Grooming To Win: How to Groom, Trim, Braid and Prepare Your Horse for Show (Howell Reference Books) [Hardcover]

Susan E. Harris (Author)

Book Description

Series: Howell Reference Books | Publication Date: November 18, 1991

The Howell Equestrian Library is a distinguished collection of books on all aspects of horsemanship and horsemastership. The nearly fifty books in print offer readers in all disciplines and at all levels of competition sound instruction and guidance by some of the most celebrated riders, trainers, judges and veterinarians in the horse world today. Whether your interest is dressage, show jumping or Western riding, or whether it's breeding, grooming or health care, Howell has a book to answer your needs. Get to know all the books in the Howell Equestrian Library; many are modern-day classics and have achieved the status of authoritative references in the estimation of those who ride, train and care for horses.
The Howell Equestrian Library

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

Susan Harris has found the way to take a good book and make it better. She's done it by updating Grooming to Win, the definitive reference on the subject, to include current show-ring standards and breed requirements as well as other changes that have taken place since the book was first published in 1977. Now there is a new Western chapter and a chapter on dressage and the Sport Horse, to mention but two of the most notable additions. Extensive new information is given on the following topics:

• conditioning and developing show horses
• health care, feeding, leg care, bandaging and massage
• safety in handling, grooming and clipping the difficult horse
• techniques and products for show grooming, braiding, clipping and trimming
• show presentation details for all breeds and disciplines.

This second edition has charts that highlight correct show trim/braiding by breed, discipline and division for quick reference. In all, a book that George Morris recommends "to those sincere students of riding who want to make a comprehensive study of being a horseman."

From the Back Cover

The Classic Equestrian Grooming Guide, now Completely Udated

Grooming to Win: How to Groom, Trim, Braid, and Prepare Your Horse for Show is the definitive book on grooming your horse to catch the judge's eye. Extensively revised to reflect today's practices, the Third Edition features over 400 detailed, two-color line drawings that illustrate every aspect of grooming. A practical, hands-on reference, it:

• Brings all information in line with current practices and requirements

• Covers conditioning, daily care, tools and supplies, and grooming for shows

• Features new chapters on blanketing, newly popular breeds, and the latest show ring clothing styles

• Covers all disciplines

• Includes trimming styles by type and event as well as by breed

The spiral binding lays flat so it's easy for you to follow along step by step. Complete with helpful lists and checklists, this is the must-have reference for anyone who grooms horses for show. --This text refers to the Spiral-bound edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Howell Book House; 2nd edition (November 18, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0876058926
• ISBN-13: 978-0876058923
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #470,740 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #34 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Animal Care & Pets > Horses > Showing & Training

More About the Author

Susan E. Harris is a renowned horsewoman, artist, riding instructor and international clinician who conducts Centered Riding clinics and Anatomy in Motion™ demonstrations in the United States, Europe and around the world. Her unique Visible Horse presentation, in which she paints the skeleton and muscles on a living horse, has been a popular attraction at clinics and expos. With Peggy Brown, Susan created the Anatomy in Motion™ Visible Horse and Visible Rider DVDs.

Susan Harris is a regular contributor to EQUUS magazine, and also illustrates other horse books. When not writing or traveling, she enjoys riding her Clydesdale cross gelding, Masquerade. Her website is www.anatomyinmotion.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Grooming to Win, by Susan E. Harris, December 17, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Grooming To Win: How to Groom, Trim, Braid and Prepare Your Horse for Show (Howell Reference Books) (Hardcover)

Susan's explanations on the ins and outs of preparing your horse for a show, is an invaluable tool for the novice or for the experienced showperson. I am an experienced horseperson, turned equine photographer, and her book has helped me to fine tune the appearance of many a horse...and rider. The technical data ia explained in a clear concise way, and the illustrations show effectively the use of her techniques. As a photographer, I am often asked by clients how to get the most photogenic turnout of their horse, and I often refer them to Susan's book...all in all, it is an excellent tool for everyone!!

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Essential For Winning In Showmanship, August 21, 2001

By 

Claudia Beaudet (Amherst, MA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Grooming To Win: How to Groom, Trim, Braid and Prepare Your Horse for Show (Howell Reference Books) (Hardcover)

This is one of the best books that I've found that explains grooming your horse step by step - not only for the show ring, but for everyday maintenance. Ms. Harris details breed protocols for the show ring (good news for the novice showman!). Did you know that it is considered bad form to braid the hunter on the left side of the neck, and vice versa for western pleasure horses? From achieving that showring bloom to step by step braiding guides, this book is a must for any competetive horseman's book collection!

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Comprehensive, June 1, 2001

By 

"[e-mail]" (Loganville, GA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Grooming To Win: How to Groom, Trim, Braid and Prepare Your Horse for Show (Howell Reference Books) (Hardcover)

From body clipping to everyday grooming, Ms. Harris has provided an excellent reference for everyone from the first-time exhibitor to seasoned professionals. She covers nearly every riding discipline imaginable, going over grooming procedures for each in a thorough yet consice manner. Her explanations are easy to translate into technique and the book offers many illustrations. This book makes for excellent reading for the novice and a wonderful referrence for the more experienced horse groom.