Buy A Horse Book Day: The Ones We Can’t Put Down
Friday 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:
“No Bored Horses” by Amanda Goble. In this rich manual, Amanda explores the theory behind why horses need enrichment to thrive, how lifestyle changes can shape your horse’s health and well-being, and dozens of exercises you can do with your horse to keep your horse challenged, interested, and content. Read our full review here.
“Ultimate Exercise Routines For Riders,” by Laura Crump Anderson. In the book, Laura features the workout routines of eight equestrian women, all at the top of their game. Laura blends these routines with her own to develop a program any busy rider can fit into their life schedule. It’s focused on riding, strength training, stretching and rest and recovery. Read our full review here.
“Riding Out,” by Ingrid Klimke. In this book by the Olympic Gold medalist, Ingrid Klimke encourages riders of all disciplines to spend time outside of the arena. It’s important for both rider and horse to enjoy it, of course, but the benefits include promoting relaxation, variety to training, boosting motivation and building fitness in diverse ways.
“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:
“Never Burn Your Moving Boxes” by Jolyn Young. Author Jolyn Young takes us along in her life as a true cowgirl, working on a Nevada ranch in her 20s. It’s everything you see in Yellowstone or Heartland but real life – the horses, the cattle, the wide open land. Jolyn writes in real drawl. She crafts touching scenes during some of the most vulnerable periods of her life. And she takes you on a ride as the unexpected happens – she falls in love – and when she chooses to leave it. Read our full review here.
“In The Middle Are The Horsemen” by Tik Maynard. Probably one of my favorite reads, ever. The eventer is honest and vulnerable about his journey in horse sport, and the hard life lessons learned thanks to horses. I was captivated by his story from the first page through to the end.
“The Makeover Horse” by Natalie Keller Reinert. In this novel, one woman is on a quest to find herself, and maybe a new flame, while also finding herself falling in love with the racehorse she’s retraining for the Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover. It’s the perfect quick weekend read for any horse girl.
For Gifts and Sharing:
“The Horse In Positive Tension,” by Stefan Stammer. Expand your understanding (or gift the notion of education to a friend) on equine movement in this book from physical therapist and movement specialist Stefan Stammer. The pages are a unique collection of color illustrations to explain the movement patterns in the horse visible to the human eye. Armed with new knowledge, the goal is to impact the daily interactions and work with horses and less interference with the horse’s natural mechanisms.
“Rainy Day Horsemanship,” by Vanessa Bee. Give the gift of expanding your groundwork skillset with this book. Even on days you cannot ride, there’s always something you can do with your horse. Challenge them mentally with these groundwork exercises or help build on your relationship with your horse by trying new things together.
“Neuroathletics For Riders,” by Marc Nölke. This is a great gift for the sport nerd rider you love. In this book, Marc Nölke explains that every movement of the rider’s body starts in the brain. If riders can learn how to control their thoughts, they can have better control over stability, sense of rhythm, precision of movement, breathing, and vision while in the saddle. The book includes interesting brain-focused exercises and howing how riders can change the “input” sent to their brain to get healthier, more athletic “output.”
Looking for more good book recommendations? Don’t miss last year’s top picks here. And from 2022 here.
Join us by sharing your favorite books and writers by using the #BuyAHorseBookDay hashtag. Feeling generous? Consider making a donation to Saddle up and Read.