Your First Horse - Book Reviews

Reviews for Your First Horse

Dear Ms. Dwelle,
I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your book. I bought it the later part of April. I know nothing about horses other than I've always wanted to have one after riding a few over the years. Your book is so informative and a little scary at times. You bring up so many details that a person like me wouldn't dream of that are very important. The book has changed my mind several times on whether I can keep a horse or not. Over all I believe I can with the guidance and knowledge I have gained from you. I have a few friends near me who have horses and with their knowledge as well, I believe I can become a successful horse owner. Like I said, I just wanted to thank you for putting this information out "there" for novices like me. Also, your book is very easy to read and understand. That way I don't look like a complete "greenhorn" when I'm talking with "horse people". :o)
Thanks for the autograph as well. Take care.
Sincerely,
David Jacobson, A some day horse owner.

"I would like to thank you for publishing Jacqueline Dwelle's book "Your First Horse". I am a 4-H leader and co-coach of the 4-H Hippology team. I found this book to be one of the best "first" books I have ever read. I will order several copies from my local bookstore to give some of our less experienced 4-Hers a good base. The language is clear and concise, the range of information outstanding and the line drawings and graphs are clear and easy to use."
Jamison Wallace, 4-H Leader

"The book is excellent. Equipoise knows of many sales agents who are going to be dismayed when people start showing up armed with the information provided in "Your First Horse." We think every horse person should read this book and sign the last page as a promissory note to their horses--that all the equine care outlined will be followed for their life."
Bob Fuggett, Equipoise

"Horse shopping takes time and money. "Your First Horse" will save you both-with straightforward practical answers to commonly asked questions."
Joan Withey, Professional Barn Manager, Southern Pines, NC, April 1997

"Congratulations. I think the book is brilliant. It is beautifully produced and extremely well written. All very clear, easy to follow and down to earth."
Mary Warden MBE, Horse Farm Owner, England, March 1997.

"Anyone considering buying a horse should read this manual first."
Susan Barrett, Trainee judge, February 1997

"An excellent guide to daily routines and other horse care issues."
Rick Thompson DVM, February 1997

Illinois Horse Online
April, 1998
"All I know about horses is that you ride them and they eat hay. Being a novice, I knew I had a lot to learn before I even considered buying a horse for myself. Your First Horse is a perfect first step and even an excellent quick reference guide for current horse owners.
The author wrote in terms I understood without a lot of horse jargon. With a glossary in back, even ideas that escaped my comprehension became crystal clear. The book is divided into well written, easy to understand chapters that flow in order from deciding what kind of horse is best - to illnesses - without skipping any bases.
The charts and checklists are a great addition that does not burden the reader with trying to remember all of the points made. The diagrams, though slightly crude - came in handy in deciphering what part of a horse is what... Withers?! I told you I was a beginner!
Because of this book, I found that horse ownership is something not to go into lightly. If it is done right though, you and your equine companion can have a long, happy partnership. "
Lisa Marie Askey, Illinois Horse Online

THE QUARTER HORSE JOURNAL
December, 1997
This book is interesting, but more suited to the intermediate horse owner than the beginner. Conformation, feeding and general horse keeping is discussed, with some items being taken to a level of detail far beyond the understanding of the novice owner, It does make for fascination browsing for additional tips and ideas if you have some previous background with horses. Beginners should not be confronted with an owner's manual as complex as this one in some areas, Only a very studious novice could understand some of this material and the reasons behind it. If, however, you've been taking riding lessons for a while and are ready to cross from student to owner, "Your First Horse" will help you smooth the transition.

LIBRARY JOURNAL
March 15,1997
While neither elegantly written nor comprehensive, this book is a practical, readable guide to selecting and caring for a first horse. Dwelle, who is certified as an assistant instructor by the British Horse Society and has managed barns for the United States Equestrian Team, currently works at Pine Meadow Farm. Her book is organized in ten chapters covering horse shopping, conformation, feeding, grooming, horses at pasture, stabled horses, horse health, common ailments, lameness and the foot and shoeing. Rather than merely describing horse care, each chapter offers explanations of various practices that are sound and concise though sometimes overly simplistic. Readers will find the section on developing an "Equine Profile" particularly useful. Though Dwelle does not cover much new ground, her book contains sound advice at a level that will be easily understood by young adult lay readers. Recommended for public libraries that lack a current book on the topic of horse care and selection.

Booklist
March 1, 1997
"Your First Horse" was reviewed together with "The Nature of Horses" by Stephen Budiansky
Horse owners present and incipient will appreciate these titles. For those who insist on looking gift horses in the mouth, Dwelle provides the next steps in the examination. For her audience of first-time horse buyers, who need to know the basics, she advises looking for a docile, broken animal, and to buy it in the fall, when horse prices are lowest. She then explains how to appraise a horse's physical condition, how to feed, groom, and stable it, and how to alleviate common diseases and injuries. Square-one information essential to some patron/equestrian, somewhere.
Teen horse enthusiasts will find these volumes complement each other nicely.

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