Best Equestrian Sports Books of 2026

The Horse Encyclopedia by DK Pet Encyclopedias is a comprehensive visual guide to horses and ponies. It features over 150 breeds and types recognized by national horse societies, and expert advice on horse care, feeding, grooming and health. The book explores the evolution and anatomy of horses, their place in history, art and culture, and includes panels on famous breeds, owners, riders, and breeders. The gorgeous photography is accompanied by knowledgeable text describing the origins, history, and characteristics of each horse and pony. The book is a must-have for equine enthusiasts, and a great addition to the Definitive Visual Guide series.

The Principles of Training is a must-read for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of horse training. The book offers readers an insight into the 12 fundamental principles that all successful horse people use, and illustrates them with real-life examples to help readers fully understand why effective training works. The author's approach to training is based on understanding the relationship between horse and rider, and how to build that relationship through effective communication. This book is a great resource for riders of all levels, and the principles outlined can be applied to any discipline. Highly recommended!

The Forgotten Horse is the first book in the Connemara Horse Adventure Series for Kids. Written by Elaine Heney, this book is a heartwarming story about the bond that can be created between a girl and her horse. The story follows 12-year-old Clodagh and her mysterious grey pony, Ozzie. When Ozzie's owner unexpectedly reappears and sells him to a riding school with a bad reputation, Clodagh is determined to save her new friend. This wholesome and beautifully told horse story is perfect for middle school kids who adore horses and all those who love young adult fiction.

Horse Brain, Human Brain: The Neuroscience of Horsemanship by Janet Jones is an eye-opening book that explores how horses learn, think, perceive, and perform, and explains how to work with the horse’s brain instead of against it. Jones describes human and equine brains working together and discusses mental abilities from both human and horse perspectives. The book offers revolutionary ideas that should be considered by anyone who works with horses. Overall, Horse Brain, Human Brain is a game-changer that sheds new light on horsemanship, and provides valuable insights on how to communicate with horses on their terms instead of ours.

This book is a comprehensive guide to ground training exercises for horse riders of all levels. The author, Cherry Hill, provides 101 exercises that reinforce good habits and create a strong bond between horse and rider. The book is designed for easy reference, with exercises fully illustrated and described in easy-to-follow, step-by-step language. The exercises include clear goals, variations, common problems to watch out for, and lesson reviews. Overall, this is an excellent resource for anyone looking to improve their ground training skills and create a safe and pleasurable riding experience.

Physical Therapy for Horses: A Visual Course in Massage, Stretching, Rehabilitation, Anatomy, and Biomechanics by Helle Katrine Kleven is an excellent reference book for horse owners and professionals who want to ensure their horses' comfort and well-being. The book includes an introduction to the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, biomechanics basics, and practical how-to guidance in the most popular therapeutic modalities. It also covers cutting-edge alternatives that are currently gaining ground, such as fascia work, stretching, massage, stability and strengthening exercises, laser therapy, kinesiotaping, and much more. With over 300 color photos and illustrations, this book is a must-have for anyone interested in preventive and rehabilitative techniques for horses.

Centered Riding by Sally Swift is a valuable resource for riders of all levels. The book features precise illustrations and photographs that explain anatomy and imagery work to give riders new and relaxed approaches to the inner process of riding. Unlike traditional teachers, Swift does not believe in forced training techniques and instead uses vivid and creative images to help riders achieve harmony with their horse. The book is wonderfully explicit in explaining and showing what should work and how, making it an indispensable resource for riders who want to break through frustrating plateaus and achieve ever-rising goals with comfort, vitality, and precision.

From the Horse's Point of View: A Guide to Understanding Horse Behavior and Language with Tips to Help You Communicate More Effectively with Your Horse, written by Debbie Steglic, provides great insight into understanding and improving communication between you and your horse. The book offers an in-depth analysis of different horse personalities, learning styles, nonverbal language, and gestures, which can help horse owners to improve their horse's confidence and performance while also improving their own horsemanship. This extraordinary book is a must-read for horse enthusiasts who aspire to have a respectful and responsive horse, and it's a valuable addition to any horse riding book collection.

The Essential Hoof Book is a comprehensive guide to understanding horse feet, covering everything from anatomy to disease diagnosis and treatment. Written by top hoof experts, it combines the latest research with a hands-on approach, providing readers with the tools they need to assess hoof health and make informed decisions about care and management. With easy-to-follow language, over 400 full-color photographs, and do-it-yourself exercises, this book is perfect for horse owners and caretakers of all experience levels. The author’s emphasis on managing hooves rather than correcting them is a refreshing approach. Overall, The Essential Hoof Book is a valuable addition to any horse owner's bookshelf.

The Horses Know is a captivating novel that revolves around the bond between humans and horses. The story is set in a world where the human race has almost been destroyed, and the only way to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past is by forming a bond with horses. Amarilla is one of the chosen ones, selected by a horse as a bond-partner. She soon discovers that she is the one for whom the horses have all been waiting. The horses need her help, and she must achieve what has never been attempted before. The Horses Know is a heartwarming book that horse lovers will enjoy reading.