Review of Horse Book for Parents Who Are New to Horses
Posted: Monday, November 14, 2011
by The Old Gray Mare
www.DressYourHorse.com
Lets face it, there are many parents who are new to the world of horses. Having a horse in the backyard or in a boarding stable for your child is a truly loving parental feat of financial hits and commitment and love. But having a show horse in a show stable takes all this to an even higher level.
It is for the folks getting involved in the horse show world for the first time that I write this short review.
The book about which I write is THE IN GATE: A PARENT’S GUIDE TO HORSE SHOWS by Ange Dickson Finn. The book is written for horse show newbies - parents just entering the show world with and for their children. It serves as a sort of “primer” to get everyone started in showing.It really is no secret that when parents hear their child ask about participating in horse shows, panic strikes instantly. There are so many unknowns, including the horse itself, the expense, the transportation. Parents automatically feel overwhelmed.
The first thing to remember is that the child wants to compete, is proud of his or her accomplishment, and loves riding enough to face competition based on personal desire to do so. This is healthy and a good thing!
The inexperienced parents usually haven’t a clue as to major subjects: training, owning versus leasing, riding styles, show types, basics of showing and terminology. Just exactly what do judges look for, what clothes are needed, and how large is the bankroll that’s required? Do we need a trainer? What are the expenses involved? THE IN GATE: A PARENT’S GUIDE TO HORSE SHOWS is a perfect “101” learning tool for these questions.
This book is the ideal resource. Easy and flowing text guides parents through numerous questions that arise. The book is written with humor and wit by a horse show mom and is perfect reading for the child’s parents, especially the mother.
The horse show world does not need to be intimidating. The Horse Book Gazette states, “An invaluable guide for those new to the world of horse show parenting.” Very true – it is an invaluable guide.
“I have recommended this book to every client I have who is new to showing and they are thankful to have the insight it provides. I wish this book was around when I first started showing!” writes Julie Hersey, English Pleasure Trainer and Equitation Instructor, Greenwood Stables Derry, NH.
I would personally recommend THE IN GATE to barns who teach children to ride and to use this publication as a hand out for reaching new clients or to retain those they already have. For the grandparents who wish to involve the grandchildren in horses and/or the horse world, this book is also a must have. And the book is absolutely important for parents of children who wish to show in order to be prepared and avoid common mistakes and actually learn to enjoy showing
The Old Gray Mare writes for www.DressYourHorse.com and her Blog sites.
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)Thanks, Heidi, for this great review! I'm pleased the The In-Gate helps parents new to the horse world. Adult riders also have commented that it's useful for them too. I know, I need all the help I can get when I go in the ring.Thanks so much for reading and the good comment. Sometimes we already know a great deal but reading a helpful book brings out points and hints that really tweak the process. There are always several ways to do things, or there may be a shortcut or a better way, so even if someone is already "in the know" this helps. I just found that this book helps folks in many ways especially if they're new.
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