10 Best Books for New Horse Owners

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If you’re looking for the best books for new horse owners, stick around!

There is so much to know about equine care, riding and training that it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

Luckily, there are some great books out there to help first-time horse owners avoid common mistakes when buying their first colt

Let’s check them out!

Our Top Picks

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Don’t have time to read the whole post? Check this comparison table for a quick guide to our top picks. Then, read the reviews below for further details.

the 10 best books to read for new horse owners

We shared our top six favorites in the table above. Now, let’s check out the whole list, complete with reviews!

1. Buying Your First Horse: A Guide to Happy Horse Ownership by Heather Ledbetter

Have you ever wanted to have a horse of your own, but you have a lot of questions?

Then this is the perfect book for you!

In this book, you’ll learn about things like the best horse breed for you, common horse problems, costs of owning a horse, horse behavior, horse care, and when to call the vet.

Buying Your First Horse was written by Heather Ledbetter, an equine massage therapist, and instructor.

2. Complete Horse Care Manual by Colin Vogel

Written by a highly respected veterinary surgeon and a leading authority on horse care, this book pretty much covers everything you need to know to care for your new horse.

The hardcover, 216-page book features 8 chapters, including General Care, Food & Water, The Sick or Injured Horse, and Tack & Clothing.

The Complete Horse Care Manual was written by Colin Vogel, a well-known and highly respected veterinary surgeon and a leading authority on horse care.

3. Horse 101: Everything You Wish You Had Known Before You Got Your First Horse by April Love

This book is an educational guide for both first-time horse owners and seasoned professionals.

Packed with valuable information and humor, Horse 101 provides useful topics like how to take care of your horse, what to feed your horse, how to handle your horse, and how to train your horse.

It was written by April Love, the founder of Holistic Horse Works, courses and videos designed to help horse owners learn holistic horse training.

4. Horse Care 101: How to Take Care of a Horse for Beginners by How Expert with Karin Bauer

If you are a new horse owner and need to learn the basics of horse care (bringing home your new horse, feeding your horse, spotting and treating common horse illnesses), then this book is just what you need.

The author explains each point in short, easy-to-read paragraphs.

Horse Care 101 was written by Karin Bauer, an equestrian clothing business owner and travel writer who writes about her adventures of horseback riding vacations overseas.

5. Horse Health Matters: The Horse Owner’s Guide to Equine Healthcare by Mark Sellers and Flossie Sellers

This book provides both new and experienced horse owners with a complete reference for horse healthcare.

Horse Health Matters includes chapters on dental care, first aid, general care, hoof care, nutrition, and reproductive care.

The book was written by Mark Sellers, the founder, and publisher of EquiMed.com, a horse healthcare information website, and Flossie Sellers, the website’s managing editor.

6. Horse Life: The Ultimate Guide to Caring for and Riding Horses for Kids by Robyn Smith

This informative book, for new horse owners ages 8-12, teaches kids all the basics of horse care, from anatomy to bathing to feeding to housing.

The 146-page book features clear text and appealing illustrations.

Horse Life contains 9 chapters, including Ready to Ride, Stable Life, and Grooming Guide.

Author Robyn Smith is the owner and operator of Equine Life Solutions, a riding school, and boarding facility in Bothell, Washington.

7. Horses For Dummies by Audrey Pavia

This hands-on guide is perfect for new horse owners to learn how to care for, train, and have fun with their horses.

You’ll learn the basics of caring for your horse, the best practices for keeping your horse happy, healthy, and safe, as well as handling your horse with ease.

It was written by Audrey Pavia, a former editor of Horse Illustrated Magazine and award-winning freelance writer who specializes in equine topics.

8. Step by Step Guide to Buying Your First Horse by Ruby Butchers

This handy, informative guide helps to make the process of buying their first horse easier for new horse owners.

This is done by taking you step-by-step through everything you need to think about, things you need to watch out for, and things you should expect along the way.

Author Ruby Butchers is a blogger for the award-winning equine blog- EquiPepper.com.

9. The Everything Horse Book: Buying, Riding and Caring for Your Equine Companion by Karen Leigh Davis

This detailed introduction features all you’ll need to know when it comes to horses, including how to choose the right horse breed for you, how to keep your horse healthy, and how to choose a reliable veterinarian.

Karen Leigh Davis, a professional writer, specializing in companion animals (specifically, cats and horses), wrote this one.

She has also written numerous articles for regional, national and international publications.

10. The Ultimate Guide to Horse Health & Care: The Novice Owner’s Guide to Horsekeeping by Lainey Cullen-McConkey

A comprehensive guide that is perfect for first-time horse owners.

It details what you need to know and do before and after bringing your new horse home.

Topics include horse anatomy, basic feeding & care rules, creating a safe living environment, maintaining property & pastures, and treating injuries & illnesses.

Author Lainey Cullen-McConkey is a horse owner, trainer, and caretaker with 30+ years of experience.

conclusion

There’s so much to learn about caring for your new horse, and these books give you a good foundation.

That said, books can’t replace actual conversations and consultations with experts, especially when it comes to health and safety matters.

So, be sure to visit with a vet right away after buying or rescuing your new pal!

When you got your new horse, what was your favorite book to read? Tell me Below!