Buy A Horse Book Day: Our Favorite Horse Books Recommendations
Wednesday May 10 is Buy A Horse Book Day! Heels Down is celebrating our favorite horse-themed reads and equestrian authors everywhere on this day.
Horse books help us learn and connect with the animal in new, elevated ways. A good book lets us get lost in the passion we share through horses. In the spirit of Buy A Horse Book Day, the editors at Heels Down cobbled together our favorite book recommendations. There’s one for just about every horse person out there. Enjoy!
For Continuing Education and Insight:
“Grid Pro Quo” by Margaret Rizzo McKlvey. This book is the riding exercise dictionary we all need. The book features 52 exercises from nearly every big name in the horse world – Boyd Martin, Sharon White, Allison Springer, Anne Kursinski, and Tim Bourke – to name a few, which apply to riders of all levels and disciplines. These exercises are 100% user and ammy friendly, and easy to try out on our own at home. Read our full review here.
“The Training Spiral” by Sue Grice. We’re all fairly familiar with the training pyramid or scales of training – the fundamental building blocks for training a horse up the levels. Well, Sue Grice takes everything you know about riding and training and turns it on its head – in a good way. She’s reimagined these old methods for the modern horse and rider. That strong foundation is still there, but gives riders tools to visualize how to accomplish these concepts in new and unique ways.
“Pole Work For Dressage Riders” by Ann Katrin Querbach. Even if jumping isn’t your thing, there are exercises in pole work that can benefit any horse, no matter their fitness or riding level. This book concisely explains the benefits of pole work for horses and expertly describes exercises that are easily replicated at home. Each exercise is tailored to aid in a number of training themes – from rhythm and tempo to creating forwardness, straightness, ease of transitions, collection and lengthening, building the abs and hind end, and more. Read our full review.
“World-Class Grooming for Horses” by Cat Hill and Emma Ford. This book is a classic staple for any rider looking to compete or any horse owner wanting to expand on their grooming skills. Cat and Emma are so free and forthcoming with their knowledge, skills developed over a lifetime of grooming at the very top levels of horse sport. Any grooming or day-to-day care issue you can think of is covered thoroughly in this book.
For Good Storytelling:
“Horse Girls” edited by Halimah Marcus. This certainly feels like the year of horse-girl energy. All of that is encapsulated in this book, made up of personal essays from horse women of all different backgrounds. It’s an enlightening read on the profound impact horses can have on a woman’s life, even years after a long riding hiatus. The spirit of being a horse girl truly never leaves us.
“Saving Baby“ by Jo Anne Normile. If you’re looking to get lost in a story about a woman’s quest to save a horse, this is the one. The bond between horse and rider is celebrated in Jo Anne’s personal story about saving a racehorse, and the heartbreak and triumph that follows. It’s quite the compelling tale.
“Horse: A Novel,” by Geraldine Brooks. “Likely the best book I’ve read this year,” said one of our editors. While not strictly about horses in the typical horse fandom world, this incredible novel details a thrilling story about humanity, and its highs and lows. For any Thoroughbred fan, you’ll get a vivid dive into horse racing culture as told through the troubling time period of slavery in America.
For Gifts and Sharing:
“The Boy, The Mole, The Fox And The Horse,” By Charlie Mackesy. The magical sketch art of Charlie Mackesy is the perfect gift for anyone you care about, whether they love horses or not. The thought-provoking, inspiring messages of these characters are sure to warm just about anyone’s heart. Mackesy’s sketches and writing was turned into an Academy Award-nominated short film. But the book is just as beautiful, and perhaps even more timeless.
“For The Love of the Horse,” by Mark Rashid. Mark is acclaimed horse trainer known for ability to communicate through problems without force. In this book, he shares the transformative moments with people and horses that have helped shape his rich 30-plus year career. His recollections are eye-opening and humbling, and boil down to his journey to always find ways to be a better caregiver to the horse.
Looking for more good book recommendations? Don’t miss last year’s top picks. Click here.
Join us by sharing your favorite books and writers using the #BuyAHorseBookDay hashtag. You can save 20% and get free shipping when buying from Horse & Rider Books on May 10. Feeling generous? Consider making a donation to Saddle up and Read.