Horses for Dummies [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

~ (Author) "If you want to be around horses, you need to acquire some horse sense..." (more)
Key Phrases: bathe your horse, handling your horse, equine resources, United States, Quarter Horse, Racking Horse (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Horse lovers will flock to this volume, which is chock full of down-to-earth, practical advice. While much of the information would be useful to anyone involved with horses, this book is really for the prospective horse owner who is just starting out. The novice will find the book easy to use, as each chapter stands on its own as a source of information about a specific aspect of horse ownership. Users can refer to the topic they need, and important sections are marked with icons indicating "Tip," "Warning," and "Remember." There is even an indicator for "technical stuff" that the beginner may not need to know. The book's coauthors are a veterinarian and an editor of an equine magazine, respectively, and both are well versed in the intricacies of horse ownership. They are careful to point out matters of protocol, those things that are always done a certain way in the horse world, though often for no apparent reason. A worthwhile purchase for public libraries.ADeborah Emerson, Monroe Community Coll., Rochester, NY
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

Horses are amazing, incredible creatures. They’re as breathtakingly beautiful as they are powerful and fast. They’re wild in their souls, yet they gladly give us their hearts. Horses offer people beauty, a connection to nature, and a quiet and dignified companionship that no other animal can provide in the same way.

Whether you’re contemplating riding a horse for the first time in your life or wondering how to care for your first horse, this book will be a great help to you. Even experienced riders benefit from the in-depth coverage on riding styles and the wide variety of competitive disciplines.

Horses For Dummies can help you understand the horse and how it functions, both physically and mentally. When you know how to communicate what you want to a horse, he’ll do your bidding. You also find out how to care for this amazing creature and to ride with ease.

To fit in with the horsey crowd, you find out all about the following and more:

The parts of a horse and distinctive markings, such as a star and blaze

How the horse sees the world – and humankind

Whether horse ownership is really for you at this time in your life, or whether leasing or taking lessons are better options

Choosing a horse based on breed, age, or gender

Types of horse equipment: Tack, grooming supplies, and riding apparel

Recognizing common health problems

Brushing up on grooming skills

Handling your horse while you are on the ground or in the saddle

The best ways to mount and dismount, and how to hold the reins

The basics of the different riding disciplines

Safety issues

If you want to achieve a profound bond with your horse, always put yourself in your horse’s place and try to comprehend the equine experience. Not only will you come to understand and appreciate your horse, but your horse will come to view you as a protector – and will ultimately grow to trust you with his very life.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; illustrated edition edition (June 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764551388
• ISBN-13: 978-0764551383
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (42 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #499,081 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A perfect basic reference!, June 26, 1999

By A Customer

I was honored to be able to review an early copy of this book -- and proud to give an endorsement quote. I'm a lifelong horse-lover, and I used to ride a great deal. (I have a once-broken bone to prove it from a jump I went over without the benefit of my horse!)

Horses are complicated -- to understand, to buy or lease, to care for, to equip, to train and to handle. Audrey's book does a wonderful job explaining it all, and her love of these marvelous animals comes through on every page.

If you dream of horses, this is a book you must have!

-- Gina Spadafori, Universal Press Syndicate pet-care columnist, author of "Dogs For Dummies" and co-author of "Cats For Dummies" and "Birds For Dummies."

50 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book For Beginners and All Around Horse Info.!, March 1, 2001

By	K. Perdue "oktobermoon2" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

As I've gotten back into horseback riding, horse care, etc., after many years and am now starting over again... this book provided me with all the information I need to get started and covered every possible subject of horse care for the beginner. I found it to be reader-friendly, informative, and it is responsible in that it covers all the basics in not only riding and enjoying your horse or lesson experience, but also touched on all the topics of horse care, tack care, tacking up, mounting, tips on buying one's first horse, etc. It's a must read for those who are either getting back into riding, looking into purchasing or leasing a horse, or for the first time equestrian enthusiast. Buy the book...you won't be sorry!

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars All you need ot know, March 31, 2000

By A Customer

What A GREAT book! This title tells you everything you need to know from tack, riding styles, riding aparrel and horse breeds. It explains things so simply a child could understand it but is not insulting to the reader. I love it and refer to it often. I have gone back to riding lessons and am leasing a horse because of the newfound confidence I have in my knowlege about horse flesh.At least I won't feel like a "dummy" anymore.