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Happy Horsemanship

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For you to enjoy me (and for me to enjoy you, too) there are some important facts about me which you should know before you try to handle or ride me.

“I am a Horse. My name in Latin is Equus. From this name comes the word ‘equine’ which means something to do with a horse, and the word ‘equestrian,’ which means one who rides a horse.”

With this, Happy Horsemanship starts you and your child on a most wonderful journey. Told from the point of view of the horse, this little gem introduces every aspect of riding and caring for horses—from body to mind, from tack to riding position.

182 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1966

4 people are currently reading
72 people want to read

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5 stars
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4 stars
30 (23%)
3 stars
14 (11%)
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for _cerah.
8 reviews
January 1, 2026
Love this book! I was gifted this when I first started riding when I was in 3rd grade. I’ve spent the last couple years trying to find this book as I forgot the title and author but recently was able to find it (thankfully)! This is a great introductory book about horses and riding. I enjoy how it is written from the horses perspective and I love the illustrations!
Profile Image for Alice Harvey.
22 reviews2 followers
August 30, 2017
Easily the best instructional intro I've read. Basic and entertaining enough for children, but applies to all ages. Such a cute book!
Profile Image for Theresa.
143 reviews
August 6, 2021
Honestly I really enjoyed this book. Great overview of horses for kids to adults. The illustrations are great and I love the humor peppered throughout the book. Highly recommend.
12 reviews
February 15, 2022
Good book if you have a horse or want to learn how to ride with basic rules.
Profile Image for fried.rambutans.
140 reviews21 followers
August 9, 2016
Buddy Up

I don't own a horse, don't think would have enough money to learn how to ride, but I love this book. It allows me to daydream, if I were to have a horse and able to ride it across a meadow, then I'd be in heaven! Ms. Pinch had a way in explaining the basics of horses - the illustration is funny but educational. I think this book would be a very good intro for both kids and adults who just starting to pick up riding!

no.... mud? where??
2 reviews
September 4, 2013
Happy Horsemanship was written by my Grandmother Dorothy Pinch... She passed away several years before I was born, but every time I've read this little book (and I've read it dozens of times)I feel like I have gotten to know her, and understood who she was. Her love of horses and the culture that surrounds riding shines through with simple explanations and the humorous illustration she drew.

I can recommend it any young person interesting it equestrianism and horses in general.
Profile Image for Amy.
4 reviews26 followers
July 21, 2016
This is a longstanding favourite of mine. It's a simple read, the advice is practical and the illustrations are adorable. A great starter book for a young rider, or anyone wanting to learn more about horses who wants an enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Ariel Lynn.
89 reviews
May 27, 2014
I wanted to re-read this because I remembered enjoying it as a child. It's definitely meant for children. While whimsical, it can be a little confusing to understand. The author's illustrations help somewhat.
6 reviews1 follower
Read
January 21, 2010
yep. favorite book ever in third grade.
Profile Image for Merry.
243 reviews25 followers
March 24, 2011
Excellent primer for getting back in the saddle - teaches you how to "read" a horse and other good basic knowledge.
Profile Image for Alisa.
158 reviews
August 31, 2022
This was so enjoyable I had to read it twice! Fun and easy book on horsemanship for both kids and adults. Helps you learn the basics!
Profile Image for lisa.
87 reviews11 followers
January 12, 2013
Had this book when I was little and loved it. Still find it fantastic!
6 reviews
December 16, 2012
An excellent book on the basics of horse behavior, riding, and related skills, written from the horse's point of view.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews

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