Table of Contents

Acknowledgments 13

Introduction 13

Chapter 1 The Horse in History 15

5 Fantastic Archaeological Sites Related to Horses 15

10 Breeds with Ties to History 18

8 Dates: A Timeline of the Draft Horse in America 22

8 Examples of the Horse in Myths and Religions 26

10 Horsey Phrases from Yesteryear 28

11 Instances of Horses Affected by Wartime Events 31

10 Items at the International Museum of the Horse 36

15 Facts About America's Pony Express 39

5 Museums That Celebrate the American West 41

10 Steps in the Development of Horsemanship 45

Chapter 2 Horse Breeds and Colors 51

5 Most Popular Horse Breeds in America 51

5 Unusual Horse Breeds from Around the World 56

18 Breed Registries in North America 58

23 Coat Colors, Patterns, and Markings 61

Chapter 3 Horses at Work 67

6 Jobs in Which Horses Help Humans 67

10 Qualities of a Good Police Horse 72

6 Interesting Lines of Work for Horses 74

Chapter 4 Cowboys and Trail Horses 81

10 Cowboy Terms You May Not Know 81

4 Places to Embrace Your Inner Cowboy 83

15 Things a Trail Horse Must Be Able to Do 86

Chapter 5 Buying a Horse 93

10 Questions to Consider Before Buying a Horse 93

10 Steps to Buying a Horse Wisely 97

7 Issues on Keeping Your Horse at Home 100

10 Fun Things to Do with and for Horses 103

Chapter 6 Tack and Supplies 111

12 Training Tack Essentials 111

10 Training Tack Terms Defined 113

8 Parts of an English Bridle 117

6 Parts of a Western Bridle 118

15 Types of Bits 119

12 Parts of an English Saddle 126

16 Parts of a Western Saddle 127

7 Rider Training Aids and Apparel 128

20 Items in a Well-Stocked Tack Box 130

10 Tack Tips: Selecting and Caring forGear 133

Chapter 7 Training the Horse 137

7 Steps for Starting a Horse Under Saddle 137

9 Naughty Habits: Their Causes and Cures 142

5 Reasons for Professional Training 148

8 Qualities of a Successful Training Stable 150

10 Bits of Advice on Becoming a Horse Trainer 152

6 Suggestions for the Homeschooled Horse 154

Chapter 8 The Competitive Horse and Rider 159

4 Quirky Equestrian Competitions 159

8 Popular Types of Equestrian Competition 164

8 Popular Competitive Associations 170

5 Unforgettable Racehorses of the Past 50 Years 173

6 Champion Horses That Exceeded Expectations 180

6 Insider Tips on Grooming the Show Horse 183

15 Dates: A Timeline of Female Firsts 185

6 Stories of What Can Go Wrong at a Show 189

5 Tips for Keeping Your Horse Sane at a Show 191

10 Dos and Don'ts from USEF Horse Show Judges 193

6 Ways to Recycle Horse Show Ribbons 195

Chapter 9 The Horse in Art 201

5 Illustrious Illustrators 201

5 Ways to Add a Horsey Theme to Home Decor 205

5 Formidable Equine Painters 207

6 Statuesque Horses: A Sampling of Life-Size Bronzes 210

5 Tips for Aspiring Equine Artists 213

5 Tips for Aspiring Equine Photographers 216

Chapter 10 The Horse in Entertainment 221

5 Favorite Classic Horse Novels 221

10 Songs with Lyrics About Horses 224

7 Rainy-Day Flicks 226

20 Celebrities Who Ride in Real Life 230

5 Famous Modern Movie Horses 234

7 Special Sites for Horse Lovers 237

Chapter 11 Horse Health 247

18 Parts of the Horse 247

10 Tips on Health and Soundness 248

5 Qualities of a Good Farrier 251

9 Important Areas on a Horse's Foot 253

6 Bones in a Horse's Fetlock and Foot 254

5 Common Causes of Lameness 254

5 Items for a Broodmare Checklist 259

10 Things to Know Before Baby Arrives 261

6 Hereditary Diseases of Horses 263

6 Tips for Making the Golden Years Pleasant 271

5 Fateful Endings of Faithful Equines 274

5 Ways to Memorialize a Horse 277

5 Signs Your Horse Is Enjoying Life 279

20 Goodies Horses Love 281

Chapter 12 Horses Coast to Coast 285

10 Must-See Spots Across America 285

14 Scenic Places to Ride in the Northeast 287

11 Racetracks to Visit in the Northeast 289

15 Scenic Places to Ride in the Southeast 291

10 Racetracks to Visit in the Southeast 294

12 Scenic Places to Ride in the South 295

8 Racetracks to Visit in the South 297

24 Scenic Places in the Midwest/Great Plains 298

18 Racetracks in the Midwest/Great Plains 302

13 Scenic Places to Ride in the Pacific Northwest 304

2 Racetracks to Visit in the Pacific Northwest 308

25 Scenic Places to Ride in the West 308

10 Racetracks to Visit in the West 312

14 Scenic Places to Ride in the Southwest 313

13 Racetracks to Visit in the Southwest 316

2 Scenic Places to Ride in Hawaii 319

Glossary: A Hodgepodge of Horseology 321

Appendix Where to Go to Learn More 329

Photo Credits 335