by J. Scott Simpson
Last Chance Ranch Enterprises
Route 2, Box 232A
Walla Walla, Washington, 99362 USA
509-522-4663
Softbound, 109 pages, illustrated, $21.95
Reviewed by Diana Mead Jordan
This review was published in the November, 1996 issue of ANVIL
Magazine
Rare indeed is a realistic and practical guide to observing and evaluating the horse's gaits. Scott Simpson has been successful in delivering such a guide. He begins by stating, þNo one will ever know enough about this subject.þ However, this veteran farrier and instructor of farriery tackles the topic with an overview to analyzing gaits, emphasizing the need to size up the entire situation þ horse, genetics, footing, tack, rider, riding and nutrition. He gives tips on where to stand and move with the horse when observing gait and goes on to cover þcorrectþ shoeing, hoof measurement and provides easy-to-follow modifications for several different shoes designed to improve the gait. He then illustrates and describes in detail forging, overreaching and many other gait faults, providing practical suggestions for corrections. In reading the book, I got the feeling that Scott Simpson was sitting in the room talking to me. His warm, honest, humorous nature stepped out of the pages, revealing the true horse lover that he is. This is the second volume of his Contemporary Horseshoer Series, the first being The Mechanics of Horseshoeing Simplified. Both are highly recommended.
Return to the Book & Video Reviews main listing page.
Return to the November, 1996 ANVIL Online index page.