By Kim J. Harmon

Everyone can use a handy reference guide when it comes to horses and horsemanship – especially kids just starting out in the equestrian life. But there is so much important information one needs to know, where can a new rider start?

Well, Dorling Kindersley publishers has the answer – the DK Riding Club. This is a new series of books (first published in June of 1999) that seeks to show young horse enthusiasts exactly what they need to know about riding and horse care.

The DK Riding Club is a practical series of guides that discuss – with full color photographs as aids – the various aspects of feeding, grooming, veterinary care, as well as beginning and advanced riding techniques.

Dorling Kindersley, an international publisher of illustrated informational books, established the DK Children’s line in 1987 and it became so successful that the line accounts for one-third of Dorling Kindersley’s turnover.

DK Children’s published about 170 titles every year for pre-school children to teenagers. The books are visually appealing with a lot of information organized in an easy to understand – and easy to reference – manner.

In the DK Riding Club series are:

DK Riding Club: Horse And Pony Breeds

By Carolyn Henderson

Reading level: 9 to 12

Hardcover – 48 pages

June 1, 1999; $7.95

 

Where did the different types of horses come from and how did they develop their various characteristics? That question – as well as the question of how to care for different types of horses – is examined in this volume. There is a lot of information, but not too much depth to overwhelm the young reader.

DK Riding Club: Horse And Pony Care

By Carolyn Henderson

Reading level: 9 to 12

Hardcover – 48 pages

June 1, 1999; $7.95

 

Goes deeper into horse and pony care. Encourages young riders to be very diligent about the grooming and veterinary care of their horses.

 

DK Riding Club: Horse And Pony Shows And Events

By Carolyn Henderson

Reading level: 9 to 12

Hardcover – 48 pages

June 1, 1999; $7.95

Young riders interested in competing can use this volume – which comes complete with colorful and descriptive photos and diagrams – to learn about the skills necessary to participate in different types of shows and events. The book only gives a synopsis of the skills necessary – it does not teach (only a qualified trainer can do that) – and discusses safety issues.

DK Riding Club: Improve Your Riding Skills

By Carolyn Henderson

Reading level: 9 to 12

Hardcover – 48 pages

June 1, 1999; $7.95

 

Serves as a reference guide to improving riding skills already taught by a trainer. It is a practical guide for both novice and experienced riders and involves the aspects of jumping, trotting, galloping, Western riding, pleasure riding and more.