'A MUST BUY'

"The Horse Rider's Hacking Handbook is a well thought out, interesting and easy to read manual filled with great pictures and diagrams to help both the experienced and novice rider whilst out hacking. It contains useful guidelines on all aspects of hacking including how to prepare for the ride and how to end it, as well as important information to help the rider hack safely and with confidence.

What makes this book stand out from others are the essential safety aspects that run throughout the chapters, which discuss not only the dangers but also how the rider can deal with the situation if things go wrong. It explains clearly the many hazards that may occur, from making sure the horse and rider are fit for purpose, using the right equipment, where to ride and the weather to extensive information on access rights and the legal aspects of hacking. There are also easy to follow exercises that help both the rider and horse develop closer bonds and increase confidence and a very useful emergency telephone contact list.

Overall, The Horse Rider's Hacking Handbook is a must-buy."

- Rosie Barclay, BSc (Hons) MPhil

 Clinical Companion Animal Behaviourist

APBC Education Officer

'ESSENTIAL READING'

"While there are limits to what can be done about traffic and lack of bridleways, this comprehensive manual should reduce some of the fear by pointing out what to expect, how to be prepared, including training for emergencies and advice on coping with diverse situations such as livestock, cattle grids, slippery surfaces, blue-green algae, bird scarers and narrow spaces.

... the Handbook is to be recommended to riders as an aid to improving the standard of riding on bridleways and byways by giving riders accurate information and clear advice. That covers many things from the ability to open and properly handle a gate safely, to negotiating an awkward ford ... the Handbook provides useful advice for professional ride leaders and is worth recommending as essential reading ..."

- Geri Coop, Waymark, Winter 2011

'BOOK OF THE MONTH'

"Who'd have thought there was so much information to be written about hacking! This comprehensive book covers all aspects of the activity, from prep for horse and rider, what to wear, nervousness (again, for both horse and rider!), coping with hazards, and problem solving and safety - including essential advice for emergency situations.

Want to get your horse fit for hacking? This book gives you what you want to know. Want to build trust and confidence with your hacking partner? There's a plan to follow. Long to ride on the beach? This book includes suggestions about swimming with your horse, riptides and more.

Think your horse will object to hazards on the trail? Not a problem - from bridges to cattle grids, gates and level crossings, it's all here, with sound advice to overcome the lot, as well as advice for riding on the roads.

With notes for ride escorts, ideas for taking your horse on holiday, and simple schooling suggestions to make your hacking safer and more enjoyable for you and your mount, The Horse Rider's Hacking Handbook is the essential guide for anyone contemplating tackling the great outdoors with their horse.

- Horse & Rider magazine, 'BOOK OF THE MONTH'

'A GREAT PRESENT'

"I was delighted to find this new book which covers the wide range of issues that can affect us when we're out hacking. It discusses everything to do with riding out that you can possibly imagine, and it's great to see it all written down and laid out out in such a clear and easily accessible fashion with fantastic photos and a comprehensive index.

This book also contains notes for ride escorts aimed at those working in riding schools and trekking centres. It would make a great present for those who enjoy venturing out on horse back, and acts as an aide-memoir, especially if taking BHS or UKCC teaching qualifications.

Overall I would certainly recommend it as a good read and a handy reference guide."

- Sara (review on www.Amazon.co.uk)

'EXCELLENT - AN AUTHOR TO WATCH'

"The Great Rosette Robbery and other stories is a collection of short stories; there's a full length book imminent.

I hope to be pretty near the front of the queue for that book, Riding for a Fall. The short stories are mostly excellent; Karen Bush obviously knows her equestrian stuff and effortlessly places her characters in thoroughly believable backgrounds. There are eight stories in this collection, ranging from When Practice Didn't Make Perfect, about a new pony, bought as a jumping star but who flatly refuses to jump, to The Gift Horse, my favourite of the collection, in which pony-less Lucy learns something about friendship. This story explores the classic girl-gets-pony theme, but with a twist which is possibly unique. And which involves Picasso.

The stories have a mix of backgrounds; families who have ponies and who don't, and a good mix of male and female central characters. These are traditional stories. The pony book does like to inform as well as entertain, and there's some instruction mixed in, generally lightly.

This collection of stories is well worth buying; they're well written and entertaining and do the short story's job of painting a brief but compelling picture. Karen Bush is an author to watch."

- Jane Badger, specialist equestrian bookdealer

Out in 2012 from The Crowood Press ... watch this space for more details!