to a rider on the U.S. Equestrian Team.
He goes home to take another look at the horse he rescued off the slaughterhouse truck, the horse that came home dragging a tire which had been supposed to anchor him down and a piece of the fence that had been supposed to contain him. Harry knew that Snowman could jump; he just didn't understand why the horse was so clumsy in the ring.
Snowman routinely tripped over poles on the ground and knocked over low cross rails. Harry had been trying to train him to jump for over a year. The breakthrough came when one day Harry rode out into the ring. The jumps had already been set high for another horse. Finishing his warmup, Harry pointed his former plow horse at the high jumps...and the rest is history!
If I have a criticism, it is that the author has left out and glossed over some of the story about the humans. For example, she doesn't explain why Harry De Leyer and his first wife get divorced. However, I'm not sure she's wrong to leave that out. When it comes to Snowman, she has ferreted out many charming facts and features of his personality. When you are telling a story about a horse with a heart of gold is it necessary to explain every imperfection in the people around him?
Horse people will love this book. Snowman in his lovable essence will remind them of that favorite, special horse of their own. Folks who love animals in general will love this story. If you are in search of inspiration, look no further! This is a book for the entire family.

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Successful Jumping: Training Your Horse with Gridwork Review

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(More customer reviews)I am new to jumping horses, but a very experienced rider. My trainer introduced me to and loaned me her copy. I found it to be very helpful in teaching me excellent techniques to train the green horse (my interest is in field hunters and polo horses) and also to make me a better, more confident jumper. However, this is a reference work, even though small, and I need to return my trainer's copy to her. That I want to go purchase the book after I have read it tells you all you might need to know. Perhaps an experienced hunter/jumper might not need this book, but for the novice, I think it is excellent.

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One of the most effective ways of developing a horse's natural aptitude for jumping is through using gridwork, a logical system of training that increases the horse's confidence, encourages the development of good musculature, and improves the horse's accuracy, agility, and technique. This book demystifies the method and explains in a way that will enable anyone to develop a safe and effective training program. There is practical instruction and advice on preparatory work, choosing equipment, building fences, calculating distances, and developing gridwork exercises; there is also an invaluable trouble-shooting chapter, which aims to identify the causes of any problems and suggests remedies.

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Winning: A Training and Showing Guide for Hunter Seat Riders Review

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(More customer reviews)I am an upper level reining competitor who took a class in Hunter/Jumpers to broaden my knowledge and skills in the Jumper world. This book was used as a text for the class. The book begins with a comprehensive overview of the basic principles of horsemanship and leads into advanced concepts, including tips for AHSA tests and a glossary of terms. White-Mullin also addresses a rider's nervousness during competition. Excellent photography and drawings help explain to the brain what the eye is reading! I was very impressed with the level of correctness. I appreciate the confidence and understanding it has given me this discipline and aspect of riding. Excellent for any level of rider desiring to learn. I can't believe there has been no reviews published on this book. It sits on the "most used reference" shelf in mine!

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The New Basic Training of the Young Horse: From the Education of the Young Foal to the First Competition Review

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(More customer reviews)I am a huge fan of both Ingrid and her father, however I was a bit disappointed in their book. They seem to talk about general things "you want this and not this", but don't tell you how to do "this" and not teach "this". If I knew how to do it I supposed I'd already know it was correct. I had hoped it was more specific for we riders who have not atttained FEI status. I would like to have seen more step by step on some of the big issues like ground control and how to have masterful hands. Some movements are explained, but not all.
It was interesting to read what they think is correct and how they manage and treat their horses. I'm not sure that this should be in every dressage trainer's library. Some of the other books by other master riders are much more helpful.

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A revitalized version of the well-known classic by one of the world's most successful riders, now with additional text and all new color photos.

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