Books by Susan McBane

Below is a list of the books I have written. Many of these books are in print and available from Amazon and other good bookshops and most are available in libraries or through the inter-library loan scheme.

Many of these books are on the reading lists of colleges running courses in equestrian subjects, from NVQ to degree level, and many are available in their libraries and, of course, in other libraries.

If a bookseller tells you that a book is out of print, it may be available through a second-hand bookseller. Many good bookshops have a search service for their customers; also, contacting the publisher often turns up out-of-print books. Libraries also sometimes sell off older stock.

Follow this link to view my books from David & Charles or see below:

	100 Ways to Improve Your Riding A dip-into type of book covering most of the common problems riders experience. There are also useful sections dealing with important topics relating to riding in general.
	The Horse Owner's Essential Survival Guide This book is specially for anyone keeping a horse with limited time and money. It gives many time and money-saving ideas and safe short-cuts you can take when caring for your horse without compromising his welfare. There are specific time- and cash-saving lists and a vital, condensed section on horse care in general, to give a good understanding of correct care.
	Caring for Older Horses and Ponies This is a booklet in the Threshold Picture Guide series. It presents concisely the main aspects of caring for an older horse or pony and, like all the Threshold Picture Guides, is profusely illustrated by Carole Vincer.
	The Perfect Pony Directed at the young rider, parents, too, will find a lot of help in this book, which covers care and management, riding, competing and, for the more experienced, training.
	Complementary Therapies for Horse and Rider with Caroline Davis A large, comprehensive book covering just about every significant complementary or alternative therapy available. Contacts are given, food for thought and practical advice and information on each therapy.
	The Essential Book of Horse Tack & Equipment A very detailed book on a wide variety of tack and equipment. Detailed information is given on fit and adjustment which are often poorly understood or incorrectly taught today yet vital to the horse's comfort and way of going, plus information which should help you decide what might be suitable for your horse. Much thought-provoking information is given about the effects of equipment on horses which is often not covered by books on this topic. Also available as a Paperback
	Modern Horse Breeding An essential reference and advisory work for novice and more experienced breeders and for students. It is split into two sections - practical and veterinary - each supervised by a highly knowledgeable consultant, and covers much material not found in other books on breeding. An invaluable work on modern breeding practice and science, written in an easy-to-understand style.

CONFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSE (Swan Hill/Airlife, 2000)
Horses and ponies vary widely in size, type, ability and inclination. This book gives easily-understood information and advice on how to choose a horse for a particular job or how to assess an existing horse when deciding what he would be suitable for.

HOW YOUR HORSE WORKS (David & Charles, 1999 and 2002)
A fascinating mixture of entertainment and education is found in this book. It is particularly suitable for students (formal or informal) who want reliable, science-based information on how horses function but there is also much practical and thought-provoking information and much which is just meant to be enjoyable.

THE ILLUSTRATED ENCYCLOPEDIA OF HORSE BREEDS (New Burlington Books, 1997) (US)
Probably only available in the US, this book covers not only most significant breeds of horse and pony in the world and many rare ones, too, but also much background information to add to the reader's interest and pleasure.

FITNESS IN THE HORSE (Crowood Press, 1996 and 2002)
The need for fitness in horses is still under-estimated by many riders, particularly those who do not study horse care and management and have no access to an expert who can help them. The book is written so that almost anyone can get a horse fit by using the information it gives.

FEEDING HORSES AND PONIES (David & Charles, 1995 and 2000)
A very popular book, it is of value to college students, those studying for NVQ examinations and owners who want easily-understood information on what is a very complex topic. There is a large section on solving common feeding problems.

MODERN STABLE MANAGEMENT (Ward Lock, 1994)
Covers every important topic involved in modern stable management.

TACK AND CLOTHING (Ward Lock, 1993)
A concise overview, with detailed help and information, on tack and clothing.

POOR RICHARD'S HORSE KEEPER (Breakthrough Publications, 1993) (US) American version of KEEPING HORSES AND PONIES
Available only in the US, this book benefits from many of Benjamin Franklin's gems of advice and education.

THE OUTDOOR PONY (Kenilworth Press, 1992)
A Threshold Picture Guide, this booklet gives the most important information needed to help your pony live contentedly and healthily outdoors.

GROOMING (Kenilworth Press, 1992)
Another Threshold Picture Guide, this booklet covers grooming in such a way that even complete novices can do a good job of correctly grooming a horse or pony.

THE ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO HORSE TACK (David & Charles, 1992 + later revision)
Reliable information on many items of tack and clothing, how they developed, when and how to fit, care for and use them.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR HORSE (Ward Lock, 1992)
A potted equine psychology book, accessible to almost anyone.

KNOW YOUR PONY (Ward Lock, 1992)
Geared towards young riders, offering reliable information on understanding and living with a pony.

A NATURAL APPROACH TO HORSE MANAGEMENT (Methuen, 1992)
The author regards this book as a real labour of love! Described as being well before its time, it propounded the natural approach to horse care long before the topic became as widely popular - and contentious - as it is today. Many of the ideas it expresses are still not covered in other books.

PONYWISE (Kenilworth Press, 1988, enlarged 1992)
This book is absolutely crammed with invaluable information for youngsters and their parents on how best to look after a pony. It has been described as a one-volume encyclopaedia, but enjoyable to read and, apparently, 'always provides the answer'.

THE COMPETITION HORSE (Blackwell Scientific Publications, with Gillian McCarthy, 1991)
Although new breeds have been created since this book was written, the information and advice it gives is still highly relevant today.

HORSE CARE & RIDING (David & Charles, 1991, 1993, 1994 and 1996)
An invaluable and very popular book with contributions by guest authors expert on their topics. It covers all main areas a reader may wish to know about, including care and management, veterinary topics, breeding and equitation.

HORSE FACTS (Stanley Paul, with Helen Douglas-Cooper, 1990)
A composite book, half on care, history and management and half on breeds, very many of which are illustrated and described.

EFFECTIVE HORSE AND PONY MANAGEMENT (David & Charles, 1989)
Designed as a home reference book designed by give owners many facts not found in other management books. As it becomes, apparently, more difficult for 'ordinary' owners to learn correct standards of horse care, this book is still an invaluable guide.

THE HORSE IN WINTER (Methuen, 1988 and 1991)
This book covers every aspect of caring for and riding a horse in winter, one of the most potentially stressful seasons for horses and ponies. Horse and Hound described this book as one your horse would definitely want you to read.

THE HORSE AND THE BIT (Crowood Press, contributing Editor, 1988 and 1995)
A symposium in print, with chapters written by many experts on horses and bitting.

BEHAVIOUR PROBLEMS IN HORSES (David & Charles, 1987 + later reprint)
Back in the 80s when this book was written, no one had heard of 'natural horsemanship'. Now that we have, the methods described in this book are still, the author is told, far more relevant and effective than those born of some modern attitudes. A blend of the best of the old with the best of the new is often the best way forward and this book continues to help many people around the world.

KEEPING HORSES (Collins Professional 1986 and Blackwell 1986 and 1993)
The first book combining the business theory of time management related to horses, a greatly revised and updated version of it (The Horse Owner's Essential Survival Guide) has recently been published by David & Charles. The first edition, however, is longer and remains highly relevant.

YOUR FIRST HORSE (Stanley Paul, 1985, reprinted several times)
This book is still 'a godsend' (as it has been described) to first-time owners of a horse or pony, covering just about everything you would need to know and telling you where and when to go for expert help when the situation demands.

KEEPING A HORSE OUTDOORS (David & Charles, 1984, 1992 revised, 2000)
The author's first book, this book was revised in 2000 and is, once again, providing a valuable service to owners who hope to save money by keeping a horse outdoors - not really the simpler and cheaper option it seems.

I have written four other books which are currently awaiting publication and will be added to this list as they become available. These are 100 Ways to Improve Your Horse's Health, 100 Ways to Improve Your Horse's Behaviour, Bodywork For Horses and The Horse's Year. I am always interested in hearing on what subjects readers would like books.

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