Books about horses have captivated readers of all ages for centuries. There are many reasons why these stories hold such enduring appeal, but here are a few of the most compelling:

1. A Connection to Nature: Horses are majestic and powerful creatures that have been integral to human society for thousands of years. They embody the beauty and wildness of nature, providing a sense of connection to something larger than ourselves. Stories about horses often transport us to idyllic settings of rolling hills, lush meadows, and open skies, offering a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
2. Tales of Friendship and Loyalty: The bond between humans and horses is often portrayed as one of deep friendship and loyalty. These stories explore the themes of trust, companionship, and unwavering support, resonating with readers on a personal level. The horse often becomes a confidante, a source of comfort, and a symbol of the strength of friendship.
3. Adventures and Thrills: Horses are associated with excitement, adventure, and a sense of freedom. Books about horses often feature thrilling races, daring escapes, and courageous journeys, capturing the imagination of readers of all ages. The horse becomes a symbol of courage, determination, and the pursuit of dreams.
4. Coming-of-Age Stories: Horses are often featured in coming-of-age stories, symbolizing personal growth, self-discovery, and the transition from childhood to adulthood. The horse becomes a catalyst for change, helping the protagonist overcome challenges, face fears, and discover their true potential.
5. Lessons in Resilience and Perseverance: Stories about horses often emphasize the themes of resilience, perseverance, and overcoming adversity. Horses are portrayed as strong and resilient creatures, capable of facing challenges and bouncing back from setbacks. These stories inspire readers to face their own challenges with courage and determination.
6. A Symbol of Grace and Beauty: Horses are universally admired for their grace, elegance, and beauty. Their movements are often described as fluid and poetic, embodying a sense of harmony with nature. Stories about horses often capture the beauty and majesty of these creatures, inspiring awe and admiration.
7. A Connection to the Past: Horses have played a significant role in human history, from serving as loyal companions in battle to providing transportation and labor. Stories about horses often connect us to our past, offering a glimpse into different eras and cultures.

In conclusion, books about horses continue to captivate readers because they offer a unique blend of adventure, friendship, personal growth, and connection to nature. They transport us to different worlds, teach us valuable lessons, and remind us of the enduring bond between humans and these magnificent creatures.

FEATURED LISTINGS


Trafalgar Square Books
Box 257, Howe Hill Road, North Pomfret, VT 05053
Phone USA: (800) 423-4525
Email: contact@trafalgarbooks.com

Trafalgar Square Books and its online bookstore HorseandRiderBooks.com is a small business based on a farm in rural Vermont. We published our first horse book, Centered Riding by Sally Swift, in 1985, and since then have continued to strive to produce high-quality equestrian books and videos "for the good of the horse."



Click here to view a simple alphabetical list of titles.




FEATURED BOOKS



Engaging new ways to understand and implement time-proven systems of horse training. The “Scales of Training,” “Training Scale,” and “Training Pyramid” are familiar terms to riders. Around the globe and across disciplines, equestrians hear reference to them as a part of their education. Dressage rider and trainer Sue Grice grew up with these concepts, too, and like many, found them to be not only fairly boring, but also confusing when it came to actually implementing them as part of daily training. Grice determined that this was because there was really no clear framework or methodology for implementing the system in a progressive manner.
Hard cover: ‎ 168 pages. Trafalgar Square Books (April 18, 2023) Read an excerpt from the book.




A simple system for figuring out and fixing what’s wrong with a horse’s performance. Former international event rider Eric Smiley has brought along his own top-level horses for decades. Now he taps his immense knowledge to help riders whose horses may not have had "the right start." Every horse comes with his own “baggage”—behavior or training issues, minor or significant, that may be difficult to pinpoint or resolve. In these pages, Smiley addresses the most common problems he has seen over the years in dressage, eventing, and show jumping, including: Problems with head and neck position; Connection issues; Failure to follow the rules of forward, straight, and regular; Difficulty with collection; Lack of consistency.

Paperback: ‎ 192 pages. Trafalgar Square Books (March 28, 2023) Read an excerpt from the book.




James Herriot meets Jeff Foxworthy in the real-life adventures of a traveling horse doctor. Climb into the truck alongside large animal vet Dr. Madison Seamans and race to the aid of horses with wounds, stomach aches, allergies, and bizarre behaviors, as well as those in severe physical distress. Quite by accident, you’ll find yourself familiar with and understanding common equine medical problems and how they are diagnosed and treated, all while marveling at the remarkable situations a country veterinarian can find himself in. Playful yet serious, honest yet tongue-in-cheek, this wonderfully written book is an up-close look at a well-lived rural life that is about as authentic as America gets. No one who cares a whit for the animal kingdom, and the humans who dare enter it, will be disappointed.
Paperback: ‎ 344 pages. Trafalgar Square Books (January 17, 2023)

Read an excerpt from the book.




Stories from a rural working life that teach us how to be better horsemen—and better people. Van Hargis grew up in the saddle on an East Texas ranch, training his first horse at age 12 and eventually making a living starting cutting and reining colts, many of which would leave his hands to become champions. Naturally outgoing (labeled a “talker” by teachers in grade school), Hargis shared stories and lessons from his work with horses early on. Here, in his first book, he reaches out to readers with a collection of down-to-earth, highly relatable tales—experiences that, over the years, have impacted his own horsemanship and life in significant ways. Readers absorb fundamental knowledge of horses skillfully embedded in genuine anecdotes straight off the ranch. Paperback‏ : ‎ 184 pages. Trafalgar Square Books (October 25, 2022)




The must-have reference for effective and responsible shoeing for the good of the horse. All horses have four hooves that are integral to their overall health, their athletic ability, and ultimately, their longevity, whether their “job” is simply grazing in a pasture or competing at the highest levels. But not all horses are the same—the individual needs of each horse require an understanding of responsible, informed hoofcare on the part of the owner, rider, or trainer. This highly illustrated guide by one of the world’s leading minds in the area of farriery provides an unparalleled look at advances in shoeing and general hoof maintenance, with the goal of helping owners to comprehend the “whys” of certain choices, recognize variations in shoeing options, and become better consumers of horse shoes and horseshoeing all around.

Steve Kraus, Head of Farrier Services at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and instructor at the Cornell Farrier School, is uniquely qualified to provide a varied and thorough exploration of hoof-related topics. Paperback‏ : ‎ 224 pages. Trafalgar Square Books (December 13, 2022)




Monty Roberts is a real-life horse whisperer–an American original whose gentle Join-Up® training method reveals the depth of communication possible between man and animal. He can take a wild, high-strung horse who has never before been handled and persuade that horse to accept a bridle, saddle, and rider in thirty minutes. His powers may seem like magic, but his amazing “horse sense” is based on a lifetime of experience. In The Man Who Listens to Horses, Roberts reveals his unforgettable personal story and his exceptional insight into nonverbal communication, an understanding that applies to human relationships as well. He shows that between parent and child, employee and employer, abuser and abused, there are forms of communication far stronger than the spoken word that are accessible to all who will learn to listen. This new edition features engaging photographs, a chapter that traces Roberts’s amazing experience gentling with a mustang in the wild, and an Afterword about the remarkable impact this book has had on the world.
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 258 pages. Ballantine Books (December 30, 2008)




Trainer Monty Roberts, famous "horse whisperer" and author of The Man Who Listens to Horses (1997) and Shy Boy (1999), pays homage to the important horses in his life in this moving new book. Seeing life as a necklace--a circle with no beginning and no end--Roberts describes the horses that are attached to his necklace as significantly altering his life or as teaching him valuable lessons. Ginger was his first horse: the first one he rode and the first one he lost. Brownie taught him the invaluable lesson that kindness is a better training tool than cruelty, and a nameless wild mustang was the first to respond to Roberts' "join up" method of gaining a horse's trust. From helping Frank Sinatra and Britain's queen Elizabeth II with horses and saving a vicious horse (who later became a champion) to teaching a horse to load into a trailer by first teaching him to back up, Roberts leads both the reader and the horses he worked with through voyages of discovery. Full of autobiographical detail. Nancy Bent Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Hard Cover‏ : ‎ 240 pages. Trafalgar Square Books; 1st edition (September 1, 2005)




In The Man Who Listens to Horses, Monty Roberts revealed the depth of communication possible between human and horse. Touching the hearts of more than four million readers worldwide, that memoir—which spent more than a year at the top of The New York Times bestseller list—described his discovery of the "language" of horses and the dramatic effectiveness of removing violence from their training. Now, the world's most famous horse gentler demonstrates how his revolutionary Join-Up technique can be used not just for horses, but as a model for how to strengthen human relationships. With vivid, often deeply moving anecdotes, Roberts shows how the lessons learned from the thousands of horses he has known can provide effective guidelines for improving the quality of our communication with one another—from learning to "read" each other effectively, to creative fear-free environments, and, most importantly, teaching belief in the power of gentleness and trust.
Paperback‏ : ‎ 272 pages. Penguin Books; 1st edition (March 15, 2002)




It’s time to get real―that is, real, do-it-yourself horse training. Professional trainer Sean Patrick has created the ultimate guide to the “complete” riding horse—whether a performance, working, or “just for fun” prospect. Quite simply, you begin at Lesson Number 33 and count your way down through the basic exercises—the “primary education” —every horse needs. And when you get to Lesson 1, you’ve done it; you’ve prepared your horse for advanced work in any number of equestrian disciplines. You can’t get lost along the way. There’s no room for confusion. Sean clarifies the point and explains the gist of every step. The happy result? He trains you to be a trainer.
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 258 pages. Trafalgar Square Books; 1st edition (August 1, 2009)




“Books about fathers and sons are fairly common, books about fathers and their daughters somewhat less so. A book about a father, three daughters, several horses, social demographics, and the teaching and practice of both law and riding must surely belong to a genre of one. Chad Oldfather is a professor at Marquette University Law School in Milwaukee and the father of three horse-crazy girls (now grown) A Man Walks Into a Barn by Chad Oldfather is his witty, often wistful take on parenting, pedagogy, and life lessons learned while navigating the insular and expensive world of horses and ‘horse people.’” — The Wall Street Journal
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 336 pages. Trafalgar Square Books (March 22, 2022)




When it comes to relating to horses, do not guess… Communicate and lead! Trained horses are capable of being successful in the equestrian disciplines, however, even when a performance is good, horsemanship can add more to it. Horses are naturally social beings, aware of the surroundings, and extremely able to adapt. While freedom is one of their strongest tendencies, horses are always open to learning. Human Horse Sensing Horsemanship is designed to support the human interaction with horses in any spontaneous circumstance. It works in a groundwork situation as well as while riding. The interaction is dynamic, modulated in time by our behavior through movement, and perceived by human and horse through the senses. The horsemanship is structured as a social relationship. Most importantly we leave coercion out of the interaction, and the leader appears to be such from the way he behaves. Paperback ‏ : ‎ 138 pages. Human Horse Sensing (September 26, 2018)




When Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew retired from racing in 1978 to stand at stud at Spendthrift Farm, no one could be certain he would be a successful sire. But just four years later, his dark bay daughter Landaluce won the Hollywood Lassie Stakes by twenty-one lengths―a margin of victory that remains the largest ever in any race by a two-year-old at Hollywood Park. California horse racing had a new superstar, and Slew was launched on a stud career that would make him one of the most influential sires in North America. Like her father, Landaluce soon became a national celebrity, and was poised to become the next American super-horse. But those dreams ended when the two-year-old died in her stall at Santa Anita four months later, the victim of a swift and mysterious illness. Today, with her "I Love Luce" bumper stickers long gone, the filly has been largely forgotten. Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 346 pages. Publisher ‏ : ‎ University Press of Kentucky (July 12, 2022)




A unique and captivating collection of photographs and memories chronicling the lives of the King of the Cowboys and the Queen of the West. Roy Rogers and Dale Evans made their first movie together in 1944, and so began a dazzling partnership with a devoted public following that lasted 52 years. In this charming photographic biography, readers meet the talented young man and woman who would eventually become the royal couple of B-rated Westerns, a reign that would last more than a decade. The dynamic pair, adored by fans for both their acting and their singing abilities, costarred in 29 movies and recorded more than 200 albums together, eventually parlaying their fame to the small screen with a half-hour television hit The Roy Rogers Show, as well as a comic book series and a long list of merchandise (including clothes, boots, and toys), bearing their names.This book transports nostalgic readers back to a time when the good always save the day and lovers ride off together into the sunset to the now-famous tune written by Evans that would become the couple’s theme: “Happy Trails.” It is both a classic reminder for aficionados and a beguiling introduction to new fans, demonstrating how even when both career and family are in the limelight, they can still be well-lived. Paperback ‏ : ‎ 170 pages. Publisher ‏ : ‎ Trafalgar Square Books (March 8, 2022)




An authentically honest and self-reflective promise of how a life lived with purpose and passion can yield greatness. “The gates to brilliance are surrounded by a cloud of sweat and tears.” That is what Olympic dressage rider and coach Robert Dover’s mentor, the revered Swedish equestrian Colonel Bengt Ljungquist, told him. It is a lesson that stuck—only with great passion and determination can one achieve success, and just maybe, happiness, too. In a fascinating book that reads like a potent elixir, three parts memoir and one part inspirational self-improvement guide, readers are ushered through 15 “gates to brilliance”—keys that Dover discovered as he made his way through his own life, from gawky, horse-crazy child to influential Olympic coach and entrepreneur. Sharing deeply personal stories that were fundamental to his evolution, Dover is candid about the path he took on his way to becoming one of the most successful equestrians in the world. Paperback ‏ : ‎ 296 pages. Publisher ‏ : ‎ Trafalgar Square Books (November 9, 2021)




An intensely moving memoir of a young man who left heartbreak in Maine to seek healing Out West in the company of horses. Growing up in a small Maine town, Chris Lombard had never ridden a horse—never even touched one. But on one fateful night, as what he’d thought was a happy twenty-something life full of love and possibility fell suddenly apart, he met two horses and looked into their eyes. What he saw inspired him to leave everything he had, and everything he didn’t have, behind, and go in search of what was missing. Evocatively written, interweaving the author’s growing understanding of horses and how we connect with them with his deeply personal experiences, Land of the Horses brings to life a young man’s transformation alongside the horses, people, and dramatic landscapes of the American West. Healing heartbreak, falling and getting back on, searching for something true—this is a story that is in all of us. And it shows we are all capable of creating the life we truly want to live. Paperback ‏ : ‎ 208 pages. Publisher ‏ : ‎ Trafalgar Square Books (October 12, 2021)




For years, Andrea Kutsch filled stadiums with spectators as she demonstrated remarkable transformations in “problem horses” using the Natural Horsemanship training methods she'd learned from leaders in the field. But something was bothering her—a feeling that had been with her since her childhood days, watching Icelandics in a field and coming up through a traditional German riding system. Despite the strides made in improving the horse's well-being through the worldwide adoption of Natural Horsemanship techniques, she knew that the methods were still missing something. Kutsch set out to find the next stage in the evolution of horse training. She studied the results of methods she used with thousands of young horses at The Lewitz Stud in Neustadt--Glewe, Germany, the renowned farm owned by European champion Paul Schockemöhle. This provided the basis for what she calls Evidence-Based Equine Communication™ (EBEC), a means of reading the horse and understanding the world from his point of view. Here she introduces EBEC and how it can take our relationship with horses and their ability to perform as our partners to a whole new level. Paperback ‏ : ‎ 192 pages. Publisher : Trafalgar Square Books (December 1, 2021)




An innovative and easy-to-use application of Pilates principles to the training, conditioning, and rehabilitation of horses. This highly illustrated how-to manual provides a clear guide to new ways of thinking about how to prevent injury in the horse, and when injuries do happen, to help the horse's body recover in a mindful and safe way. As a Pilates teacher for humans, horsewoman and eventer Laura Reiman has seen first-hand how consistent, quality exercise can ward off strain and injury, as well as heal. When her young horse was diagnosed with extreme back pain and a neurological disease, she turned to her knowledge of Pilates—the method she'd used to ease back pain in human clients for years—for help. She began to find ways to “bridge the gap” between the horse's mind and body to help increase his body awareness and core engagement. Hardcover: 224 pages. Publisher : Trafalgar Square Books (April 13, 2021)




Known for his wit, irreverence, and whip-smart observations on equestrian sport and its participants, three-time Olympian Jim Wofford's writing is as legendary as his performances in the saddle. Now he again brings his immense talent for telling tales—all of them (mostly) true—to the page in his autobiography. Wofford introduces some of history's great horses and the people who loved them as he strives to reach the top of the international eventing scene. Fascinating stories from his many adventures around the world contribute to this honest, funny, poignant read certain to entertain and educate every horse person. Paperback : 312 pages. Publisher : Trafalgar Square Books (May 18, 2021) Read an excerpt from the book HERE.




A compelling collection of focused flatwork exercises for improving jumping performance. Renowned author and mental training coach Jane Savoie breaks down the six most common problem areas she sees when horses jump. Then Savoie fills the rider’s toolbox with targeted exercises on the flat―simple solutions to the nagging problems that prevent riders and horses from doing their best over all kinds of obstacles, whether competing in hunters, jumpers, equitation, or eventing. Her excellent lessons gradually incorporate ground poles and low fences to build skills without stressing the horse’s body. Paperback : 192 pages. Publisher : Trafalgar Square Books (August 18, 2020) Read an excerpt from the book HERE.




A highly illustrated guide to simple exercises that help equestrians become more aware and conscious while improving strength, flexibility, and balance. Yoga teacher and horsewoman Cathy Woods explains how the meditative, mindful breathwork and lifestyle aspects of yoga traditions, as well as the postures, can be profoundly helpful in our interactions with horses. Over the course of her 30-year career, Woods has created teachings that are accessible to everyone—those who have practiced yoga and those who have not, as well as riders of different levels and disciplines. From wherever they are starting, her lessons offer readers life-changing benefits, Paperback : 216 pages. Publisher : Trafalgar Square Books (August 4, 2020) Read an excerpt from the book HERE.




Carly Langley, an American born veterinarian, is living the dream. She has the perfect job as a horse vet living in a rural community with her two small children and devoted physician/husband. She has friends and social standing until her elderly neighbor and babysitter, Mrs. Miller, is found dead. Who or what killed Carly Langley’s beloved adopted grandmother? Carly’s life is changed forever in the aftermath of this tragedy. Who does she depend on to help her solve this mystery? Who can she trust? This town has secrets, and Carly is about to find out who her true friends really are. Paperback : 326 pages. Publisher :Publisher : Thorpe Boker (February 9, 2021)




Jen has always dreamed of seeing her byline above an exclusive scoop, but will her big career chance destroy the love of her life? He couldn’t really be involved in crime...could he? Soaked Hay & Farrier Smoke is the first book in the Smoke & Mirrors series. Paperback : 132 pages. Publisher : Nielsen ISBN (September 12, 2020) Read an excerpt from the book HERE.




“I have just dropped into the very place I have been seeking but in everything it exceeds all my dreams. “ Isabella Lucy Bird (1831-1904)
Some people live to travel; Isabella Lucy Bird traveled to live. Dare to saddle up with this equestrian explorer on her way to becoming the best-loved travel writer of her day. Set off on a voyage from England to the South Seas. Jump ship in Honolulu, then hop on board the Kilauea steaming its way to sleepy Hilo. Be captivated by the lavish beauty of the Sandwich Islands. Charge up the flank of a living volcano, ford roaring torrents on the way to Waipio Valley where the gods come close. Feel the loving touch of the healing hands of a Hawaiian elder and let go of chronic pain that has held you captive. Set your spirit free with Isabella as she breaks through physical and social barriers to follow her dreams. Set your spirit free with Isabella as she breaks through physical and social barriers to follow her dreams. Paperback : 244 pages. Publisher : Wind Dancer Press (February 2, 2021). See an excerpt from the book HERE.




On the surface, this is a stunning photo exploration of the wild horses living at the Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. But at a deeper level, it is also an illuminating study of the human-like interactions among the bands of horses, as they move through the seasons and colors of the year and through the natural flow of their life cycles as well. At the heart of The Wild Herds is a passionate love affair. At the age of 3, Deb Kalas was swept into the world of horses, and right away she had a deep respect for their raw beauty and power, and she also had a keen sense of their guiding intelligence and family dynamics. Over the years, her love and understanding of horses only deepened. Hardcover: 160 pages Publisher : Val de Grace (October 15, 2019). Read an excerpt from the book HERE.




Young adult fiction enjoyed by fans of Canterwood Crest, Heartland, & The Thoroughbred Series. Finalist in the Young Adult Category for the 2014 InD'tale Magazine RONE Awards. Featured in Pony & Style Magazine and Everything Horse UK Magazine. Saddle-up with a sweet, wholesome young adult equestrian series full of first loves, friendship, and horses. Get ready for a summer packed with trail rides, horse shows, rodeo, campfires, and kisses. "It's been a long time since a book swept me along as easily as Lucy's Chance. From the opening scene I found that I was turning the pages quickly, eager to see what would come next... a story that makes any horse lover long for the days when they were sixteen again." --THE EQUINE INSIDER Paperback: 192 pages Publisher : CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; 1st edition (April 15, 2014)




Racing Time is a book of searing intensity shining a healing light into the wounds of loss. Most of all, it is a celebration of life-long friendships with three men--each outspoken, authentic, and a lover of the out-of-doors. In a period of nine months, Smithwick delivers the eulogies of these three who have been his nexus to the world of steeplechasing and Thoroughbred racing. Written to stand on its own, Racing Time is the third of a trilogy, following the memoirs Racing My Father and Flying Change. It continues with the vivid prose and sensory descriptions of the first two books, then takes a different path, delving deeply into the psyche of men, showing one man's love and respect for another, sometimes his anger and disappointment, and always his sense of loyalty and wonder. Smithwick takes the reader through the joy and excitement of shared youthful experiences, into the camaraderie of adulthood, and ends with the clap of a thundercloud calling on us all to live life to the fullest. Hardcover: 496 pages Publisher: Dementi Milestone Publishing (July 1, 2019). Read an excerpt from the book HERE.




This is the first book to focus on Sir Barton, his career, and his historic impact on horse racing. Author Jennifer S. Kelly uses extensive research and historical sources to examine this champion's life and achievements. Kelly charts how Sir Barton broke track records, scored victories over other champions, and sparked the yearly pursuit of Triple Crown glory. This book reveals the legacy of Sir Barton and his seminal contributions to Thoroughbred racing one hundred years after his pioneering achievement. Hardcover : 328 pages Publisher :Publisher : University Press of Kentucky; Illustrated edition (March 27, 2019) Read an excerpt from the book HERE.




Named Best Children's Book at the 2019 Equus Film and Arts Festival! For every kid who loves horses. Cowgirl Lessons is a charming story of a girl gathering her gear to head out to the farm and take her weekly riding lesson. From her exasperated mother digging her lost boot from her laundry mound to driving to the barn to see the horse she loves, this story paints the picture of one girl's devotion to horses. Cowgirl Lessons is inspired by a real girl, Duchess the horse, and all the little girls who took their first riding lessons on the sweetest horse ever. Paperback : 36 pages. Publisher : Publisher : Rankin Publishing; 1st edition (May 22, 2017) Read an excerpt from the book HERE.




Part American road trip, part coming-of-age adventure, and part uncommon love story—a remarkable memoir that explores the evolution of the human-animal relationship, along with the raw beauty of a life lived outdoors. Melissa Chapman was 23 years old and part of a happy, loving family, a decent job, a boyfriend and friends she enjoyed. Yet she said goodbye to all of it and rode away from everything, heading west. With no cell phone, no GPS, no support team or truck following with supplies, Chapman quickly learned that the reality of a cross-country horseback journey was quite different from the fantasy. Her solo adventure would immediately test her mental, physical, and emotional resources as she and her four-legged companions were forced to adapt to the dangers and loneliness of a trek that would span over 2,600 miles, beginning in New York State and reaching its end on the other side of the country, in California. Paperback : 224 pages. Publisher : Trafalgar Square Books (October 20, 2020) Read an excerpt from the book HERE.




McKennon Kelly is a handsome horse trainer who knows the cure for wannabe cowgirl Devon Brooke's horse troubles. Will he train her? He's not so sure ...Devon Brooke is a city girl gone country who desperately needs a certain Romeo in Wranglers' help with her new horse. People say she's a cowboy crazy cowgirl with horse problems. They may be right ...Meet McKennon and Devon in the In the Reins series.A city-girl-gone-country, a handsome cowboy and a horse meet by fate on a southern farm. She's looking for a fresh start and unexpectedly falls for the mysterious cowboy. But can a man with a deeply guarded secret open himself up to the wannabe cowgirl in the saddle next to him? Deeply romantic and suspenseful, In the Reins captures the struggle between letting life move forward and shying away from taking the reins. Passionate, captivating, and full of equine epiphanies, this is a love story sure to touch your inner cowgirl. Paperback : 303 pages. Publisher : Carly Kade Creative; 1st edition (December 10, 2015) Read and excerpt from the book HERE.




In 1912, four men, calling themselves the “Overland Westerners,” decided fame and fortune awaited if they embarked on the longest horseback ride in history. Their goal was to visit all forty-eight state capitals over the course of three years and complete their journey at the San Francisco World’s Fair on June 1, 1915. Facing rugged roads, raging rivers, thieves and near starvation, the men went through seventeen horses. Only one horse completed the entire journey… Pinto, a little horse with a heart as big as the whole country! This is Pinto’s account of his arduous adventure.

PINTO! deserves a spot on the reading lists of not only young, horse-crazy readers, but adults who like horse tales ala Black Beauty. - Diane Donovan for Midwest Book Reviews

Paperback : 272 pages. Publisher : Dancing Horse Press (October 16, 2019) Read and excerpt from the book HERE.




Brain Training for Riders: Unlock Your Riding Potential with StressLess Techniques for Conquering Fear, Improving Performance, and Finding Focused Calm by Andrea Monsarrat Waldo. Did you know there is an area of your brain known as the “Lizard Brain” that thinks only about the immediate moment and your means of survival? Yes, in certain circumstances, your “Rational Brain” can effectively “shut down” and you are at the mercy of a reptile ... dry-mouthed, sweating, queasy, unable to think clearly—even though you know better. When does the Lizard Brain run the show? It can happen in any number of unfamiliar, uncomfortable, challenging, or “stressful” riding situations.

But here’s the thing: with the right kind of training, you can learn to manage the reptile within, which leads to greater confidence with horses, better riding performance, and ultimately, happiness at the barn, at shows, and everywhere in between. Andrea Monsarrat Waldo teaches you how to: handle uncomfortable emotions, such as fear, anger, anxiety, and embarrassment; hone your mental game and focus your riding time to get the most out of your hours in the saddle; care for your emotional injuries the same way you would care for an injured horse; and produce a state of “Focused Calm” and tap into the skills you have (whether you know it or not!) to ensure an outstanding ride. Paperback: 224 pages Publisher: Trafalgar Square Books (November 15, 2016)




Christoph Hess, a Fédération Equestre International (FEI) “I” Judge in both dressage and eventing, is highly respected around the world as a teacher of riding and the development of the horse according to classical principles. Here he collects some of his very best riding and training tips along with well-honed insight related to the topics that he finds most often challenge equestrians and their equine partners. Ride Better with Christoph Hess provides thoughtful, easy-to-apply advice when dealing with issues with the gaits, in particular the walk and canter; high-headedness or the horse that is “too light” in the poll; inconsistency of performance; leaning on the bit; falling out; lack of straightness; and much more. In addition, Hess breaks out particular skills and movements that often need specialized attention when in the dressage or jumping ring, and when going cross-country. Throughout Hess emphasizes that a rider must always strive to improve, for the simple reason that you can always do better for your horse. While competitive and training goals do, of course, bring a certain satisfaction, it is having an equine partner who is contented in his work and happy in your company that rewards most. This lesson, and all Hess's tips and solutions, are invaluable to equestrians of every level—everyone can walk away from this book a better rider. Paperback: 184 pages Publisher: Trafalgar Square Books (March 6, 2018)




The Big Book of Miniature Horses Everything You Need to Know to Buy, Care for, Train, Show, Breed, and Enjoy a Miniature Horse of Your Own, by Kendra Gale (Author). Pet, show-ring competitor, pasture companion, driving partner, patient therapy horse—the Miniature Horse does it all. But whether you dream of winning ribbons or just hanging out, it is vital to have a solid understanding of safe handling and proper stabling; grooming needs and feeding requirements; general care and management essentials; special health and wellness concerns; and basic training how-tos. In these pages experienced Miniature Horse breeder Kendra Gale of Circle J Miniature Horses provides the most complete Miniature Horse resource available. You not only learn the ins and outs of making a Miniature Horse a part of your life, you gain invaluable professional insight when it comes to buying and breeding, registering and showing, training and handling, and so much more. Paperback: 224 pages Publisher: Trafalgar Square Books; 1 edition (October 10, 2017) Language: English

Read an excerpt from the book HERE.




“To win for the USA.” Many young athletes grow up with a goal of reaching the Olympics and the glories of their sport’s highest levels. It is no different for equestrians, whether they ride English, Western, vault, or drive a carriage. Riding for the Team chronicles the lives of those who dreamed about competing for their country and “made it,” sharing inspirational stories from the international governing organization’s eight equestrian disciplines: show jumping, dressage, eventing, driving, vaulting, reining, endurance, and para-dressage. Readers are immersed in the fascinating histories of the medal-winning riders, drivers, and vaulters who have dominated American equestrian sport over the past 28 years, such as McLain Ward, Karen O’Connor, Debbie McDonald, and Tim McQuay. Athletes tell their stories and those of their horses during the years they honed their talent and dedicated their lives to representing their country in the Olympics, World Equestrian Games, World Championships, and Pan American Games. Beautifully illustrated with breathtaking photographs from prestigious competitions held around the world, Riding for the Team not only provides a dazzling record of American equestrian accomplishment, it promises to inspire the next generation of champions. Hardcover: 288 pages Publisher: Trafalgar Square Books (October 29, 2019)

Read an excerpt from the book HERE.




Riding well can be a puzzle. This book puts together the pieces, including: - How humans and horses learn. - Striving for partnership vs. dictatorship. - Early training and developing skills. - Demystifying equestrian-speak. - Dressage outside the arena. - Ground poles for the rest of us. - Jumping and cross-country tips. - Solving problems, wherever you ride. - Competition psychology. - Being coached and being a coach. “This book is aimed at riders, coaches, and anyone interested in learning more about how humans and horses interact. I have tried to harness my own experiences when I cover the three main disciplines―dressage, show jumping, and eventing―and how they relate to one another. I look at how those in a coaching position can guide riders to perform better by making their lives less complicated and more fulfilling, and I examine how riders can apply the same principles to training their horses and become self-sufficient. Paperback: 192 pages Publisher: Trafalgar Square Books (January 15, 2019)

Read an excerpt from the book HERE.




It is April 1945 and the world's most prized horses are about to be slaughtered... As the Red Army closes in on the Third Reich, a German colonel sends an American intelligence officer an unusual report about a POW camp soon to be overrun by the Soviets. Locked up, the report says, are over a thousand horses, including the entire herd of white Lipizzaner's from Vienna's Spanish Riding School, as well as Europe's finest Arabian stallions--stolen to create an equine "master race." The horses are worth millions and, if the starving Red Army reaches the stables first, they will kill the horses for rations. The Americans, under the command of General George Patton, whose love of horses was legendary, decide to help the Germans save the majestic creatures. Drawing from newly unearthed archival material, family archives held by descendants of the participants, and interviews with many of the participants published throughout the years, Ghost Riders is the definitive account of this truly unprecedented and moving story of kindness and compassion at the close of humanity's darkest hour. Hardcover: 304 pages Publisher: Da Capo Press (October 2, 2018)




ASHLEY was locked in closets as punishment, and physically and sexually abused, resulting in an angry and violent child who threatened her adoptive family―until she met Cocoa and Radar, the horses that helped her learn to trust again. BRENDA was diagnosed bipolar and lived through humiliating domestic abuse, but three horses―Delilah, Wiscy, and Diesel―helped her establish a sense of self-worth, hope for the future, and ultimately, the will to go on. Inspired by her own childhood trauma when she spent seven days in a coma, awakened to a severely compromised body and brain, and rebuilt her life with the help of a horse, Michelle Holling-Brooks founded Unbridled Change, a non-profit Equine-Partnered Therapy organization that helps match horses to individuals in need. Here she shares amazing stories of the people she’s worked with and the “horse cure” that changed their lives. Survivors of trauma, loss, illness, abuse, stress, and depression can face seemingly insurmountable obstacles. But today, a growing body of scientific evidence suggests that horses play a crucial role in therapy for those struggling with significant psychological and emotional challenges. Paperback: 184 pages Publisher: Trafalgar Square Books (May 15, 2019)




Racing Time is a book of searing intensity shining a healing light into the wounds of loss. Most of all, it is a celebration of life-long friendships with three men--each outspoken, authentic, and a lover of the out-of-doors. In a period of nine months, Smithwick delivers the eulogies of these three who have been his nexus to the world of steeplechasing and Thoroughbred racing. Written to stand on its own, Racing Time is the third of a trilogy, following the memoirs Racing My Father and Flying Change. It continues with the vivid prose and sensory descriptions of the first two books, then takes a different path, delving deeply into the psyche of men, showing one man's love and respect for another, sometimes his anger and disappointment, and always his sense of loyalty and wonder. Smithwick takes the reader through the joy and excitement of shared youthful experiences, into the camaraderie of adulthood, and ends with the clap of a thundercloud calling on us all to live life to the fullest. Hardcover: 496 pages Publisher: Dementi Milestone Publishing (July 1, 2019). Read an excerpt from the book HERE.




Confessions of a Timid Rider by Heather Wallace is a memoir detailing one woman's insights into being an anxiety-ridden but passionate equestrian. After returning to riding as a mother, she is determined to follow her dreams despite the fear she is somehow lacking in talent or ability. An in-depth look into the heart and head of a returning adult equestrian, and mother, this message is not limited only those with horse experience. In fact, Confessions of a Timid Rider is the perfect book to read for anyone whom even for a moment questions their value in their designated profession or life choice. This book will inspire you to pursue your dreams despite the inner voice that says you aren’t good enough. Paperback: 163 pages Publisher: Lulu (June 7, 2018) KINDLE EDITION AVAILABLE




Codependency, a compulsive behavior sometimes known as “relationship addiction,” is often characterized by a dysfunctional, one-sided relationship that is emotionally destructive—even abusive. For years Susan Conley found herself trapped, married to an addict whose health, welfare, and safety she valued far above her own. Here, with humor and honesty, Conley chronicles her experiences, sharing how her pledge to rediscover herself following her divorce was aided, abetted, and challenged by the horses in her life. “The struggle to heal the wounds of a dysfunctional marriage was actually made easier via the real wounds received from horseback riding.” Many Brave Fools explores the ways in which horses enriched Conley’s life, and how the process of making herself into a rider also helped her become the person she most wanted to be: not the “ex-wife of an addict,” but a responsive, confident, even courageous woman, entering the prime of her life. Print Length: 232 pages Publisher: Trafalgar Square Books (April 5, 2019) Publication Date: April 5, 2019 KINDLE EDITION AVAILABLE.




Based on a manuscript and sketches discovered in 2013, this book is like a visit to a museum—with a horse as your guide! Explore how different artists have seen horses, and maybe even find a new way of looking at them yourself. Discover full-color photographic art reproductions of pieces by Picasso, George Stubbs, Rosa Bonheur, Alexander Calder, Jacob Lawrence, Deborah Butterfield, Franz Marc, Jackson Pollock, and many others—all of which feature a horse! Young readers will find themselves delightfully transported by the engaging equines as they learn about the creative process and how to see art in new ways.

Taking inspiration from Dr. Seuss’s original sketches, acclaimed illustrator Andrew Joyner has created a look that is both subtly Seussian and wholly his own. His whimsical illustrations are combined throughout with “real-life” art. Cameo appearances by classic Dr. Seuss characters (among them the Cat in the Hat, the Grinch, and Horton the Elephant) make Dr. Seuss’s Horse Museum a playful picture book that is totally unique. Ideal for home or classroom use, it encourages critical thinking and makes a great gift for Seuss fans, artists, and horse lovers of all ages. Hardcover: 80 pages Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (September 3, 2019)





The equine hoof is a complex marvel of natural engineering, built to withstand tremendous forces and able to adapt to an astonishing range of environmental conditions. It also changes daily—for better or for worse—in response to external and internal factors. Few horse owners have the opportunity to acquire a deep understanding of the hoof, which limits their ability to advocate on their horses’ behalf and make informed decisions about hoof care and management. This book is the first resource of its kind to combine the most current and useful information available, gleaned from the research and wisdom of top hoof experts around the world, with a unique “hands-on” approach. Easy–to–follow language, over 400 full–color photographs, and do–it–yourself exercises promise to empower horse owners and caretakers of all experience levels with the tools they need to accurately assess hoof health and keep their horses as sound and happy as possible. Hardcover: 336 pages, Publisher: Trafalgar Square Books; 1 edition (October 10, 2017), KINDLE edition available





Regardless of seat size, riding discipline, or the degree — or even truth — of the body issues with which they struggle, the scars on female self-image in our society run deep and wide. So with the humor and big-sisterly swagger that readers and reviewers have come to love, Melinda Folse, author of bestseller The Smart Woman’s Guide to Midlife Horses, has decided to step in with a delightful, insightful, fulfilling new book. Riding Through Thick and Thin delves to the bottom of the issues that have long held women hostage, bringing together experts, research, resources, and stories to encourage, inspire, and empower. Readers will find some answers that may surprise them: Believe it or not, this is not about losing weight or getting fit (although if that’s a point of interest, there’s a section packed with helpful tools and ideas). This book is more about what’s going on in every woman’s mind — and it taps new findings in neuroscience to reveal that permanent change to deeply ingrained body image issues is not only possible, but it may be much easier than we think. Paperback: 432 pages Publisher: Trafalgar Square Books (December 29, 2015)




The true Mestre is a person who directs and changes your life. Renowned champion of classical equitation principles and bestselling author Dominique Barbier names the revered Portuguese equestrian Mestre Nuno Oliveira as his. In this deeply personal book Barbier chronicles their time together. Beginning in a tiny, dimly lit riding hall in Póvoa de Santo Adrião, Portugal, where seminal moments of Barbier's riding education dawned under the watchful eyes of many luminaries of the European riding elite, the book then explores what came later when Barbier studied with the Mestre in Avessada and traveled with him to Belgium. Barbier's recollections are complemented by those of three other equestrians who learned from the Mestre: Dany Lahaye, Bettina Drummond, and Luis Valença. The result is a remarkable and insightful retrospective of one of the most extraordinary horsemen of all time. Hardcover: 200 pages Publisher: Trafalgar Square Books (November 20, 2018)





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Equine Authors

• Candace A. Wade
• Gina McKnight
• Helen Hogan
• Kay Kerr

Equine Publishers

• Trafalgar Square Books, 88 Howe Hill Road, North Pomfret, VT 05053
• WILLOW BEND PUBLISHING, P.O. Box 304, Goshen, MA 01032



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