The All-Around Horse and Rider

As an equine professional (equine bodyworker) I have found this book to be the best guide to the horse industry. I am constantly quoting chapters out of the book to some first time horse owners and some very experienced owners to help guide them in their decisions when it comes to the health and happiness of their horse as well as finding a cost effective way to solve their equine/equestrian problems. When you own a horse the chapter "When to ask for help and how and where to find it" can save you thousands of dollars and perhaps even from serious injury/accident. I have a few clients who just love to ride but don't want to show, and Ms. Snyder-Smith gives lots of alternatives as to fun activities you can do with your horse, that don't involve showing. It is an excellent reference book, even for the experienced horse owner who did not get a good foundation. Every client of mine who got the book was so grateful for the knowledge, and I have received numerous thank you's from them. I also loved her book "The Complete Guide to Endurance Riding and Competition"

As a novice rider, the quest for knowledge can be like drinking from a fire hose -way too much unfiltered information for the untrained. Fortunately, I discovered the book 'The All-Around Horse and Rider'. This book covers a broad range of topics absolutely relevant to those striving to learn the fundamentals of horsemanship. The book is well thought out, with each chapter providing progressive information. The inclusion of checklists, quizzes, numerous illustrations and diagrams make this book my favorite reference and the one I go back to time and time again.

Donna Snyder-Smith's book encapsulates the best topics of the famous clinics she taught. The format is very readable, engaging and interesting. If you ride horses, read this book. You won't regret it.

I have found AAH & R very useful. It contains information I wish I'd had when I was first selecting an instructor and thinking about what style/approach to riding I wanted to pursue. Now that I have found an instructor and approach that work for me, I can appreciate the wisdom and clarity of this book and know that it will help me continue to enjoy riding safely, with realistic expectations and goals. My instructor, who has ridden and competed virtually all of her life, was impressed by AAH & R as well.

Ms Snyder-Smith covers an amazing range of information clearly and concisely. This book is a wonderful resource I recommend without hesitation for anyone who is considering taking lessons, or shopping for their first horse. While it is geared to the new horse owner, it's full of information that even the most experienced owners and riders will find valuable. The photos and illustrations have clear 'before' and 'after', 'right' and 'wrong' examples, the language is conversational and easy to understand without being simplistic. The 'Did You Know' boxes and Pop Quizzes are clear, pointed, and friendly. I especially like the questionnaires and check lists on evaluating professionals in the industry. Farriers, vets, riding instructors, trainers, and even tack shops. I know the beginning horseman is often lost in these areas and at the mercy of shysters or incompetents. As a lifelong horseman, it is heartbreaking to see, over and again, the excitement of that first horse turn into frustration and anger as the owner realizes the horse is not suitable, possibly dangerous and in many cases not even ridable. Ms Snyder-Smith offers the reader specific points to look for, either to embrace or avoid, giving those new to the industry the ability to make informed decisions with her evaluations and questionnaires.