Backyard Horsekeeping: The Only Guide You'll Ever Need - Softcover

JOAN FRY, coauthor of The Beginning Dressage Book and a contributor to many equestrian periodicals, lives with her husband-and horse-in Acton, California.

More and more people are enjoying pleasure riding to the point of wanting to own their own horse. And with the cost and distance considerations of maintaining the animal at a boarding stable often an off-putting factor, the possibility of homeowners keeping a horse on their property becomes very appealing. But is it really possible—and practical?
According to Joan Fry, an experienced horse owner and longtime backyard horsekeeper, the answer, more often than not, is yes. Beginning with such initial qualifications as sufficient and suitable land and access to a veterinarian, farrier, and feed supplies, Fry leads the prospective backyard horsekeeper through constructing and furnishing a small barn, paddock and corral, locating and purchasing the horse, and then feeding, grooming, and otherwise tending to the animal’s creature comforts.
Of special value to both novice and experienced owners are the sections on feed, which takes into account the most up-to-date nutrition research; veterinary considerations; training your horse for safe and enjoyable trail riding; trailering; horse showing; and rider fitness.
Written with encouraging cheer and plenty of “horse sense,” Backyard Horsekeeping will lead the way to maintaining and enjoying your very own horse on your very own property.