BOOK
REVIEW
"The Complete Book of In-Hand Showing" by Alex Fell
Reviewed by the SHNZ team.
Pofessionally producing a top show horse or pony is truely an art form and makes for a great opportunity for breeders and owners to show off their horse's finest attributes.
Being
a complete beginner to this type of equestrian discipline, but with future
intentions lurking in the background for my own young progeny, the title
of this book caught my eye and I decided to treat myself to a new book
to devour during the long winter evenings!
Although entirely based around the show scene in the UK (I havent seen so many tweed jackets for awhile!), the book certainly does deliver true to word as every aspect of in-hand showing is covered - from the offical profile of each breed, to points on how to prepare for a show, to complete turnout required of both horse and handler (including great details on plaiting manes and tails for best effect), and of course what can be expected during the actual classes themselves.
While there are some obvious basics that make up good conformation no matter what the type of horse, I found the Judges Viewpoints on each breed/class very interesting as they provide an inside view of each particular point the judge is looking for according to the class you have entered.
If you can look past the English references, this book contains a wealth of helpful information and useful points to assist your whole in-hand showing experience - we give it the thumbs up!
Please note: This Product or Book review was undertaken by independant testers who are not in any way associated with the product.