"Comprehensive and up-to-date reference on the care and management of a horse." In The Horse Lover's Bible, Tamsin Pickeral takes a unique approach: she provides insight into the reasons why horses behave the way they do. Following her good counsel, riders can develop rapport with their animals. The book's straightforward layout guides the reader from assessing and purchasing a horse, to maintaining its well-being and ensuring its fitness, to preparing for competitions -- and much more. Checklist summaries appear at the end of each section. Step-by-step photographs and quick-reference boxes complement the comprehensive text. Some of the topics covered include: Assessing conformation, temperament, ability and breed characteristics Evaluating equipment and tack for both English and Western riding Analyzing horse behavior and natural instincts Stable design, field maintenance, and nutrition Buying, stabling, exercising, grooming, training and showing Shoeing, tacking, traveling and breeding Step-by-step clipping, trimming, plaiting, show turnout and quarter marking Common ailments, and traditional and alternative therapies Preventive health routines in a handy year-round plan First-aid and emergency procedures. The Horse Lover's Bible is a thorough and outstanding handbook for any rider.