United States Eventing Association

10 Eventing Books to Read While You’re in Quarantine

The eventing community is preparing to hunker down with the rest of the world to wait out the COVID-19 pandemic, and that means a lot of us are going to have more free time on our hands than usual. Why not spend it learning something new?

We’ve compiled a list of 10 books that can help you pass the time. From biographies filled with stories to manuals full of tips and tricks, there’s something for everyone!

In Service to the Horse: Chronicles of a Labor of Love by Susan Nusser

This book furnishes an insider's glimpse of the close relationship that exists between horses and the grooms that care for them, following a year in the lives of three grooms, all working with champion thoroughbreds, while describing the horses, their owners and riders, stable lore, and the multibillion-dollar industry of equestrian sport.

Life in the Galloping Lane by David and Karen O’Connor

The Golden Couple of the American eventing world offers an insider's glimpse of international eventing as well as insights and training tips, making this an outstanding book for all ages.

The Riding Horse Repair Manual by Doug Payne

Contending that nearly all horse behavior problems result from incorrect or inconsistent training, this book emphasizes systematic reconditioning while encouraging patience and proper skills in riders, providing a comprehensive plan for addressing issues such as bucking, bolting, rearing, spooking, lack of confidence, jumping issues, and more.

Training the Three-Day Event Horse and Rider by Jim Wofford

"It has been a rare U.S. international three-day event team that has not included at least one rider who got there by following the methods outlined in this book."

How Good Riders Get Good by Denny Emerson

This book is a smart, honest, on-target kick-in-the-pants, guaranteed to rev your engines as you see how a few changes in your life, a few smart choices and strategic moves, can transform you from a run-of-the-mill rider into a GOOD one.

In the Middle are the Horsemen by Tik Maynard

The son of prominent Canadian equestrians, Tik Maynard decided to spend a year as a “working student.” In the horse industry, working students aspire to become professional riders or trainers, and willingly trade labor for hands–on education. Here Maynard chronicles his experiences–good and bad–and we follow along as one year becomes three, what began as a casual adventure gradually transforms, and a life's purpose comes sharply into focus.

Horse Came First, Second, and Last: My Unapologetic Road to Eventing Gold by Jack LeGoff

With an astounding eighteen medals in eight international championships and team gold medals at the Olympic Games in 1976 and 1984, Jack Le Goff created the standard by which modern–day equestrian teams are measured. But Le Goff's techniques could be unforgiving–tough, brutal, and abrasive–earning him critics as well as converts. In this, his autobiography, Le Goff tells the whole story, from impoverished beginnings in Morocco, to the tragic death of his father, to his successes as a competitive equestrian. Readers will enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of high–level international equestrian sport, as well as an entire section devoted to Le Goff's much admired and extremely successful training philosophy.

World-Class Grooming by Cat Hill and Emma Ford

Two of the best professional grooms in the business share their trade secrets, with over 1200 color photographs accompanying the ultimate modern-day guide for all riders who want their horses to look and feel their best.

Modern Eventing with Phillip Dutton by Phillip Dutton

Recognizing that the equestrian sport of eventing has changed drastically over the past two decades in every way—from its general format to the way cross-country obstacles are built—this comprehensive guide covers all proverbial bases, reflecting the means of achieving success according to today’s standards. Training, conditioning, and competing in all three phases are detailed, including full chapters describing the special farriery, veterinary, and grooming needs of the event horse.

Riding for the Team by the United States Equestrian Team Foundation

Offering exclusive insights, this book gives readers a behind-the-scenes look at the world of top-level equestrian sport. Athletes tell their stories and those of their horses during the years they honed their talent and dedicated their lives to representing their country in the Olympics, World Equestrian Games, World Championships, and Pan American Games.

Not in the mood for a book? Current USEA members can catch up on back issues of Eventing USA and USCTA News online here.