Reining: The Art of Performance in Horses [Hardcover]

Bob Loomis (Author), John Hillenbrand (Illustrator), Kathy Kadash (Illustrator)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 222 pages
• Publisher: EquiMedia; 1st edition (June 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0962589888
• ISBN-13: 978-0962589881
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #754,225 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

46 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Top Book On Western Riding, April 16, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Reining: The Art of Performance in Horses (Hardcover)

This wonderfully photographed and diagrammed book is not just for trainers of reining horses -- riders will love it as well. Loomis presents a clear and methodical training program for the reining prospect. Loomis begins by introducing his philosophy of horsemanship (think not intimidate), the importance of breeding and conformation, then moves to ground work, basic training, conditioning ("never let your horse run out of air"), suppling exercises, body alignment (importance of circles) and advanced manuevers. He is comprehensive, covering shoeing, equipment, and show preparation as well. As the book title says, Loomis approaches Western horsemanship as an art, and he is a master.

Because Loomis is so thorough, non-beginning riders interested in improving their horsemanship will find a wealth of information here. Many horsemanship books suffer from authors unable to convey in written words "the feel" of the horse in response to a cue. With co-author Kadash, Loomis presents his concepts lucidly. The diagrammed sample exercises illustrated throughout the book are another valuable resource for an intructorless rider.

Loomis teaches the reader to think, about how the horse thinks and how the horseman thinks. Trainer or rider, with this book the reader will never stop learning how to improve from whatever level he is at. A tremendous resource!

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book on Western Horsemanship, March 28, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Reining: The Art of Performance in Horses (Hardcover)

This is a must read for trainers in any Western discipline. Bob has written a book on how to make a well-broke horse; one that can go in any direction. The information is organized and specific, from evaluating a performance prospect, riding a 2, then 3 year old and on to competition. A great book for anyone looking to lay down a solid foundation for any horse.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ideal for anyone, October 10, 2001

By 

maxilla (Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Reining: The Art of Performance in Horses (Hardcover)

I first read this book as a beginner looking to get into reining. I found it easy to understand and the concepts very clear. I still refer to it constantly for training and conditioning tips. It's a very well written book, and is not at all 'difficult' to read. In fact, I found it hard to put down! A great book and well worth a look.