Horses for Dummies

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