The Original Horse Bible 2nd Edition CompanionHouse Books™ is an imprint of Fox Chapel Publishing. Project Team Editor: Amy Deputato Designer: Mary Ann Kahn Proofreader: Hayley DeBerard Copyright © 2021 by Fox Chapel Publishing Company, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Fox Chapel Publishing, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in an acknowledged review. Print ISBN: 9781620084038 eISBN: 9781637410486 Library of Congress Control Number: 2021940899 Softcover ISBN 978-1-62008-404-5 Library of Congress Control Number: 2021940891 This book has been published with the intent to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter within. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the author and publisher expressly disclaim any responsibility for any errors, omissions, or adverse effects arising from the use or application of the information contained herein. The techniques and suggestions are used at the reader’s discretion and are not to be considered a substitute for veterinary care. If you suspect a medical problem, consult your veterinarian. Fox Chapel Publishing 903 Square Street Mount Joy, PA 17552 www.facebook.com/companionhousebooks We are always looking for talented authors. To submit an idea, please send a brief inquiry to [email protected]. For Our Parents Moira: Elizabeth and Arnold, who made my dreams of horses a reality Sharon: Richard and Carol, who scraped the money together to send me to horse camp all those years ago Contents Preface Introduction SECTION 1: History, Physiology, and Behavior Chapter 1 The History of the Horse Chapter 2 Biology, Intelligence, and Behavior SECTION 2: Breeds and Types Chapter 3 Type versus Breed Chapter 4 The Breeds SECTION 3: Activities with Horses Chapter 5 English, Western, and Driving Competition Chapter 6 Rodeo and Other Horse Sports SECTION 4: A New Horse Chapter 7 Choosing the Right Horse Chapter 8 Choosing the Right Equipment SECTION 5: Horsekeeping Chapter 9 Transporting Chapter 10 Stabling Chapter 11 Nutrition and Grooming SECTION 6: Health Chapter 12 The Healthy Horse Chapter 13 Pests, Parasites, and Poisonous Plants Chapter 14 Alternative Care SECTION 7: Rider Instruction Chapter 15 Riding Instructors, Safety, and Fitness295 Chapter 16 English Riding Basics Chapter 17 Western Riding Basics SECTION 8: Horse Training Chapter 18 Training Philosophy and Early Handling Chapter 19 The Training Lessons Chapter 20 Training Problems and Solutions Chapter 21 Natural Horsemanship SECTION 9: Competition Chapter 22 Shows and Classes Chapter 23 Horse and Rider Preparation Chapter 24 At the Show SECTION 10: Breeding Mares and Raising Foals Chapter 25 Breeding Chapter 26 Pregnancy, Delivery, and Foal Care SECTION 11: The Senior Horse Chapter 27 Senior Horse Facts Chapter 28 Retirement and End of Life In Memoriam Remembering Moira Acknowledgments Appendix: Equine Ailments Resources Photo Credits About the Authors and Photographer Preface Peruse the shelves of your local bookstores and libraries and check out online book sites, and you’ll discover thousands of books on the subject of horses. From caring for a newborn foal to making the most of the lives of senior horses, from learning to ride in a weekend to competitive insights from Olympians, there is no shortage of information on the numerous facets of the equine world. The Original Horse Bible is different from all of those other books, however, in that it is a comprehensive resource about all things “horsey.” This volume corrals all facets of horsekeeping to produce one handy resource for readers. Whatever your skill level with horses may be, you will find something in this book for you: If you are new to horses, the book will serve as a practical guide for your first forays into the horse world. If you are a seasoned equestrian, the book will serve as a great reference tool and be an invaluable addition to your library or tack room. Although no piece of writing can take the place of hands-on experience, knowledge about horses comes in many different forms, including books. Let The Original Horse Bible provide you with information about, and a better understanding of, horses so that your time spent with them is as enjoyable and as rewarding as possible.