Product Description

We all want our horses to be able to perform to the best of their ability and we know that an effective training regime has many facets. The horse must be worked correctly, fed a balanced ration, mentally and physically healthy and well looked after. This book examines a further aspect of the horse’s performance: it is designed to help all horse owners and riders to understand how a horse moves and how its anatomy helps, or hinders, the horse’s athletic ability.

First, the book uses sequences of photographs and detailed anatomical drawings to show the systems of support and movement at each phase of each of the horse’s gaits. The walk, trot, canter, gallop and jump are all examined, and the effect of the rider on the horse evaluated so that the rider can take appropriate action to avoid hindering the horse. Tips are provided throughout on ways in which the horse’s life can be made easier, such as saddle fitting, warming up and cooling down procedures.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #165752 in Books
• Published on: 2002-09-12
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 208 pages

From the Back Cover
We all want our horses to be able to perform to the best of their ability and we know that an effective training regime has many facets. The horse must be worked correctly, fed a balanced ration, mentally and physically healthy and well looked after. This book examines a further aspect of the horse’s performance: it is designed to help all horse owners and riders to understand how a horse moves and how its anatomy helps, or hinders, the horse’s athletic ability.

First, the book uses sequences of photographs and detailed anatomical drawings to show the systems of support and movement at each phase of each of the horse’s gaits. The walk, trot, canter, gallop and jump are all examined, and the effect of the rider on the horse evaluated so that the rider can take appropriate action to avoid hindering the horse. Tips are provided throughout on ways in which the horse’s life can be made easier, such as saddle fitting, warming up and cooling down procedures.

About the Author
Sarah Pilliner has an unusual mixture of an academic background combined with extensive practical knowledge. She is a former lecturer in nutrition and exercise physiology and is the author of Horse Nutrition and Feeding and Practical Feeding of Horses and Ponies. She is also co–author of Horse and Stable Management, Getting Horses Fit, and Equine Science, Health and Performance. Sarah competes regularly in dressage, showjumping and horse trials.

Samantha Elmhurst is a freelance illustrator with a mixed background of art school training, scientific knowledge and equestrianism. As well as being a regular contributor to various equine magazines, her work can be seen in the more mainstream veterinary publications for both pet owners and veterinary surgeons and also medical titles. Samantha competes regularly in dressage and showjumping.

Zoe Davies is a former lecturer in equine science, a consultant equine nutritionist and an external examiner for higher education courses for Edexcel. She has substantial experience in equine management and training. She is the author of Care of the Horse at Grass, and co–author with Sarah Pilliner of Getting Horses Fit and Equine Science, Health and Performance.

Customer Reviews

Appraisal for Science Students
In my opion this book is not suitable for Equine Science students or anyone wishing to gain an understanding of equine form and function through scientific knowledge. It contains many inaccuracies and descriptions that show a remarkable lack of depth of knowledge of anatomy and mechanics. There is no excuse for this even in a book intended primarily for a lay audience. I couldn't help getting the impression that the authors have insufficient knowledge and understanding to write book on this subject.