The Farmers Mailbox

It all starts with good horse sense. Anyone who understands how horses think, knows the basics of good horsemanship, and is aware of general safety practices when working around horses already has a leg up on what is necessary to train a horse.

STOREY’S GUIDE TO TRAINING HORSES is a comprehensive volume that builds on that foundation and takes the trainer step-by-step through the training process, from handling the foal to ground work to mounted lessons and trailer training. While most training books focus on riding, this guide takes a broad view, presenting different methods and alternatives so you can tailor your approach to your particular horse.

Author, rancher, and horse trainer Heather Smith Thomas explains how to avoid common mistakes and how to ensure mutual respect and a productive working relationship with your horse. She begins with training psychology - including how to think like a horse and the origins of the flight or fight response. Then she covers handling and positive, progressive training techniques for each stage of the horse’s development. And since each horse is different, Thomas offers a variety of training methods designed to suit different temperaments. Furthermore, she emphasizes that a smart trainer puts the horse first, letting the horse learn at its own pace rather than trying to force the animal to an unrealistic training timetable.

Complete with a glossary of equine terms and a list of resources for additional information on horse training - including training clinics - this is an authoritative reference for trainers of all levels.
Synopsis:
Complete with a Glossary of equine terms and a list of resources for additional information on horse training, this handbook is an essential manual with broad appeal to horse owners of all levels and disciplines. Illustrations throughout.
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About the Author
Heather Smith Thomas raises cattle and horses on her family ranch in Salmon, Idaho. She is the author of nine books.

“There is no shortcut to becoming a good horseman, a knowledgeable horse owner and a good horse breeder. There’s no substitute for time invested and the desire to learn all we can. It can take a lifetime.” So states author Heather Smith Thomas in her book, Storey’s Guide to Raising Horses. Thomas draws on her 45 years of equine experience to produce a helpful, down-to-earth guide to raising healthy, fit horses.
She covers barns and shelters, feeding and nutrition, foot care and horse handling. Information on health and disease prevention, colic, parasites, dental care, medical treatments and more are invaluable in recognizing problems and keeping horses healthy.
The breeding section includes suggestions on selection of breeding stock, genetics, keeping a stallion, breeding the mare, care of the broodmare, foaling and care of the young horse. The foaling section is detailed and covers emergencies you may need to be prepared for.
With its wealth of information to guide both the experienced and the novice horse owner, Storey’s Guide to Raising Horses is an excellent book for any horseman.

Healthy Hoof Care Practices, Horseshoeing, Hoof Handling, Working with Farriers and Vets

Give your horse the care he needs to put his best foot forward. Trusted equine advisor Cherry Hill and seasoned farrier Richard Klimesh bring their extensive knowledge of equine foot health to Horse Hoof Care, the complete reference for every horse owner. Hill and Klimesh cover every element of hoof care, including:
•Hoof anatomy and function
•The importance of daily routines and consistent care
•The role of the farrier and how to find a good one
•Maintaining clean, dry facilities for healthy hooves
•Training your horse for hoof-handling
•Barefoot, boot, and shoeing options
•Hoof ailments: when to call the vet
This indispensable guide will show you how to keep your horse's hooves healthy every step of the way.
“Cherry Hill knows how to present solid how-to information in a step-by-step, user-friendly way. You can take her knowledge to the barn and work with it.”
— Fran Smith, managing editor, Western Horseman
Author Cherry Hill and Richard Klimesh
Paperback
160 Pages
US Publication
Photographs and illustrations throughout
Size 21cm x 27cm
Product Code 6822

 

"The Complete Equine Veterinary Manual" is now fully revised with up-to-the-minute advice on the latest defence against new threats to the horse's health.
Correct diagnosis of any equine disease is a complicated business, but this comprehensive reference provides a thorough and instant guide to equine health, and shows clearly when expert help is required.
Two cross-referenced routes present the information: an index of known equine diseases throughout the world, covering the symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment of each, and an alphabetical encyclopaedia of specific diseases.
Hardcover
256 Pages
UK Publication
Colour and B & W Illustrations throughout

Easy-to-understand and comprehensive

This guide explains the most important facts about anatomy in an easy and understandable way and helps the horse owner to communicate with their veterinary surgeons. This is a user-friendly handbook, compact enough to keep around the yard or in the tack box that illustrates in a clear and comprehensive style the basic points of the anatomy of the horse: Why do you need to understand anatomy? Rider & veterinary jargon. What is where? The skeleton. The muscles. The circulation. How does a horse carry its rider? What does a horse need for breathing? What does a horse need for eating? What does a horse need for digestion? The lymph system. Reproductive system. The senses. How does a horse sleep?

Softcover, 32 pages
In English, German Publication
Product Code 6815

A dream shared by many is to run a few horses on a small property on the fringes of a city or town.
This book shows how to combine sustainable land management practices with a style of horse keeping that will protect the health and well-being of your horses, as well as the land and its wildlife.
Good property management does not need to be an expensive undertaking.
Improved pasture means less feed bills, reduced mud or dust improves a horse’s health and reduces vet bills, better manure management turns a liability into an asset.
The reader is first introduced to the horse’s natural behaviour as expressed in body language, intelligence, ability to learn, grazing, herd instincts and social behaviour.
The book then goes on to cover all the basics of safe handling, routine care and common health problems.
Property selection, property design, water supply, pasture management, horse facilities, fencing, trees and plants, manure management and equipment and tools are comprehensively dealt with in separate chapters.
Paperback 224 Pages - 148 Photographs
Author Jane Myers