Horses For Dummies (eBook)

Audrey Pavia is the former editor of Horse Illustrated magazine and an award-winning writer of numerous articles on equine subjects. The author of seven books about horses, she has also contributed to Thoroughbred Times, Horse & Rider, and many other animal magazines. Janice Posnikoff, DVM, is a highly respected equine veterinarian with over 20 years experience. She is a graduate of the Western College of Veterinarian Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Canada.

Introduction 1

Part 1: Beginning with Horse Basics 5

Chapter 1: Welcome to the World of Horses 7

Chapter 2: Understanding Horses from Head to Hoof 17

Chapter 3: Perusing Popular Horse Breeds 39

Part 2: Selecting a Horse and the Stuff that Goes with Him 59

Chapter 4: Preparing to Make Your Purchase 61

Chapter 5: Making the Big Buy 87

Chapter 6: Getting into Gear with Horse Equipment 111

Chapter 7: Housing Your Horse Comfortably 151

Part 3: Taking Care of Your Horse 169

Chapter 8: Establishing an Everyday Routine 171

Chapter 9: Keeping Your Horse Clean and Pretty 183

Chapter 10: Preventing Equine Health Problems 207

Chapter 11: Examining and Treating Equine Health Troubles 219

Chapter 12: Giving Up Your Horse 255

Part 4: Handling Your Horse with Ease 263

Chapter 13: Working with Your Horse from the Ground 265

Chapter 14: Selecting a Riding Discipline 289

Chapter 15: Getting Ready Before You Mount 301

Chapter 16: Taking Control in the Saddle 311

Chapter 17: Staying Safe on (and around) Your Horse 333

Chapter 18: Competing on Horseback 345

Chapter 19: Riding for the Fun of It 363

Part 5: The Part of Tens 377

Chapter 20: Ten Horse Myths 379

Chapter 21: Ten Great Movies about Horses 385

Index 391