Horse Book Reviews

Prepare for Your Summer Riding Program

2012-01-13T07:45:00.004-05:00

Now is the time to start planning your summer riding program. If you have been hired as the riding director for a summer camp, teach youngsters at your stable during summer months, or volunteer for a handicapped riding program, learning new skills (or sharpening known ones) will benefit both your students and yourself. Having a fun program, but also a safe one, is the key.

Besides books, there are numerous resources online that assist riding instructors in organizing a program. One site, Ehow.com, has professional submitters send in articles on a variety of subjects. Below, is an article I wrote.

See http://www.ehow.com/how_7881633_organize-summer-riding-program.html

Happy Trails!

The Dogs of Proud Spirit (Equine Rescue)

2012-01-06T19:28:00.002-05:00

The Dogs of Proud Spirit

By Melanie Sue Bowles

Pineapple Press, Inc.

Hard Cover, 2010, $18.95

ISBN: 978-1-56164-478-0

Available at Amazon or www.horsesofproudspirit.org

Sale proceeds help care for the rescued horses at Proud Spirit.

Reviewed by Carol M. Upton

And so, this was our life: challenged, but always enriched by the animals who somehow found their way to the gates of our sanctuary and into our hearts. Encompassed by our love, they loved us back. ~ Melanie Sue Bowles

There is no stronger seasonal message for animal-lovers than that found in The Dogs of Proud Spirit.

Proud Spirit sanctuary began with one horse in need on five acres in rural Florida and evolved into a 320-acre facility in Arkansas, where nearly 200 horses have come to live out their lives in peace. Melanie and Jim Bowles are the founders of Proud Spirit and this book offers incredible stories about the dogs that have also found their forever home at the sanctuary.

From Molly, the skinny hound running loose in a parking lot, to Gunner, the Corgi mix languishing in a shelter, to Dusty, the Rottweiler cross who took them past their “two dogs is enough” rule, Jim and Melanie kept adding to their pack. As happens to many with big hearts, strays continued to show up in their lives. The dogs fit in well, developed various ‘jobs’ for themselves, and got along with the horses.

Like all rescued animals, these dogs were mixed challenges and blessings. Molly and Gunner narrowly escaped death by alligators. Dusty didn’t like the existing pack and even showed initial aggression toward sanctuary visitors. Then, there were the infant hounds, dumped in a ditch, who grew into working dogs named Trixie, Trudy and Daisy.

Proud Spirit is one of the most successful, long-lasting sanctuaries for horses in the United States. These animals are not adopted out, but live their lives surrounded by compassion and kindness in an ideal environment. The stories in this book feed the reader’s soul and inspire new faith in the process of adopting and rescuing animals in need.

Melanie and Jim Bowles currently live with 72 horses, 12 dogs and one talkative barn cat. Melanie is also the author of The Horses of Proud Spirit and Hoofprints: More Stories from Proud Spirit. Visit Proud Spirit at: www.horsesofproudspirit.org

Season's Greetings!

2011-12-24T16:36:00.004-05:00

Merry Christmas to all my fans!

Thanks for your support - I'm looking forward to interviewing more horse lovers to include their story in my fifth Beloved Horses book to be released in 2012. Process begins in January and there is still time to submit your special equine; e-mail me at sharonminer@yahoo.com with the names of you and your horse, pony, donkey etc, breed, age, location and a fond memory.

If you are the author of a book (fiction or non) and would like me to review it on this blog, contact me at the e-mail above.

Enjoy the ride in 2012!

Ground Manners

2011-12-06T18:12:00.006-05:00

Ground Manners - A Novel

By Cynthia D’Errico

Xlibris, Soft Cover, 2011, $19.99; Hard Cover, 2011, $24.99
Available at: www.groundmannersnovel.com or on Amazon

Reviewed by Carol M. Upton

Learning that horses were butchered for meat left many people feeling raw and lied to, like suddenly finding out that your neighbour had barbecued your retriever or microwaved your cat. Like so many others, Yanne was clearly unaware that, whether for meat or other reasons, horses were slaughtered at all. ~ Part Three, Chapter Four, p. 116

Ground Manners. A Novel is an innovative synthesis of adventure, romance and animal advocacy. Cynthia D’Errico has produced a compelling tale based on true stories about Canada’s horse slaughter industry, the dangers of continuing to ignore coastline erosion, and which features an especially intriguing thread on how le Canadien became both Quebec’s heritage breed and the National Horse of Canada.

Through the thoughts of Ausencia, a slaughter-bound polo horse, the opening pages introduce us to the horse refuge run by animal communicator Skye Spahro and her daughter on Isle-Saint-Jean- Baptiste. The Institute of Nature Communications, like many horse rescues across the country, is dedicated to the care and rehoming of abused horses, including the rescue of those slated for slaughter.

The horses narrate a good part of the story as D’Errico performs skillful shifts from the human to the animal point of view. These shifts are reminiscent of those in other classics like Babe and Black Beauty, with that same brilliant seamlessness that keeps the reader fully engaged. The character of each horse is carefully delineated so that when Ulric, the eternally calm Belgian draft says: “I don’t like the look of things, Tessa,” his ominous tone ushers the reader into the darkness of the book’s last half.

The themes in this book require the reader to confront the moral dilemmas often present in horse ownership and attempt to expand the reader’s vision of horses. Yet the darkness is never overdone. The storyline is simultaneously about love, heroes and hope for lasting change in our treatment of animals and the planet – indeed of the very ground we walk on.

D’Errico’s writing style intimately involves readers in the lives of her characters, human and animal, in such a way that their world becomes difficult to leave as the book nears its gripping finale.

Ground Manners is the tale that horse lovers have waited for, but also essential reading for anyone intent on creating a more harmonious relationship with our planet. It will definitely raise public consciousness and is sure to spark debate.

A former ESL teacher and business editor, Cynthia has always felt a special empathy toward horses with whom she was raised. She continues to promote animals’ rights to live in whatever is left of their natural environments free of human interference. Visit Cynthia at www.groundmannersnovel.com

Painting & Drawing Horses by Jennifer Bell

2011-11-13T19:08:00.002-05:00

I bought this book for my great-granddaughter. She is only 6 years old, but she not only LOVES horses, but also loves to draw them. She's always asking me to show her how - all I can draw is a cartoon horsehead...

The author includes text with her artwork - about what started her "horse doodles" as she calls them, and instructions with the sketches. She explains that one must use geometry (circles, ovals and triangles) as well as different shapes such a a kite for the horse's head. Very clever and imaginative.

She shows poses and horses in action, breeds, different disciplines, foals and even cartoons. I love where she explains how to show expression with the horse's body language.

This may not be quite right for my young horse lover, but she will appreciate it as she grows up I'm sure. Meanwhile, she may color the sketches and get a sense of the equine.

Buy American this Holiday Season - Start a new tradition!

2011-11-05T18:05:00.004-04:00

I received the message below as an e-mail today; so timely!

How about buying a book by an American author for a holiday gift?

My dog's second book, WOOGIE'S TRAVELS - DISCOVERING AMERICA - will be released early December. It's about Woogie traveling cross-country looking for adventure, and a place to swim. This soft cover book has color photographs throughout, and is 8.5 x 11, landscape format. Retail $15.95. Order by calling me at 814-937-0704 (Visa & Master Card accepted, or ask me where to mail a money order) and receive FREE shipping. Each copy is personally signed. Great bedtime story or Beginner Reader.

Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is! It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?

Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber? Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement. Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned
Detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates. Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down the Benjamins on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course. There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running. OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre.

Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.

THIS is the new American Christmas tradition.

Forward this to everyone on your mailing list -- post it to discussion
Groups -- throw up a post on Craigslist in the Rants and Raves section in your city -- send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations, and TV news departments. This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn't that what Christmas is about?

Click here: Made in the USA Products Directory

http://www.americansworking.com/

Ride from the Heart DVD

2011-10-18T17:57:00.003-04:00

Ride from the Heart DVD

The Art of Communication

By Jenny Rolfe

Cracking Media

50 minutes - $37.00

To purchase on-line, go to: http://www.spanishdressagehorses.com

Also available on Amazon

Reviewed by Carol M. Upton

Training is about connection with our horse with love, harmony and respect. The more we understand the ways of the horse, the more we understand our own feelings. As a result we can live in more harmony - not only with our horse - but with ourselves. ~ Jenny Rolfe

U.K. riding instructor Jenny Rolfe teaches innovative techniques of core breathing to connect with the horse and help the rider to find harmony in body, mind and spirit. Now these techniques are available in progressive and well-organized detail on the DVD Ride from the Heart.

Rolfe’s principles are based in dressage, but applicable to all forms of riding. She demonstrates with her Iberian stallions using liberty work, not only as a training aid, but also as a warm-up, re-establishing connection on the ground prior to riding. The object is calm, assertive leadership, and total empathy between horse and handler.

The DVD includes common training tips such as not pulling on a horse’s head when leading. There are also excellent demonstrations of Rolfe’s exercise system to improve the rider’s body awareness. Exercises, loosely based on Tai Chi, are done in standing positions. The rider is then soft and relaxed when mounted, and thus the horse is as well. Most athletes already use such techniques prior to competition, but not much has been offered on DVD for the equestrian.

Instructors will value this DVD as a teaching tool for all levels, but it additionally offers fresh perspectives on position and groundwork. It is really for anyone who wants to help their horse become a more confident athlete and simply create a better ride.

Jenny Rolfe’s clients come from all over the world and include those professionally involved with horses, among them BHS trainers, physiotherapists and natural horsemanship instructors. She is also an artist and author of the book Ride from the Heart.

Celebrate National Book Month!

2011-10-05T14:00:00.003-04:00

October is National Book Month, and one way to enjoy horses is to read about them! How about reading my Beloved Horses series? Or, give them as a gift to a horse lover!

I'm offering a special on the set: $50 plus $5 shipping. That's like buying three and getting one free! All will be personally signed to you or a gift recipient.

My Beloved Horses series are illustrated collections of true short stories about the special bonds between horses and their riders.

The first one, Beloved School Horses, features stories from my Unicorn Stables I operated in Maryland and Pennsylvania from 1975 until 2000. It also includes riders from some of the five summer equestrian camp programs I directed, and the stories are funny, uplifting and educational.

Beloved Horses From Around the Country is the second in the series, and the stories are about the amazing relationships between riders and their mounts in a variety of locations including a handicapped riding program in Hawaii as featured on the cover.

Beloved Sport Horses describes horses in diverse disciplines including the cover horse owned by Katie Prudent. From polo to fox hunting, and Western to Dressage, horses give their heart to their riders for the sport they both love.

Beloved Horses in Second Careers is the latest edition and features horses who have participated in two or more equine activities including international teams and backyard owners.

In 2012, the fifth book of the series, Beloved Horses From Around the World, will include a variety of breeds from several countries. If you would like to have your special horse considered, please e-mail me information about you and your beloved horse to sharonminer@yahoo.com.

To order this special set, call me with a Visa or Master Card at 814-937-0704. Orders will be shipped the next day with Priority Mail.

Ghetto Cowboy

2011-09-25T18:12:00.002-04:00

G (Greg?) Neri has written a "feel good" story about a boy and a horse set in Philadelphia. The idea is based on true urban cowboy groups.

A Detroit troubled teenager named Cole is dropped off in Philly by his mother who is hoping that her estranged husband will be able to provide guidance. Cole had never met or heard about his father, and is not happy about the situation. So, the rebellious youth runs away at his first chance.

Then he meets the cowboys.

Cole has never seen a real horse so close, but despite his fear of the huge animals, he bonds with another outcast he names Boo.

He learns about horses and life lessons, and becomes closer to his dad along the way. When the ghetto stable is in danger of being closed by the city, Cole has a plan to save the horses, the "Cowboy Way."

I was drawn into the story immediately, and loved the characters the author created. The illustrator's artwork brings the words to life.

Antithesis by Allison Crews

2011-09-19T18:07:00.003-04:00

If you love romance novels with a horsey setting, this one's for you!

Elliott is an avid horsewoman, who falls in love with the sport of foxhunting when she and a friend are invited to an Open Hunt. There, she meets a mysterious rider who she is drawn to, especially after she sees more of him at other hunts.

This tale has not only a detailed foxhunting setting, but also describes the sports of peasant hunting in Scotland and duck hunting. Education and interesting backgrounds round out the romantic scenes and character tension.

Visit the author's site at http://allisoncrewsbooks.com/

Her books are available in print and as e-books at Amazon.com.

Horse at the Corner Post

2011-09-02T18:42:00.002-04:00

Horse at the Corner Post is a loving memoir by Denise Lee Branco. She tells the story of her and her Quarter Horse, Freedom.

Denise was there at the colt's birth on a spring day in 1976, hence his name, Freedom Sky, or just Freedom. Denise was a youngster and felt bad that the colt had no other foal to play and run with, so she created a game of "race" where she ran along the fence to his pasture, encouraging him to run with her.

As Freedom grew up, his coat turned roan. When he was of age, he was trained by a professional. Denise later enjoyed riding him, even entering him in a horse show where he won a second place ribbon.

But like many young horse lovers, soon other interests kept Denise from spending time with Freedom. He was sent to an uncle's farm where he was trained for rodeo work.

Denise's story about their separation and eventual reunion is a heartwarming story that will be enjoyed by all horse lovers.

Visit the author's site at: http://horseatthecornerpost.com/

Review of Mustang DVD!

2011-08-30T20:05:00.002-04:00

Wild Horses in Winds of Change

By Mara LeGrand

DVD – Skydancer Productions LLC, 2011

30 minutes - DVD $20.00

Available at: http://wildhorsesinwindsofchange.com/purchase/

Reviewed by Carol M. Upton

How can they be other than legend, nature at her most elegant? They speak of our most cherished longing. They speak of freedom. ~ Mara LeGrand

The opening scenes of Wild Horses in Winds of Change take us on an unforgettable journey into the souls of mustangs, portraying their freedom, sensitivity and delightful family units. It is a trail interwoven with our own freedom. This award-winning documentary stimulates awareness, offers fresh understanding of the wild horse crisis, and is a film for all who care about our planet’s fate.

The stunning photography cuts abruptly to the current reality of wild horse lives. These “dolphins of the land” are driven from their natural habitat by the Bureau of Land Management helicopters into holding pens to be held indefinitely in cramped conditions. Many die of untreated disease or turn up in slaughter pipelines. Their protection, enshrined by law in 1971,originally won by Wild Horse Annie and huge public outcry, has been lost.

Can we re-direct the path of wild horse injustice and extermination we are currently following?

Yes we can, according to LeGrand, “We should be able to find solutions for all the problems we’ve created for Nature and its inhabitants.”

Wild Horse experts and long-time advocates Mary Ann Simonds and Karen Sussman are the main storytellers of this film, observing that these horses are born, raised and survive in the wild and have always existed here. Yet based on outdated myths and attitudes, we don’t study them as we do other wild species.

While there is a need for more unbiased studies, LeGrand meticulously illustrates that archeology, molecular biology and paleontology already make a plausible claim that the horse is indigenous to North America. An animated map is woven into the film, along with footage of ice age, desert and plains horses, explaining exactly how they belong in our ecosystem like other wildlife.

Viewers are skillfully shown what is being lost, what urgently needs to change and what can be done to help. This outstanding film reflects LeGrand’s mission of calling people to action for the health of the planet and its inhabitants. The next steps clearly belong to us.

Mara LeGrand, PhD. is an award winning photojournalist, screenwriter, and film director. She brings wisdom from her international career in holistic health to her films and offers compelling presentations to accompany screenings. More information, including the film trailer, is available at: http://www.wildhorsesinwindsofchange.com

Great Dog Books!

2011-08-27T14:02:00.004-04:00

Not all dog owners have horses, but I know of not one horse owner that doesn't have a dog; therefore, I'd like to include these dog books on this site.

A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron is my new favorite book! I laughed, cried and was amazed at the author's insight to a dog's attitude about life.

The protagonist is a dog who lives multiple lives, and remembers them all as he is reincarnated. The previous lives aid him in the next life as he tries to understand his purpose. He is funny (cats have no purpose), a rescuer (more than once), loyal (except when he separates from his feral mom), fun loving (diving in the pond with his boy) and has a satisfying ending as he fulfills his purpose.

This is a must read for all dog lovers!

*******************

A Lucky Dog by Dirk Wales is a delightful true story about Owney, the official U.S. Rail Mail mascot. From from 1888 - 1896, this lovable mutt visited not only American cities as he traveled by train across the country, but also Canada and overseas! The Albany, NY Post Office was his home.

Although a well-illustrated (by Diane Kenna) picture book, the story will appeal to all dog lovers.

I found this book at the railroad museum in Glenwood Springs, Colorado while on my 2011 Book Tour. See photos from that visit at http://authorevents.blogspot.com/2011/08/glenwood-springs-co.html

Communication with all Life, Revelations of an Animal Communicator

2011-08-27T09:21:00.002-04:00

Communication with all Life, Revelations of an Animal Communicator

Reviewed by: Kelli Kozak
Author: Joan Ranquet
Website: www. joanranquet.com
Publisher: Hay House
ISBN-10: 9781401916817

Joan Ranquet’s “Communication with all Life, Revelations of an Animal Communicator” is not only truly fascinating reading, but is full of inspirational stories and lots of tools that any animal lover can use to communicate with animals. As the author notes, we are all animal communicators, whether we know it or not… even whether we believe in it or not!

There are many ways we communicate with our animal companions. We use words, of course, but what we don’t realize is that we are constantly communicating using pictures and feelings, as well. For example, when we tell – in words – our animals not to do something, they don’t understand the “not” part, because the picture we invariably have in our minds is of the animal actually doing what we wish they wouldn’t. In our minds is, “Go ahead, pee on the couch.” Our expectation is often, “Well, they going to do it again anyway!” Another example of how we unknowingly send messages is by what we are feeling: When packing for a trip, we are apprehensive about leaving our animals behind, worrying that they will miss us and feel sad and that we will miss them terribly! This often leads to separation anxiety and depression. We can try being happy about the trip and about the fact that we will be back soon and that they will have a great time while we are gone!

This book contains many exercises we can use to deepen our intuition, as well, in order to get pictures, words and feelings from our companions. I have been working with the techniques and have been able to get images from my dogs and horse. My dogs were out late enjoying their nightly run. I began to worry – it had been an hour – and tuned in to the pack leader. I got an image of a large white curve. When the dogs returned five minutes later, I realized that the image was of the roof of the barn next door. That’s what the pack leader saw from the distance and that’s the direction they came back from!

This book contains many stories of how Joan’s advanced communication skills saved many a relationship – between animal and steward, between animals in the same household and even between the human members of a family!

This is a truly fascinating read and one that will change forever the way you behave, communicate and think about the animals around you.

The Bone Trail

2011-07-31T17:08:00.002-04:00

The Bone Trail

By Nell Walton

Soft Cover, 2010, $13.95

ISBN: 978-1-45649-90799

Available from Amazon

Reviewed by Carol M. Upton

First published in Horses All: www.horsesall.com

On the afternoon of the last day of Lindy Abraham’s life, she stood leaning against an old Jeep Cherokee, once red, now faded to kind of a dusky umber, rapping her heel impatiently against a tire. She waited in the Nevada desert in the middle of June; it was hot, and her peach colored cotton tank top stuck unpleasantly in the hollow between her narrow shoulders. ~ Nell Walton

In The Bone Trail, Nell Walton hooks the reader from the very start. We can feel the unrelenting heat and isolation of the desert, and the vulnerability of those who venture there. I was immediately drawn into this exciting story about the disappearance of two wild horse advocates – mystery, thriller and romance all rolled into one.

Walton’s book is inspired by the true-life events with which many horse lovers are familiar – the brutal helicopter roundups of wild mustangs off U.S. public lands, hearing of them being run to exhaustion into long-term warehousing facilities, where many face illness and death. But, there is more to this story, something far worse, and investigative journalist Kate Wyndham is determined to the discover the truth, even at great personal risk.

Every single character in this novel is lively and engaging – from the cold-blooded mining security staff to the Shoshone Reservation inhabitants to the stonewalling local police. Before we know it, we are following Kate’s terrifying trail, gripped with fear and sickened by the possible outcome.

This is one of those books the reader hopes will never end. Rumor has it that Walton is working on a sequel and there is no doubt readers will be lined up to get their hands on it.

Nell Walton is a journalist and the founder of the online equestrian news magazine, The AllHorses Post (www.allpetspost.org/allhorsespost). She lives with her husband and four horses (including two mustangs) in East Tennessee.

Quincy Moves to the Desert

2011-07-24T17:11:00.003-04:00

Author Camille Matthews and Illustrator Michelle Black have another fantastic Quincy (the horse) book out, this time describing a moving adventure.

The story gives some background on Quincy and his home in New York, and then Quincy finds out he'll be moving to New Mexico. He learns about how horses are transported, and shares sights he sees as he travels. Beau, his equine friend who travels with him, teaches him about different breeds and disciplines as they pass through the variety of states.

The story is very educational and the artwork is gorgeous!