McCormick and McCormick

Horses can teach us about trust and love and be part of a therapeutic healing process for troubled humans. The authors, both practicing psychotherapists, use horses in their treatment program with mentally disturbed patients, who often bond with their equine companions even when they are unable to relate to other people. The McCormicks explain how horses, quick to sense pretense, force people to rely on their instincts and to be honest with themselves. But riding is only a part of the authors' treatment program. Their clients establish close relationships with the animals by feeding and grooming them, cleaning their stalls and equipment, observing them at work and play, and learning about the long history of humanity's interaction with the horse. The healing process begins when clients learn to relate first to horses and then to their therapists. This is a fascinating book, though its appeal may be limited to those with an interest in psychotherapy or in the therapeutic use of animals.

Midkiff

Although author and longtime equestrian Mary Midkiff has already presented a straightforward book on women and horses (Fitness, Performance and the Female Equestrian), she now explores the more ethereal terrain of this compelling feminine attraction. "Women and horse have always been drawn to one another," Midkiff writes. "They rode together in Greek myth and Celtic poem, Native American legend and Wild West folktales.... Women and horses emerge in life and literature as a huge tribe of spiritual sisters." (In fact, more than one million girls and women are involved in horse-related activities in the U.S. alone.)

Sue McDonnell, Ph.D

More than 15 years of research and observation from students and experts at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center have gone into McDonnell's formal catalogue of equine behavior. Designed to be useful to the widest possible range of readers, from veterinarians to high school students, and from horse buffs to those engaged in serious scientific study, this fully illustrated volume (the first of its kind) offers definitions of hundreds of actions observed in domestic horses and other equids such as zebras, donkeys and Przewalski horses (the domestic horse's primitive living ancestor). McDonnell (Understanding Horse Behavior) organizes the book into six general categories, including maintenance behavior, social communication, intermale interaction and play; each specific behavior is defined and illustrated with both a photograph and a line drawing. Additional comments about the behavior are often included in the entry (e.g. rearing is a way of establishing dominance), as well as brief lists of scientific papers that also identify the behavior. Many of the observations come from the study of a semi-feral pony herd that McDonnell established at the Bolton Center (and most of the photos, like the one captioned "foal picking up field data sheet," feature these ponies as well), but the author also includes a section on shaped and aberrant behaviors more common in "domestically managed" horses. A careful and serious reference, this volume is also an accessible introduction to horse behavior.

Doris Kay Halstead and Carrie Cameron

Finally! A book that approaches the work of myofascial release with horses in a comprehensive and easy to understand manner. As an equine body worker, my library is full of resource books for understanding the equine anatomy and techniques of massage, accupressure and help for the horse. This one puts them all to shame. The diagrams of horse anatomy and photographs of specific horses are some of the best in specifically pinpointing areas of a horse with issues of body misalignment. To follow along with the pictures, there is language that speaks to the professional who is versed in anatomy and body work and to the rider who is interested in learning more about observing their horse and helping them through myofacial release techniques. The physical therapy background of the authors shines through as they approach the connection of rider to horse. Showing exercises that the rider can use to improve themselves while improving upon the pattern of movement for the horse. There are very few books out there in the field of bodywork for horse and rider that will be able to reach people and make a difference for them and their horses like this one. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book to anyone who cares about their horse.

Lesley Bayley

Why does your horse try to bite you when you saddle up? Why does he take off the moment your seat hits the saddle? When your beautiful animal bucks suddenly or gallops wildly, curls his lip or shakes his head--understand the reasons why and how to provide the practical care he needs! Get into the equine mind with the help of a horse therapist who was also the award-winning editor of a bestselling equestrian magazine. Whether your horse is in the field or barn; training, riding, or traveling; or even feeling ill, you'll feel confident interpreting every aspect of his behavior and motivations. The many fabulous color photographs vividly reveal horses' expressions close up, and show them socializing, raising their foals, "asking" you to stand still, reacting to their surroundings and company, and more.