Horse Sports

Although Thoroughbreds are hot-blooded, most are pretty calm and easy going when asked to do a job off the track, provided they get enough exercise. Where the problems arise is when people don't understand how racers have been trained and handled. Often OTTBs are merely responding to what they think the rider wants from the cues he is giving. With some smart handling and understanding, most people can enjoy Thoroughbreds as steady, safe and responsive companions in just about any industry discipline.

When her first horse came with the same name as the hero of her favorite book, Misty of Chincoteague, it seemed like a match made in heaven. However, it didn’t take long for Sarah to learn that there is no such thing as a good fairy tale without a little trouble. It turns out that horses cause a lot of trouble.

Lis Hartel became paralyzed after contracting polio in 1944. Her dreams of riding horses and competing in the sport of dressage were shattered. After months in the hospital, doctors told her she'd never ride again. Lis tried anyway. But how do you stay on a horse without using your legs? How do you give the subtle cues needed in dressage with limited mobility? With hard work—and an unlikely horse named Jubilee!

Reduce your horse's stress - and yours - with smart ideas you can apply at home to get ready for an initial show, community ride, trip to an instructor's facility or hopeful fun time with friends. It can be nerve-wracking for anyone (professionals included) to venture off the property with a horse for the first time. This becomes more challenging for novices who don't have the benefit of drawing from decades of experience. Know you're not alone - everyone has some doubts, anxiety and excitement associated with that first public appearance.

Shopping for a horse is unlike shopping for anything else. Not only are horses very big, but they can be very expensive, too. They have very specific needs and personalities that match their large size. Such a huge investment of time and money needs to be taken very seriously.

Confessions of a Timid Rider is a memoir detailing one woman's insights into being an anxiety-ridden but passionate equestrian. After returning to riding as a mother, she is determined to follow her dreams despite the fear she is somehow lacking in talent or ability. An in-depth look into the heart and head of a returning adult equestrian and mother, this message is not limited only to those with horse experience.

L.A. Pomeroy is an award-winning journalist (2010 AHP Best Freelance Equestrian Journalist, 2008 AHP Best Feature finalist), publicist, Internet radio cohost, and equinista specializing in equestrian culture/lifestyle, fashion/design, and art/collectibles. She also serves as Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) media liaison and has gained exceptional experience in Olympic equestrian sports history and trivia working for the US Equestrian Team (now USEF).

Inventing Your Horse Career is a resource and collaborative initiative designed to help you pursue your equine job passion with fun and flair. We've tapped into the knowledge and generosity of those who have forged the horse career success trail impressively to help you gain insight from experience and lessons learned the hard way. We don't feature standard career paths and media darlings, but instead offer unusual people, perspectives, and solutions for keeping the horse in the mix as you plan for a comfortable living.

Challenged with alpha horses that seem to be fighting you instead of cooperating? You can reach these horses and form incredible partnerships with some easy-to-implement ideas to build rapport and understanding. Since each horse is different, this audiobook offers you tips for customizing an approach to bridge a bond only you can experience with your special equine companion. Verbal illustrations of young-horse-training cases with alpha mares help show you what can work, and why - along with what didn't. Also included is a final list of things to consider when working with alpha horses for easy reference, and reminders.