As the ground and water buckets begin to freeze in the north, and as many equestrians across the country find themselves with perhaps more time at home than most years, it’s the perfect season to curl up with a good book.
Whether you’re shopping for someone that is 6 or 96 (or for yourself!), there’s a book for every equestrian on your list!
For Young Riders
Isla & Pickle: The Pony Party by Kate McLelland – One morning Isla and her best friend Pickle, an adorable miniature Shetland pony, receive an exciting invitation. Isla’s friend Rosie is having a Pony Party on the beach for her birthday. There’s just one problem – Isla hasn’t learned to ride yet! Illustrator Kate McLelland brings the lovable pair of Isla & Pickle to life in bright, humorous illustrations.
The second in a series of Isla & Pickle picture books, “Isla & Pickle: The Pony Party” is a fun read to enjoy with any future pony rider!
Show Strides: School Horses and Show Ponies by Piper Klemm and Rennie Dyball – Tally Hart loves riding in the lesson program at Quince Oaks, but when a new trainer arrives with his student, Mac, and her pony hunter, Joey, Tally will be introduced to a whole new world of horse shows. With the extra saddle time she earns working at Oaks, Tally takes advantage of every ride she gets, from school horses to show ponies.
The first book of the Show Strides series, “Show Strides: School Horses and Show” may take you back to your Saddle Club book days! It’s not only an enjoyable read for middle-grade equestrians, it’s chockful of advice and lessons on both riding and life. Gift all three books in the series by shopping the second book, “Moving Up and Moving On,” here and the third book, “Confidence Comeback,” here.
For Improved Riding and Increased Equestrian Knowledge
Geoff Teall on Riding Hunters, Jumpers and Equitation: Develop a Winning Style by Geoff Teall – Discover how to increase the effectiveness of the time you spend in the saddle, whether you are a beginning hunt seat rider or a seasoned competitor. Noted judge, trainer and clinician Geoff Teall helps you put together an unbeatable package, including setting riding goals, finding the right horse and instructor, developing confidence and facing your fears and more. He then demystifies the jumping course, showing you how even the most challenging, demanding patterns can be simplified and easily practiced at home.
Piper Klemm, PhD penned the Note to the Reader in the newly released edition of this book, and she sums it up well: “I encourage you all to read this book cover to cover and then read it again. While you are doing that, gift it to someone joining our industry. No matter how long you have been in this sport or what capacity you are joining us in, this has such great content for everyone. From how to navigate the sport, what judges are looking for, to mental game and finding personal satisfaction in a fiscally overwhelming game, the principles explained are even more relevant now than when they were first written.”
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