"must reads" for the AOT

[barngirl35]

I went to a clinic this past weekend and the clinician recommended a couple books to read. With my awesome short term memory I can't remember what they were! One was a series by some doctor about understanding how a horse thinks. It had drawings in it. The other was a book on shoeing trotters and pacers. Anyone hear of these? I plan on asking that very question at the AOT foum at the convention.
I think we as AOT's have to use every means necassary to gather information. Trainers are in a unique situation where they have MANY different horse to learn from. We, as AOT's don't, speaking for myself, a lot of times when things come up it is unfamiliar territory, ie-shoeing. I have learned a lot from dressage books as far as movement, and flexibility, and propulsion.
What books have you read that really "opened a door" for you?

[StacyV]

Centered Riding has helped me to learn more about how the rider influences the horse. I'm also currently reading Riding for Sucess by Gayle Lampe.

[barngirl35]

Ok- so a friend of mine told me what the one book was. It's actually a series-"Professor Beery's books on horses". The other one that the clinician recommended was "The art of shoeing and balancing the trotter" by Charles McLellan.

[jshay]

The favorite AOT advice book around our barn has been "Show your Horse" by Bob Robinson. It is a paperback and was actually a series of training articles from Saddle and Bridle mag that were so popular, they compiled them into a book and published them. the boiok is out of print but you can get it on Ebay and Amazon.....it is the one with a "vintage" photo of Michelle Macfarlane (she was probably still Michelle Davis then) and one of her earlier spotted ASB's.

This book goes thru step by step on how to start, bit, long line, the whole deal.

[mskyar]

If my recollection is correct "Show your Horse" by Bob Robinson actually was going to be a book from the beginning. It was decided to do it 'chapters' as articles in Saddle & Bridle to see how it was received. Bob wrote it long hand, I typed and proofed the whole thing month by month, sent it in for copyright protection monthly and made sure it got the magazine on time (and this was before computers!) Then we went back and fixed the "goofs" before it was published. I still think it is one of the best books for AOT, at home people and even some beginner trainers. (In case you're curious I was married to him at the time :cool:)

Karlye (and yes my name is spelled wrong on dedication page!:rolleyes:)

[ASB Stars]

My favorite as a kid, and still one of the best books for learning to understand horses, is "My Horse, My Teachers", by Col. Alois Podhajsky. He was director of the Spanish Riding School, but he also competed in the Olympics, and it was he who had the white stallions perform for General Patton, in appreciation of his help in saving the breed.

Inspirational!:D

[racker5]

Bob Robinsons book "Show Your Horse" is my all time favorite.
It is old and out of print but it can be found...this book is awesome.

Gayle Lampe's, of course..."Riding for Success, Both in and Out of the Show Ring" gave me lots of good refresher from what I've learned from professionals.

I am currently reading, for the second time, The Complete Training of Horse and Rider in the Principles of Classic Horsemanship by Alois Podhajsky...former director of the Spanish Riding School of Venna. This is where they train Lippizanners.
This book has opened my eyes to things I'd never even considered. It was printed in 1976. Obviously, this is stressing dressage principle but I cannot believe how it applies to every discipline. Not just in the "what to do"...but also in the..."Is this horse's temperment, althletic ability and skill level ready for the next step?"
It gives detailed information on how they start the training from longeing right to finishing and I love it.
Great question.

[mskyar]

Another very good book is "Give Your Horse a Chance" by Lt. Col. Agoston L. D'Endrody.....not sure if it is still in print, but just searched for it and it came up numerous times, including on Amazon. Been quite awhile since I have read any of it (it's in a box in storage), just know it is really good. Based more on the dressage and jumping end, but like Podhajsky's books, it is relevant to any type of riding.....

[SmartAlex]

Prof Beery's is a pretty good little series. You can usually find them on ebay, but be careful to buy the Saddle Horse series. He did several series including stock horse. I'm sure those are just as good, butt he Saddle Horse one is more relevant. My favorite Saddlebred book is Earl Farschler's Riding and Training also available on ebay.

All the above mentioned books are very good, and Centered Riding is awesome.

[fiasco]

I picked up the Prof Beery series at a local used-book store, but I admit I bought them for the graphics as opposed to the info (am not a saddle seat rider).

[Tobysgusto]

I bought Bob Robinsons book "Show Your Horse" from the on-line store at American Saddlebred museum. It is very helpful. I also enjoy and often refer to Riding for Success both in and out of the Show ring by Gayle Lampe!

[attafox]

This same question was posed at convention at the AOT forum. All were mentioned - Bob Ruxer added that there were only 2 on his night stand. The Bible and the Silver Saddle.

[RKR]

No Goods Or Services Were Provided To The Last Poster For Her Statement...but I'll Think Of Something.....

[mskyar]

No Goods Or Services Were Provided To The Last Poster For Her Statement...but I'll Think Of Something.....

:ohmy: :clap: :tongue_smilie: :eek:

[RKR]

Those books are special to me...I keep them covered...with the SI swimsuit issue.

[canter]

I'm laughing my tush off!!!! That's a good thing!!!!! Thanks for your comments!!!!:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

[Jrchloe]

Do these books discuss just riding or actual training techniques in detail?

[Tobysgusto]

Show your horse discusses actual training techniques.

[Jrchloe]

I would love to read that book but sadly amazon and ebay do not have any for sale. Does anyone else know where I could look?

[D_BaldStockings]

Try the ASB museum.

from the ASHA site :)

Mary

[Jrchloe]

Thanks I found it at a rare books store and my wonderful boyfriend bought it for me.

I see most of the books listed are training and riding books but what about Saddle horse shoeing, veterinary care, or horse psychology?

[Supreme69]

I like Show Your Horse by Bob Robinson, Teaching Your Horse to Ride and Drive by Marilyn Childs and Rick Wallen, Saddle Seat Equitation and Riding For Success. All good books!

Jana
Cres-Or-Lar Stable

[Jrchloe]

Other than the textbook for farriers The Principles of Horseshoeing II by Doug Butler are there any other books that discuss saddle horse shoeing in detail?

[SmartAlex]

This week on ebay I bought the very rare "The Amateur and the Saddlebred" by Captain Harry P Orcutt. This is the first copy I've ever come across, and I am really looking forward to getting it.

[Jrchloe]

Does anyone know anything about the books The Do It Yourself Show Horse by Lynda Ann Miller and Riding Show Horses by Marilyn Carlson Childs?

[SmartAlex]

The Marilyn Carlson Childs book is very good and a worthwhile purchase. I have never heard of the other one.