Horse Show Mom S Survival Guide

At some point in a mother's life, her child--most likely, her daughter--will smile sweetly and say, "Mommy, I want to learn to ride a horse. And then I want to win a blue ribbon." What's a mother to do? (Or for that matter, a father, since he'll become involved too, even though ferrying the child to and from lessons and competitions is far more often the equivalent of a Soccer Mom.) Even people who rode when they were younger may not remember the ins and outs of the sport, and especially the way it's played these days. Riding to the rescue comes Susan Daniels, an experienced and accomplished Horse Show Mom. Taking the perplexed parent under her wing, she provides advice on locating a suitable lesson stable (including how to tell whether a particular instructor is right for your child, and what to do if he or she isn't), determining when - or whether - to buy a horse or a pony, outfitting horse and rider (must the animal's leg wraps and the child's ponytail ribbons match?), and understanding and coping with stable politics (such as when it's appropriate for barn managers and instructors to pay more attention to another youngster than to yours). When it comes to horse showing, the author explains how to tell when your child is ready for competition, what's expected of horse and rider at various levels of proficiency, which supplies Moms should always have on hand (safety pins and hair nets lead the list), how to deal with your child's triumphs and tears, and how to understand the complicated but crucial national and regional championship points systems. With pages of warm and encouraging humor, sound advice and illustrative true-life adventures from the worlds of hunter/jumper, Western, combined training, and dressage competition, The Horse Show Mom's Survival Guide is a valuable "leg up" for any parent whose youngster has that blue-ribbon gleam in her eye.

Can you recall the first time you rode a horse or galloped down an empty beach? The first time you heard the knowing “neigh” as the saddle shifted on the proud stallion’s back? Bring back those wonderful memories with this enormous 800-page anthology. Featuring personal insights from some of the world’s foremost equestrian writers, including Anna Sewell, Nicholas Evans, Cormac McCarthy, and others, it will surely pull the heartstrings of serious jockeys and casual riders alike. Traveling from the open plains to the cattle ranches of the beauteous Midwest, from the quiet seclusion of small town America to the clamor of New York, this special volume reminds us of all the little bits of wisdom we can learn from our equestrian friends. Skyhorse Publishing, as well as our Sports Publishing imprint, is proud to publish a broad range of books for readers interested in sports—books about baseball, pro football, college football, pro and college basketball, hockey, or soccer, we have a book about your sport or your team. In addition to books on popular team sports, we also publish books for a wide variety of athletes and sports enthusiasts, including books on running, cycling, horseback riding, swimming, tennis, martial arts, golf, camping, hiking, aviation, boating, and so much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to publishing books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked by other publishers and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.

Dive into the exciting world of hunter/jumper schooling shows with 'Let's Horse Show: The Parent's Guide to Surviving Show Day.' Written by a seasoned instructor and horse show mom, this comprehensive handbook offers essential tips and advice for parents navigating their child's first forays into the show ring. From grooming your pony and packing all your gear to deciphering class lists and filling out entry forms, this book covers it all. Filled with full-color photos capturing the excitement of show day, along with practical checklists and insider insights, 'Let's Horse Show' is your go-to resource for ensuring an enjoyable and less stressful experience at ring side. Whether you're a first-time show parent or a veteran looking to brush up on your show day skills, this book is your ultimate guide to becoming a confident and supportive member of the horse show world. Get ready to cheer on your young rider with confidence and enthusiasm. With 'Let's Horse Show' by your side, you'll be prepared to tackle every challenge and celebrate every success along the way. Let the adventure begin!

Horse lovers know all too well that keeping a horse is practically a full-time job-with lots of fun and, well, goof-ups. For those new horse owners who sometimes wonder if their horse is smarter than they are, Horse Sense and Nonsense is a great reminder that the "joys" of owning a horse are universal. This refreshing spoof of the usually staid horse owner's manual blends common-sense advice with side-splitting spins on the issues of horses and horse ownership. Whether nodding your head in agreement or giving a hearty horse laugh, you'll delight in reading Horse Sense and Nonsense.

Recognizing the fact that owning a horse is one of the greatest commitments you can make, demanding dedication, time, hard work, and money, The Horse Owner's Survival Guide is designed to help you survive and improve the bad times and get maximum pleasure from the good ones. This comprehensive work offers many varied ideas that you can tailor to your individual circumstances, whether you are an owner with years of experience or a rider wondering whether taking on your first horse is a feasible idea. Starting from the basic question of choosing the right kind of horse for your lifestyle and abilities (thus helping to prevent a costly mistake), The Horse Owner's Survival Guide goes on to cover such vital issues as: outlining the costs and ways to cut them down; reducing the risk of expensive veterinary fees; setting up the stable; tack and clothing; feed and grooming; bedding, bathing, and fencing; safety and insurance; Bursting with practical advice and problem-solving ideas, this guide reduces the intimidating concerns of horse owning and teaches you everything you need to know to keep yourself sane and your horse fit, healthy, and happy. (7 1/4 x 9 3/4, 160 pages, b&w photos)

If you don’t know the difference between a bridle and a saddle but your child dreams of riding horses, this informative guide will answer all of your most pressing questions. Elise Gaston Chand provides informed and sensible tips on finding qualified instructors, the cost of lessons, safety concerns, and much more. Learn what to watch for as your child’s riding progresses, confidently steer your child toward rewarding competition experiences, and take pride in all of your child’s riding achievements.

Susan McBane offers a guide to planning and budgeting which explains how you can cut costs and save time while still maintaining a high level of care for your horse. It also discusses topics such as horse sharing, keeping your horse at livery or managing on your own.

There is something about horses that draws humans in a way nothing else can. Their elegance, their kindness, and their humor are often unexpected and always weave a spell. Sometimes the attraction seems elemental and irresistible. For those moments when it seems a horse is likely to find its way into your life for the first time, this book is the ideal guide, shield, and source of solace. No matter how hard we try to avoid it, for some of us, horses simply happen! Friedman offers realistic and well-researched suggestions for what to do when one happens to you and advice on how to keep laughing while your mind slips silently away at the end of a lead rope.