Backyard Horsekeeping: The Only Guide You'll Ever Need

More and more people are enjoying pleasure riding to the point of wanting to own their own horse. And with the cost and distance considerations of maintaining the animal at a boarding stable often an off-putting factor, the possibility of homeowners keeping a horse on their property becomes very appealing. But just how possible and practical would it be?

According to Joan Fry, an experienced horse owner and longtime backyard horse keeper, the answer is more times than not yes. Beginning with such initial factors as sufficient and suitable land and access to veterinarian, farrier, and feed, Fry leads the prospective backyard keeper through constructing and furnishing a small barn, paddock, and corral; locating and purchasing the horse; and then feeding and otherwise tending to the animal's creature comforts.

Of special value to both novice and experienced owners are the sections on feed, which takes into account the most up-to-date nutrition research, and on training the horse for safe and enjoyable trail riding.

Written with encouraging cheer and plenty of "horse sense," BACKYARD HORSEKEEPING will lead the way to maintaining and enjoying your very own horse on your very own property.