Best Horse Riding Books of 2026

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 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 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.

Modern Horse Training is a comprehensive guide to building a strong bond with your horse while achieving performance excellence. The book covers everything from working with foals to rehabilitating rescues and retiring horses. The author emphasizes the importance of positive reinforcement teaching strategies and good balance, both physical and emotional, to create a happy, sound horse who wants to be with you. The instructions for each lesson are easy to follow and teach. If you're looking for a book that prioritizes kindness and fun while training your horse, Modern Horse Training is the perfect guide for you.

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.

The book "Secretariat" by Raymond G. Woolfe Jr. is an enthralling intimate portrait of the triumphs and disasters of Secretariat's gallop to immortality. Accompanied by stunning photographs, the author tells the story of Secretariat from the coin toss that sent him to Helen Chenery to his burial at Claiborne Farm. The book also includes a glossary of horse-racing terms, a breakdown of Secretariat's bloodline, and a foreword by Ronald Turcotte, Secretariat's jockey during his amazing 1973 campaign. Woolfe's easy-reading style adds much to his inside story of this exciting chestnut thoroughbred. A first-rate gift book for anyone who loves horses, anyone who loves racing and for sports fans generally.

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 Eighty-Dollar Champion: Snowman, The Horse That Inspired a Nation is a captivating memoir that tells the inspiring story of Harry de Leyer and his horse, Snowman. Harry saw the beaten-up nag on a truck bound for the slaughterhouse and bought him for just eighty dollars. Against all odds, Harry taught Snowman how to fly and together they climbed to the very top of the sport of show jumping. This book captures the heart of Cold War-era America and is a moving testament to the incredible things that can grow from the bond between animals and humans. Overall, this is a wonderful book that will leave readers feeling uplifted and inspired.

The Original Horse Bible, 2nd Edition is a comprehensive guide to all things horses. The book covers 210 breed profiles, training tips, riding insights, competitive activities, grooming, and health. The updated edition includes new information on medications, poisonous plants, natural horsemanship, and more. The authors provide detailed sections on the natural history of horses, anatomy, physiology, bodily systems, structure, senses, gait/movement, coat, color patterns, life cycle, reproduction, intelligence, trainability, mentality, and natural instincts. This book is a must-have for anyone who loves horses or wants to learn more about them.