Sports & Recreation : Equestrian

Only by dint of their determination and will does the story of John Henry, the horse, compare with that of the legendary "steel-drivin man" because stature-wise, there was no comparison. The equine John Henry was small, plain, bad-tempered, and had bad knees. He was the horse no one wanted, passing from owner to owner until Sam Rubin, a man who knew nothing about horses, purchased him for $25,000. Sent to California-based trainer Ron McAnally, John Henry blossomed and set the racing world on its ear with his gutsy, determined performances. more...

Price: $9.99

Offers an introduction to the basics of jumping horses. This book helps riders aged 13 or over master the complex tasks in safely learning to jump with a logical, step-by-step progression, positive training methods, exercises, and photos and diagrams. more...

Price: $29.99

When Canadian industrialist and Thoroughbred breeder E.P. Taylor watched his well-bred, handsome colt remain unsold at his annual yearling sale, he could hardly have envisioned the degree to which this seeming misfortune would boomerang in his favor. Named Northern Dancer, the sales reject proved his worth by winning the 1964 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes for Taylor. In doing so, he became a legendary influence on the breed, at one time commanding a million-dollar stud fee. International competition for his offspring created world records in the auction ring. Respected pedigree authority Avalyn Hunter explores how Northern Dancer and his sons have established a royal dynasty that has profoundly dominated the international bloodstock market. more...

Price: $9.99

Some of Thoroughbred racing's greatest champions are the handiwork of a remarkable parade of individuals, ranging from professional full-time horsemen and cowboys to renowned capitalists and philanthropists. Legacies of the Turf traces the careers of the men and women who bred the most outstanding Thoroughbreds of the 20th century. Persistence, hard work, genetics theories, and good old-fashioned luck are all there, all part of the great breeding operations of this century. more...

Price: $9.99

A crucial element of eventing is that horse and rider complete the cross-country course within a set time ('the optimum time'). If the competitor takes longer, significant penalty points are awarded against him or her. Many eventers try to achieve the optimum time by taking unnecessary risks, which, as Stuart Tinney explains, can be avoided if the correct training is carried out. Stuart Tinney, an Olympic gold medallist, completed the Sydney Olympic course easily within the optimum time, not through uncontrollable speed but through accurate and controlled riding. This skill and the associated training and horse management are explained and demonstrated in the book, including:. · Equipment for the horse and rider. · Walking the course. · Riding cross country safely and efficiently. · Training for cross country in the arena. · Horse fitness and management. · Horse types. This book will therefore be of interest to all eventers from introductory to advanced level. Photograph of Stuart Tinney riding Calvin at Berrima by Max Wilson: agenda photography more...

Price: $49.99