Riding for the Blue: A Celebration of Horse Shows [Hardcover]

Cindy Hale (Author), Sharon P. Fibelkorn (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 2003

Anyone familiar with showing horses will recognize themselves in this book, whether they’re a rider, trainer, judge, or horse show mom. Conveying the appeal, sportsmanship, delight, and competitiveness of the horse show world, author and 30-year horse show veteran Cindy Hale examines why riders ride and celebrates the lessons learned in the arena. Celebrating the thrill of competition that drives all participants, RIDING FOR THE BLUE is not another ‘how-to’ book offering tips competing at horse shows. It is a compilation of the often poignant, frequently humorous moments that riders experience while competing for the prize of all prizes—the blue ribbon.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

With an eye towards convincing non-equestrians of the splendor of horse shows and delighting those already active in them, Horse Illustrated columnist Hale and freelance photographer Sharon P. Fibelkorn fashion an attractive volume that pays tribute to horses, their riders and "the lure of that ten-inch slice of royal blue satin." Devoting chapters to such topics as horse show moms, dressage, the allure of the western riders' style, the varying roles judges play, a trainer's life, and how to get started in the sport, Hale provides a behind-the-scenes foray into every aspect of horse shows. She offers plenty of anecdotes from her three decades in the ring-of dogs disrupting hack classes, judges who uncover trickery and recalcitrant ponies. She tries to draw connections between riding and life, too: "Exude self-confidence, yet give respect where it's due, and you'll come out a winner every time," she writes. It's hard to imagine this book appealing to anyone who doesn't already love equine competition, but it's a fine gift for the enthusiast.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

...captures the essence of the diverse and compelling world of equestrian competition. This stunning book is a must-have... -- Linda L. Allen, Show Jumping Course Designer, Olympic Games, Atlanta, 1996

RIDING FOR THE BLUE beautifully illustrates the horse show world through Sharon Fibelkorn’s stunning photography. -- Robin Hendrickson, editor of the Appaloosa Journal

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: BowTie Press (April 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1931993068
• ISBN-13: 978-1931993067
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 9.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,895,569 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Why Show Horses? Because..., April 8, 2003

By 

"jprice194" (Houston, Texas USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Riding for the Blue: A Celebration of Horse Shows (Hardcover)

This is a beautiful book, with gorgeous photos and a funny and perceptive text showing why people love horses and why they take their sometimes magnificent, and sometimes not-so-magnificent but loved-just-the-same, beasts out in public to compete against others similarly afflicted with horse show fever.

Cindy Hale's text shows a mastery of words and imagery. More than that, though, her writing shows a true love and understanding of horses, of horse shows, and of why people and horses compete. She examines several disciplines, including hunters, western, dressage, and jumpers. She covers the arc of a horse show career, for both horses and riders, and gives justly due attention to the judges, trainers, grooms, braiders, night watchmen, and horse show moms who all contribute to making showing the unique and addictive experience it is. And, of course, she gives tribute to the horses without whose generosity and cooperation none of it would be possible.

The photographs that accompany the text are sharp, feeling, and insightful. Sharon Fibelkorn not only captures the beauty, spirit, and athleticism of the horses in each discipline, but also the emotions of the people riding and surrounding them.

This is a perfect book for anyone who loves horses and showing, and anyone who loves someone who loves horses and showing and wants to understand the answer to the question, "why on Earth do you put yourself through all that just for a little ribbon?"

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars At last, a book that explains why we're in the show ring!, April 7, 2003

By 

Circle Y Dark Oil - See all my reviews

This review is from: Riding for the Blue: A Celebration of Horse Shows (Hardcover)

Cindy Hale's "Riding for the Blue" - hurray! At last a book which captures the very essence of why we, the horse show lovers, are doing exactly that: showing our horses. Hale's prose, combined with Fibelkorn's photos, at last give us the vehicle with which to explain to our non-horsey friends, families and significant others just why we are doing this in the first place. This book is a must-read for the horse lover, the horse shower; the non-horse person will get just as much enjoyment from it. I highly recommend this book.

Well, what are you waiting for?

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful read for horsepeople and non alike., April 14, 2003

By 

Jay McKillop (Dutton, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Riding for the Blue: A Celebration of Horse Shows (Hardcover)

Really enjoyed this book. Not a "how to" book by any means but rather a heartwarming, insightful collection of stories. Laughed out loud one minute and was weepy the next. A wonderful addition to my collection.