EVERYDAY HORSEMANSHIP (©May 2003 by Eliza R. L. McGraw, published by Sterling Publications, 224 pages, $29.95) – An illustrated guidebook for horse people who understand that horsemanship is much more than saddling up and heading out for a ride. Competitive and recreational equestrians will find essential information on where to find horses, how to care for them, and how to enjoy them in different ways. See how to set horsemanship goals, from endurance riding and cross-country to vaulting and dressage; select a trainer; and diversify workouts. Become a vital part of the horse community by volunteering for riding programs or rescue barns. Stabling, grooming, nutrition, riding etiquette, medical care, and even money-saving ideas for maintaining a horse are covered.

 

FEELING DRESSAGE (©April 2003 by Ruth Sabine Schaefer, published by Eclipse Press, 200 pages, $24.95) – A book that focuses on the specific discipline of dressage.

 

NATIONWIDE OVERNIGHT STABLING DIRECTORY AND EQUESTRIAN VACATION GUIDE (©March 2003 by the Equine Travelers of America, Inc., 232 pages, $26.95) – Everything horse people need in planning a trip, move, trail ride or vacation with their horses. Besides offering traveling horse people overnight facilities for their horses, the Directory serves as a do-it-yourself Vacation Guide. The Directory makes traveling or vacationing with horses easier, more convenient, less troublesome and practically worry-free. Equine Travelers of America, Inc. has been publishing the Nationwide Overnight Stabling Directory yearly since 1982. The corporation is run by and the Directory put together by James L. McDaniel, Editor-in-Chief, and Janice J. Nelson, Executive Editor.

 

RIDE WITH YOUR MIND ESSENTIALS: Innovative Learning Strategies For Basic Riding Skills (©March 2003 by Mary Wanless, published by Trafalgar Square, 144 pages, $22.95) – Learning to ride well is a mammoth task yet Mary Wanless believes that the essential skills of riding can be mastered by virtually every rider if given the right tools. According to the publisher, Wanless has made it her mission over the past 23 years to reveal the secrets of talented riders and to break down the necessary skills into “bite–size chunks.” The book sets out to simplify her methods and to provide a basic tool–kit for using the hands, legs, and body correctly. Mary Wanless is known throughout the world for her Ride With Your Mind method. Her previous titles include The Natural Rider, Ride With Your Mind, For the Good of the Horse, and For the Good of the Rider, plus eight videotapes. She teaches regularly in the United States, but makes her home in Oxon, England.

 

HOW TO BE YOUR DOG’S BEST FRIEND: The Classic Training Manual For Dog Owners (©September 2002 by the Monks of New Skete, published by Little Brown & Company, 256 pages, $25.95) – Revised and updated, this is an informal, friendly guide. Not only a step-by-step training manual, it is also a philosophical discussion of the spiritual benefits of owning a dog. The Monks, who support their community in upstate New York by breeding and training German shepherds, reveal a profound devotion to all breeds in this detailed guide to every imaginable aspect of dog ownership. They cover it all: naming the puppy, training with eye contact and jingling keys, establishing the best sleeping arrangements, even dealing with pet loneliness. Throughout, the authors reflect on the deep spiritual connection possible between humans and dogs (Review by Judy Fireman).

 

OTTO GOES TO BED (©May 2003 by Todd Parr, published by Little Brown & Company, 24 pages, $9.95) – There’s a new dog in town and his name is Otto, a lovable, goofy dog sure to win over the preschool set. In each adventure, Otto faces a familiar childhood dilemma and resolves it in a surprising, silly, and satisfying way. What should a dog left alone in the house do? Go to the beach and meet a new friend, of course! How should a dog get himself to fall asleep? Why, he should dream about all his favorite things! Todd Parr’s signature bright colors and bold images burst out on every page. Each easy-to-read story ends with a special reassuring message from Otto, giving these books the same personal touch that proved so popular in Parr’s previous bestselling titles … It’s Okay to Be Different and The Feelings Book. Todd Parr’s inspiration for this character was his own dog, a pit bull named Bully, whom he discovered abandoned in a supermarket parking lot in San Francisco.