Horseman's Handbook:
Horse Ownership, Care & Enjoyment
by Joe B. Armstrong (Author)
| Reviews Below
$39.95
Horseman’s Handbook is a comprehensive guide to horse ownership. Packed with step-by-step expert advice for the seasoned equestrian and aspiring horse owner alike.
Fully illustrated with +250 detailed drawings and photographs, it is an indispensable resource for the serious horseman, and a treat for the curious reader.
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Horseman’s Handbook is a complete guide to ownership and care, an indispensable resource for the serious horseman, and a treat for the curious reader. From selecting the right horse to feeding and nutrition, training and safe handling, health care and common concerns, riding and horsemanship, mare care and foaling, farm management and more, it is packed with step-by-step expert advice for the aspiring horse owner and the seasoned equestrian alike.
Fully illustrated with over 250 detailed drawings and photographs, each page of this comprehensive guide is a wealth of knowledge, filled with practical instructions and proven methods for providing the highest level of care and safety for both the horse and handler.
Drawing on professional experience acquired around the world in a distinguished career spanning seven decades as an international judge, educator, breeder, consultant, coach and competitor, Armstrong shares his lifelong passion and knowledge of horses in a clear and concise manner that is accessible to readers of all experience levels.
Maximize your enjoyment and investment in horses with the Horseman’s Handbook. Become a more knowledgeable, responsible owner, and enjoy the ride with one of God’s most magnificent Creations!
Author: Joe B. Armstrong
Foreword: B.F. Yeates
Part 1: Obligations of Ownership
Part 2: Purchasing Your Horse
Pg 6 – Your experience and/or ability level
Pg 7 – A Place
Pg 8 – Advisor, Agent, Professional, Confidant
Pg 9 – Breed, Registered or Grade
Pg 10 – Gelding, Mare, Stallion
Pg 12 – Horse Colors
Pg 14 – White Markings on the Head & Legs
Pg 16 – Age
Pg 17 – Training
Pg 18 – Conformation
Pg 22 – Front Leg
Pg 32 – Hind Leg
Pg 34 – Musculature
Pg 36 – Blemishes
Pg 36 – Prepurchase Veterinary Exam
Pg 38 – Genetic Defects and Undesirable Traits
Pg 42 – Other Purchasing Considerations
Part 3: Now you Own Your Horse
Pg 50 – Equine Behavior
Pg 51 – Safety
Pg 51 – Horse’s Field of Vision
Pg 52 – Catching & Haltering
Pg 53 – Tying a Rope Halter Knot
Pg 54 – Lead Ropes
Pg 54 – Handling
Pg 55 – Walking Behind the Horse
Pg 56 – Unhaltering & Releasing
Pg 57 – Knots & Hitches
Pg 60 – Cleaning The Feet
Pg 62 – Gentling Young or Old Horses
Pg 64 – Restraint
Pg 65 – Twitches
Pg 66 – Tranquilizers
Pg 66 – Tying Up a Front Leg
Pg 67 – Tying Up a Hind Leg
Pg 68 – Hobbles
Pg 68 – War Bridle
Pg 69 – Chifney Bit
Pg 69 – Chutes
Pg 70 – Needs
Pg 71 – Equine Welfare
Pg 70 – Nutrition
Pg 72 – Water
Pg 74 – Feeds & Feeding
Pg 74 – Hays: Alfalfa & Grasses
Pg 79 – Cereal Grains: Oats, Corn, Barley & Milo
Pg 83 – Salt & Mineral Blocks
Pg 83 – Additives/Supplements
Pg 85 – Shelter
Pg 88 – Health Care
Pg 88 – Internal Parasites (Deworming)
Pg 91 – Weight Tapes & Formulas
Pg 92 – Vaccines: Tetanus, EEE, WEE, VEE, WNV, EHV, Rabies
Pg 93 – Vaccination Schedule
Pg 95 – Coggins Test (EIA)
Pg 96 – Teeth: Inspection & Floating
Pg 99 – Farrier
Pg 102 – Vital Signs
Pg 102 – Temperature
Pg 103 – Respiration
Pg 103 – Heart Rate
Pg 104 – Hydration
Pg 105 – Blood
Pg 105 – Temperament, Lameness & Colic
Pg 105 – Thrush
Pg 105 – Laminitis or Founder
Pg 106 – Navicular Syndrome
Pg 106 – Distemper or Strangles
Pg 107 – Colic
Pg 108 – Muscle Strains & Chiropractic Issues
Pg 108 – Traveling
Pg 108 – Quarantine
Pg 109 – Veterinarian
Pg 110 – Horse Trainers
Pg 112 – Showing
Pg 114 – Trail Riding
Pg 115 – Packing & Outfitting
Pg 120 – Travel With Your Horse
Pg 122 – Costs
Pg 126 – Horses & Land as a Business
Pg 131 – Breeding Your Mare
Pg 132 – Enjoyment & Personal Satisfaction
Part 4: Riding Your Horse
Pg 139 – Warming Up
Pg 140 – Grooming & Saddling
Pg 141 – Tack & Equipment
Pg 144 – Mounting
Pg 145 – First Thing
Pg 146 – Dismounting
Pg 147 – Unsaddling
Pg 148 – Horse Training
Pg 149 – Forward Movement
Pg 150 – Give the Head
Pg 150 – Backward Movement & Stopping
Pg 151 – Give the Shoulder (Rollback)
Pg 152 – Give the Hip (Turn on the Forehand)
Pg 153 – Sidepass
Pg 154 – Leads
Pg 156 – Lead Changes
Pg 158 – Working Cattle
Pg 160 – Bits
Pg 162 – Spurs
Part 5: Reproduction
Pg 169 – Gestation & Estrous Cycle
Pg 170 – Breeding Fees: Stallion, Booking & Mare Care
Pg 172 – Breeding Methods: Pasture, Hand, AI
Pg 176 – Foaling: Parturition Stage 1-3
Pg 179 – Foal Vital Signs
Pg 179 – Foal Heat
Pg 180 – Weanling Care & Weaning
Part 6: In Case You Wondered (About the Author)
Appendix
Pg 233 – Weights & Measures
Pg 235 – Index
Published October 1, 2023
By Gunsight Media, La Mesa, NM
ISBN 9798988710905
LCCN 2023913557
256 Pages, 70# Matte 4cp/4cp
7” x 10” Paperback
Author: Joe B. Armstrong
Foreword: B.F. Yeates
Contribution by: Josh Armstrong
Formatted & Illustrated by: Ed Armstrong
Printed in the United States on paper sourced from Forest Sustainability Council certified forests.
This book is a reflection of Dr. Joe Armstrong.
Like my friend of almost 50 years, this book is credible and based on integrity. Read it and believe it. In Joe’s sparse, kind, and direct manner, he tells what you need to know, and no more. We are fortunate that he has taken the time to write it down. Joe addresses important topics, commissions, for example, that some would stay away from. If you are only going to buy one book on horse care and management, buy this one.
Fantastic Book
Wonderful book. It is full of knowledge and also a fun read with all the personal items. I have long been a fan and friend of Dr. Armstrong, yes it still takes me a while to just call him, Joe. It is a great book for a beginner thru seasoned horseman.
A lifetime of the consummate horseman's wisdom and stories!
My family and I have always had the privilege of being well mounted, thanks to Joe. My family and I have experienced show success at all levels, and recreational enjoyment, with his horses and guidance. What gifts he has shared with us in Horseman’s Handbook.
A book for every horseman
A fantastic all-encompassing guide to horse ownership. Whether you are an experienced owner or are just starting out, this is the book to have. Joe Armstrong is a wonderful and experienced horseman and it shines through in the book
For a "non-horseman" such as myself, Joe's book is a treasure.
Joe and Rusty Armstrong are dear friends of mine, so having this book is a real treat. I’m not a horseman. My late wife, Linda Pummell, owned two horses: a Welsh pony named Triana (who now enjoys life at the Armstrong Ranch); and a Norwegian Fjord pony named Elke, who lives in Boise, Idaho with her “adopted” family. I learned to love those horses and the folks who breed, train, and care for them. Joe Armstrong is the consummate horseman. This book is like his manifesto, and it reveals the man in full color. There is nothing theoretical here. It’s lived out by Joe every day. He practices what he preaches. Yes, I’m a bit biased, I must admit. Joe and Rusty are personal friends. But even for a layperson like me, the book is an enjoyable and immensely practical read. I highly recommnend it.
UNPARALLELED OPPORTUNITY to read the wisdom shared by a great horseman!
What a wonderful blend of practical and scientific knowledge shared in an easy to understand way. I love the “Thumb rules” shared in the book. They alone are worth the price of the book. Anyone interested in horses should own a copy of this book. One of the last great horseman shares his wealth of knowledge.
WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE
I had the opportunity to read a draft version of this book several years ago. I knew then that Dr. Armstrong’s education, experience, hands on knowledge and vision would create a great horse reference book. Dr. Armstrong willing shares his wisdom and wit of the unique horse world in this volume. Ask the question and the answer is there.
Enlightening and entertaining - wonderful book
Reading the Horseman’s Handbook was both enlightening and entertaining. Dr. Joe Armstrong provides information he’s gleaned during his years of horse breeding, owning, showing and teaching about horses to readers in a straight-forward manner that allows for easy understanding, even when the subject is complex. It’s a wonderful book for beginner horse owners / riders as well as a useful tool for horsemen, and women, of all levels.
Great book! Factual and up to date
Dr. Joe Armstrong’s new book is great. It is factual and up to date on the science of our industry. Joe is unique in the world of academics. He’s a horseman who has “been there.” This book also includes a lot of pictures that depict Joe’s lifetime of being involved in the industry.
All new horse owners need this book
I am amazed at the breadth of this book – all new horse owners need this book because they have no place to go for this knowledge.