Sports & Recreation : Equestrian

Did jockey Ron Hansen leap off the San Mateo Bridge, or did someone force him? Did arsonists set fire to Hawthorne Race Course after a betting scam went awry? Was the great stallion Shergar killed by the IRA, or is he living in anonymity somewhere in Ireland? Great Horse Racing Mysteries examines these baffling cases and many others. Author John McEvoy, a longtime racing writer, relies on published accounts, interviews with survivors, and old-fashioned digging to recreate some of the sport's strangest stories. For instance, the saga of the great Australian runner Phar Lap has intrigued racing fans for more than sixty years. A legend in his homeland, Phar Lap journeyed by boat to North America to take on this continent's best runners. After a stunning performance at the track in Caliente, Mexico, Phar Lap had to be guarded around the clock in the wake of alleged threats by sinister characters. Phar Lap then died under mysterious circumstances at a California ranch. McEvoy talks to people who saw Phar Lap run and adds another dimension to this intriguing story. Other stories include the disappearance of jockey Al Snider, the demise of Calumet Farm, and the death of William Woodward Jr. Great Horse Racing Mysteries provides a fascinating look at all facets of the sport. more...

Price: $9.99

Muhammad Ali had Joe Frazier. Chris Evert had Martina Navratilova. Jack Nicklaus had Arnold Palmer. And, Affirmed had Alydar. These great sport rivals will forever be intertwined in history. Rivalries are why we tune in. They’re what we discuss at the water cooler the next morning after a big game. Horse Racing’s Greatest Rivalries explores 20 of the greatest match ups, as selected by a panel of turf writers and racing historians. The story of the filly Gallorette and the 19 races she ran against her older male rival, Stymie, may not be as well known as the epic battles between Seabiscuit and War Admiral or Sunday Silence and Easy Goer, but each rivalry is just as compelling as the next. Whether you were a Silver Charm fan or a Free House fan or whether you cheered for Alysheba over Bet Twice or visa versa, this book reminds readers of why they became fans of the sport in the first place. As horse racing awaits its next great rivalry, this book brings to life the horses and their connections that make its history so exciting. more...

Price: $9.99

Expert advice on getting the most out of riding lessons. Learning to ride for competition or personal enjoyment is no small task for the horse enthusiast. This comprehensive guide explains the difference between Western and English riding styles and helps readers select the best stable and instructor for their needs. more...

Price: $21.99

A unique, proven method of riding instruction Written by a renowned riding expert, this unique guide offers adult amateur riders a proven method for building a good physical, mental, and emotional relationship with a horse. Step-by-step skill-building exercises–first on the ground and then on the horse–help riders gain confidence, understand how their actions affect the horse, and communicate with the horse to gain his trust. more...

Price: $34.99

Introduction to Equestrian Sports offers parents and riders who are new to the scene detailed descriptions of what is involved in each of the four main disciplines: hacking/showing, dressage, showjumping and eventing. It is equally beneficial for those wanting to change from one type of competition to another. Each discipline description includes how it originated, its current status, types of classes, levels of competition, what rules apply, who runs the competitions and how they are judged. ‘Ground rules’ are explained to help take the mystery out of competitions, such as how to find out what competitions are taking place and how to enter, which classes are being judged, what to wear, what to do when you arrive, where best to park, where you can and cannot warm up, checking your gear and reporting to the judge. This is not another 'how to ride' book, but a practical, hands-on guide to make equestrian competitions enjoyable for all riders. more...

Price: $31.95