Horse Equipment

This is all that you would expect from a Dorling Kindersley discovery book. Written by experienced coach and trainer William Micklem, it provides color coded chapters, tables, diagrams and hundreds of photographs supporting the points and techniques he describes.

The guides are evenly balanced between those relating to the rider, those relating to the horse and those involved in particular events such as dressage, showjumping and cross country competitions.

With regards to the rider, a chapter is devoted to the beginner and a follow up chapter on balanced riding techniques. These are then supported by two further chapters, one each on the physical and mental preparation for becoming a fully confident and successful rider. A chapter on horse structure and instincts is compiled to provide a foundation into basic horse training methods, with a final chapter on the physical preparation and fitness of the horse. Comprehensive chapters are included on dressage, showjumping and cross country competition riding.

Packed with usable advice from cover to cover, this book is an ideal companion for a rider and their horse.

A personal account of one man's attempt to fathom the complexities and truths from horse racing results. In this book Nick Morden presents his case for making consistent profits from horse racing selections in a style that allows you to learn as he adds to his knowledge by meticulous observation.

The book is divided into two main sections. The first navigates its way through the main points he raises when considering a racing selection. These factors he has learnt through observing and comprehending the results of many races. An important aspect of this analysis is that he puts the horse first, not the statistics. His understanding of the temperament of the horse, and its likes and dislikes in terms of going, track direction and undulation show a committment to giving each horse an individual character which cannot be exposed by the racing section in a daily newspaper. His investigation into the use of blinkers is by itself worth getting this book.

The second section of the book is a daily journal during one season of his attempt to make his observations pay profits. We read that inspite of his powerful logic, human emotion and fear can take control of the decision making process and hinder months of preparation.

The book is very much based upon British horse racing so may be of limited interest to American and Australian race goers. However it is by itself an easy and enjoyable read that anybody would find entertaining.