The Horse Conformation Handbook Review

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(More customer reviews)A definitive guide that not only is written in fine detail allowing the reader to understand the concepts of form to function, but clear and large photographs make the text relevant and real. Not sure how the loin relates to hip in underlying bony structure and why the relationship is important? If that prospect you're considering purchasing built uphill, downhill or somewhere inbetween? Depending on his build, in which specialty does his talent lie? Thomas breaks down the various body parts and puts them all back together again so the reader will come away with a better understanding of the whole.
This book doesn't get bogged down in paleontology and eohippus, but gets right to the point with useful information. Then use that knowledge to evaluate several horses in the final chapter.
This is a highly recommended study guide, written in plain english. Yet it is delightful to read. It will surely become the definitive guide for anyone serious about equine conformation.

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Conformation concerns body structure and anatomy. In this comprehensive volume, Heather Smith Thomas explains how conformation relates to function and what to look for when evaluating a horse. She teaches the reader to see beyond a horse's physical beauty to identify desirable attributes and potential faults, and with copious illustrations and explanations, trains the eye to recognize the hallmarks of soundness, durability, trainability, and athletic potential. Thomas begins with an in-depth discussion of equine anatomy and the importance of balance and proportion. She also explains how to detect "heart," that indefinable quality that distinguishes a horse from his peers and compels him to excel. The book concludes with real-world applications of the principles of good conformation, including helping a horse succeed by matching him with the right job and what the conformation of the aging horse can tell you.Horses with good conformation move fluidly, experience less wear and tear on joints, and are more apt to stay fit and sound during a long life of service. Whether you're buying your first horse, choosing breeding stock, or simply want to learn more about your equine companion, The Horse Conformation Handbook will help you understand horses better than ever before.

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The Rider's Fitness Program Review

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(More customer reviews)As a week-end rider, I eagerly anticipated the release of this book because I wanted to target my riding muscles to help me improve.
The first disappointment came when I realized I needed to belong to a gym. They do give you home alternatives for some, not all, of the exercises but many are not workable, requiring anchor points at specific heights for the resistance band alternatives. I supposed I could tap a bunch of screw eyes into one wall and the ceiling, but I bet my landlord wouldn't be too happy!

There was also a pretty complete set of equipment you were expected to own; benches, free weights, weight bars, ankle and wrist weights, exercise balls, medicine balls, resistance bands, tilt boards, rollers, etc. The helpful web link to sources of the equipment took me straight to one of the author's equipment sales web page. I had about half the equipment needed and am being resourceful for the things I don't have. Free weights, exercise balls, medicine balls, resistance bands and tilt boards are all going to be needed.
The second disappointment was most of the exercises were the same old same old. Some of them were packaged a bit differently and toward the end of the six week series, the exercises look more interesting, combining strength, balance and posture in one exercise. (I have read the whole book and have completed week one)
At first, I thought the layout of the book was a bit awkward, but as I began to use it, it bacame clear the variations in routine (One of the things I really like about the book) makes the layout necessary. There is a warm-up/stretch section without a lot of instruction, so I just used what I thought was appropriate for that days workout.
A good bit of information is included in the Introduction so read it carefully.
I was hoping for something a bit more revolutionary, but if you are lifting weights and doing a core based workout such as Pilates, you won't find anything different in this book.
I am planning on doing the whole six week series as directed, so if something exciting occurs down the road, I'll come back and amend my review.

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Here is the perfect book for beginning riders who are using muscles they never knew they had before, advanced riders who want to stay in top form (especially as they get older), and weather-bound riders who can't get out during the winter but want to be fit when spring arrives.The Rider's Fitness Program details a fun and effective six-week program that strengthens the muscles riders use while improving overall balance, flexibility, and coordination. The book features more than 85 exercises designed to help new riders get over the aches and pains of getting started and experienced riders hone their skills and technique and prevent injuries. The ultimate goal, of course, is to achieve "oneness" with the horse.The routines are flexible, so individuals can customize the workout they need for jumping, dressage, reining, endurance, polo, or rodeo. The exercises are accompanied by step-by-step photographs that demonstrate how to perform each action properly (with an emphasis on safety). The exercises are progressive, from basic to advanced, and suitable for riders at all fitness levels.The authors also include fundamental information on diet, general health and safety, and what clothing and equipment are necessary.The Rider's Fitness Program is a comprehensive handbook for riders of all experience levels, with workout routines for every type of riding discipline.

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