A veteran trainer discusses the breeding, raising, and physical care of the western horse as well as providing a practical training program for the novice and the professional handler.

This series of Western Dressage exercises are designed to improve suppleness, balance in movement, and responsiveness. Each exercise has a specific goal in mind, and they are organized by different areas of focus: softness, looseness, rider development, engagement, adjustability, and ground work. With illustrated step-by-step instructions and full arena diagrams, you’ll quickly be on your way to mastering this exciting discipline.

An expert shares his insights and applies them to the handling of young horses and their early training -- from first bridling to tuming on the rearhand -- an essential reference for every Western-style rider.

Maybe you compete in versatility ranch-horse events or plan to meet that challenge and want to take advantage of every opportunity to polish your performance. Perhaps cattle work can put a fresh perspective on your riding program, or you simply want a handy, responsive horse, no matter what your day’s ride might bring. Whatever your interest in Ranch-Horse Versatility, Colorado horseman Mike Major is uniquely qualified to provide the information to take your horse program to the next level. A rancher by profession and a competitor by choice, Major has developed the horsemanship expertise to be successful in both venues, in large part because he draws no real distinction between his show horses and ranch horses. A Major Cattle Company horse might well work on the ranch today and compete in the arena tomorrow, a dual-purpose approach that has proven successful. Major and his stallion, Smart Whiskey Doc, have claimed multiple national titles—American Quarter Horse Association 2006 Bayer Select Working Cow Horse World Champion, World’s Greatest Versatility Horse at the National Versatility Ranch Horse Association 2008 and 2009 National Finals, and AQHA 2009 and 2010 Versatility Ranch Horse Open World Champion. Plus, in 2010 Major rode Black Hope Stik, a daughter of Smart Whiskey Doc, to become the inaugural Battle in the Saddle Ranch Remuda Champion and the first Project Cowboy Champion. American stock-horse associations were founded on the backs of such talented horses, and versatility competition has brought a renewed appreciation for these all-around athletes. In his book, Major shares how he develops such responsive, maneuverable horses. His understanding, how-to tips and thoughtful insights in Ranch-Horse Versatility can help you sharpen your skills to ride effectively, compete successfully and show your horse to advantage.

If you have seen his weekly television program, Downunder Horsemanship, then you know that Clinton Anderson's training techniques can achieve amazing results with almost any horse. Now his methods are available for the first time in a reader-friendly, highly illustrated book, and you, too, can learn the program that teaches "everyday people"—regardless of riding style, age, or ability—how to better communicate with their mounts.

The original version of this book was first published in 1983 and sold over 100,000 copies. In recent years, however, reining has changed and Al Dunning has fine-tuned his methods and techniques of training in order to stay among the top competitors. This brand-new edition, considerably larger than the original book, reflects the changes in Al's training program through updated copy and more than 300 new photographs. (8 x 11, 216 pages, b&w photos, diagrams)

A swift, effective method for pernamently shaping a horse's lifetime behvior.

Newly updated and extended, Advanced Western Riding joins the experience and enthusiasm of equestrienne Kara L. Stewart with the wisdom of Horse Illustrated to bring this definitive guide to advanced western riders. The book goes beyond the fundamentals to teach readers how to refine their riding skills--from the right mental attitude to the proper seat and hands to advanced schooling techniques and competitions. Complete with step-by-step instructions, countless tips, full-color photos, and an easy-to-use glossary, this guide takes the guesswork out of advanced western riding.

This highly visual collection of riding exercises will build specific Western riding skills and foster greater communication between horse and rider. Effective step-by-step lessons feature a complete description of gaits and movements, purpose and benefits, analysis and instructions, cautions, and tips for better performance.

Sally's adventures continue with Sally Loves . . . Horses! Sally is passionate about horses. She is charming, energetic, ever so determined, and with just the right amount of fearlessness. Sally dreams of competing in a barrel race at the rodeo with her friends. Sally is a special little girl, and such a uniquely wonderful role model. She gives young girls the inspiration to get up, start moving and seek out sports or activities that they love and enjoy. Sally empowers little girls to make their dreams come true.