8 Horse Owner Books Ingrid Klimke and Experts Trust

Olympic medalist Ingrid Klimke and other thought leaders recommend these 8 Horse Owner Books to deepen your horse care and training expertise

Updated on June 27, 2025
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What if the path to truly understanding your horse was laid out in just a handful of books? Horse ownership blends joy, responsibility, and a deep bond with these majestic animals, yet mastering it can feel overwhelming. Today, more than ever, equine care demands not just passion but reliable knowledge from trusted sources.

Among those leading the way is Ingrid Klimke, a five-time Olympic event rider for Germany, whose experience spans gold-medal triumphs to nurturing the mental well-being of horses. Her recommendations carry weight because they come from decades of top-level competition combined with a heartfelt commitment to horse welfare.

While these carefully selected books offer proven frameworks and expert insights, if you want content tailored to your background, goals, and specific horse care interests, consider creating a personalized Horse Owner book that builds on these foundational guides with custom advice and strategies.

Best for holistic care techniques
Ingrid Klimke, Olympic equestrian gold medalist, highlights the value of Dr. Ina Gösmeier's work, noting Gösmeier's role in supporting elite horses with acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine. Klimke points to this book as an accessible way for horse owners to learn acupressure techniques that ease minor aches and promote well-being, reflecting how Gösmeier's approach goes beyond conventional veterinary care to nurture horses' health and performance.

Recommended by Ingrid Klimke

Olympic equestrian gold medalist

One of the key players on Olympian Ingrid Klimke's team is the veterinarian Dr. Ina Gösmeier, who specializes in such methodologies as acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In Acupressure for Horses, Gösmeier shows horse owners how to use acupressure, the non-needling form of stimulating acupuncture points, to help relieve their animals' minor aches and pains and stimulate their well-being.

Dr. Ina Gösmeier brings her extensive veterinary background and expertise in acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine straight to your stable. In this guide, you’ll learn how to identify your horse’s unique energy channels and body constitution type, enabling you to apply targeted acupressure techniques that address specific pains and performance issues. The book walks you through the 12 main energy channels with clear photos and instructions, making complex concepts accessible for horse owners. Whether managing mild discomfort or supporting mental balance, you gain practical skills to influence your horse’s well-being without invasive methods, making it particularly useful for those interested in holistic care.

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Best for practical health and grooming
Colin Vogel, BVetMed, MRCVS, is a well-known and highly respected veterinary surgeon specializing in horse care. His wide-ranging experience and numerous publications bring authority to this manual, which aims to equip you with the knowledge to care for your horse thoroughly. Vogel’s practical approach reflects his deep commitment to equine health, making this book a trusted companion for horse owners seeking reliable advice on everything from grooming to emergency care.
Complete Horse Care Manual (DK Practical Pet Guides) book cover

by Colin Vogel··You?

2011·216 pages·Animal Husbandry, Veterinary Medicine, Horse Owner, Horse, Horse Care

Colin Vogel, a veterinary surgeon with extensive expertise in equine health, brings practical insight to horse care in this manual. You learn to understand horse behavior, recognize body language, and address common health and behavioral issues with confidence. The book guides you through daily routines, grooming, feeding, and essential first aid, making it a solid resource for anyone responsible for a horse's wellbeing. Particularly useful are chapters on tack maintenance and hoof care, helping you keep your horse comfortable and safe. If you’re seeking a clear, hands-on guide to managing all aspects of horse care, this book offers a grounded approach without unnecessary complexity.

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Best for personal care plans
This custom AI book on horse care is created based on your background, skill level, and specific interests in equine management. By sharing your goals and the areas you want to improve, the book focuses on exactly what you need to deepen your understanding and enhance your horse ownership experience. The tailored content helps you navigate the complexities of horse care and training with confidence, making learning efficient and relevant to your unique journey.
2025·50-300 pages·Horse Owner, Horse Care, Training Techniques, Nutrition Management, Behavior Analysis

This personalized book explores advanced horse care and training, focusing on your unique background and goals. It covers essential aspects such as nutrition, grooming, behavioral understanding, and training techniques tailored to your specific equine interests. By matching your experience and desired outcomes, the book offers a clear path through complex expert knowledge, making it accessible and practical for your horse ownership journey. It examines both foundational care principles and nuanced training methods, revealing insights that elevate your relationship with your horse. This tailored approach ensures you engage deeply with topics that matter most to you, enhancing your skills and confidence as a dedicated horse owner.

Tailored Guide
Equine Care Expertise
3,000+ Books Created
Best for hands-on training methods
Heather Smith Thomas, a prolific author with 24 books on animal health and horse care, brings decades of hands-on ranch experience to this detailed guide. Her practical knowledge shines through as she addresses every phase of horse training, from foal handling to advanced riding nuances. This book benefits anyone serious about nurturing horses with a steady, knowledgeable hand.
2019·448 pages·Horse Training, Horse Owner, Horse, Equestrian Skills, Ground Work

When Heather Smith Thomas wrote this edition, she drew deeply on her vast experience raising and training horses on her Idaho ranch, crafting a resource that walks you through transforming a nervous foal into a composed riding partner. You’ll find detailed chapters covering everything from haltering and leading to mastering subtle riding techniques like collection and gait refinement, applicable to both English and Western styles. The book’s rich color photos and patient explanations anticipate common training challenges, equipping you with the confidence to handle various horses and situations. This guide suits anyone invested in developing solid groundwork and riding skills, whether you're new to horse training or refining your approach.

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Best for Olympic-level training insights
Ingrid Klimke is an accomplished international trainer and five-time Olympic event rider for Germany, with multiple gold and silver medals. Drawing on her father Reiner Klimke’s legacy and her own extensive experience, she crafted this book to share her balanced, horse-centered training philosophy. As the second woman promoted to "Reitmeister" by the German Equestrian Federation, Klimke’s expertise offers you a trusted path to nurturing a successful, joyful riding partnership at every stage of your horse’s development.

Ingrid Klimke's decades of elite competition and deep family legacy shaped this guide to horse training that balances top-level performance with the horse's well-being. You’ll explore her step-by-step approach to progressive development, with exercises designed to foster a stress-free, joyful partnership at every stage. The book dives into both physical conditioning and mental care, reflecting Klimke’s philosophy inherited from her father and refined through her Olympic experiences. If you’re serious about elevating your horsemanship while maintaining a compassionate connection, Klimke’s insights offer a measured, experience-based roadmap beyond mere technique.

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Best for emotional and positive training
Hannah Weston is a pioneer in combining equine ethology, the science of equine emotions, and positive horse training techniques. She is passionate about helping leisure horse owners connect with their horses and achieve their goals, whether that's riding confidently, teaching healthy movement, or helping frightened rescues overcome fear. Her training approach is soft, gentle, and always prioritizes the horse's well-being, giving this book a strong foundation in compassionate, science-based training methods.
Connection Training: The Heart and Science of Positive Horse Training book cover

by Hannah Weston, Rachel Bedingfield, Loni Loftus··You?

2019·318 pages·Horse Training, Horse Owner, Equine Emotions, Positive Reinforcement, Gymnastic Groundwork

What makes this book different from others is its unique blend of equine ethology and emotional science, driven by Hannah Weston and Rachel Bedingfield’s passion for positive horse training. You learn how your horse's emotions shape behavior and how to build trust through relaxation and confidence, with clear guidance on handling, healthcare, and gymnastic groundwork to improve posture. Chapters detail techniques for creating rewarding riding experiences while prioritizing the horse's well-being. This is an excellent fit if you want to deepen your bond with your horse and approach training with empathy and science rather than force.

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Best for rapid skill building
This AI-created book on horse training is built specifically for your background and goals. It focuses on the aspects of horse care and management you want to improve, whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills. By crafting a personalized 30-day plan, it helps you tackle complex topics step by step without feeling overwhelmed. This tailored approach ensures your learning matches your pace and interests, making horse ownership more rewarding and manageable.
2025·50-300 pages·Horse Owner, Horse Care, Training Basics, Equine Nutrition, Grooming Techniques

This tailored book explores a personalized 30-day pathway to elevate your horse care and training skills swiftly and confidently. It focuses on your unique background and goals, crafting a step-by-step plan that matches your interests and knowledge level. You’ll navigate essential topics such as daily management routines, equine behavior understanding, grooming techniques, nutrition, and safe handling practices. The approach reveals how to build trust and communication with your horse, integrating practical exercises that reinforce your growing expertise. This tailored guide draws on a broad synthesis of expert knowledge, presenting it in an accessible, engaging way that addresses your specific learning objectives and accelerates your progress in horse ownership.

Tailored Guide
Equine Skill Building
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for foundational horsemanship skills
Augustus M. Walton is a passionate horse trainer with over 30 years of experience. He shares his extensive knowledge through his website and emphasizes communication and understanding as the core of horsemanship. His background uniquely positions him to guide you through building a strong bond with your horse, focusing on safety and enjoyment for both owner and animal.
2022·156 pages·Horse Training, Horse Owner, Horse, Groundwork, Horse Psychology

Augustus M. Walton draws on more than three decades of hands-on experience to offer a grounded approach to horsemanship that centers on building trust and communication rather than force. You’ll find detailed guidance on foundational skills such as round-pen training, desensitizing techniques, and reading equine body language, with practical insights into how to avoid common mistakes and handle typical challenges. The book’s emphasis on cooperation over dominance is clear in chapters exploring disengagement and flexing, teaching you how to lead gently but firmly. Whether you’re new to horse ownership or revisiting basics, this book equips you with the essentials to form a lasting partnership with your horse.

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Best for breed and care knowledge
Elwyn Hartley Edwards was one of the most respected equestrian authors of the twentieth century, editing Riding magazine for 18 years and authoring over 30 books on horses and horsemanship. His expertise extended to saddlery, earning him the British Horse Society's Award of Merit in 1993. Edwards' deep knowledge and long-standing dedication to equestrian topics shine through this encyclopedia, providing a richly detailed resource for anyone interested in horse breeds, care, and history.
The Horse Encyclopedia (DK Pet Encyclopedias) book cover

by Elwyn Hartley Edwards··You?

2016·360 pages·Horse Owner, Horse, Horse Care, Breeds, Equine Anatomy

Elwyn Hartley Edwards was an influential equestrian author whose decades of experience culminate in this detailed visual compendium of horses and ponies. You’ll explore over 150 breeds, complete with expert advice on feeding, grooming, and general care, making it a solid resource if you want to deepen your practical knowledge. Chapters cover the horse’s evolution, anatomy, and cultural significance, blending stunning photography with informative text that balances breed history and care techniques. Whether you’re new to horse ownership or looking to expand your understanding, this book offers a broad yet approachable foundation without overwhelming you with jargon.

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Best for novice horse owner guidance
Lainey Cullen-McConkey has spent thirty years learning about horses and their care, bringing her expertise from various boarding and training facilities to her own private barn. Her personal experience with multiple horse breeds informs this guide, designed to help novices navigate the realities of horse health and home care. This background makes her advice particularly grounded and relevant for those new to horse ownership.
2019·120 pages·Horse Owner, Horse Care, Horse Health, Feeding, Safety

Lainey Cullen-McConkey’s three decades immersed in horse care come through clearly in this guide tailored for novice horse owners. You’ll find practical insights on preparing your property, understanding basic equine anatomy, and managing health concerns before and after bringing a horse home. The book breaks down feeding essentials and offers sensible advice for handling injuries, making it a useful manual if you’re transitioning into horsekeeping. While it’s not for seasoned equestrians, it equips new owners with foundational knowledge to create a safe, healthy environment for their horses and anticipate common challenges.

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Conclusion

The collection of books here highlights three clear themes: the blend of practical care and health management, the emphasis on compassionate and positive training methods, and the importance of understanding both the physical and emotional needs of horses. Whether you’re a novice or aiming to refine your skills, these books provide sturdy stepping stones.

If you’re just starting, "The Ultimate Guide to Horse Health & Care" paired with "Horsemanship 101" offers a solid foundation. For those seeking to elevate training, Ingrid Klimke’s methods alongside "Connection Training" deliver nuanced strategies. Those focused on holistic wellness will find "Acupressure for Horses" particularly insightful.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Horse Owner book to bridge the gap between broad principles and your unique situation. These books can help you accelerate your learning journey and deepen your connection with your horse.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "The Ultimate Guide to Horse Health & Care" if you're new; it covers essential basics. Pair it with "Horsemanship 101" for foundational training skills to build confidence early on.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Horse Owner?

Not at all. Several titles like "The Ultimate Guide to Horse Health & Care" and "Horsemanship 101" are designed specifically for beginners, offering clear, approachable guidance.

What’s the best order to read these books?

Begin with care-focused books to understand your horse’s needs, then progress to training guides like Ingrid Klimke’s methods and "Connection Training" to enhance your partnership.

Can I skip around or do I need to read them cover to cover?

Feel free to skip around. Many books serve as reference guides, so you can focus on chapters relevant to your current challenges or interests.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

"Acupressure for Horses" leans toward theory with practical tips, while "Storey’s Guide to Training Horses" and "Horsemanship 101" emphasize hands-on training techniques for immediate use.

How can personalized Horse Owner books complement these expert recommendations?

Personalized books build on expert advice by tailoring content to your experience level, goals, and horse’s needs, helping you apply proven methods effectively. Learn more here.

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