Reviews for the hardcover edition: ''An extremely useful book for the general rider.'' --Horse Country ''Written in accessible language... reader-friendly layout includes color photos on every page.'' --Sci-Tech News This comprehensive and up-to-date reference takes a different approach to horse care and management by providing insights into the reasons why horses behave the way they do. Following the author's good counsel here, riders and owners can ensure their horses receive the best care while developing a valuable, lasting rapport with them. The book's straightforward layout guides the owner and rider through the full range of issues, from assessing and purchasing a horse, to maintaining its well-being and ensuring its fitness, preparing for competitions, dealing with illness and injury, and much more. Checklist summaries appear at the end of each section. Step-by-step photographs and quick-reference boxes complement the comprehensive text. The topics 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 A handy year-round plan of preventive health routines First-aid and emergency procedures. ''The Horse Lover's Bible'' is a thorough and outstanding handbook for any rider, and especially valuable to new owners.