Horse Owner's Field Guide to Toxic Plants Sandra M. Burger

Here's a book to curdle your toes! (or is that curl your toes?) It seems just about every plant in my pasture is toxic -- even the uninvited Johnson Grass, given the right conditions.

So, strictly speaking, I did not "enjoy" this book, but I do highly recommend it.

Now, whenever some strange, inexplicable lethargy comes over one of my horses, I think of the anguish that the author must have felt as she tried valiantly to bring her horse Hans back to health, and I begin to pray and watch my horses like a hawk. Hans was only a few miles down the road from me, and his pasture was probably not unlike the one here. Will this strange mood pass or will it deepen? Have I a PMS-like horse on my hands, or a serious emergency? I am much less likely to 'blow-off' odd behavior and I have more than once reached for this book to review "Signs of Poisoning" for various plants.

It has at once been a comfort and a caution.

I have also become much more pro-active about my pasture. I have not been able to actually rid it of everything undesirable, but I am much more aware of the danger involved. This may sound a little "stupid," but I can't yet afford to bulldoze or burn the entire property. So -- I am quite vigilant about making sure the best precautions are taken to prevent the girls from ingesting toxic levels of the plants that are there. These are simple steps Sandra Burger shares in her book in the section "Why would a Horse Eat a Toxic Plant?"

And, the information in Horse Owner's Field Guide to Toxic Plants is presented in a very useful way. The first breakdown is by plant type, sectioned and tabbed by color. Then, for each plant, there is given:

• photos and/or line drawings
• common and scientific names
• a concise description
• geographic distribution
• signs of poisoning
• what to do

It may seem strange, but reading this book, while giving me fits of horror, has also provided comfort. I now know what I'm up against. It's not an unknown enemy -- I know when vets must be called and how bad the situation really could be. I also know that a lot of the plants I thought were OK actually aren't -- things like clover and vetch and boxwood. And because of that, it has also put a fire under me to get my pasture as spic and span as it can get, and to keep my horses enticed away from the undesirable plants.

Anatomy of the Horse
Way and Lee

Excellent illustrations of the musculature and skeleton of the Horse.

If you are a horse owner, this allows you a deeper insight into how your horse works: like what muscle is affected in a sore back, and o, did you realize how big that muscle is and how much of the horse's body is involved when that muscle doesn't work?

If you are at all interested in massage or chiropractic or energywork for a horse, this is also indespensible information. If you have a practitioner out to work with your horse, you won't be left in the dust when they start talking about the brachiocephalic muscle and where it's insertion is. If you are a practitioner, then this is an excellent educational reference for both you and your clients. You can talk knowledably about what you are doing and you can show them what you're talking about.

Equine Acupressure: A working manual
Nancy A. Zidonis, Amy Snow

This takes a lot of the mystery out of the meridians. They explain how to find excess and deficient areas along the meridians, and a simple technique for balancing them out. There are also recommended points for typical problems.

If you are already proficient at muscle checking, it is a very simple step to tailor the application directly to what the horse needs. This is how I use the book:

a) Muscle check the meridian out of whack.
b) Muscle check the point out of whack
c) Repeat a) & b) for the other meridian/point pair. This identifies the two primary points with which to make contact to release the flow of chi along the meridian system.
d) Repeat a), b) & c) until the muscle checking for a) indicates there are no more points of contact needed.

The diagrams give you a good idea of where the points are on the horse and tips on how to find them. They also explain how to make contact.

Hands-on Therapy for Horses and Riders
Clare Wilde

If you are curious about energy work for horses, check out this book.

ALbinus on Anatomy
Robert Beverly Hale

Why a book on human anatomy? The interesting thing I've found out is that the more I learn about human anatomy, the more I learn to appreciate it.

One of the fundamental thoughts behind Centered Riding is that of riding from 'the bones.' Another way of stating this is to let go of all the excess, extra tension in the muscles. This implies knowing where the bones are and what muscles are connecting.

To be honest, when I was taking Health in High School, I never dreamed I'd be attempting to maintain an athletic body at my current age. I never anticipated I would WANT to know what my muscles did and how my bones connected. I never figured it would be something that I would ever have to put to use. WRONG.

So, for all the latecomers and latebloomers, and the ones that aren't nautrally inclined to athleticism (as well as those who appreciate art) this book is a book to have on the shelf.

Touch for Health
John F. Thie, D.C.

I've had this book for ages. Then a brainstorm hit me: use it!

Obviously, we're not going to get a horse contorted into the muscle checks that are illustrated in the book. And, although the meridian illustraions are rather artistic, they are on humans -- not horses. So, some adaption has taken place.

If you are familiar (and comfortable) with muscle checking and can do healing at a distance, here's how it works:

• Muscle Check for the muscle needing attention
• Muscle Check for left/right/both
• Muscle Check for strengthen/weaken
• use the diagram in the book to proxy the points for the horse.
  specifically: "using this diagram as proxy for "horse's name", for the "left/right" side, I would like to make contact and send Reiki."

I am now using this on a daily basis for myself and my girls (I muscle check to find out who needs/wants this) and am quite happy with the results. It has helped to isolate some recurring issues in the muscles which I then address in a non-physical way, using the information about what typically weakens the muscle in question.

new edition

Don't Shoot the Dog: The New Art of Teaching and Training
Karen Pryor

Whatever your walk in life, I recommend this book. It was so enlightening when I first read it, it was rather unsettling. I had been totally brainwashed/ lulled into thinking that being a human, I was operating by logic and reason. HA! Observing my co-workers in a new light soon proved me wrong. The majority of action by most people is on 'auto-pilot' -- and there are some very complicated behaviors that people can do that they are totally unaware of doing. These behaviors can seem incredibly intelligent, deliberate, and pre-meditated, and yet they are 'simply' complex behaviors that have been developed.

This book outlines 8 different methods for modifying behavior. They are effective. The trick is to figure out which one to use when, I admit, and perhaps that's what makes a good trainer.

Yes, there is this question of 'is it ethical to modify behavior?' Well, we do it all the time anyway. I think someone who is cognizant of what they are doing stands a chance of being more ethical. And more effective. Someone who isn't ethical wasn't ethical to begin with. If you were ethical yesterday, chances are you still are today and you still have those governing sets of rules to guide you.

No one questions whether it's ethical to train a dog to sit; no one questions whether it's ethical to have children that pick up the clothes they've just taken off. (as opposed to throwing them on the floor.) In fact, it could be argued that training a dog to sit and teaching a child to pick up their clothes can actually enhance the quality of life for the dog and the child. Their more pleasant behavior evokes more pleasant responses in the people around them, and so they are rewarded on a continual basis (as opposed to the hollering and nagging that can occur in the opposite situations.)

Another point brought home by this book is that random punishment and producing terrorists are linked. I think this is a strong argument for effective parenting and effective training.

If I seem to have strayed off of the 'trainer' aspect and onto the 'parent' aspect, I do apologize. In my mind there are great similarities. Poor training with a horse can result in a horse that is cantankerous and belligerent and sometimes downright dangerous. At the very least, it results in a sour horse that's tired of confusing messages and inconsistent responses from the trainer. Or a shut down horse. There are many dead-ends with bad training.

So, you're not a trainer, you say? If you ride, I disagree. A wonderful piece of advice I was given about the 3rd time I was on a horse is: When you ride a horse, you are either training or un-training. This is the long and the short of it. Horses are incredibly sensitive and they are ON the whole time, whether we are or not. As a rider, we really have to be ON, too.

After reading this book you will have a much greater understanding of the responsibility a rider assumes whenever they are on a horse. It is not the time for outbursts or strength contests or high reasoning. (This is not to say horse's don't reason!) Because of the species differences, we are bridging the gap through body language (again, this isn't to say there's not another way, but most folks are relying on body language!) and we are reduced to simple communications of 'yes' & 'no.' We have to illicit from the horse a desire to guess -- that means no terrorist actions on our part, thank you, so that we can then say 'yes' and provide rewards.

Good luck and enjoy!

Kinship with All Life
J. Allen Boone

This was my first book on 'interspecies' communication. I happened upon it aroun 1984 or so. At the time it seemed wonderfully romantic, yet entirely unattainable, for me to be able to commune with animals directly. Yes, I grew up with cats and dreamed of riding horses, but at the age of 23 or so, I hadn't as yet 'heard' any animal speak. It seemed patently obvious there was intelligence at work, yet the link was not yet made.

I have since learned that the first step to allowing something like this to happen is to believe that maybe it can. Then when it happens, you can recognize it. (Because, you see, the animals are communicating with us all the time, or at least until they give up on us. The patient ones continue trying to get through to us.) After reading this book I felt much more comfortable that I wasn't too far out on a limb, and that the way to engender the communication is one within everyone's means, including mine.

This is a wonderful, feel good book filled with hope and optimism.

The Alexander Technique
F. Mattias Alexander

"You can do what I do, if you do what I did."

This book is a bit of a riot. There is very much about it a time traveling aspect. This work is the essential writings of F. Matthias Alexander, and there is no softening of the frank and abrupt way in which the material is presented.

It is for this reason that reading this book is also invaluable, for it is the work of F. Matthias Alexander himself.

I think it is worth reading and pondering and reflecting.

The Alexander Technique Workbook
Richard Brennan

Within this workbook, the Alexandar Technique is presented concisely and palatably. The axioms of Alexander Technique are explained fully and sucinctly. This book is, if you will, a translation.

I find this book very correct and it satisfies my need to present information correctly and methodically. (This doesn't translate into dully!) There is a scaffolding of information that must occur -- the foundation must be laid before the walls are put up and the roof tacked on. The order is important for the unfolding of the information to make sense. This order is followed and the information does unfold in a sensical and practical manner. It can be applied and used.

I found particularly help the diagrams. Both the diagrams of poor posture and of good. One sees the ramifications of slumping, and how the bones become jumbled inside, scrunching into each other and skewing sideways. It is enough to inspire one to sit up.

The Alexander Technique
Judith Leibowistz & Bill Connington

I got this book primarily for the Leibowitz Procedures outlined in the back. These procedures were developed by Judith Leibowitz to satisfy the need to teach Alexander Technique to large groups of people. They also translate well to the printed book, and from there to the average living room.

At the time that I was first introduced to Alexander Technique there was one teacher sort of local -- an hour or so away. Since then I believe she has moved on and to my dismay I am now finding out that Alexander Technique is, locally, largely unknown. Thus, the benefit of finding a 'primer,' if you will.

Another aspect of this book I found initially interesting was a section on how to apply Alexander Technique to various activities -- like riding.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect, although it did not originally draw me, is the testimonials by people who have experienced Alexander Technique in their lives.

The Pilates Powerhouse
Mari Winsor, Mark Laska

Several years ago a Pilates teacher came to Satori Stables for riding lessons. As intrigued as I was by her description of Pilates and as impressed as I was by her incredible physique, I was not in a time/place where I could take up Pilates. And so it went onto the 'back burner.'

Well, it has jumped off the back burner.

Recently I was couped up in a hospital with my son and found myself vegitating badly. When my mother came to provide me a break, I escaped to a nearby bookstore and happened upon this book.

Amazingly enough, I was able to begin the routine while in the hospital and noticed improvement immediately. My energy has come up and my physcial tone has improved remarkably.

Of particular interest to me is Mari's description of the Powerhouse - for this is the physcial component of the Hara/Dan T'ien/Center that is used in Centered Riding, T'ai Chi, the Martial Arts, etc. It is one of the best descriptions of the physical component I have seen.

Also, Mari does not shy away from including the other benefits that come to a person who is fully developing the Hara.

In concert with riding, I have found my seat much more secure and steady. The horses have found my back and in so doing can find their own back. The one caution I have is that someone who is not aware of the non-physical component may not be able to find the Powerhouse from the description alone. It is not quite as simple as pulling one's gut in or bringing the belly button to the back bone. The wave of energy (which I have called the Pulse in my book The Essence of Riding) must be activiated as well.

Also, this book may not be for 'beginners.' I found that every once in awhile her descriptions are a little confusing, or it seemed like she was asking me to breath out two times in a row without mentioning where to breath in. From my yoga & t'ai chi background and from listening to my body and noticing the energy flow, I have filled in some gaps.

Still, I really like this book and love the routine that she has put together.

T'ai Chi Chih!:The Joy of Movment
Justin F. Stone

T'ai Chi Chih is a form of Qi Gong that taps into the rhythm of the body and distributes the Chi throughout the energy field. It helps to find balance -- physically, mentally, emotionally.

This is very useful to riders right from the get go. T'ai Chi Chih is also beneficial in that the Bubbling Spring and Dan Tien are both used and these two energy centers are wonderful for grounding and balancing the rider while on the horse. Learning to use these centers effectively translates into effective physical riding.

T'ai Chi Chih on the Rocks
Victoria Mogilner

I was introduced to T'ai Chi Chih via PBS. Have a look out for this on your local station. You may also find video tapes of benefit. The movements are easy to follow and extrememly beneficial.

The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook: Your Self-Treatment Guide for Pain Relief
Clair Davies

I bought this book on a whim. Wow - am I glad I did!

Just to check things out, I began with the muscles in my neck. I didn't feel like there was any problem there before I started. When I finished, though, wow, I felt so much better! My jaw relaxed and my neck was looser than it's felt in years, and I mean years!

I went on to work the abs and psoas, muscles in the legs and backs of knees - it is amazing. After hauling hay the other day, I found spots in my arm and worked those, and the headache I'd had for 2 days went away.

It's neat stuff, and I like the way the muscles to work are grouped by where the reference pain is. You can simply look at a chart, identify the spot that hurts, then read the list of muscles that refer pain to that spot.

Trigger Point of Pain : Wallcharts
Travell

Release the Potential : A Practical Guide to Myofascial Release for Horse & Rider
Doris Kay Halstead, Carrie Cameron

I'm a sucker for a well organized book - especially if that book can provide the relief it speaks of.

Because this book advocates physical manipulation of the horse's body, I recommend some caution. While it sounds simple enough in text to diagnose what is 'wrong,' figuring that out on a real live horse without the eyes of an 'expert' on hand to confirm it has, in my opinion, the potential to lead to more problems than one started with. (This is because, with physical manipulation, there is the risk that what really shouldn't be moved might get moved.)

The book still has great benefit in explaining the mechanics of a horse and what is possible in terms of before-after scenarios. And would be a wonderful resource to have in support of professional care -- where either the practitioner does all the work or you provide supplementation of the work with the guidance of the practitioner.

And, of course, for those doing Reiki, and getting movement through Reiki, the downside is not there. The bones will not move unless it's appropriate for them to do so! And in that instance, the book provides wonderful definition and illustration of various situations which can then be resolved via Reiki.

Thinking Body, Dancing Mind
Chungliang Al Huang & Jerry Lynch

Working Out, Working Within
by Jerry Lynch, Chungliang Al Huang, Al Chung-Liang Huang

These books promote a wonderful, gentle way of approaching physical prowess - a way of honoring the self and acheiving one's best by staying in touch with one's self.

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Body, Mind and Sport 
by John Douillard, Billie Jean King, Martina Navratilova 

A strong recommendation from a friend prompted me to get this book, and when I did, I was thrilled to find a very good questionaire for determining one's dosha.

Along with the questionaire also comes some excellent advise for how to procede with exercise and diet.

This book has changed the way interact with my body, in a positive way! and serves as a reference to turn to when I have questions about what is going on.

This a book I'm glad I've got.

Flow in Sports by Susan A. Jackson, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi 

This book works at a theoretical level - not so much a practical one. It's good to have under your belt.

Awareness Through Movement by Moshe Feldenkrais 

I have found Feldenkrais to be a wonderful way to get to know my body and what it's doing.  By taking my body through the range of motion it's capable of, by bringing awareness to that motion, I've found the body flows back to its healthiest state.

Relaxercise by David Zemach-Bersi 

This book contains some really useful and easy 'Relaxercises' that are very beneficial to us riders.  And not only are they great on the ground, they can be done on the horse, too.   

What I've gotten from this book I now incoroporate into my riding and teaching and have really enjoyed the benefits of doing so. (And I bet my horses have, too!)  back to top

The Egoscue Method of Health through Motion by Peter Egoscue

Pain Free by Peter Egoscue 

The premise behind the Egoscue method is very straightforward: Alignment is lost because we're using and developing our muscles asymetrically. Restore the movement, you restore the symmety, you restore the function.

Function and alignment go hand in hand in riding. This is another avenue which assists the serious equestrian in acheiving that elusion 'position.'

While I am not keeping up with the daily regime recommended, I do turn to it when I 'get into trouble.' While Feldenkrais brings awareness, which in itself brings alignament and mobility and many other lovely things, the exercises here bring strength. It is much more yang, and sometimes much more yang is exactly what's needed.

Part of me is a bit dismayed that the information in this book isn't part of every school PhysEd program in the nation. I'm quite certain we could take care of just about every sports injury and probably many other systemic diseases as well. It seems a shame to me that here we have an really useful 'owners manual' and it's value has been overlooked.

So yes, I'd highly recommend getting one of the books by Peter Egoscue.