What are your favorite horse books? No matter what you’re interested in—horse health, horsemanship, improving your riding skills, or a little horse fiction—we have a few good horse reads on our top list for 2024. Some of our favorites include our contributing writers published works and a few of our must-haves! What books do you have or dream of having in your equine library? Drop us a line with your favourites, we’d love to check them out. Enjoy our top 2024 picks, and watch for more horse reads in 25.
Amber is one of Saddle Up Magazine’s amazing writers, a horse lover and a talented author!
Horse Karma, by Amber Zierath
He has been given many names and has lived in several places. Throughout his life, he’s met a lot of folks – some kind and others not. To be considered useful, he’s expected to fulfill specific roles without fail. But one accident changes his life forever, branding him as defective, which has everyone questioning his worth in the world – even him. Although most people may not see it, he has much to offer. In return, all he wants is to be loved. He wishes for someone to see beyond his flaws and truly understand him. He often wonders, though, if such a thing is realistic to hope for. After all, he is just a horse. One day, he meets Kiyomi, a thirteen-year-old girl who seems to truly appreciate all that he is. They quickly bond and together form a relationship seemingly pre-destined in the stars. But the horse can’t help wondering, will this relationship last, or will history repeat itself and see him discarded once again?
Horse Karma by Amber Zierath is a heart-warming story told from an unlikely point of view – a horse. It depicts the unbreakable bond between human and horse, with careful observation and extensive descriptions of equine behaviour. It will reaffirm the belief that the love you offer has ways of coming back, in a more profound way, of course.
We came across these next two authors via our friends over at Hoof Geeks. Their site is full of useful resources, and they have additional books and educational tools that are for sure worth checking out. Go to HoofGeeks.ca and click on Equine Health and go to Resources; it will be worth your time! and stay tuned each month in Saddle Up for hoof tips from Hoof Geeks.
Insight to Equus Book, Holistic Veterinary Perspectives on Health and Healing, by Tomas G. Teskey, DVM
Insight to Equus by Tomas G. Teskey, DVM, is a uniquely and professionally designed, full-sized (8.5 x 11 inches) hardcover book that explores our adventures with equine animals, our ties to the Earth, and how all our natural characteristics are important to consider. With 264 packed pages and 350 colour pictures, it will take you on a reading adventure, exploring ourselves and our environments, housing and habitat development, nutrition and herbs, herd structure and behaviour, parasite control, vaccination, hoof and dental care, and finding support. Several real and entertaining stories reveal the big picture and “FEEL” of holistic equine health care.
Paddock Paradise: A Guide to Natural Horse Boarding, by Jaime Jackson.
The premise of Paddock Paradise is to stimulate horses to behave and move naturally according to their instincts. This unique and unprecedented model is adaptable to virtually all size horse properties, regardless of climate, and fits all equine breeds regardless of how they are used. (Based on research on wild horses.)
Stay tuned we plan on sharing our readers paradise paddocks, send your paddock paradise pics to [email protected]
Sarah Southwell is one of our regular contributors, Sarah combines the French Classical methods with functional biomechanics and incorporates equine management and therapy practices to create mindful riding and equestrian art with your companion.
The Art of Mindful Riding: Spiritual Practice with Your Horse, by Sarah Southwell (Author), Dominique Barbier (Foreword), and Rylyn DeMarco (Illustrator)
The Art of Mindful Riding is an invitation to a unique and rewarding connection with our horses. It begins with us, our awareness, our mindfulness. Full of examples and real-life stories that help the reader look a little deeper into where the issues with their horses might be stemming from, The Art of Mindful Riding answers many “whys” while also asking some deeper questions. It is a book for riders at all levels, in all disciplines, that can be used as a guide and a starting place for a different way of interacting with your horse.
Another good read by local British Columbia Author Joy Kimler
Heartfelt: A Moment in Time, by Joy Kimler (Author), Cover by Artist Kim McElroy
When horse people meet and share stories, the conversation always goes back to the horse that meant so much to them, that one individual who made a mark so deep in their life they were changed forever. This book contains short stories from people who went on to do great things, whether competing at the Olympics or climbing to the top of their discipline. These horse stories will inspire, excite you and possibly bring a tear to your eye.
We saved the last horse treat from our talented friends over at Cowboy Coffee Magazine!
They are one of our favourite artisan magazines out there. Vol. 3 features the awe-inspiring competitor Katrina Williams, former All-Around Indian World Champion Cowgirl.
COWBOY COFFEE magazine was inspired by the niche corners of western culture: alt-country music, handcrafted tack and tools, poets, artists, teachers, and entrepreneurs. Fashion, refinery, and all things horses. They are here to celebrate and be in awe of the beauty of country living, craftsmanship, horsemanship, and the unwavering community it brings, their latest Volume is available at cowboycoffeemagazine.com
