Training the Working Labrador looks at all aspects of the care, management and training of the modern working Labrador. It discusses many of the issues affecting today's dog owners in a society which may not always seem to be providing enough time to own and train working gundogs. The book provides advice and guidance on a host of practical feeding, management and training matters based on the author's lifelong experience and chapters are included on nutrition and care - especially for those who may be away from home for part of the day. The very latest Labrador health tests are covered in detail and their relevance to their owners. With its wealth of instructional photographs and detailed training guidelines, Training the Working Labrador is essential reading for the first time owner/trainer of a Labrador. It is equally useful as an important update on Labrador issues for the experienced owner.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 216

Dimensions: 189 x 246 mm

Publication Date: 14-05-2022

Game Shooting for sporting purposes has taken place in England since the first half of the sixteenth century. David Jones has written a fascinating and comprehensive book covering the history of the sport from its inception to the present day. He examines changes in the typical shooting day, based on surviving diaries, newspaper articles and other historical documents. He charts the development of shooting in England, Wales and Scotland, across Europe and worldwide, including the planning and organisation required to support the growing popularity of the sport. Game Shooting contains a large selection of historic illustrations, photographs, articles and documents, providing an accurate record and unique insight into the lives of those involved. A fascinating book suitable for anyone with an interest in the sport.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 264

Dimensions: 189 x 246 mm

Publication Date: 14-06-2022

A Guide to the Deer of the World is a long-overdue review of deer as we understand them today and includes several species which have only recently become known to science. Writing for a wide readership in a straightforward and easily accessible style, Charles Smith-Jones has produced an authoritative and attractive reference work with a strong conservation focus. Lavishly illustrated throughout in colour, the guide looks at deer evolution, biology and lifestyles in general before covering each of the fifty-five true deer, seven musk deer and ten chevrotain species as well as their subspecies in more detail with photographs, general information and distribution maps. In addition, there are fact boxes which include descriptions of individual recognition features, habitats, behaviour, breeding and conservation issues for each member of this widely diverse and fascinating group of animals. Forming an iconic and important part of almost all the world's ecosystems, many of the species featured are elusive and only very rarely photographed or observed. Any areas of taxonomical confusion and ongoing discussion are highlighted in readily understandable terms. This book will have a valued place in the library or on the coffee table of any nature lover or deer enthusiast.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 320

Dimensions: 210 x 270 mm

Publication Date: 14-07-2022

How to Look Cool Whilst Learning Polo takes a very modern approach to the traditional game of polo. The author, Steve Thompson, is a veteran polo instructor and professional player with over twenty years of teaching experience across the globe. This book is a culmination of his teaching and playing experience over two decades in the sport. More than just a technical ‘how-to’ guide, it provides everything you need to go from zero to hero on the polo field, and more importantly — make sure you look cool whilst doing it! Followed correctly, this book can save a lot of pain, frustration and a significant amount of cash by teaching an aspiring player how to function correctly from the very start. Becoming a polo player is just like building a house: only when there is a true and solid foundation can you begin to layer the storeys on top. Definitive guide to learning polo Highly entertaining and immensely informative Strips away the intimidation of polo and replaces with light-hearted fun, and all in a factual, technical approach Designed to take the complete beginner to polo through all the stages necessary to become an effective team player Written by Steve Thompson, veteran polo instructor and professional player THE AUTHOR Steve Thompson passion for horses began before polo, in the eventing world and many of his teaching theories stem from that. Horses and polo are his vocation and his career began training polo ponies. The author is now a veteran polo instructor and professional player with over twenty years of teaching experience worldwide.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 300

Dimensions: 228 x 300 x 12 mm

One of the most successful athletes of all time, Steve Redgrave is uniquely placed to share his expertise and experience in this go-to guide for rowers, especially at a time when more people than ever are participating in the sport. Redgrave firmly believes that the basic principles and techniques of rowing are the same for beginners and elite athletes alike, and it's this philosophy that underpins the book. Starting with the basics of equipment and clothing and how to get started in the sport, he then moves on to more in-depth chapters on technique, tactics and competition. The revised edition also focusses in detail on the physical and mental preparation needed to excel, with chapters on biomechanics, training and cross training, injury prevention and diet and nutrition accompanied by insights into motivation and belief. The text is illustrated throughout with line drawing and photographs, and enlivened by personal anecdotes and reflections from Redgrave himself. The book also includes full rigging charts, a fault diagnostic to help hone technique, details of strengthening and conditioning exercises and lists of useful information, such as how to find a rowing club, a guide to courses and training camps and equipment suppliers. This is a book for rowers of all levels who want to learn from the best and aspire to perform to the best of their abilities.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 256

Dimensions: 190 x 240 mm

Publication Date: 01-08-2018

Lazy Labradors, springing Springers, terrible Terriers, permed Poodles, working dogs, lapdogs, hang-dogs and even sausage dogs! All these and more fill cartoonist Bryn's latest book. Bryn's first book was Mad Dogs and Englishmen. This time, it's all about the dogs; no humans to get in the way of a dog's life! Bryn can't imagine drawing without a dog at his feet or, more likely, sneaking onto the sofa. Whether it's barking at the postman, chewing on the TV remote, poking around in the bin for a tasty morsel or just letting off foul smells, Bryn's dogs are real. He's owned pedigrees and mutts, he's even tried to train them with limited success. They are obstinate, disobedient and embarrassing but they are family and much loved. This book of canine cartoons is the dog's doodahs and makes the perfect present for anyone who is similarly dog mad. In fact, if you don't buy it, you may well find yourself in the doghouse!

Bind: hardback

Pages: 112

Dimensions: 200 x 200 mm

Publication Date: 31-07-2018

Pony Care: A complete guide to buying and caring for your first pony will appeal to both owners and their parents. It has been cleverly written by Alison Pocklington, who has previously been awarded the Horse and Hound Groom of the Year and published the very successful first book, The Essential Guide to Professional Horse Care and Grooming. Now, as the mum of a horse-mad child and riding instructor to many, Alison is only too aware of the pitfalls of finding the right horse or pony to match the rider. This great little book offers sound practical and in-depth advice, tips and guides to get horse and pony ownership off on the right foot. Most children who learn to ride dream of owning their own pony. Pony Care offers parents an in-depth guide for what is actually involved in successfully buying, owning and caring for a pony. With advice on finding the right pony, buying the necessary equipment, livery options, daily care, feeding, shoeing, health, exercise and, when the time comes, how to go about selling the pony. Common mistakes can be made when there is a lack of knowledge or experience, in seeking the wrong advice or being in too much of a hurry. Alison Pocklington shares a wealth of experience complete with tips and checklists. 'This book is a MUST HAVE for anyone who has had the tireless and repetitive call to buy from their pony-mad child.' - Lucinda Green MBE

Bind: paperback

Pages: 256

Dimensions: 189 x 246 mm

Publication Date: 31-07-2018

Chicken-keeping is an increasingly popular hobby as an increasing number of people discover the benefits of raising chickens and supplying their own eggs. Written by an expert chicken keeper of many years standing, the subjects covered include choice of breed, housing, feeding, breeding, showing and indeed all the many topics the new chicken keeper will want to understand. This practical guide incorporates much of the author’s forty years of experience as a chicken keeper, as well as taking advantage of the knowledge and experience of other enthusiasts. Also included, either because of their relevance, or simply their ability to raise a wry smile, are several snippets taken from poultry books written during the first half of the twentieth century.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 176

Dimensions: 220 x 215 mm

For nearly 60 years it's been revered as the 'bible' of mountaineering-and now it's even better than ever. Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills is the text beloved by generations of new climbers and the standard for climbing education around the world where it has been translated into 12 languages.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 624

Dimensions: 152 x 228 mm

Publication Date: 29-09-2018

This book is designed for all riders from the very novice to the most advanced. Sylvia Loch teaches through illustrations and photos how each tiny shift of the rider s weight will affect the horse s balance. The weight aids are generally taught only to higher level students especially those learning the more advanced skills. Yet, by including them from the beginning, novice riders will develop a much greater understanding of their own bodies and abilities and those of the horse from day one. In the Authors words... The time has surely come to show all riders how their body-weight impacts on the horse for good or bad. Feel and balance should govern the whole ethos of equitation. In this book, I show through pictures how the giving of the aids can transform the horse in each and every movement so that our communication with this wonderful animal takes us to new levels of understanding and empathy.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 144

Dimensions: 190 x 240 mm

Publication Date: 29-09-2018