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Views & Reviews |
Oh, joy! It’s that time again when we clean off our paddock boots to look a bit more presentable before dashing straight from the barn to the mall in search of gifts for friends and family. Or maybe you’re one of the increasing numbers of shoppers who take off your paddock boots, put on your slippers and curl up in front of the computer to shop the Internet. As much time as I spend online, I decided to look for some high-tech items to balance out my traditional book reviews. I found a great high-tech horse game and recordings of dressage tests on MP3 files. I discovered books for young and not-so-young equestrian readers. And I discovered that giving joy to the world is only a mouse-click away!
High-Tech Horse Games As the only horse game licensed by the FEI (International Equestrian Federation, the worldwide governing body of horse sports), My Horse and Me caught my eye a while back and I recently spent more time online delving into the game than I care to admit. It’s no wonder gaming is so popular with young and old alike. Where else can you breed horses, raise them, train them, compete and win, all without leaving your computer or gaming console? Now there’s one more way to spend time on horses! Commenting on My Horse and Me 2, an enhanced version of the current game, which is being released in Europe as I type this, FEI President HRH Princess Haya said, “Youth plays an important role at the FEI as it represents the future for equestrian sports, and we look forward to My Horse and Me 2 bringing even more exciting aspects of horse riding and competing to players.” Any game that’s this much fun is bound to bring more young people into equestrian sports!
Enter at A with MP3 My husband finds that watching a dressage test quickly puts him to sleep … but that’s because he doesn’t have to remember all the movements, as well as coordinate the aids that compel the horse to perform all the movements properly at the required letters, thank you very much! MyAudioDressage.com has solved the question of how to practice those movements without duct taping a copy of the test to your horse’s neck, thanks to the site’s MP3 recordings of the current USEF dressage tests, all of which are available for download, with the FEI tests on their way in time for Christmas. Please note that these recordings are not legal in the show ring … you still need a human being as a reader when readers are allowed! For the really tech-phobic, MyAudioDressage.com offers an iPod Shuffle fully loaded with tests and ready to ride. But don’t tell my husband, he’s still asleep; I’ll just quietly add it to my wish list.
Magical Horses Wind Dancers, the books (If Wishes Were Horses; Horse Happy; The Horse Must Go On and Horses’ Night Out) are the tales of four magical horses with shiny manes and shimmering wings who fly through adventures that will capture the imaginations of little girls everywhere; and maybe a few big girls, as well. Wind Dancers is a new series based on Breyer’s colorful model horses Kona, Brisa, Sumatra and Sirocco. Their adventures will delight the reader, thanks to author Sibley Miller, and charm anyone who opens the books, thanks to illustrators Tara Larsen Chang and Jo Gershman.
A Wonderful Legend In The Legend of Wunderbar, written and illustrated by Judy Reinsma, I found a book that makes perfect bedtime reading for little horse lovers. It’s a tale of two horses—a white farm horse mare and a black Arabian stallion—who produce a foal who grows antlers that tell he will someday fulfill an ancient legend. Little Wunderbar grows up being called Dummkopf and doubting that he is destined for greatness, but as time goes on he overcomes obstacles and conquers challenges that fulfill his destiny. What could be more exciting to imagine than a horse that, among other feats of strength and integrity, can fight and conquer a dragon? And thanks to the author’s illustrations, the characters aren’t left to the imagination, but come to life on what appears to be the pages of an ancient manuscript.
Vicarious Living Equestrian Style: Home Design, Couture and Collections from the Eclectic to the Elegant, by Vicky Moon, is a vicarious visit to some of the most stunning equestrian residences you could find anywhere. You’ll tour exquisite homes and stables, see the design and décor—not to mention the couture—that embody the essence of the equestrian spirit. From the art and architecture to the horses and horse people who inhabit them, the photographs in Equestrian Style celebrate all that is beautiful about our life with horses. Spend an hour or two deep in the pages of this luxurious book and you may feel, as I did, that it’s high time to redecorate the house, the barn and, oh yes, update my equestrian wardrobe.
A Tribute to Horses Horse, by Kelly Klein, is big, bold and beautiful. This anthology of images by some of the most celebrated photographers in the world mingles fine art with amateur photos, vintage rodeo shots with current high fashion images. You may know of Kelly Klein as a competitive amateur show jumper, or as the ex-wife of designer Calvin Klein, or as a renowned fashion stylist. After delving into the images she has compiled for Horse, you will know that she is as fascinated with horses as any horse crazy kid.
Ultimate Art Book The Horse: A Celebration of Horses in Art, by Rachel Barnes and Simon Barnes, brings to life mankind’s unique bond with the horse. Over a hundred oversized images of equestrian art from the days of the Parthenon to contemporary depictions of our favorite animal illustrate the evolution of art. The narrative takes the reader on a journey through time as the horse’s role in civilization changes from war horse to work horse to recreation horse. The Horse is a spectacular tribute to the horse in art, from a brother and sister team of authors who truly know their subject: Rachel Barnes is an art historian and art critic who lectures at the National Gallery and the Tate Gallery. Simon Barnes is the award-winning chief sportswriter of The Times, an author of multiple books, and has competed in eventing, show jumping, dressage and endurance. Happy Reading, Happy Riding For the holidays and beyond, I wish you joy. Joyful rides on your favorite horse, joyous celebrations with friends and family, and the everlasting joy of reading. Happy reading and happy riding!
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