Riding for the Blue: A Celebration of Horse Shows

Really enjoyed this book. Not a "how to" book by any means but rather a heartwarming, insightful collection of stories. Laughed out loud one minute and was weepy the next. A wonderful addition to my collection.

This is a beautiful book, with gorgeous photos and a funny and perceptive text showing why people love horses and why they take their sometimes magnificent, and sometimes not-so-magnificent but loved-just-the-same, beasts out in public to compete against others similarly afflicted with horse show fever.Cindy Hale's text shows a mastery of words and imagery. More than that, though, her writing shows a true love and understanding of horses, of horse shows, and of why people and horses compete. She examines several disciplines, including hunters, western, dressage, and jumpers. She covers the arc of a horse show career, for both horses and riders, and gives justly due attention to the judges, trainers, grooms, braiders, night watchmen, and horse show moms who all contribute to making showing the unique and addictive experience it is. And, of course, she gives tribute to the horses without whose generosity and cooperation none of it would be possible.The photographs that accompany the text are sharp, feeling, and insightful. Sharon Fibelkorn not only captures the beauty, spirit, and athleticism of the horses in each discipline, but also the emotions of the people riding and surrounding them.This is a perfect book for anyone who loves horses and showing, and anyone who loves someone who loves horses and showing and wants to understand the answer to the question, "why on Earth do you put yourself through all that just for a little ribbon?"

Cindy Hale's "Riding for the Blue" - hurray! At last a book which captures the very essence of why we, the horse show lovers, are doing exactly that: showing our horses. Hale's prose, combined with Fibelkorn's photos, at last give us the vehicle with which to explain to our non-horsey friends, families and significant others just why we are doing this in the first place. This book is a must-read for the horse lover, the horse shower; the non-horse person will get just as much enjoyment from it. I highly recommend this book.Well, what are you waiting for?

If you love horses you will love this new book put out by Cindy Hale. The writing and photographs are fresh and make you feel you are right there with her interviewing horse people. Four hooves up on this book. Makes a great gift for anyone who loves horses.

This is THE book for every little girl (or boy) who grew up loving horses, and for the family and friends of those horse-crazy kids who could never quite understand the addiction. It's not a "how to" book but a "why" book: a primer on just why these wonderous, contrary, cankerous, magnificent creatures have such a hold on our hearts and why we will mortgage the house and our souls and survive on Top Ramen noodles so we can afford to show them off to the world. Exquisitely beautiful photographs capture the essence of our equine friends, and horse lovers of all riding styles will see themselves in the essays and interviews.Bottom line? The next time a spouse, parent, friend or co-worker doesn't get "it" and asks "why horses?" just hand them this book; if they don't get it after even a cursory look and read, they never will. This book is a simply glorious celebration of a glorious animal.