The Top 20 Books for Riders

 

A good part of my riding life has been collecting all manner of books on horsemanship.  Not only did I want to be with horses, I wanted to think about them, better understand them, listen to the voices of the past masters… I wanted to soak it all in.

 

Why read?

I fear reading is going out of fashion. In a survey of sorts, most of the great readers seem to be in the over-fifty crowd. Why does this matter? When we drink our knowledge from the current well, we run the risk of closing ourselves to all the good that’s come before us.  We start reinventing the wheel, unaware that the same things have been plaguing—or uplifting—horsemen for centuries.

 

A few years ago, I shared on Keystone Equine what I considered the seeds of a good horse library. It became our least popular post!

 

Does the average rider not read any more? Perhaps the newest riding generation obtains information from online sources, clinics and actual lessons, instead. Perhaps those of us ‘a little longer in the tooth’ hail from an era where we were on our own when it came to learning and entertainment? Our books were our friends. Our libraries, so often the accumulations of our lifetimes, remain among our most beloved possessions.

 

Therefore, unapologetically, I remain an advocate of reading, as well as riding!  I am going to try again.

 

The Top 20 Horse Books

Every year, there are dozens of new books written on riding and general horsemanship. I’ll stay away from discipline-specific titles and concentrate on classics, both the old ones and those destined to join them.  Some are for fun; others, for serious study.

 

Will you learn to ride from reading? Probably not entirely. If you are keen, being well-read will help. The following titles are available in libraries and online, if not in bricks-and-mortar shops. Ebooks and audio books allow us to learn while we’re otherwise busy. Out of print works can be found at second hand sales, on eBay and Amazon.  The latter offers many options, including modern, affordable reprints of hard-to-find classics.

I invite you to put the kettle on, sink into the comfy chair with the cat… and enjoy!

 

#1.

Let’s start off with the classics, the way things were. Alois Podhajsky (1898—1973) remains my all-time favourite author. From The Complete Training of Horse and Rider to My Dancing White Horses, from The Art of Dressage to the beautiful My Horses, My Teachers, the Olympic medalist and director of the Spanish Riding School filled his books with knowledge and loving kindness. There’s a reason they are keepers, still.

 

For over twenty-five years, Colonel Podhajsky was the Director of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, home of the famous Lipizzaner stallions. He, himself, trained and performed for both competitive dressage and for the classical performances that have thrilled audiences worldwide. A heartfelt, meticulous writer, Colonel Podhajsky set out the foundations of horsemanship, reminding us that its purpose is always “to develop the natural abilities of every horse and to make our riding a graceful, life long pleasure”.

 

When you’re done reading, watch the old Disney movie, The Miracle of the White Stallions It’s the story of the Lipizzaners flight from Austria to safety, during the Second World War.

 

#2.

Let’s go back to the books we loved as children. Nothing comes close to the stories of C.W. Anderson (1891—1971). The author simply had a passion for horses and riding. When he wasn’t with his four-footed friends, he was drawing them. C.W.’s realistic pencil images would become the basis for his beloved series featuring Billy and Blaze.

 

These stories all relied on accurate information and good horsemanship. His later book, Heads Up, Heels Down, was written as a training tool for young riders. Despite the fictional plots, each contained a thread of realism that still resonates with me.

 

Bonus: if you’re fired with the nostalgia of childhood, I urge you to find the many works of Marguerite Henry.  Illustrated by Wesley Dennis, Misty of Chincoteague, King of the Wind, Justin Morgan Had a Horse, Black Gold and Born to Trot, are just a few. The classics by Mary O’Hara, My Friend Flicka and Thunderhead, will always have their space on my bookshelf.

 

#3.

When it comes to practical horse sense and understanding, The Nature of Horses—Exploring Equine Evolution, Intelligence and Behaviour by Stephen Budiansky (b. 1957—), is one of the first written works from both the horse’s—and scientific—points of view.

 

Despite our shared history going back to around 4000 B.C., man still struggles to understand horses. Though our relationships are shrouded in human dreams and legends, scientific research is finally beginning to explain long-standing mysteries about the true nature of horses. Budiansky tells the story of their origins, behavior, intelligence and yes, language.

 

Anyone who loves horses will find this book to be a fascinating read, despite further advances in our scientific knowledge in the past twenty years. Documenting our use—and abuse—of them, the author pioneered written research on the intelligence, intuition, trainability, eyesight, hearing and evolved performance of these animals we love.  If you enjoy this book, take a look at The Truth About Dogs, another of Budiansky’s titles.

 

#4.

Because a widespread knowledge of general horse care and horsemastership seems to be a thing of the past, I’m urging you to find—and read—that old Pony Club standard, The Manual of Horsemanship. This dog-eared handbook has set the bar since it first appeared in 1950. Every horse owner should have a copy. It’s cheap, has been updated and reprinted ‘til the present day. It’s readily available in every used tack store and online.

 

While the newest version is modernized—made larger, more colourful and easier to read—I have long loved the old editions with their beautiful pen and ink illustrations by Joan Wanklyn. The book was originally written by a committee of founding members of the British Horse Society. Written to encourage all children wishing to learn to ride and care for their own animals, the book is organized into sections—all the levels of riding, saddlery and the general care of the horse.

 

The Manual of Horsemanship continues to be the complete basic guide to horsemanship and horse care, suitable for all ages and it stands alone, addressing the fact that whether we ride English or Western, there is always more to learn!

 

#5.

I don’t jump—but I do like to read about it. The books I like best have been written by two great American horsemen, William Steinkraus (1925—2017) who wrote Riding and Jumping, and George Morris (b. 1938—) who wrote Hunter Seat Equitation.

 

Let’s go with the latter fellow, who is brilliant, even though we might regret his teaching methods that have spawned an entire generation of mean-spirited coaches. Never mind, just read the book.

 

George Morris began riding as a child. He won both the AHSA Hunt Seat Equitation and Maclay Medal Finals at age fourteen. He would go on to ride with eight nations cup show jumping teams, becoming an Olympic team silver medalist.  His students rank among the who’s who of show jumping. The chef d’equip of the USEF international team, George Morris continues to train hunters, jumpers and riders at eighty years of age and is considered the founding father of modern hunt seat equitation.

 

#6.

Let’s slow things down a bit. Riding Towards the Light, by Paul Belasik (b. 1950—), deserves space on the bookshelf of any thinking horseman.

 

I would call this man a modern master. An eventer-turned-dressage-rider, Paul Belasik has ridden and trained at every level up to Grand Prix. After studying with two of the great modern riding masters, Dr. Henry van Schaik and Nuno Oliveira, he went on to heavily influence his riding with Zen Buddhism and the martial arts.

 

Author of six published books on riding, included the celebrated anthology The Essential Paul Belasik and his most recent, Dressage for the 21^st Century, Mr. Belasik has gained the attention of serious students of classical dressage the world over. Currently, he travels the globe giving clinics, lectures and demonstrations.

 

#7.

Another book that rises above mere disciplines is Wendy Murdoch‘s Simplify Your Riding. This woman’s unique teaching and writing come about after years spent studying science and riding methodology—and recovering from her own traumatic injury.

 

Anyone who has gone through a period of recovery, rehabilitation and re-learning to ride pain free, will get something from this book. The author’s studies have taken her to apprenticeships with Sally Swift, author of Centered Riding, along with Linda Tellington-Jones, pioneer of energy work and the healing found between the mind—body connection.

 

Combining diverse concepts within and beyond the world of horses, the author guides us to believe that each of us holds the power to find what works for our own well-being.

 

#8.

When it comes to offerings from the stars, Denny Emerson (b. 1941—) recently wrote a book called How Good Riders Get Good. Encompassing almost all riding disciplines, it gives a lot of bang for the buck. A fairly recent addition to my library, this book is rich with concepts and plans of action for any rider in any realm. Followers of his regular columns in The Chronicle of the Horse will be familiar with the outspoken nature of the man’s writing.

 

Denny Emerson combines old-fashioned common sense with an amazing array of equine exploits. To date, he’s the only equestrian to have won a world championship in Eventing, as well as a buckle at the Tevis Cup Endurance Race.

 

After six decades in the saddle, Denny Emerson began to notice that there were certain traits and characteristics shared by the champions in every discipline from reining, to show jumping, to dressage. Before writing his book, he interviewed these riders and drivers and not only tells their stories, but divulges the roads to their success.

 

In 2011, near the completion of his 50th consecutive season competing, Emerson broke his back in a fall during the cross country phase of a three day event.  He made a full recovery and, to date, continues to both school his own horses and teach students in both jumping and dressage.

 

#9.

A new reprint has been made of an old classic: Tschiffely’s Ride: Ten Thousand Miles in the Saddle from Southern Cross to Pole Star.

 

A.F. Tschiffely (1895—1954) first published this memoir of his great adventure, riding horseback across South America, in 1932. Travelling through an expanse of desert sands, war-torn mountains, jungles and rainforest, Tschiffely’s journey was considered impossible and somewhat absurd. However, after two and a half years in the saddle, the man and his duo of trusted horses lived to tell the tale. It became a best-seller and ever since, has captured the imaginations of generations of armchair travellers.

 

For horse lovers, it is the man’s relationship with his horses, Mancha and Gato, that endears us to the book. Historic photos of people and places of the past make Tschiffely’s Ride perfect for anyone who secretly longs for adventure.

 

#10.

Clinicians are a modern part of horsemanship and learning. Most of the familiar names have books to their credit and of these, Clinton Anderson (b. 1975—) gets my nod. His book, Lessons Well Learned, is an interesting take on the modern methodology of natural horsemanship. While the Australian-born horseman is currently under close scrutiny regarding both his controversial training system and online persona, I find his book a refreshing change to all the touchy-feely stuff that plagues so much of so-called natural horsemanship.

 

After an intense period of apprenticing under several well-known trainers, the young man moved to the U.S. and opened his own facility. Since 1997, he has traveled worldwide, teaching his methods in horsemanship clinics. His name became well known after competing several times in the colt starting at the Road to the Horse.

 

Clinton Anderson’s program, Downunder Horsemanship, combines down-to-earth horse handling with the slick showmanship that makes the clinician’s name. Known widely for his work with problem horses, he provides both good watching and a riveting read. I bought the book because I choose to read a wide range of authors outside my area of interest, then decide for myself if the controversy surrounding them is justified.  You be the judge.

 

#11.

Under the heading of autobiography, I am picking an old favourite, Canadian Entry by Christilot Hanson (b. 1947—). Chris Hanson Boylen competed as a member of the Canadian Equestrian Team in Dressage at six Olympic Games (1964, 1968, 1972, 1976, 1984, and 1992). Canadian Entry is the story of her introduction to dressage, her training in Germany and of the racehorse that carried her to the Tokyo Olympics when she was only seventeen. If this isn’t the stuff of fairy tales, I don’t know what is. Her memoir is a truly wonderful book.

 

Canada’s most decorated dressage rider, Christilot placed seventh individually in Dressage in the 1976 Olympics and is a three time individual gold winner of the Pan-Am Games. Another in this list of inspiring, lifelong horse people, she continues to ride, teach and train today.

 

#12.

Enough of the warm, fuzzy feelings. Let’s get controversial! I’m going to suggest Tug of War: Classical Versus Modern Dressage by Dr. Gerd Heuschmann. An achieving German rider and equine veterinarian, Dr. Heuschmann is well-known in dressage circles for his plain truths regarding the training methods that have been employed within competition dressage today.

 

In a nutshell, he compares classical training, whereby the horse is meant to strengthen and improve throughout his entire life, with methods that often destroy the anatomical and nervous systems of the horse, no matter how talented it may be. Dr. Heuschmann has been at the forefront of decrying the practice of “hyperflexion” (also known as rollkur).

 

Passionately, yet knowledgeably and clearly, the author describes parts of the horse’s body that need to be correctly developed by the rider. He then examines how they function and how various schooling techniques affect these parts either adversely, or for the good. He very convincingly argues that it will either be one, or the other. In Tug of War, we learn to discern whether we’re seeing collection or contortion when presented with the most athletic horses in the history of equine sport.  I will, however, leave you with a word of warning as the author has become very political in his views.  One begins to wonder if all is for the good of the horse?  I still like to think that most of it is.

 

#13.

We’re in sore need of a laugh, now.  Who better than our old friend, Norman Thelwell (1923—2004). It always surprises me whenever I learn of riders unfamiliar with the English cartoonist’s work.

 

For sheer entertainment, find the old standards, A Leg at Each Corner and Riding Academy. Here was a man who knew of what he spoke! Regarded as the unofficial artist of the British countryside, Thelwell became the most popular cartoonist in Britain, since the Second World War. He shone a light on all aspects of human behaviour, but is perhaps best loved for his cartoons featuring sturdy little girls and their ponies.

 

What made Thelwell’s books so hilarious is that the comical illustrations were always underscored with a saying of absolute truth. It surprised me to find that the man had originally trained as a serious artist.  His oil paintings of the English countryside are beautiful. A man of many talents, it was his pen and ink cartoons that made “Thelwell” a household name around the world.

 

#14.

A book that has had a profound effect on my dealings with all the equine personalities that cross my path is Dessa Hockley’s 2008 paperback, Is Your Horse a Rock Star? Years of knowing that some horses were predestined to greatness, while others were content with mowing the yard, it wasn’t until I read this book that it all made sense.

 

Another book that defies pigeonholing into one area of interest, Dessa Hockey’s knowledge of human personality testing and her subsequent research into hundreds of equines is the basic premise behind the sixteen personality types. Recognizing our horses in these is not about making excuses for troubled horses or stalled training! Rather, we’re made to think before we react—we can now understand why certain horses and riders are perfect for each other, while others are not.

 

Reading this book has had me mindfully honour each of the horses in my care. I’ve learned to love and laugh with even the troubled ones. It has become another tool in my tool box when it comes to rehabilitating those that come here. I can now celebrate the ones who move on, ready to rock their worlds and forge new friendships. Rock Star comes highly recommended.

 

#15.

When it comes to books on training, I am going to ask you to consider classical dressage to be of interest to anyone who wants to ride and train good horses. Enlightened Equitation is the recent and somewhat controversial book by the British horsewoman, Heather Moffett.

 

The author began riding in a very ordinary program but in her teens, she started questioning traditional methods of teaching. She developed an original method of instructing and was soon known for her results in changing the longstanding habits of experienced riders. This didn’t sit well with the establishment—mainly the testing and judging standards set forth by the British Horse Society—and it set her on her life’s path of being a revolutionary among horsemen.

 

Heather Moffett developed the Equisimulator, whereby beginning riders could perfect their technique without banging around on real, live horses. The students on these simulators learned to ride with uncanny speed and confidence. She then created her own line of saddles when she saw problems with how modern dressage saddles were causing riders to sit. A proponent of the pelham rather than the ordinary snaffle—and this is something I’ve found myself in agreement with, many times over—Ms. Moffett has long brought quite ordinary horses and ponies from training level to Grand Prix. These happy animals, of all breeds and ages, illustrate her book.

 

Sheer genius in its teaching, controversial in its methods, I found Enlightened Equitation a very good read.

 

#16.

Let’s stay for a while with another woman who looked at equitation and saw a need for change. Sally Swift (1913—2009) wrote Centered Riding some thirty years ago. Now a modern classic, the author developed the principles of her riding program as tools to improve the balance and effectiveness of any body who wished to ride.

 

Keywords and phrases of centered riding became standard within the industry:  breathing, soft eyes, centering, building blocks and grounding all started with Sally Swift’s teaching. Quietly and with determination, she instructed achieving riders in all disciplines. She passed her knowledge on to younger teachers who are now using Centered Riding techniques worldwide.

 

Described by many as ‘ahead of her time’, Sally Swift’s easy-to-follow methods were not meant to be a discipline, or a type of riding, in themselves. Her way of explaining how the body worked and how the mind could form mental pictures for understanding was to open the doors to riders of all disciplines.

 

Whatever your horsemanship, if you learn best using imagery, Centered Riding is a must-read.

 

#17.

Enough reality. When it comes to fiction, an old favourite would be Traveller by Richard Adams (1920—2016). Published back in 1988, this historical novel recounts the American Civil War, as seen through the eyes of a horse.

 

There is a basis of fact in the story as Traveller was, in fact, the favourite charger of Confederate General, Robert E. Lee. If you loved Black Beauty as a child, if you’re interested in military history, if you just love a rich and colourful story that you can’t put down, I’d suggest this.

 

#18.

So many of us regularly haul horses and yet, there’s a scarcity of written information on the hows and whys of it all. I looked long and hard for practical information on gross vehicle weights, trailer maintenance, truck performance when towing and braking… anything beyond the slick salesmanship put out by Dodge, Chevy and Ford.

 

When I found the 2003 Western Horseman publication, Truckin’ & Trailerin’ by Gavin Ehringer, it was with a sense of relief. Without talking down to the reader, the author plainly explains what’s out there and what we need to safely do the job. With so many of us hauling bigger rigs these days, we need practical know-how to avoid the dangerous but all-too-common scenario of the tail wagging the dog. 

 

Industry terms are explained: curb weight vs loaded weight, understanding the markings on your tires, when they need replacing, how to maintain floors, undercarriage and wiring and what to look for when buying and getting safety inspections done. Regular maintenance, semi-annuals, troubleshooting, hauling help, tips on handling your rig on the road… it’s all there, for under twenty bucks.

 

#19.

What is a library without something to make you dream? When it comes to sheer inspiration, nobody tops Anja Beran (1970—). I recommend either of her beautiful books, Classical Dressage or Classical Training with the Horse in Mind.

 

Shot at her internationally renowned training centre, Gut Rosenhof, Anja Beran’s books and DVD series capture stallions of every breed, joyfully schooling in the beautiful indoor riding hall and often, in the rose gardens. Anja Beran, who was born in Frankfurt, Germany, decided early on that she would train horses. She was given an opportunity to learn with Portuguese masters and the result is a young woman with incredible knowledge, timing and feel.

 

The basis of the program at Gut Rosenhof is classical dressage that strengthens and improves the forty-five horses in training, mentally and physically building them throughout the course of their lives. One of the horses in the book is a youthful looking stallion in his late twenties, cantering across green pastures, doing piaffe and passage.

 

All of the horses are brought in as youngsters and started by the all-female staff. Interesting individuals featured in the books are animals so needing rehabilitation as to be given to the trainer before being destroyed. It is inspiring to watch them all, performing happily to the highest levels. These books with their gorgeous photography, interspersed with real teaching wisdom, would be welcome on the coffee tables of any serious riders.

 

#20.

Let’s end our list on a note of nostalgia. For matchless pen and ink artistry and plain ol’ storytelling, my nod goes to the 1946 classic, Trail Dust and Saddle Leather. Jo Mora (1876—1947) was a Uruguayan-born illustrator and cowboy. He wrote about a vanishing way of life with the Hopi and the vaqueros of old California. He was called an artist, historian, sculptor, painter, photographer, illustrator, muralist and author. Make no mistake, Mora lived what he drew.

 

I prefer Mora’s works to those of Will James, although James’ books are huge cowboy classics. That these men captured the raw action of the western horse before the camera could verify their eye, is nothing short of amazing. But the written words in Trail Dust and Saddle Leather, the liveliness of the stories, using the slang of the 1890s, is riveting. Best of all are the intricately-drawn posters of the trappings of the old west, the originals of which now cost a pretty penny with collectors. Hackamores, bits, bridles, types of saddles, fancy rope throws and the fashions of the day… are a few of the illustrations to pore over.

 

Any one of these twenty books is worth buying or giving. All can be had if you’ll search for used titles on the likes of AbeBooks, Amazon or eBay. Good luck and good reading!

 

Finis… but first, please comment on any of your favourite reads that you don’t see here.

 

By the way, I may as well admit it. I’m trying to build my email list to offer books and get help with reading chapters and reviews in the future. You are my tribe! Rather than fill your face with pop-ups on the blog page, please, I’d be so grateful if you’d trust me with your email and subscribe with the red button. Thank you!