This is a book that considers just about all the factors that can influence how a horse perform (performance in the broadest sense - this is not just about competition success, although would be highly relevant to anyone with this in mind). It’s about identifying and making the most of your horse’s good points, and allowing for his weaknesses. With chapters including general conformation, foot and limb balance, musculature, vision, the mouth and bitting, schooling and training, it is ambitious in its scope, but still manages to avoid being superficial It’s well illustrated with diagrams and photographs.
It’s nice to see photos of ‘ordinary’ horses and I found the insights into the talents and limitations of different types fascinating, particularly the case study of one of the author’s own horses, of whom she says ‘we value Kruger not for what he might have been, but for what he is...’. Two points predisposed me to like the book. One was the inclusion of two of the author’s part bred Cleveland Bays, as my first and still very dear horse is a part bred Cleveland. I was also delighted to see that one of her examples was of a horse trained and ridden by Erik Herbermann, a writer and trainer for whom I have the greatest regard. Lesley includes ‘before and after’ photos of one of his horses, a stunning example of how an apparently unpromising horse can with skilful training look quite spectacular.
Lesley’s book has been very thoroughly researched and is well referenced with a wide range of excellent sources. It would be a super basis for anyone who may want to research some topics in more depth.
- Classical Riding Club Newsletter
THIS is another excellent and fascinating book by EBF member, Lesley Skipper. An apt companion to her Inside Your Horse ‘s Mind, no one with a desire to improve their horse’s physique, function and performance - and with an open mind — could fail to benefit from it, indeed from both books.
In her Introduction, the author states my exact feelings about many people’s concept of classical riding which is part of the message of this book. Talking about Sylvia Loch’s video, The Classical Seat, she quotes a remark from someone who had seen it as: ‘That way of riding is okay for well-schooled horses but what about someone with an awful pony who has to get through a Pony Club test?’ Lesley says how sad it is that so many people still fail to see the point of classical riding. How do these people think that horses become well-schooled in the first place? Certainty not by being yanked, hauled, kicked, distressed, confused and whipped round a manege.
I feel I cannot describe better than the author what this book is about. She says that it will help riders to:
• Understand how the way a horse is put together affects his athletic ability
• Recognize how conformation relates to the type of movement
• Learn to look at the horse as an individual, rather than having preconceived ideas about temperament and personality
• Realize the extent to which we can improve on nature, and learn to identify which aspects of a horse’s conformation we can change, and what we must simply accept
• Identify special problem areas, and know what remedial action to take
• Understand how problems in their own riding may be affecting their horse’s ability to use himself properly
• Understand the role of training aids, and identify when these are appropriate and when their use should be avoided
• Find expert help and support when they feel their own knowledge is inadequate
I feel that this book will do exactly those things if the principles and practices it advocates are put into practice with intelligence and common sense. It is extremely detailed and covers, comprehensibly and realistically, all the topics and attitudes modern, concerned horse-owners will wish to know about — and if they don’t already know about them, they’re here for discovery. Examples are given of improved horses, some vastly so, difficult and challenging horses and horses of all types and talents and it is particularly encouraging to be told that, within reason, no matter what is ‘wrong’ with your horse it can be greatly improved. It’s all a case of knowing what to do and this book undoubtedly offers the means to do that.
It is very well written, most thoughtfully presented and I highly recommend it.
- Gillian Cooper, Equine Behaviour
The title of this book is positive and uplifting, as is the book. While being informative, the book is also honest. Author Lesley Skipper highlights issues she feels are important to consider when realistically evaluating your horse and its potential, such as its breed, conformation and simple, yet helpful exercises. A basic understanding of horses and background information is necessary for a reader to get the most of this book. It answers many “why?” questions such as why different breeds excel at different disciplines, why feet and conformation are important and why horses act the way they do at times. I recommend this book as a supplement to the horse background and education you already have.
— Jennie Archer,
Appaloosa Journal Online Rating: 5 horseshoes (Excellent)
Realize Your Horse’s True Potential is an extremely informative book. The aim of the book is to teach the reader what they should look for in a horse when assessing which discipline the horse would naturally excel in, relating to their conformation. The book looks at the overall conformation in different types of horses and then separates these points to focus on specific areas of the horse.
The book covers build profile of the horse, then continues to work through different areas of horse conformation, starting with the hoof. The book then develops to teach the rider how improvements could be made to increase the level of performance from your horse. This section describes the rider’s position, a small insight into the natural behaviour of the horse and training strategies, such as lateral work and pole work to improve muscles on the horse.
The descriptions provided within this book are quite in-depth. They are written clearly with a good use of language, backed up with clear and well illustrated diagrams, which offers an easy read. I believe the book would appeal to all levels of rider wishing to gain a further insight to improving their horse’s natural ability.
– Michelle Stanley,
British Horse Society Book of the Month, November 2003