Best Horse Showing & Training Books of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: May 11, 2023

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Horse showing and training books are essential tools for anyone interested in developing their equestrian skills. These books provide valuable information on everything from basic horse care to advanced training techniques, making them ideal for riders of all levels. With clear, concise instructions and helpful illustrations, these books offer a wealth of knowledge on topics such as grooming, tacking up, riding techniques, and more. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, horse showing and training books are a must-have resource for improving your horsemanship skills and achieving success in the show ring.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

The Forgotten Horse - Book 1 in the Connemara Horse Adventure Series for Kids. The perfect gift for children age 8-12. (Connemara Adventures) Cover #TOP 1
The Forgotten Horse - Book 1 in the Connemara Horse Adventure Series for Kids. The perfect gift for children age 8-12. (Connemara Adventures)
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Modern Horse Training: A Constructional Guide To Becoming Your Horse's Best Friend Cover #TOP 2
Modern Horse Training: A Constructional Guide To Becoming Your Horse's Best Friend
ftb score rating icon 9.8
The Original Horse Bible, 2nd Edition: The Definitive Source for All Things Horse (CompanionHouse Books) 210 Breed Profiles, Training Tips, Riding Insights, Competitive Activities, Grooming and Health Cover #TOP 3
The Original Horse Bible, 2nd Edition: The Definitive Source for All Things Horse (CompanionHouse Books) 210 Breed Profiles, Training Tips, Riding Insights, Competitive Activities, Grooming and Health
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Horse Showing & Training Books

The Forgotten Horse - Book 1 in the Connemara Horse Adventure Series for Kids. The perfect gift for children age 8-12. (Connemara Adventures)

Heney, Elaine
Feb 24, 2022
The Forgotten Horse - Book 1 in the Connemara Horse Adventure Series for Kids. The perfect gift for children age 8-12. (Connemara Adventures) Cover
The Forgotten Horse - Book 1 in the Connemara Horse Adventure Series for Kids. The perfect gift for children age 8-12. (Connemara Adventures)

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.

Modern Horse Training: A Constructional Guide To Becoming Your Horse's Best Friend

Kurland, Alexandra
Apr 24, 2023
Modern Horse Training: A Constructional Guide To Becoming Your Horse's Best Friend Cover
Modern Horse Training: A Constructional Guide To Becoming Your Horse's Best Friend

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.

The Original Horse Bible, 2nd Edition: The Definitive Source for All Things Horse (CompanionHouse Books) 210 Breed Profiles, Training Tips, Riding Insights, Competitive Activities, Grooming and Health

Moira C. Reeve
Sharon Biggs
Nov 1, 2021
The Original Horse Bible, 2nd Edition: The Definitive Source for All Things Horse (CompanionHouse Books) 210 Breed Profiles, Training Tips, Riding Insights, Competitive Activities, Grooming and Health Cover
The Original Horse Bible, 2nd Edition: The Definitive Source for All Things Horse (CompanionHouse Books) 210 Breed Profiles, Training Tips, Riding Insights, Competitive Activities, Grooming and Health

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.

#TOP 4

Abby's Pony Love

Count, Susan
Johnson, Bev
Hastings Creations Group
Sep 19, 2022

"Abby's Pony Love" is a heartwarming story about a determined girl who falls in love with a pony and will do anything to be near horses. Despite having no experience with horses, Abby begs for a job at a stable and soon becomes attached to a mischievous pony that is bought by another family. Abby's journey teaches her about love, friendship, and determination. This book is a great read for advanced elementary to early middle grade readers who love horses and spunky girls who are determined to follow their dreams. Overall, "Abby's Pony Love" is an enjoyable and inspiring read that will captivate young readers.

The Equine Listenology Guide - Essential horsemanship, horse body language & behaviour, groundwork, in-hand exercises & riding lessons to develop softness, connection & collection

Heney, Elaine
May 22, 2021
The Equine Listenology Guide - Essential horsemanship, horse body language & behaviour, groundwork, in-hand exercises & riding lessons to develop softness, connection & collection Cover
The Equine Listenology Guide - Essential horsemanship, horse body language & behaviour, groundwork, in-hand exercises & riding lessons to develop softness, connection & collection.

The Equine Listenology Guide is a must-read for all horse enthusiasts. This book is the first in a series that explores the importance of listening to your horse and understanding their behavior. The author, Elaine Heney, provides readers with a wealth of information on essential horsemanship, horse body language, and behavior, groundwork, in-hand exercises, and riding lessons to develop softness, connection, and collection. The book is accompanied by a companion workbook and journal, making it perfect for both English and western riders. Overall, the Equine Listenology Guide is a comprehensive resource for anyone looking to deepen their connection with their horse.

#TOP 6

The Show Horse - Book 2 in the Connemara Horse Adventure Series for Kids | The Perfect Gift for Children age 8-12 (Connemara Adventures)

Heney, Elaine
Mar 30, 2022
The Show Horse - Book 2 in the Connemara Horse Adventure Series for Kids | The Perfect Gift for Children age 8-12 (Connemara Adventures) Cover
The Show Horse - Book 2 in the Connemara Horse Adventure Series for Kids | The Perfect Gift for Children age 8-12 (Connemara Adventures)

The Show Horse is a great addition to the Connemara Horse Adventure Series for Kids. In this book, 12-year-old Clodagh and her Connemara pony, Ozzie, face bullying from other riding students and decide to enter a horse show to prove them wrong. The author, Elaine Heney, beautifully portrays the relationship between a girl and her horse in this wholesome and touching story. This book is perfect for horse-crazy kids aged over 8 and is a great gift for young readers interested in equestrian stories. As a whole, the series is a wonderful read that emphasizes the importance of the well-being of horses.

Listenology for Kids - The children's guide to horse care, horse body language & behavior, groundwork, riding & training. The perfect equestrian & ... and safety for girls & boys age 9-14

Heney, Elaine
Apr 26, 2022
Listenology for Kids - The children's guide to horse care, horse body language & behavior, groundwork, riding & training. The perfect equestrian & ... and safety for girls & boys age 9-14 Cover
Listenology for Kids - The children's guide to horse care, horse body language & behavior, groundwork, riding & training. The perfect equestrian & ... and safety for girls & boys age 9-14

This children's equestrian book, "Listenology for Kids," is a must-read for young riders who love horses and ponies. Written by Elaine Heney, a renowned author and filmmaker, it teaches the philosophy of listening to the horse, being kind, and practicing good horsemanship. The book covers horse care, horse body language and behavior, groundwork, riding and training, making it a perfect guide for children aged 9-14. It is a comprehensive and educational resource that is sure to delight any young horse enthusiast.

#TOP 8

The Mayfield Horse - Book 3 in the Connemara Horse Adventure Series for Kids | The Perfect Gift for Children age 8-12 (Connemara Adventures)

Heney, Elaine
May 7, 2022
The Mayfield Horse - Book 3 in the Connemara Horse Adventure Series for Kids | The Perfect Gift for Children age 8-12 (Connemara Adventures) Cover
The Mayfield Horse - Book 3 in the Connemara Horse Adventure Series for Kids | The Perfect Gift for Children age 8-12 (Connemara Adventures)

The Mayfield Horse is the third book in the Connemara Horse Adventure Series for Kids written by Elaine Heney. This children's equestrian book follows the story of 12-year-old Clodagh and her pony Ozzie as they try to save their home from ruin by offering it as a film set. The book is a wholesome and beautifully told horse story that explores the depth of the relationship that can be created between a girl and her horse. The author's focus on the well-being of the horse is exceptional, making this book an excellent choice for horse-crazy kids aged over 8.

#TOP 9

Horse Care, Riding & Training for Kids age 6 to 11 - A kids guide to horse riding, equestrian training, care, safety, grooming, breeds, horse ownership, groundwork & horsemanship for girls & boys

Heney, Elaine
Jan 30, 2022
Horse Care, Riding & Training for Kids age 6 to 11 - A kids guide to horse riding, equestrian training, care, safety, grooming, breeds, horse ownership, groundwork & horsemanship for girls & boys Cover
Horse Care, Riding & Training for Kids age 6 to 11 - A kids guide to horse riding, equestrian training, care, safety, grooming, breeds, horse ownership, groundwork & horsemanship for girls & boys

Horse Care, Riding & Training for Kids age 6 to 11 is a comprehensive guide that teaches children everything they need to know about horse riding, equestrian training, care, safety, grooming, breeds, horse ownership, groundwork, and horsemanship. Elaine Heney's book is based on the philosophy of Listenology, emphasizing the importance of listening to the horse, being kind, and practicing good horsemanship. The book is also filled with fun horse-themed activities like mazes, puzzles, and crosswords. This book is a must-read for any child between the ages of 6-11 who loves horses and ponies.

Horse Anatomy Coloring Book For Adults - Self Assessment Equine Coloring Workbook: Test Your Knowledge - For Equestrians & Veterinary Students

Heney, Elaine
Jan 7, 2022
Horse Anatomy Coloring Book For Adults - Self Assessment Equine Coloring Workbook: Test Your Knowledge - For Equestrians & Veterinary Students Cover
Horse Anatomy Coloring Book For Adults - Self Assessment Equine Coloring Workbook: Test Your Knowledge - For Equestrians & Veterinary Students

The Horse Anatomy Coloring Book For Adults is a practical and fun workbook to improve and test your knowledge of horse anatomy. It includes over 36 detailed illustrations of the horse's anatomy, from bones to muscles and physiology. This self-assessment book is perfect for horse owners, equestrians, veterinary and ongoing education students. The book engages both the visual and motor parts of the brain, leading to better absorption of information and retention. Overall, this book is an excellent tool for improving horse anatomy knowledge while enjoying the therapeutic benefits of coloring.

Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many hours a day should you train a horse?

Keeping a horse in top condition requires about two hours of exercise every day, whether it be led or ridden.

2. What should I teach my horse first?

If you want to train a horse under saddle, groundwork would be the first place you start. While many people may be tempted to skip this step, it is vital to the success of not only your relationship with your horse but also your horse's understanding of what you're asking them to do.

3. Can you train a horse in 30 days?

The 30 Day Horse The first 30 days begins with groundwork. This may include desensitizing, yielding, controlling the hindquarters, and saddling. Eventually, your horse should progress to time in the saddle. The basics of standing while being mounted, the walk/jog/lope, and various figures can all be started.

Editor's Notes

During our horse showing & training book research, we found 779 horse showing & training book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,347 customer reviews through our big data system to write the horse showing & training books list. We found that most customers choose horse showing & training books with an average price of $16.76.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.