Canadian Children's Book Centre Our Choice, 2009
Where did thoroughbreds come from?
Why do they call it a steeplechase?
What's the difference between trotting and pacing?
Did you know that winning jockeys are weighed before and after a race?
Experienced horsewoman Nikki Tate takes the reader behind the scenes to examine the world of the racetrack.
Sections include:
- The history of horse racing from chariots to chuckwagons;
- An examination of the racing breeds from thoroughbreds to quarter horses;
- The role of the trainers, grooms, farriers, track vets, pony riders, outriders, and paddock judges;
- Care of a horse at the racetrack;
- Horse equipment;
- The jockey's training;
- What goes on in the racing office;
- How to read the program;
- How the starting gates work;
- Drug use and cheating; and
- A horse's life after the racetrack.
An examination of horse racing from a history of the breeds developed for the sport, through training and caring for horses at the track, to the day of the race and beyond.
Reviews:
"A very thorough and very readable investigation of racehorses and horse racing."
-- The Globe and Mail
"An attractive and informative book. . . Young people intrigued by horse racing, and especially those who have visited a racetrack, will find this a detailed, colorful account of what goes on behind the scenes."
-- Booklist
"Clearly written and well-organized introduction to the world of the racehorse. . . The numerous color photographs are well chosen and complement this solidly researched, knowledgeable text."
-- School Library Journal
"Tate, an experienced horsewoman and novelist, has written a fine introduction to the racehorse, the sport of horse racing, and the many people involved in the sport. . . Almost every page includes one or more colour photographs that aptly illustrate the text.
Highly Recommended."
-- CM Magazine
"The content is readily accessible, but it’s the vivid photographs that will catch the reader’s attention. Illustrations of horses in action, the equipment and tools of the trade, and some of the people who devote their lives to the racing life appear on almost every page of this book. . . (Tate’s) knowledge and obvious enthusiasm shine through on every colourful, fact-filled page."
-- Quill & Quire
"Lots of potential to inspire critical thinking among young scientists and animal lovers."
-- The Toronto Star
"Here is a book that horse-lovers will enjoy. . . I have already recommended this colorful, up-to-date hardcover to a couple of girls that love horses; I think it will be well-read at our school."
-- Lane Education Service District (5 out of 5 Stars)
Below are some sample pages from the book:
The Table of Contents
Page
21 Training the Young Horse to Use the Starting Gate
Page
29 People Who Work with Fast Horses
Page
40 Julie Krone: First Woman Jockey in the Thoroughbred Hall of Fame
Page
41 What Goes on in the Racing Office?
Page
52 How to Read the Race Day Program
Nikki Tate is the award-winning author of many novels for young people. Her work includes the fantasy series Estorian Chronicles, the popular StableMates horse novels, and the historical novel, Jo's Triumph (set in Pony Express territory in the early 1860s).
Born in Birmingham, England, Nikki lives in the countryside of Vancouver Island, where she enjoys riding with her daughter, Danielle. Her household also includes four birds and two black standard poodles called Basil and Elliot.
Visit Nikki's web site at web.mac.com/danits/iWeb/Nikki Tate/Home.html.
|