The Romance of the Horse

Cowboys. 

Knights in shining armor. 

 

Mounted police.

 

Rodeo gals.

Where would they be without their faithful steeds?

And where would romance be without the occasional horse galloping through the story? After all, how else are the hero and heroine going to ride off into the sunset to enjoy their happily-ever-after ending?

My equestrian experience may be limited, but nothing jolts me out of a good book faster than misused horse terminology. Do you know the difference between a halter and a bridle? A cinch and a girth? A gelding and a stallion? A fetlock and a forelock?

Myra riding Gem, one of her favorite therapy horses.

If not, better do a little research before you plop a horse into your novel, or you could find yourself up to your ostrich-leather bootstraps in . . . um, you get the picture!

My brother is the horseman of the family. Though I’ve always loved horses, as a city girl my time around these magnificent animals has been limited. Despite a lifelong dream of someday having a horse of my own, I’ve had to accept that it just wasn’t meant to be.

Myra's "horsey" friend Peggy on her Palomino, Gigi.

Which is why most of what I know about horses and riding was picked up during my seven years as a volunteer at a therapeutic riding center.* I met some amazing horses and riders there, along with many wonderful staff and volunteers who really knew their stuff. With the help of a really great “horsey” friend I met there (Peggy, shown above), I had the opportunity to take dressage lessons on borrowed horses (still miss you, GiGi and Radar!) and even competed in my first and only schooling show!

Myra riding Radar in her first and only dressage schooling show!

My love of horses naturally led me to include them in my writing, and of course I wanted to get it right. So today I’m going to share several of the resources I’ve relied upon.

One of my favorites is a book entitled The Complete Guide to Horse Careers, by Sue Reynolds. The book covers a multitude of subjects, including animal health professions, breeding, training and judging, auctioneering, and horse racing. Great inspiration when you’re looking for a unique character occupation!

Another helpful reference is a book I happened upon in a flea market many years ago, Basic Training for Horses: English and Western, by Eleanor F. Prince and Gaydell M. Collier. This book covers just about everything related to horse training, including horse and trainer psychology, longeing, driving in harness, jumping, dressage, and endurance riding.

The same authors published another title I keep on my shelf, Basic Horsemanship: English and Western. This book addresses topics such as the gaits, tack, the rider’s seat, trail riding, and competition.

Other books within easy reach:

The Random House Book of Horses and Horsemanship, by Paula Rodenas. Offers a general overview of horse breeds, history of the horse, anatomy and behavior, and basic training.

Horse Handling & Grooming, by Cherry Hill. “A step-by-step photographic guide to mastering over 100 horsekeeping skills.”

Centered Riding, by Sally Swift. This book takes you beyond the mechanics of riding and encourages true communication with the horse through the rider’s seat, legs, and hands. Swift’s techniques “give mind and body new and relaxed approaches to the inner process of riding.”

The Man Who Listens to Horses, by Monty Roberts. This one is inspiration and then some! A must-read!

If you’re looking online for info about horses and riding, here are some randomly selected links to check out. Many of these will lead you to pages with even more detailed information.

Anatomy and breeds:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equine_anatomy

http://www.allabouthorses.com/horse-health/injuries/horse-anatomy.html

http://www.greenhorn-horse-facts.com/equineanatomy.html

http://www.horsechannel.com/horse-breeds/all_landing.aspx

http://www.equiworld.net/breeds/

http://www.horsecolor.com/

http://www.equusite.com/articles/basics/basicsColors.shtml

Western riding:

http://www.equiworld.net/uk/sports/western/westernintroduction/

http://www.westernriding.org/

http://www.horsetopia.com/articles/basics-of-ownership/western-horse-training-basics.html

English riding:

http://www.suite101.com/content/correct-english-riding-position-a109499

http://www.horsebabble.com/english-riding.html

http://www.horses-and-horse-information.com/articles/english-riding-jumping.shtml

http://www.usdf.org/about/about-dressage/

Horse training:

http://www.alphahorse.com/horse-training.html

http://www.parellinaturalhorsetraining.com/horse-training-methods/

http://www.horsemanshiphorsetrainingtips.com/

http://www.learn-about-horses.com/join-up.html

http://www.montyroberts.com/ab_about_monty/ju_about/

    (BE SURE TO WATCH MONTY’S VIDEO!!!)

I’ve also created a YouTube playlist containing a variety horse-related videos (check YouTube sidebars for related videos). (Plus--excuse the blatant self-promo--the book trailer for One Imperfect Christmas, the first of my published novels to include horses.) Watching these snippets of horses, trainers, and riders in action is the next best thing to being there!

Okay, who are the horse enthusiasts among us? Feel free to share your expertise, your favorite horse story (true or fictional), or ask a question that maybe someone with more experience can answer for you.

Book giveaway! Two randomly selected commenters on today's post will receive a copy of my newest release, A Horseman’s Heart, out this month from the Heartsong Presents Book Club.

North Carolina’s a long, long way from Texas, but horse trainer Kip Lorimer needs to get out of town fast, because the woman who long ago destroyed his last remnants of trust has just caught up with him—again. Special-ed teacher Sheridan Cross has trust issues of her own, so when Kip shows up with a horse to donate to the family’s equine therapy program, she can’t help but be suspicious. A cowboy a thousand miles from home and living out of a horse trailer? What’s wrong with this picture? When Sheridan’s mother offers Kip a job as barn manager, Sheridan decides she’d better stick close enough to keep an eye on things, never expecting she’ll soon have eyes only for the handsome cowboy. Can they trust their hearts and find true love, or will their troubled pasts come crashing down on their dreams?

 ~~~~~~~

*“My Special Olympians,” a true story based on my experiences working with special-needs riders, was included in the inspiring anthology The Healing Touch of Horses: True Stories of Courage, Hope, and the Transformative Power of the Human/Equine Bond.