What’s the Rookie Bookie Club?
Let’s start with the bad news: you’ll never know everything about horses. The good news is that you can learn more every day, and we can help.
There are plenty of ways to boost your knowledge, including riding lessons, podcasts and vlogs, and trial and error. One of the best methods, however, will always be good ‘ol fashioned books.
Whether you prefer a dog-eared paperback or reading on your Kindle, our Rookie Bookie Club is for you.
How it Works
Each month for one year, we recommend a non-fiction or self-help-style equestrian page turner that will help you become a better equestrian.
- Find each book on our Rookie Bookie Amazon List.
- The book club is self-guided, so read at your own pace.
- Join any time, follow our recommended schedule, or switch it up.
- Share this page with a friend so you can discuss the readings with your book buddy!
January Book
By Andrea Monsarrat Waldo (Buy this book at Amazon)
This is our #1 favorite equestrian book. Waldo frames emotions like fear, anger, anxiety, and embarrassment in terms of your “Lizard Brain.” This instinctual part of your brain is solely focused on keeping you safe — and alive. But, sometimes it overreacts and takes over for your “Rational Brain.”
This quick-paced, self-help-style book gives you tools to handle unfamiliar, uncomfortable, challenging, and stressful riding situations in a whole new way. The result? A state of “Focused Calm” where you can perform at your best.
Interested in this topic? Trot on over to:
- 33 Things You Can Do Now to Calm Your Riding Nerves Forever
- Can Horses Sense Fear and Anxiety?
- Nervous Nelly: Rider Anxiety Quiz
February Book
By Elizabeth Letts (Buy this book at Amazon)
This #1 New York Times Bestseller is an inspiring story of Harry de Leyer and his horse Snowman, an unlikely duo whose rise to
Snowman was bound for the slaughterhouse when Leyer bought him for eighty dollars. Their story captured the heart of Cold War–era America, and their journey to Madison Square Gardens is the stuff of legends.
Note: Short on time? Check out the movie Harry & Snowman based on this book!
Interested in this topic? Trot on over to:
- 10 Best Stirrups for Jumping Clear (And Staying Safe)
- Horse Jumping Tips Beginners Can Put Into Practice Today
- 100+ Things to Pack for a Jumping Horse Show
March Book
By Daniel Stewart (Buy this book at Amazon)
Coach Daniel Stewart has spent more than 25 years training equestrians around the world, including members of the US Equestrian Team, riders at the World Equestrian Games, and competitors at the Olympics.
He’s one of the leading experts on equestrian sport psychology, athletics, and performance. In this book, he gives you practical tips and advice you can use to get fit, focused, and compete at your best.
Interested in this topic? Trot on over to:
- Get Your Asana in the Saddle: 5 Yoga Tips for Equestrians
- 5 Yoga Poses Equestrians Should Do Before Every Ride
- Can You Wear Yoga Pants Horseback Riding?
April Book
By Cherry Hill (Buy this book at Amazon)
Lauded equestrian author, Cherry Hill, explains how horses think and — more importantly — why you need to understand them. This book is a game changer!
From deep dives into each of your horse’s senses to behavioral cues, you’ll learn how to pick up on your equine partner’s thought processes to communicate in a more effective and trusting manner.
Interested in this topic? Trot on over to:
- 6 Easy Clicker Training Exercises for Horses
- Teach Your Horse to Come When Called
- 3 Fear-Free Secrets to Gain Your Horse’s Trust and Respect
May Book
By Mark Rashid (Buy this book at Amazon)
Internationally acclaimed horse trainer Mark Rashid writes about the quiet moments and stumbling blocks that have influenced his personal journey to finding “softness” with horses.
“It’s not about what we do that starts us on the path to softness, but rather, it’s what we don’t do,” Rashid says.
Learn how to handle difficult problems with communication instead of force through stories of real horses, horse people, and the martial arts’ “way of harmony.”
Interested in this topic? Trot on over to:
- 6 Easy Clicker Training Exercises for Horses
- Teach Your Horse to Come When Called
- 3 Fear-Free Secrets to Gain Your Horse’s Trust and Respect
June Book
By Elizabeth Letts (Buy this book at Amazon)
From the author of The Eighty-Dollar Champion, this book tells the story of the rescue of priceless stallions kidnapped by the Nazis the last days of World War II.
It’s an exhilarating tale of behind-enemy-lines adventure, courage, and sacrifice you won’t soon forget.
Interested in this topic? Trot on over to:
- Say Yes to the Horse: 11 Best Horse Breeds for First Time Owners
- Friendly and Fun: 4 Best Horse Breeds for Beginners
- Keep Calm and Ride On: 3 Calmest Horse Breeds
July Book
By Daniel Stewart (Buy this book at Amazon)
Stewart returns to our list for a deep-dive into mental toughness. Performance anxiety, stress, distraction, and nerves have no place in your show schedule.
Competition comes with pressure, and it’s important that riders learn how to perform despite that pressure. From “Plan the Ride, and Ride the Plan,” to overall mental training, this book helps you overcome your show jitters and bring your A-game.
Interested in this topic? Trot on over to:
- 33 Things You Can Do Now to Calm Your Riding Nerves Forever
- What Are Some Ways to Gain Confidence Riding Horses?
- My Horse Makes Me Nervous. Now What?
August Book
By Sally Swift (Buy this book at Amazon)
You’ll find this book in nearly every local tack store and used book store. It’s a foundational read for equestrians of all levels, and it deserves a spot on our list.
Swift’s teaching philosophy focuses on body awareness, “soft eyes,” breathing, and balance. She’ll teach you how to achieve harmony with your horse, work together in a natural way, and stay physically and mentally centered along the way.
Interested in this topic? Trot on over to:
- How to Ride Horses for Beginners
- 3 Fear-Free Secrets to Gain Your Horse’s Trust and Respect
- 5 Yoga Poses Equestrians Should Do Before Every Ride
September Book
By Stacie Boswell (Buy this book at Amazon)
This is a resource of astounding scope illustrating recommended management and retraining practices for horses and donkeys that have been ignored, neglected, abused, or starved. We also personally know the vet who penned this gem!
Whether given a second chance through purchase, adoption, or rescue, a horse in the “wrong” situation deserves the chance to find the “right one.” Veterinarian Dr. Stacie Boswell’s goal is to restore health and comfort to every horse in transition, and to help him learn how to function as the horse he is expected to be. From nutrition to vaccinations, hoof care to rescue goal care, Boswell gives the ultimate gift — that of knowledge — to every reader.
Interested in this topic? Trot on over to:
- Sand Colic: How to Protect Your Horse
- Horse Hay FAQs: List of Types of Hay, What Hay is Best, etc.
- Why Some Horses Wear Shoes and Others Don’t
October Book
By Cherry Hill (Buy this book at Amazon)
Our relationships with horses aren’t all about riding. In fact, some of the most valuable experiences occur on the ground. Having a solid groundwork practice will help you create a lasting bond with your horse.
This book provides 101 practical exercises you can do without ever putting your foot in the stirrup. Formatted like a workbook, it’s a great resource to keep at the barn. Follow the exercises in order or skip around based on your skill level, horse, and interests.
Interested in this topic? Trot on over to:
- 6 Easy Clicker Training Exercises for Horses
- 3 Fear-Free Secrets to Gain Your Horse’s Trust and Respect
- Teach Your Horse to Come When Called
November Book
By Ann Katrin Querbach (Buy this book at Amazon)
Sometimes repetition can be good. Horses learn through consistency, as do we. But, at some point, repetition actually works against you. Your horse (and you) can become bored with the same-old, same-old exercises.
Regardless of discipline or skill level, horses and riders can all benefit from some fresh inspiration. This book offers a collection of practical and fun ideas for schooling, adding variety and challenge to everyday training. Plus, Querbach organizes her book into handy sections by goal (e.g. improving your seat, achieving collection, staying relaxed) so you can quickly find relevant exercises for any given day.
Interested in this topic? Trot on over to:
- How to Ride Horses for Beginners
- 13 Best Horseback Riding Boots for Lessons
- 5 Weird Reining Stop Tips That Actually Work
December Book
By Tanya Buck (Buy this book at Amazon)
Horse riding safety is a heavy topic, which is why we love this book’s lighthearted approach. Though packed with serious and useful information, Buck quickly debunks each “bad idea” myth with proper safety alternatives.
From what you wear to
Interested in this topic? Trot on over to:
- Horseback Riding Safety Equipment That’s Worth Every Penny
- How Safety Stirrups Work
- Safety Equipment Quiz
More Noteworthy Reads
Hungry for more knowledge — or simply a page-turning equestrian tale? Here are a few additional books you should check out!
- Fritz and the Beautiful Horses by Jan Brett (Children)
- Thoroughbred Series by Joanna Campbell (Young Adult)
- Chosen by a Horse by Susan Richards (True Story / Inspirational)
- Saddles and Sisterhood by Equestrian Adventuresses (Travel / Inspirational)
- Going the Distance by Equestrian Adventuresses (Travel / Inspirational)
- Leg Up by Equestrian Adventuresses (Travel / Inspirational)
- Gunner: Hurricane Horse (True Story / Inspirational)
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