Product Description
Old cowboy tricks, quick fixes, hardlearned lessons, and tried-and-true horsekeeping wisdom fill the pages of this indispensable handbook from seasoned horsewoman Heather Smith Thomas. Writing from her Idaho ranch, and drawing from a lifetime of working with horses, Thomas has assembled a treasure-trove of information for anyone who rides, keeps, or dreams of spending time with horses.

Presented in appealing bite-sized portions, Thomas’s insider tips cover everything from barns and tack to feeding, foaling, medical care, trail riding, camping, knot-tying, fencing, trailering, and more. She addresses every aspect of horse care and handling that average horseowners will encounter, regardless of where they live, what breeds they have, and what style of riding or work they do with their horses.

Resourceful, knowledgeable, and intuitive about horses, Heather Smith Thomas is someone every horse enthusiast would love to ride alongside for a spell. With Stable Smarts, they can do just that, as often as they’d like. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Great Book for NOvice Horse Owners!
I had gone to the library and gotten many books so see which ones were worth it.THis book is great, it had just about everything we needed to know and much more.BUy the book, you won't be sorry!

Useful, fun book
Stable Smarts is an fun and useful book. It has tons of easy stable fixes. I've used a number and they have all worked. The best part is that the fixes are inexpensive and safe. I think this book is a must for any horse or any farm animal owner.

Good Stuff
I purchased this for my girlfriend who has been a horsewoman for over 30 years. She has been very happy with the ideas presented and has used several already.

My only complaint is not with the book but with the ordering process. When I originally placed my order there were several in stock items grouped together. This book had a note that said in stock normally ships in 5 weeks. So I split my order to second day shipping so everything would arrive as soon as possible for Christmas. This book that wasn't going to arrive until after the first of the year showed up the same day as everything else. I was glad to get it but would have been even more glad if I'd not been tricked into paying extra for shipping.

Incredible!My Horse BIBLE!!
Wow..nice to know that someone will actually share their ideas.Amazing all the things you can do w/ a disposable diaper.She is an incredible woman; I wish I could spend a summer with her.Thank you Heather for sharing your ideas w/ the rest of us.I am constantly picking up your book time and time again.

Packed with practical tips and insights
Heather Smith Thomas's Stable Smarts: Sensible Advice, Quick Fixes, And Time-Tested Wisdom From An Idaho Horsewoman (1580176100, $18.95) comes from a woman who raises horses and cattle in Idaho and goes far beyond your usual horse management book. Here are hints on how to tell and purchase the best quality hay, making a makeshift hackamore, preparing homemade pest repellents, and fixing fences and more. Virtually all the equipment associated with a horse and ranch, from trailers to leads and bedding, are revealed in a book packed with practical tips and insights. ... Read more

Product Description
From the keeper of a family milk cow to the rancher overseeing a large beef herd, anyone who works with cattle has a vested interest in maintaining the animals' health. In most cases, the financial viability of a farm depends on the continued well-being of the farm animals. Large-animal veterinarians are in short supply and their bills can add up quickly, so it's often up to the farmer to provide routine health care.

The Cattle Health Handbook is the essential medical reference for farmers and ranchers confronting day-to-day bovine health issues. Heather Smith Thomas, an expert on livestock with decades of first-hand experience, covers every routine situation — and many not-so-common problems — likely to arise on a cattle ranch or dairy farm. Three broad sections cover common diseases, ailments specific to certain body systems, and other ailments and injuries.

Beginning with detailed information on how to detect signs of illness, the book progresses through the various causes of cattle health problems, describing symptoms and discussing prevention and treatment. Readers will find reassuring advice on handling bacterial and viral diseases; digestive and respiratory problems; eye, skin, foot, and mouth irritations; injuries and wounds; and much more. Thomas also helps farmers recognize when a situation calls for veterinary assistance. Case histories, real characters, and humorous anecdotes give the text a warm voice of authority.

Primary income source or country hobby, cattle are unique; the people who care for them want their animals to be healthy and comfortable. For the first-time dairy farmer or the experienced cattle rancher, this reliable volume is a must-have resource. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

informative and interesting
This book was very informative and easy to read. It isn't crammed full of medical & scientific jargon that makes it hard to understand; it gives you the terminology that is essential and easy.
One of my calves was recently ill and used to book to determine what signs there are for pneumonia and immediately gave the calf antibiotics. He is now fully recovered.

Useful book
As a 3rd generation ranch family, this is a very helpful book.You don't need to be a vet to understand it but it isn't just a bunch of general information for the hobby rancher who doesn't know scours from pink eye.

Great addition to our library
This book was wonderful as we recently purchased brood cows and calves.VERY helpful.

Whether it be for a single cow or an entire herd, this is an excellent survey
Any involved with cattle and many a rural library collection catering to farmers will find THE CATTLE HEALTH HANDBOOK an essential guide. It provides solutions to common problems in managing cattle health, discusses everything from common diseases to weather-related health issues, and packs in tips on handling accidents, injuries, and common problems. Whether it be for a single cow or an entire herd, this is an excellent survey.
... Read more

Product Description
Conformation concerns body structure and anatomy. In this comprehensive volume, Heather Smith Thomas explains how conformation relates to function and what to look for when evaluating a horse. She teaches the reader to see beyond a horse's physical beauty to identify desirable attributes and potential faults, and with copious illustrations and explanations, trains the eye to recognize the hallmarks of soundness, durability, trainability, and athletic potential.

Thomas begins with an in-depth discussion of equine anatomy and the importance of balance and proportion. She also explains how to detect "heart," that indefinable quality that distinguishes a horse from his peers and compels him to excel. The book concludes with real-world applications of the principles of good conformation, including helping a horse succeed by matching him with the right job and what the conformation of the aging horse can tell you.

Horses with good conformation move fluidly, experience less wear and tear on joints, and are more apt to stay fit and sound during a long life of service. Whether you're buying your first horse, choosing breeding stock, or simply want to learn more about your equine companion, The Horse Conformation Handbook will help you understand horses better than ever before. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Excellent, very detailed book on conformation
This book is an excellent source for those who would like to learn about horse conformation.It's quite detailed, and gives explanation for why the structures in the equine body affect movement and performance.

Great book
This book is very clearly written and easy to use.The diagrams are easy to read, unlike some other books on conformation.I've learned a great deal and I would highly recommend this book.

Horse Conformation Book
I bought this book because I found it for the "right" price, and I am pleased enough to not need another conformation book.I found this to be a very easy to read and understand book, with plenty of pictures, and a great deal of information.This book is not bogged down with really technical information, if you are looking for something like that this isn't your book.This is more for the every day person.I found it to be invaluable (I am an equine artist).

an excellent book
This book provides a wealth of information that I have not seen elsewhere. It enables a very detailed assessment of every aspect of a horse's conformation.

This book is not for the Cliff's Notes reader
Thomas has written a fabulous book that digs deep into the mechanics of the equine.I enjoy understanding why/how things function.This book has helped me to understand why some activities came very easily to my Pony Club mount and why we had to work so hard on others.

By reading this you will understand how conformation impacts performance, soundness and longevity.It is well written and the diagrams make it easy to follow.This isn't a light read, be prepared to study.

If you are a casual rider that doesn't request a lot of your horse, then you may not need to know this depth of knowledge for conformation. I find something new to learn each time I pick it up.

Backyard breeders... PLEASE read this book.Bred-to-the-Nines doesn't do much for a horse that isn't built correctly to perform.
... Read more

Product Description

Marion Zane re-created herself to achieve the title of L.A.'s top Trophy—with a faithful husband, loyal fellow-Trophy friends, queen-bee status over the Hollywood "name-above-the-title" charities, and, best of all, no prenup! So why is she so nervous?

Customer Reviews (13)

HEATHER THOMAS CERTAINLY HAS A LOT OF FRIENDS
I bought this book based not only on Amazon reviews but also kudos it received from the likes of Norman Lear and Arianna Huffington.I now have the feeling that a lot of the reviewers are friends of Ms. Thomas."Made me laugh out loud...Ironic, smart"..."Sharp, wicked adrenaline-rush."I didn't read that book.

I can't begin to tell you how disappointed I was in this book.The message seems to be that you can spend obscene amounts of money on plastic surgery, Jimmy Choos and Manolos, facials, waxing, and of course your multi-million dollar house as long as you are raising lots of money for charity which apparently trophy wives are good at.

With the exception of Maya, our resident supermodel, none of these women have a job.However, with the upkeep of their fabulous faces, bodies and homes...they don't have time for one.

Marion Zane...the "hero" of our story is blessed with a face like Suzy Parker thanks to plastic surgery.Marion did not even know who Suzy Parker was when they made her face look like Suzy's.Note to Marion:it is probably a good idea to know who you are being made to look like when you are undergoing the knife.

Pepper, the most annoying character in this book with her faux hillbilly accent is not only a child abuser [Question for Heather:why would you have one of your main characters take a brush to her child's bare bottom for absolutely no discernible reason] and seems to spend this entire novel yelling at her children and trying to get her Greek husband back from a woman who has cast a spell on him using of all things...menstrual blood.Don't ask.

I don't think this book was at all funny and instead of making me understand the "trophy wife"...I came away wondering what on earth their purpose in life is beyond their so-called philanthropy.

Heather Thomas looks lovely on the inside cover of the book but I unfortunately can't say much for her writing abilities.Married to one of Hollywood's best known entertainment attorney's...I had the feeling while reading this that Marion is very close to Heather's heart.A wonderful way to rationalize living like Marie Antoinette while people are losing their homes and jobs and have no idea who Christian Louboutin is.

Clever and snarky...but true?
This was such a fun read, but could have used a little editing to make the plot tighter. It reminded me a lot of Dominick Dunne with the back-stabbing socialites from LA. I could just imagine reading about these women in People magazine.

An Unexpected Delight
There's a part of me that would not want to be caught dead reading "that kind" of book.A womanish book, a frivolous book, etc.Yet there's an undeniable joy in this book.It's worthy of a place among the heavyweights of the lightweight Jacqueline Suzanne and Jackie Collins.I could not put it down, and in fact, hope that there will be a "Return of Trophies."

Superficial, dull & impossible to understand the lingo
This book is so hard to follow that reading it becomes a chore.I guess if I lived in L.A. I would understand what the author is trying to convey.I would not recommend this book,unless your looking for more challenges in your life.

A Statue Cast in Pulp
If you like daytime television soap operas, you'll love this book. With a generous number of characters to wrap one's mind around, the author lures you into the world of Hollywood wealth, fame, debauchery, (BJ parties anyone?) D-cups, and Botox. With for-publicity fundraising as the primary redeeming quality to these otherwise shallow, status-and-money-conscious self-proclaimed "trophies," this is a sometimes amusing, sometimes painfully dull and slow-moving, sometimes juicy beach read page-turner.

Containing several distracting typos, it's about 200 pages too long, and these pages (or short chapters) fail to move forward the plot of the systematic dethroning of TOP trophy Marion Zane by her so-called well-defined friend and sister trophy, Lyndy. Most of the other secondary trophies are a bit stereotypical and aren't as colorful or interesting as Marion or Lyndy. Claire, the Midwestern beauty queen who marries a big shot Hollywood producer and becomes stepmother to three spoiled children is, however, the exception. Claire enters this arena as a trophy newbie, and shows rather than tells how seemingly "normal" girls with big princess dreams find themselves living these surreal lives.

But what the heck? I didn't buy this book expecting a great work of literature. I just wanted to trash around in the world of what passes these days as popular women's fiction. I definitely got what asked for, which was a few laughs and some unforgettable characters. Good for you Heather Thomas. Write another one. I'll read it.

Michele Cozzens is the author of It's Not Your Mother's Bridge Club ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Track training schedules
This book is great if you're looking for detailed workouts overa whole season of training. It really takes the guess work out oftrying to figure out what workouts to do when. Excellent info for all runners up to elite levels. Well detailed... ... Read more

Product Description
John Trenchard and Thomas Gordon were political writers who published in London during the early eighteenth century. Together they authored two serial sets of essays titled Cato's Letters and the Independent Whig. Trenchard and Gordon's works were well known in London and became popular in the British North American colonies. This study examines the use and influences of Trenchard and Gordon's works in eighteenth-century British America. More specifically, Professor Barry demonstrates that Trenchard and Gordon's works were taken out of context and taught colonists a mode of action, which set the groundwork for the American Revolution. ... Read more

Product Description
Offers information and advice on selecting, feeding, housing, caring for, breeding, and showing both beef and dairy cattle. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Good reference
This is a good book that covers a LOT of topics, a good reference. I do wish it had more pictures.

Your Calf:A Kid's Guide to Raising & Showing Beef & Dairy Calves
This gift was purchased as a Christmas gift for my son-in-law.He is a chemist, works in a lab and just started the calf-raising as a side line. I bought the book as a joke but he loves it. He is finding it very helpful for beginners of all ages.He thanked me several times and said it was just what he needed. I guess it really is the thought that counts.

Great Book
I am 14 this book is realy helpful i really like it i am in the 4-H it is just so great i recomend it to anyone. i hope you buy this book if you are just starting i hope you like it as good as i did it is a good buy

Great starter book
I'm fifteen and am in FFA I recently purchased my first calf.My Dad got this book for me and it has helped out from purchasing a sound heifer to shelter and feeding.The chapter on calfing is also very helpful.A great book for a first calf project. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Excellent!
wonderful, the best cook book I own and that is saying a lot!simple, easy to follow recipes, some photos for ease of reference.I've had the book for 10 years and continue to use it as my main book, especially for guests, parties, etc.Everything tastes superb!

Exceptional photos and explanations
I love this book. The recipes are very well chosen. I have already tried about 10 of them and they turned out delicious.

The step by step photos make it extremely easy to create dishes without the stress of fearing to miss an important step.

I forgot to say that I have been raised on French Food, and the book offers both variety and an excellent selection of dishes.

A real disappointment
The book contains a variety of recipes that call for ingredients such as snails, mussels, shrimp, kidneys, beef, chicken and veal, but the step-by-step photographs were disappointing.They didn't show techniques or processes of cooking, just, on average, three snapshots of adding chopped ingredients to the pot or arranging ingredients for a salad.This book, along with the Essential Italian cookery book, didn't walk you through the recipes step-by-step, and the selection of recipes were disappointing to me, since I was looking forlighter and modern French fare.The recipes in general contained fairly simple instructions, but they were mostly for heavy dishes and ingredients. ... Read more

Product Description
A biography of the second president of the United States, whose leadership was important in shaping the country's new government. ... Read more

Product Description
Providing more than fifty appetizing recipes, a whole-meal cooking guide offers such suggestions as Mushroom Risotto, Tuscan Chicken with Polenta, Sicilian Cheesecake, and Amaretto Almond Souffles. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

misleading
I am an Italian who moved abroad, and I bought this attractive book to show Italian food to non-Italians. The pictures are very attractive, but after careful analysis I realised that none of those "artistic" dishes looks like one you would actually see in Italy. The recipes look simple, but they probably have been changed to match the British taste. My girlfriend prepared "gnocchi al pesto" for me, and the taste was completely wrong: Italians would never put lemon in the pesto! Perhaps some of the recipes are fine, but I will never trust this book again. After long search I chose for my girlfriend "Biba's Northern Italian cooking", buy that one instead! Italian food is wonderful, don't let non-Italians spoil it.

A gold mine of culinary ideas.
Here's a cookbook that truly delights. We have tried almost every recipe in the book and have not found a single one that is not as succulent as the beautiful illustrations suggest. Some of the meals may not be for the diet set but I can assure you that you'll lick your fingers with these delicious Italian dishes. Buon Appetito!

The Essential Italian Cookbook: 50 Classic Recipes
This is a cookbook every bride or bride-to-be should have if they enjoyItalian Food!The recipes are basic, the step-by-step photographs areextremely helpful and the taste of the finished dishes is authentic!Ifyou are just beginning your cooking experience or are a seasoned veteran ofthe kitchen, this book is a must for your library.The recipes will wantyou to have a different dish each nite for the next 50 nites.For anyonewho wants to be able to serve a meal with the real taste of Italy you'llfind the key here.The short but informative pages on Italian ingredientsand equipment/utensils is a primer everyone should know.Do yourself afavor and that of your daughter or daughter-in-law and put this in yourshopping cart! ... Read more

Amazon.com Review
Chinese cuisine--whether it's the refined Cantonese, spicySzechwan, or one of the lesser-known styles of the otherprovinces--places an emphasis on fresh ingredients and boiling orquick stir-frying. These practices make Chinese food not onlydelicious, but one of today's more popular healthful methods ofcooking. It is also remarkably simple to prepare and, with a minimuminvestment of time and equipment, you can easily present manyexcellent dishes right in your own home. The Essential ChineseCookbook offers 50 classic Chinese recipes, each witheasy-to-follow directions and a sequence of helpful photos depictingthe process. You'll find many of your old favorites here, such asPeking Duck, Szechwan Noodles, Spring Rolls, Hot and Sour Soup, andBroccoli with Shrimp. This "essential" list of recipes maybe interpreted by some as a bit tame, but these dishes are undeniablytasty and popular for a reason. The book includes a useful sectionthat introduces the most common Chinese ingredients, as well asinstructions on preparing traditional garnishes and sauces. It's notthe most adventuresome Chinese cookbook, but it's an excellentjumping-off point for anyone seeking to add a familiar touch of Asianflavor to their menu. --George Laney ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Not for the beginner
This cookbook is fine for someone who has cooking experience.The first recipe I tried in this cookbook (Won Ton Soup) seems to be missing a couple of key instructions.From the photographs it would appear that the fillingfor the wontons should be cooked before being used a filling but you arenever instructed to do this.(Raw pork does not cook when boiled for twominutes within a wonton wrap).Also, the wonton wraps will not sticktogether as shown unless the edges are cleaned and moistened withsomething.It would appear from the photograph that this is done but doesnot appear in the instructions...except on the wonton wrap package! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Best Book For Learning To Cook Thai
I love to visit countries and then try to replicate the dishes once I am back home. I found it difficult to obtain that real Thai taste in the food I was cooking until I read this book from Heather Thomas. She knows how to explain cooking in a very easy and understandable manner. She explains whatingredients to use and substitutes for those if they are not readilyavailiable in your area. Detailed photographs help you through all thesequences in a step by step manner. How easy it is to cook Thai withHeather Thomas. If you are already experienced in the siamise cuisine, Iwould also highly recommend The Original Thai Cookbook by Jennifer Brennan. ... Read more

Product Description
This comprehensive guide provides a commonsense approach to keeping a horse healthy, sound, and happy by encouraging horse owners to center horse-keeping practices around the horse's needs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Terrible Delivery System
I bought my book on the first of September. It said it would take 6-7 days because I could receive free shipping for spending $30. I have yet to receive it & it's a month later. Either I want my money back or a new book. Not great shipping at all. Two of my friends who attend my school have also said that the same book I ordered has yet to come to them either. ... Read more

Product Description
With its emphasis on freshness, natural flavours and low-fat cooking methods, Chinese food is very healthy and appetizing. Another advantage to Chinese meals is that they can be prepared in advance to be cooked later in only a few minutes. This cookbook has examples of dishes from the four main Chinese culinary regions: fish recipes from Eastern China; delicacies from Canton in the South; spicy and piquant dishes from Szechuan in Western China; and classic dishes from Beijing in the North. Each recipe is photographed and clearly explained. ... Read more

Product Description
All you need to know in a handy pocket guide. Get the most from your holiday with "AA Essential Guide" - compact yet packed with information, helpful and easy to use. The Top Ten sights are picked out for you by the expert author and key places to visit in the main A to Z section are given star ratings to help you decide. Useful features such as The Ten Essentials (experiences not to be missed) and Peace and Quiet (getting off the beaten track) provide the perfect introduction. Detailed lists recommend the best places to eat and drink; where to shop; children's attractions; local activities and nightlife. All this, plus suggested walks and drives, colour photographs throughout, clear maps and practical travel advice. ... Read more

Product Description
Suitable for beginners and those wishing to expand their repertoire, this easy-to-follow cookbook contains a selection of 50 French recipes, including soups and starters, main courses, side dishes and desserts. There is also a general introduction to French ingredients and cooking methods. ... Read more