3 comments about The Blood-Horse Authoritative Guide to Breeding Thoroughbreds.

1. Written by The Staff and Correspondents of Blood-Horse Publications, The Blood Horse Authoritative Guide to Breeding Thoroughbreds is a solid guide for novice and experienced thoroughbred racehorse breeders alike. Chapters explain how to choose a broodmare and stallion, how to maintain optimum breeding health, the steps to take for pedigree and confirmation analysis, market trends to watch out for, what to look for in a breeding contract, case studies and examples, expected stud fees, and much more. Written in plain terms, The Blood Horse Authoritative Guide to Breeding Thoroughbreds demystifies the process of breeding champions with sound advise borne of professional experience. A "must-have" resource and quick reference for thoroughbred readers; also highly recommended is "The Blood-Horse Authoritative Guide to Auctions".



2. I am new to breeding Thoroughbreds and I have found this book very interesting and helpful.You dont have to be in the USA to benefit from the tips in this book.



3. I have found this book to offer good, objective advice including real world figures to help evaluate the realities of breeding whether for the track or the market

5 comments about Horseplayers: Life at the Track.

1. Every writer hopes for that one book that will define their career. Capote had his " Cold Blood" and Lee her "Mockingbird". And now Ted McClelland lands his with "Horseplayer". Yes, in it's own genre it is just that good. For anyone who ever dared to the grandstand side of the track. For anyone who ever revered Newman and Gleason dueling it out at Ames Billiards. For anyone that wondered what happened to the wagering in Seabiscuit. This is the otherside. "This is Ames Mr". No racing fan or handicapper that's worn the proud hand stains of Form print should be without a copy.



2. 
   This is a fun book for the literate two-dollar bettor or for anyone whose pulse quickens when they hear the words "Breeders Cup" or "Kentucky Derby." Mr. McClelland really captures the variety and perseverance of the dedicated handicappers who make the track their second home. I grew up going to the track with my father, and have met the same types at tracks in the midwest and Florida years ago. (Maybe old horseplayers don't die -- they just go to another meet?) Some of the characters and vignettes are funny, some poignant; and all are well-written and very entertaining. Damon Runyon would have loved it!



3. Found the book to be an easy read for me. I could relate to most of the characters in the book. I would recommend this book to anybody.



4. The premise alone invites envy and curiosity. What aspiring writer would not wish to be paid for the priviledge of researching and writing about his own vice and be given a year to do it. The author's grasp of the material gives credibility even to his introduction to the world of thoroughbreds. His exposure of the invisible(to the ordinary visitor to the track)cadre of inveterate bettors is a real introduction to the pecking order and the order of intellect. From the railbirds to the racing form studiers tucked away in their respective hideouts waiting to make their move the author brings them to life.
   
   As one who has followed the racing scene for over forty years and has spent a lot of time on the back of track I will admit to learning much more about what distinguishes horseplayers from handicappers and the art of betting the bettors and not the horses.
   
   I look forward to his next book. Apparently another paid for vacation to explore the third coast. Another very clever premise.
   
   Congratulations to the author.



5. OK but I had to struggle through it. I wouldn't recommend it for a seasoned horse player!

1 comments about Secretariat (Thoroughbred Legends (Unnumberd)).

1. Tim Capps has written several of the Thoroughbred Legends books and my thoughts on his previous efforts (Spectacular Bid and Affirmed/Alydar) were that he really didn't make any effort in writing them. It just seemed like he went through magazine and newspaper articles and came up with a 175 page summary (which was well-written, but seemed empty). When I saw that he was to write the Legends bio of my equine hero, Secretariat, I was apprehensive at the prospect, especially since two outstanding books (by Raymond Woolf and Bill Nack) had already been written about Big Red.

   But I have to say that Capps did a great job with the limitations of the Legends format. He states right up front that he was apprehensive of doing the project because of the aforementioned books which had been published about Secretariat. But he states that Secretariat was his favorite and he wanted to do him justice. He has. Obviously there is not the detail that is contained in Nack's book or the beautiful photography of Woolf's book, but Capps gives a clear story of each of Secreatiat's races, plus some of the behind the scenes dealings related to his syndication.

   I didn't learn anything new with Capps' book since I have read everything I could about Secretariat, but this would be a great book for a young horse racing fan who wants to learn about this great horse with the big heart.

4 comments about The Winning Horseplayer: An Advanced Approach to Thoroughbred Handicapping and Betting.

1. Andrew Beyer revolutionized Thoroughbred handicapping in the 1970s with the introduction of the Beyer Speed Figure.
   
   Found in most racing forms, the speed figure gives the handicapper a guide to how the runner rates against others in the field that day no matter if they competed in races at different tracks and/or against a variety of levels of competition.
   
   In The Winning Horseplayer, Beyer takes his analysis to trip handicapping, which takes into account the type of journey a Thoroughbred has in a race, with a focus on being compromised due to any trouble in the start and turns, what path was taken around the track and if there was any stress due to the pace.
   
   What has been perhaps the most subjective handicapping tool is given a firm foundation by Beyer, which can be utilized by horseplayers who take the time to take trip notes from replays of previous races.
   
   In an updated version of the book that was originally published in 1994, there are numerous case studies and witty anecdotes, along with a new preface penned by Beyer.
   
   This is not a book for beginners to handicapping races. But for those with experience - and are looking for a possible betting edge or simply a great read on handicapping - this is the winning ticket.



2. This book was a reissue of an old book with nothing new worth buying it again.



3. As a part-time horse player this book is just not a good fit. To benefit from everything this book offers you would have to be a full-time handicapper. There are some great hints and tips that can be pulled out for any horse player, but to truly implement everything involved in this book you would have to be at the track every day. Maybe when I retire and I can be at the track every day I can pull out this book and use it to pick winners all day long, but until that point just 2 stars.
   A great book for the part-time player is Brad Free's book Handicapping 101.



4. This is a great book on handicapping or punting as we call it in Australia. Sure it has been around for many years now but much of the wisdom contained in its pages has universal application especially in relation to 'trip handicapping'.
   
   Beyer has an always engaging writing style and the book is replete with anecdotes many of them humorous to underscore his assertions. Applying just a few of his pearls will surely increase your odds of beating the game.
   
   For my money one of the best books of its type I have ever read.

3 comments about Backyard Race Horse: the Training Manual: A Comprehensive Off-Track Program for Owners and Trainers (Backyard Race Horse: The Training Manual) (Backyard ... (Backyard Race Horse: The Training Manual).

1. This is a very comprehensive book which covers a broad range of topics relative to training race horses. Because of it's broad scope it does not cover the minute details of training as some other books might...but as a survey of the subject it does fine. It is written well and organized extemely well. It is a good book to start with and will provide the reader with enough background information to be able to ask intelligent questions relative to the books subject matter. A good value.



2. It may come as a surprise to casual fans of horse racing but the vast majority of owners at most tracks are from area farms. These race horse owners - who are oftentimes trainers of their racers - continue to be the foundation of the sport at the numerous mid-level tracks nationwide.
   
   Authors Janet Del Castillo and Lois Schwartz takes the reader through the paces to get a Thoroughbred to the races; from building a track on a farm, the exercising of the runners and how to haul them to and from the track.
   
   Other key issues covered include how to properly manage a budget to make a successful run in the sport, training techniques to properly prepare a racer and the variety of legal medications that are used on the athletes. There is a good directory of race tracks and organizations throughout the country.
   
   The book is a great resource for those looking to take that step into the sport or for fans looking to understand an important - but oftentimes overlooked - facet of the industry.
   
   The next winner of the Kentucky Derby is not be clocking workouts in someone's "backyard" training track, but such a runner just may be the next summertime star at a nearby track. Backyard Race Horse describes how that can be accomplished through proper financial and strategic planning.



3. A book which reassures all those amateurs along the way, that you don't have to be Gai Waterhouse or Bart Cummins to join the winners circle. Handy references to a broad range of subjects and written in a way, that takes much of the mysteries out of the whole subject.

2 comments about The Original Thoroughbred Times Racing Almanac 2008 (Original Thoroughbred Times Racing Almanac).

1. There is not a Thoroughbred commissioner's office or one easy place to research material on national and international racing and breeding. That is what makes the 2008 version of the almanac essential, especially since it has expanded to nearly 1,000 pages and contains additional information sections.
   
   The year in review goes from January 2006 to June 2007, with outstanding analysis on the state of the industry and a wealth of information on the Breeders' Cup & graded stakes results. But with additions means some deletions and brief histories on legendary tracks like Hialeah Park and Sportman's Park have been removed from the Racetracks of North America section.
   
   What is needed is one or two inserts of color photographs from the year or previous seasons in the publication's vast archives. The almananc would benefit greatly by having it more visually appealing.
   
   No matter if you are a casual fan, handicapper or media member, the almanac will be the prime resource for information throughout the year.



2. Thoroughbred Times' Racing Almanac is a must have for any horse racing fan. A completely comprehensive overlook of the past year and the history (statwise)of horseracing.

No comments about Advanced Techniques of Dressage: German National Equestrian Federation (German National Equestrian Federation's Complete Riding and) (German National Equestrian Federation's Complete Riding and).

5 comments about Man o' War: A Legend Like Lightning.

1. I love horse racing so starting reading this book out of that interest. I found, however, that the subject matter necessarily went well beyond what is arguably the greatest race horse. Big Red's influence transcended sports and wove itself into the fabric of American Society. There is a good reason Man o' War's name is immediately recognized by the general public almost 100 years removed. Ms. Ours, in an extremely well-researched, well-written and extremely entertaining work, provides us with a legend and his times. If you have an interest in racing, don't miss this. If you have an interest in early 1900 America and like a good story, well told, Man o' War is worth your money and time.



2. Dorothy Ours weaves a rich tapestry based on thorough research and fine writing. I couldn't put this book down. It was a weekend well spent.



3. I suspect many folks considering this book are like me: really loved Seabiscuit, looking for more like it. This book had some glowing reviews on its cover (including one from Laura Hillenbrand) and mostly favorable reviews here, so I was optimistic. But I found the book very disappointing. The quality of the writing is second-rate. Her knowledge of the subject seems fine, but I wasn't looking for facts, I was looking for an engaging story. I wish I'd read the first 10 or 20 pages before buying it.



4. Dorothy Ours' Man o'War was the first book on horse racing for me, and I found it a fascinating read. My research into other events of 1919-20 gave me a feel for the times, and this account meshed well.
   I found myself looking forward to each race, even though I knew the outcome. The detail is incredible, the reader is never given too much or too little. We also get to know the great horses' supporting casts - the owners, trainers, jockeys, and more. This was a treat, a story worth telling, and well-told.



5. I've been a Man o' War fan since childhood, and Ours' biography of the champion is the best of all that I've read. Like Laura Hillenbrand's "Seabiscuit," Ours' book is meticulously researched, using contemporary newspaper and magazine accounts of Big Red's career and secondary sources. Ours is a talented writer and her prose captures the excitement surrounding Man o' War's races - you really feel like you are there by the rail watching him run!

5 comments about Basic Horsemanship (Revised) (Doubleday Equestrian Library).

1. I read this book just to see if I was riding the correct way because I taught myself. I learned a lot and it has helped me understand my horse better. It would be a great book for a Novice Rider or new Instructer. Anyone will benifit from reading this to improve their skills!



2. This is an awesome book teeling just about everything you need to know about basic riding! The index is full of pictures about tack, brushes and parts of the horse! It seems like you have a trainer right there with you helping you along the way, going at your pace! It is a great book for all!



3. I'm a twelve year old rider. I just started to learn to ride. I wanted to learn to ride better and faster since my riding lessons are only once a week. I think that the book helped me a great deal. I got to learn at the pace I felt comfortable with.



4. I have to say it's really "basic". I didn't mean that it's worthless.But it's not worth the price. It suits the one who is interested in horsemanship but doesn't have any experience in riding . The major drawback is the pictures or graph are not enough for the reader to make a precise and vivid image of what the author trys to present. And this is quiet helpful for novice riders.isn't it?



5. this book is great! it has a little bit of everything in it from riding to common horse problems.

3 comments about Trick Training Your Horse to Success.

1. This is an excellent book for anyone--not just someone who wants to train their horse to do tricks. It builds a better partnership and teaches the horse to be more responsive. Jan's explanations are clear--things that anyone can follow at home. The proof of her methods of training are in the horses she shows & the rave reviews of people who buy her foals. Her stallion, TS Black Tie Affair, has won world championships in many events and competes in everything from halter to dressage to speed classes! He's always good tempered and has excellent manners. And he loves to demonstrate his tricks!!! For those of you who are spotted horse fans, you'll love the illustrations in this book--they're all Pintos!



2. Jan's book is the best book I've read on the subject of trick training for horses. I own other trick training books (and videos) and if you own Jan's book, you can pitch the others. She explains each concept simply and includes training "keys" and "tips" that are absolutes! She also includes some notes of caution - things that you need to watch out for. Learning from her experience makes trick training fun and easy! I highly recommend this book!



3. For example, one of the tools she recommends is the halter with chain over the nose for more "persuasive" effect. Unless you know already how to use this halter, don't start here. This type of halter can seriously hurt a horse unless used properly.