Horse Sense: A Complete Guide to Horse Selection and Care

Without denying the pleasures of owning a horse, Mettler, a country veterinarian with 40 years of equine experience, rightly insists in this lucid guide that the prospective horse owner should ``ask yourself if you really want to take on the responsibility and expense. . . . Just loving a horse is not enough.'' Reminiscent of James Herriot, Mettler underlines his sound advice with true, often touching stories of mistakes that horse owners have made, thereby mistreating and even killing their horses. So that novice owners will avoid mistakes, Mettler offers straightforward recommendations for selecting, stabling, feeding, handling, grooming, fencing and transporting a horse, as well as preventing and treating common diseases. Succinct checklists and safety procedures will encourage prospective owners, while the experienced will benefit from Mettler's understanding of the intricate steps of horse breeding, pregnancy and foaling. Nor does Mettler shy from the painful issue of how and when to ``put a horse down.'' Photos not seen by PW. (May)