Beverley Heselton has put together a humourous look at the realities of pony obsessions that lead to ownership. A short book of 80 pages, it is a great ‘heads up’ for those entertaining the idea of heading down the horse owning road.
First published in 2011, Horsing Around is written by Beverley Heselton and illustrated by Annie Reilly. Self professed as ‘no ordinary horse-care book’, Horsing Around is a realistic and amusing look at what owning a horse has the potential to look like for all first time owners. Written by a ‘horse crazy mother’, it is full of insightful information and amusing anecdotes that many horse owners and horse riding instructors will be able to relate to and laugh at.
10 Unique Chapters
Horsing Around is an easy to read book, with the chapters set out in what could be described as chronological order. The first chapter Stable Gossip introduces readers to what a potential horse crazy person looks like. Heselton then goes on to describe some well known phrases that are lined with horse related terms.
What Makes a Horse Tick, next looks into the unique personality of the horse. The end lesson of this chapter is that it’s a guarantee that horses are unpredictable – so be prepared!
Riding Etiquette
Heselton explores the first riding lesson and what this may look like. Those who remember their first riding lesson will find themselves nodding and smiling as they read through the third chapter. Here the rider is introduced to the idea of mounting the horse, riding with others, using aids and much more.
The further joys of riding are discussed later in this book. An amusing look at the first horse owner’s initial showing experience is also explored.
Of course, before all of this comes ‘Getting over the first hurdle’. That is, working out where to house the horse that you’ve yet to convince your parents to buy. Heselton writes with humour that current horse owners will enjoy and relate to, whilst also communicating at a level that the horse crazy pre teen will be able to relate to.
Some Explanations
Following the 10 short chapters with helpful and amusing insights, 6 pages of terms and explanations are provided to the new to horses reader. Although helpful to learn, they are also explained in such a way that will have those with knowledge in this area still smiling as they conclude the book.
Because of its informative nature, Horsing Around is a great book for those considering investing in a first horse. The humour that comes with it is of course an added bonus.
Source: Horsing Around by Beverley Heselton. Published by Elton Publications, printed by Palmer Higgs, Ringwood, Victoria. ISBN 978 0 646 55009 1
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Many thanks to Christine Meunier for this review. You can read more of Christine's equestrian book reviews on her blog at equus-blog.com
