Equestrian Books

 

Included in our selection of books to buy are the recommended reading for the Equestrian Australia NCAS Introductory Horse Management (IHM) and Introductory & Level 1 Riding Certificates:-

  • The Right Track
  • The BHS Complete Manual of Horse & Stable Management
  • The Principles of Riding

Even if you are not taking the courses they are excellent reference manuals for all riders and horse owners!

 

How to view the book selection:-

Below are the buttons to look at the books categorised.

Underneath the categories are the books that are recommended reading from Equestrian Australia followed by an alphabetical listing.

 

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The Right Track - BOOK
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The Right Track

Recommended Reading by Equestrian Australia & Pony Club Australia

Have you every tacked up your horse, ridden into the arena and discovered you haven’t any idea what to do next? Are you a riding instructor looking for more exercises for your students? Or perhaps you’re the dedicated parent of a potential riding star who wants to help discover the secret of successful training. The Right Track is an immensely useful collection of a huge variety of arena exercises for individual and group riding lessons designed to make flatwork interesting and fun, but above all, effective.

Have you ever tacked up your horse, ridden into the arena and discovered that you haven't any idea what to do next? Are you a riding instructor looking for more exercises for your students? Or perhaps you are the dedicated parent of a potential riding star who wants to help discover the secret of successful training... The Right Track is here to help. With exercises designed to improve transitions, rhythm, flexion, accuracy, balance-- and much more-- this indespensable collection of arena exercises will revitalize flatwork sessions, making them interesting, fun and, above all, effective.

Author Notes: Sarah Venamore is an internationally experienced horsewoman. She is renowned amongst her students for the clarity of her teaching, and this book encapsulates the essence of her style. Sarah Venamore studied for her BHSAI under molly Sivewright at the Talland School of Equitation. She has since gained further teaching qualifications and now back in her native Australia she is the NSW State Pony Club dressage coach; she travels all over the country coaching pony club teams and has overseen several vaulting teams successfully compete overseas. Sarah competes at dressage herself and has been placed at state and national level. While some of the exercises in this book have been taught to Sarah during her own training, Sarah has devised the rest herself, refining and improving them. Sarah uses them extensively-- and successfully-- to hold the interest of young riders as they train at her riding camps. They are presented in an easily usable fashion in this book for all riders and trainers to benefit.

Format: Spiral Bound
Number of Pages: 192
ISBN: 9781570763694
Author: Sarah Venamore

The Right Track II ...Moving Foward - BOOK
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The Right Track II .. moving forward

                        

Following on from 'The Right Track',  'The Right Track 11...moving forward', gives riders and instrctors more ideas for exercises within an arena.

You'll also find an insight as to how we learn, and how much information you can receive from a lesson!.

The Right Track II is the next`book with fantastic exercises to challenge the mind and the body, for both horse and rider.

It works with the same principles of straightness, forward, flexion, bend, transitions, awareness and lateral work.

There is also a section to explain how we think and learn to help you get the most out of your own lessons or to help you train others.

Author Notes: Sarah Venamore is an internationally experienced horsewoman. She is renowned amongst her students for the clarity of her teaching, and this book encapsulates the essence of her style. Sarah Venamore studied for her BHSAI under molly Sivewright at the Talland School of Equitation. She has since gained further teaching qualifications and now back in her native Australia she is the NSW State Pony Club dressage coach; she travels all over the country coaching pony club teams and has overseen several vaulting teams successfully compete overseas. Sarah competes at dressage herself and has been placed at state and national level. While some of the exercises in this book have been taught to Sarah during her own training, Sarah has devised the rest herself, refining and improving them. Sarah uses them extensively-- and successfully-- to hold the interest of young riders as they train at her riding camps. They are presented in an easily usable fashion in this book for all riders and trainers to benefit.

BHS Manual of Horse & Stable Management - BOOK
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bhshorsestable

BHS Complete Manual of Horse and Stable Management

The British Horse Society's comprehensive guide to the care and management of horses and ponies. This new edition has been fully revised, updated and expanded, with the addition of many new illustrations, to bring it into line with current thinking in the horse world.

 EQUESTRIAN AUSTRALIA NCAS RECOMMENDED READING

Filled with reliable information and advice on modern stable management practices, the book provides a sound foundation for Horse Knowledge and Care Stages 1 to 4 and the BHS Stable Manager's Certificate. 

Throughout, the emphasis is on the adoption of correct and safe procedures for the welfare of all who come into contact with horses, as well as for the animals themselves. Although designed to be a course book for those taking BHS exams, it is invaluable to anyone looking after horses, either as a general source of information or as a quick reference guide. A must for every stable yard and rider.

Author: Consultant Editor: Islay Auty FBHS Revised and Updated by Jo Batty-Smith FBHS

Binding: Paperback

Extent: 235 x 210mm, 480 pages

Illustrations: Black & White drawings

ISBN: 9781905693184

The Principles of Riding - BOOK
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The Principles of Riding

 This extremely popular handbook, the English translation of the official German Instruction manual, provides a complete course for horse and rider using the German training system - the system that has consistently produced international champions for many decades.

EQUESTRIAN AUSTRALIA NCAS RECOMMENDED READING

Contents include:
  • Basic training of the rider
  • Basic exercises
  • Basic training of the horse
  • Tips for riding in competitions

Author: German National Equestrian Federation

Binding: Paperback

Extent: 245 x 198mm, 192 pages

Illustrations: Black & white drawings

ISBN: 1872119717

101 Exercises from Top Riders - BOOK
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101 Exercises from Top Riders

 

This is a collection of the favourite and most effective flatwork and jumping exercises from the stars of the equestrian world. The contributors include Olympic medalists, world champions and up-and-coming stars of the future from a range of equestrian disciplines. It includes progressive training for all levels of experience, from novice to intermediate. It provides easy-to-follow, step-by-step instruction with clear diagrams and illustrations.

Publisher: David & Charles
Format: Hardcover
Number of Pages: 224
ISBN: 0-7153-2547-7
Author: Jaki Bell

101 Horsemanship Exercises - BOOK
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101 Horsemanship Exercises
 
This perfect guide to improving your horse's manners, concentration, temperament, suppleness and obedience both on the ground and from the saddle, based on how horses think and respond to training. 
 

Dip into the 101 exercises to help you understand and solve a particular proble, or work through them in sequence to develop a solid foundation.
Learn both theory and practical skills - from the simplest fundamentals that everyone around horses should know, tot he refined techniques of the expert horseman, providing a clear road map, for the journey towards the Art of Horsemanship.

 

Format: Hardcover
Number of Pages: 217
ISBN: 9780715326725
Author: Rio Barrett

101 Jumping Exercises - BOOK
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101 Jumping Exercises
 
This work contains 101 jumping exercises every horse and rider should know, from the simplest skills to the most complex techniques.
It starts with basic work over and around poles to help horse and rider establish and maintain a dialogue with each other. Exercises progress in complexity teaching the rider correct technique, balance and confidence. It provides fresh perspectives on how to achieve and hold on to the competitive edge, and includes guest exercises by leading equestrians such as Missy Clark, Hap Hansen and James Wofford.


Format: Paperback
Number of Pages: 192
ISBN: 0-7153-2405-5
Author: Linda L Allen & Dianna R Dennis

101 Riding Exercises - BOOK
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101 Riding Exercises
 
This is a comprehensive and practical guide to improving your horse riding with a huge range of exercises designed to tackle every aspect of the rider's position. The 101 exercises are divided into sections according to the area of the body, with some focusing on specific areas and others involving the entire body.
Riders can identify problem areas and tailor-make their own personal training programme of both ridden and dismounted exercises, while riding instructors can use the exercises to create their lesson plans. Each exercise is clearly explained with diagrams and step-by-step instructions and includes invaluable tips to ensure effective results.

Author Notes: Karen Bush is an experienced author and instructor and has previously co-written The Principles of Teaching Riding (D&C, 2005) and The Complete Equine Emergency Bible (D&C, 2006). Julian Marczak is the chairman of the Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS) and member of the council of the British Equestrian Federation.

Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780715331477
Author: Karen Bush, Julian Marczak

101 Schooling Exercises - BOOK
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101 Schooling Exercises
 
Schooling your horse is fundamental to any equestrian pastime, so getting it right is essential to the horse and rider's progression. With 101 Schooling Exercises, you can plan the exercises you want to ride according to the level of you and your horse's ability.
Whether to increase your horse's balance, generate impulsion or for more advanced lateral exercises, the easy-to-follow exercises include all the information you need to ride the movement correctly, what may go wrong and advice on how to correct it. Each exercise is accompanied by an aerial illustration of the arena and additional diagrams showing the rider's position including where the emphasis should be on the rider's aids. Celebrities from the equestrian world also divulge their favourite training exercises including celebrity tips and advice.


Format: Paperback
Number of Pages: 224
ISBN: 0 715329758
Author: Jaki Bell & Andrew Day

A History of the Horse - BOOK
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A History of the Horse
 
The author traces the origins of the horse in Europe, Asia and North Africa and, in particular, on the Iberian Peninsula. Drawing on archaeological evidence and ancient texts, he explains the development of the horse from hunted animal to domesticated working horse. The author is past President of the Brazilian Association of Lusitano Horse Breeders.

 

In this erudite and fascinating book the author traces the origins of the horse in Europe, Asia and North Africa, and in particular on the Iberian Peninsula. Drawing on archaeological evidence and ancient texts the author explains the development of the horse from hunted animal to domesticated working horse. Illustrated with line drawings, maps and photographs, A History of the Horse will be enjoyed by the student, scholar, and horse-lover alike.

Author Notes: Paulo Gaviao Gonzaga in 1975 he established Interago Farms in Itapira, Brazil, a famous Lustiano horse-breeding operation which is now the world’s largest, running about 400 mares and selling horses to an international market. He was for many years the President of the Brazilian Association of Lustiano Horse Breeders. Paulo Gonzaga has contributed several articles on horse breeding to Brazilian and American publications, and has written books on the Lustiano horse. He regularly drives his Lustiano horses around the farm.

Format: Hardcover
Number of Pages: 288
ISBN: 0 85131 867 3
Author: Paulo Gaviao Gonzaga

Advanced Techniques of Dressage - BOOK
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GNEF Advanced Techniques of Dressage

Newly translated from the official instruction handbook of the German National Equestrian Federation, this is a revised and updated version of the dressage section of the former Advanced Techniques of Riding (now out of print), this teaching manual provides an instruction course in advanced level dressage for horse and rider, using the German training system; a clear and logical system that has consistently produced international champions for many decades. With line drawings throughout, it describes in detail the criteria governing each stage of dressage training; from transitions and extensions to piaffe and passage; giving the aids and training methods to be used for each movement or exercise. Respecting both purity and classical traditions, its aim is to create true harmony between rider and horse, and therefore mutual trust and confidence.

Contents includes:
  • The Correct Dressage Seat
  • Special Tack and Equipment
  • The Principles of Training
  • Advanced Dressage Exercises
  • Working the Horse in Hand
  • Training Problems
  • Competitions

Author: German National Equestrian Federation

Binding: Hardback

Extent: 255 x 195mm, 120 pages

Illustrations: Black & white diagrams

ISBN: 1872119646

Anatomy of Dressage - BOOK
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Anatomy of Dressage

 

This new translation provides riders with the anatomical basis for correct riding. Only with a working knowledge of human anatomy can a rider fully understand the instructions given for correct position in the saddle and explanations of movements.


Format: Paperback
Number of Pages: 144
ISBN: 9780939481699
Author: Heinrich & Volker Schusdziarra

Art of Training - BOOK
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Art of Training
 
What do riders want from their horse? Whatever their goals, they need to understand that how the way a horse is put together affects his athletic ability, and what his limitations and abilities are likely to be. They must also recognize the enormous extent to which they, as riders and trainers, can affect a horse's capabilities and either enhance or decrease his potential. This book sets out to show how the average owner can assist any horse to achieve maximum potential - whether the ultimate aim is dressage, endurance, eventing, showjumping, riding-club activities, showing or general recreational riding.

The aim of Realize Your Horse’s True Potential is to enable the average owner, rider and trainer to improve the general ability and performance of any horse no matter what his or her age, whether the ultimate purpose is general recreational riding, riding club activities, eventing, showjumping, dressage or endurance. The author looks at the strengths and weaknesses inherent in different types of conformation, and suggests ways in which riders can minimize the effects of any weakness while recognizing the limitations. The emphasis throughout the book is on what can be achieved; no horse has absolutely perfect conformation but almost every horse can be helped, through correct care, training and riding, to overcome such limitations as nature has imposed on them, and to become fitter, healthier, happier and more versatile as a result, thus enhancing the rider’s enjoyment. Every horse owner, rider and trainer will benefit fro the study of his immensely practical, fascinating and ground breaking book.


Author Notes: Lesley Skipper writes about equestrian matters and Russian history. She is a liaison member of the Classical Riding Club, and is a regular contributor to the Club’s quarterly Newsletter. Her previous book Inside Your Horse’s Mind has been accepted as the set book for the Equine Behaviour Course at the Damelin School in South Africa.

Format: Hardcover
Number of Pages: 256
ISBN: 85131 814 2
Author: Lesley Skipper

BHS Veterinary Manual - BOOK
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bhsvetman

BHS Veterinary Manual

With 648 double-column pages and over 300 superb illustrations and diagrams (by accomplished equestrian artist Carole Vincer), providing unrivalled clarity and understanding the new BHS Veterinary Manual provides a vast amount of background knowledge on how the horse functions and how to recognise when something is wrong; and extensive advice on ailments, injuries and conditions in accordance with the most up-to-date thinking.

Includes 4,500-entry 15-page index.

  • Part 1 The healthy horse: anatomy and physiology
  • Part 2 Diseases of the horse
  • Part 3 Lameness: understanding and detecting
  • Part 4 Veterinary aspects of horse management

Author: Peter S Hastie MRCVS

Binding: Paperback

Extent: 263 x 219mm, 648 pages

Illustrations: 340 black & white diagrams

ISBN: 1872082578

Sub Heading: The Comprehensive Reference

Bits and Bitting - BOOK
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Bits and Bitting
 
Bits and Bitting - A fully comprehensive yet essentially simple and attractive guide to bits and bitting, illustrating all types of bits and describing their correct fitting and use. There are sections on nosebands, reins and martingales. The ultimate reference book.

 

This comprehensive and easy to reference guide to bits and bitting covers all aspects of the subject including the difference types of bi, their correct fitting and action, sections on internal and external aids, assessing the structure if the horse’s head and how to measure and order bits. It contains 92 drawings and over 400 photographs in full colour, and is a fascinating, invaluable and attractive reference for all riders, horse owners and students.

Author Notes: Hilary Vernon has spent ten years in the saddlery trade advising clients on bits and their uses. Hilary is also a qualified riding instructor and a keen amateur whip. She is also at the moment helping to build a new saddlery.
 
Format: Hardcover
Number of Pages: 128
ISBN: 0 85131 725 1
Author: Hilary Vernon

Braiding Manes and Tails - BOOK
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 Braiding Manes and Tails

Next to riding, there's nothing horse people love more than to pamper and groom their horses. Particularly satisfying among grooming tasks, braiding manes and tails is a calming, centering routine, enjoyed equally by horse and rider. And, of course, handsome braids are a requirement for showing in many riding disciplines.

Horse trainer and instructor Charni Lewis brings the wonderful process of braiding to life in her clearly described, step-by-step guide to 30 beautiful braids. Helping the braider along are full-color photographs and detailed illustrations showing twists and turns that make each style unique and the hand positions necessary to hold those ropes of equine hair in place. To keep hands free for braiding, the book has a nail hole at the top of each page for easy hanging on a post or barn wall.
Lewis begins with detailed advice on choosing and using appropriate tools, preparing the horse, and creating a safe area in which to work. After a chapter on no-nonsense maintenance braids (used primarily to keep the horse neat and clean), she progresses through all the classic braids required for each riding discipline -- from a Diamond dressage braid to the Three-ribbon style favored for gaited show horses. Finally, Lewis lets loose with braids that are simply fun to do. She encourages readers to experiment with a Scalloped Hunter mane braid or a Fourstrand Weave for the tail. They look gorgeous, and when the novelty wears off, there are many more to try!

 

Format: Spiral Bound
Number of Pages: 151
ISBN: 9781580176996
Author: Charni Lewis

Cavelletti - BOOK
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Cavelletti
 
The classic work on the schooling of horse and rider over ground poles. Written by an Olympic gold medallist widely regarded as one of the best all-round riders in the world. Demonstrates how to train any horse for jumping with the use of cavalletti with a chapter on gymnastic jumping by the author's daughter, Ingrid Klimke.

This revised and updated version of Reiner Klimke’s classic book on cavalletti work now has an extended section on gymnastic jumping by the author’s daughter, Ingrid Klimke. First published over 30 years, the original information on schooling horses over cavalletti is still valid today but the book also encompasses the changing face and requirements of the modern sport horse.

Author Notes: Reiner Klimke, who died in 1999, won the gold medal for dressage at the Tokyo Olympics in 1964, and was five times European dressage champion. He was also chosen to represent Germany in the Olympic Games in Mexico in 1968 and Munich in 1972. Ingrid Klimke, an international trainer of dressage, showjumping and eventing horses, has been not only influenced by her father but also Fritz Ligges, Ian Miller and Anne Kursinski

Format: Hardcover
Number of Pages: 144
ISBN: 85131 755 3
Author: Ingrid & Reiner Klimke

Centred Riding - BOOK
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Centred Riding

 

This book’s publication 21 years ago caused a revolution in riding by demonstrating how good use of the body can make a world of difference to both rider and horse. The author is widely known for her innovative teaching philosophy stressing body awareness, the value of ‘soft eyes’, proper breathing, centring and balance, and her methods enable horse and rider to achieve harmony, working together naturally and without pain.

Author Notes: Sally taught riding professionally for ten years as a young woman, however moved on and it wasn’t until she retired at the age of 62 that she returned to teaching riding. She had an awareness of the body-mind connection and its importance to the mechanics of riding well. The book Centered Riding was published in 1985 and became one of the best-selling horse books of all time. It was followed by two popular videotapes in 1986. Sally began to travel both nationally and internationally to teaching Centered Riding. She formed the organization Centered Riding Inc, and since the organization began 1,000 instructors have been approved. Now aged 85 she no longer travels, but still teaches a few private lessons and some two-day clinics.

Format: Hardcover
Number of Pages: 288
ISBN: 0 85131 933 5
Author: Sally Swift

Centred Riding 2 - BOOK
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Centred Riding 2
 
When Centered Riding was first published in 1985, it became one of the best-selling horse books of all time. Since then, the centered riding method has continued to evolve and the author has developed many new concepts, all of which are presented here with the aim of achieving a successful partnership in which horse and rider work efficiently together in joyful harmony.

Centered Riding is a way of educating the mind and body of the rider in order to achieve greater balance, harmony and communication with the horse. Sally Swift’s first book, Centered Riding revolutionised riding by demonstrating how good use of the body can make a world of difference to both rider and horse. Seventeen years later, the author has produced a remarkable sequel which shows how the Centered Riding method has continued to evolve and presents new concepts and fresh imagery, all designed to help, reward and inspire the rider. Centered Riding 2, not only does Sally Swift explain the ain tenets of her method for the benefit of the rider but also turns her attention to the horse, showing how it is possible to improve balance, musculature and way of going, with the result that horse and rider can work together efficiently and successfully in joyful harmony,


Author Notes: Sally taught riding professionally for ten years as a young woman, however moved on and it wasn’t until she retired at the age of 62 that she returned to teaching riding. She had an awareness of the body-mind connection and its importance to the mechanics of riding well. The book Centered Riding was published in 1985 and became one of the best-selling horse books of all time. It was followed by two popular videotapes in 1986. Sally began to travel both nationally and internationally to teaching Centered Riding. She formed the organization Centered Riding Inc, and since the organization began 1,000 instructors have been approved. Now aged 85 she no longer travels, but still teaches a few private lessons and some two-day clinics.

 

Format: Hardcover

Number of Pages: 208
ISBN: 0 85131 873 8
Author: Sally Swift

Courses for Horses - BOOK
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Courses for Horses
 
Used by course designers, show officials, trainers and instructors everywhere, this is packed with practical advice on the basic principles of safe course building including indoor and outdoor courses, courses for horses and ponies, materials, construction, planning and measurements.

Christopher Coldrey’s message is that good courses make show jumping more interesting and rewarding for riders, horses and spectators. With this in mind, his new and much enlarged edition of Courses for Horses is packed with practical advice on such matters as how a horse jumps, the basic principles of safe course designing; the problems of indoor jumping; water obstacles; building courses for ponies; working hunters and horse trials; and planning and setting up courses from riding club level to CSIOs. As such it will be welcomed by course designers, riders, show officials, trainers and instructors everywhere.

Author Notes: Chrisopher Coldrey has been an international course designer for thirty years and has built courses in twelve countries on five continents. The first editions of this book was published in 1978, the year in which he won the coveted Wills Course Designer of the Year award. He has also competed as a show jumping rider in eight countries.

Format: Hardcover
Number of Pages: 176
ISBN: 0 85131 541 0
Author: Christopher Coldrey