Episode 52: The Book Episode
In Episode 52, we’re talking about equine books! First, Kate and Abigail discuss Abigail’s experiences writing her first book, which is coming out this summer. Next, we chat with Rebecca Didier, managing editor and graphic designer at Trafalgar Square Books, the leading publisher of equestrian books and videos. We hope our conversations are helpful, whether you’re looking to write your own book or are simply an avid reader.
Segment 1 - 00:37: Abigail & Kate
Abigail’s book Your Complete Guide to Equine Arenas, coming August 2024. Link to preorder
The only book available on creating and managing professional-grade rings, pens, arenas, and tracks for riding and competing horses.
One of the secrets to keeping horses sound, reducing injuries, and enabling them to reach peak performance, whatever their discipline, is careful consideration of the surfaces on which they are trained and conditioned. Intentional steps must be taken to create the ideal conditions with the biomechanics of the horse and specific demands of the sport in mind.
The good news is that decades of study and millions of dollars have been put into the development of best practices at the highest levels of Western, English, and racing competition, and in this meticulously researched book, horse industry veteran Abigail Boatwright boils it all down into a set of guidelines that anyone can use to improve their ground at home. Whether you're starting with an empty field or renovating an existing arena, the expertise Boatwright has gathered will help you make sure the riding and training space you have is the very best it can be: safe for both horse and rider, functional and correct for your chosen equine activity, and prepared to help rather than hinder the development of your horse's performance.
Insight, tips, and advice from leading arena builders and maintenance tool creators supplements expertise specific to a wide range of Western and English disciplines, as well as racing, along with both indoor and outdoor training spaces. Readers find clear instructions in how to:
Plan your own arena, from the ground up.
Choose footing materials appropriate for your climate, your horses, and your activities.
Select arena maintenance tools that are worth the investment.
Properly prepare and care for your arena to the specifications your sport requires.
Problem-solve issues with moisture or lack of, footing composition, fencing and kickboards, and so much more.
With professional color photographs and diagrams to illustrate the concepts, as well as hundreds of tips and ideas on how to preserve the horse's health and longevity through proper arena preparation and care, this is not only a great reference book, it's an invaluable insurance policy.
Section 2 - 35:13: Equine Book Publishing with Rebecca Didier
Rebecca Didier grew up riding and loving horses, and today she is a managing editor and graphic designer at Trafalgar Square Books, a publishing company that specializes in non-fiction horse books located in Vermont. Becca has been with Trafalgar Square for over 20 years. She lives in Boston, Massachusetts, and we’re excited to hear from her about the equine book publishing world. Becca, welcome to the show!
