Tuesday 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:
“The Riding Horse Repair Manual” by Doug Payne. Written by the acclaimed Olympic eventer, this book is exactly what it says it is – a manual to troubleshoot and fix some of the most common mishaps we face while training and riding. Doug breaks down problems in the most approachable way and offers sound advice on how to fix them. His training methods are kind to the horse and eye-opening for the reader/rider. No wonder he’s had such a storied career so far. There’s a tip or a trick for every horse person, no matter their age or skill level, in this book.
“Pilates For Horses” by Laura Reiman. We’ve all heard of the typical carrot stretches and why they’re good for our horses. “Pilates for Horses” is an instructional guide on how horse owners and riders can help get the most athletic performance from their horse by helping them through groundwork and under-tack stretching and strengthening exercises. These training, conditioning and rehabilitation techniques are easy to incorporate into just about any routine, thanks to Laura’s expert guide and advice.
“Wild Horse Country” by David Philipps. The Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times reporter details the storied history of the American mustang and how their future in this country has become entangled in controversy and bureaucratic mismanagement. It’s a stunning read for any history or current events buff, or anyone who wants to better understand the BLM debacle and what it means for the horses out West.
“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:
“The Man Who Listens To Horses” by Monty Roberts. My grandmother bought me this book when I was 12 years old and I still carry around the original worn copy. Monty’s story, on how he became the exemplary horseman he is today, is hard to put down. It’s an insightful and emotional read and one I still revisit after all these years.
“Horse Crazy” by Sarah Maslin Nir. There is something for everyone Sarah’s book about seeking out horses and finding them in the most unassuming places. The New York Times reporter explores the wide variety of personalities who are drawn to horses and their winding paths on how they connected with them. It’s a story about horses, of course, mixed with Sarah’s own journey to find them and keep them in her heart, along with so many others.
“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.
“RISE: The Jessica Phoenix Story” by Julie Fitz-Gerald. Written by the Olympic eventer’s sister, this is a story about the grit and determination of a world-class athlete. If you’re looking for an uplifting and powerful story, this is it. Jessica’s determination and commitment to the horses and the sport is inspiring.
For Gifts and Sharing:
“Life With Horses Is Never Orderly” by Morgane Schmidt, I was delighted over this collection of adorable and witty sketches. It’s the perfect coffee table book for any horse lover. It’s just wonderful to flip through and cackle to yourself over every totally relatable scenario. In her introduction, the author captures it perfectly: “What follows is a sort of crash course into the fray that is the horse world. I hope it not only makes you chuckle, but also inspires and reminds you that we should never take ourselves too seriously.” Read our full book review here.
“The Gates To Brilliance: How A Gay, Jewish, Middle-Class Kid Who Loved Horses Found Success”, by Robert Dover. This book is an invitation to sit in the saddle as Robert takes you on the ride of his life. From his first impression of horses and the sport, to his extraordinary rise to the top levels, Robert is candidly open about his own experiences. There are chapters where Robert writes quite vulnerably about his own struggles and setbacks, and eye-opening details about the relationships he forged. Read our full book review here.
“The Horse: The Epic History Of Our Noble Companion”, by Wendy Williams. This author chronicles the 56-million-year journey of horses with experts from around the world. This nonfiction work explores the beginnings that lead to the attributes we admire in our modern Thoroughbreds and Warmblood sport horses.
“Wild Horses of the Summer Sun” by Tory Bilski. This memoir is as much about the horses of Iceland as it is about the women who bond over their connection to them. They begin as strangers, but their adventures bond them for life, helping them navigate the world’s curveballs while honing the sense of “wild” within them, something they awakened while on horseback in the harsh country.
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.