The pleasure of owning a horse can take a wide variety of forms. For many there is substantial satisfaction in getting in the saddle and spending some time on quiet, sun-dappled trails close to Nature. Other horse enthusiasts enjoy the excitement that comes with compettitiion, racing, show jumping, dressage, eventing and all the rest. And for all there is the enjoyment of owning and caring for a truly remarkable animal whose ancestors helped shape the destiny of the modern world.

For everyone who enjoys horses today and for the many who would like to join the growing number of active equestrians, the excellent advice and guidance found in A BASIC GUIDE TO HORSE CARE AND MANAGEMENT will make this book a prime reference.

Whether you are preparing to find your first horse, already own a horse or a stableful of horses, you are sure to find enjoyable reading and ideas you can use.

Here is a host of observations on evaluating conformation and temperament, profiles on a wide variety of breeds and invaluable counsel on every aspect of how to provide the best in feeding, housing, health care and more that all horses need to be able to give their best.

The combined experience of this formidable author team is a large plus when you set your sights on the trail or the trophy table. They tell what tack you'll need and the difference the right furnishings will make for private riding or public competition. They also tell about the different forms of competition and how little things can give you and our horse the winning edge when it counts.

A chapter on breeding gives the special insights to this side of horse keeping for all who are considering taking this step. It is a must read chapter and makes the book even more useful and all-encompassing.