Zen in the Stable: Wisdom from the Equestrian Life (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781946732132)

Zen in the Stable combines insight garnered from the equestrian life with stunning photos. Written by an award-winning author trained as a show jumper by an Olympic-level coach, Zen in the Stable offers original equine enlightenment from the barnyard to the ring. Inspiring photos enhance each original saying in a full-color book that makes a perfect gift.

The power and grace of horses sets them apart from other animals. The fluid movements of a mare, a stallion, and even the humble pony under saddle carry us into new worlds, ones that can only be viewed from horseback. When the author was fifteen, she learned dressage and jumping. The experience developed a part of her soul and nourishes her to this day.

Thoroughbred breeds competing in horse sports, foals, wild horses, draft horses, horse racing, palominos, colts and saddle horses are stablemates for our lives. The everyday interactions between horse and rider are found with the Shetland pony, yearlings, feral horses, shire horses, miniature horses, appaloosas, Arabians, bangtails, and more.

Working with horses is spiritual. The rider must be calm and collected while respecting their partner. When that happens, horse and rider transcend. Zen in the Stable honors that relationship.

A gorgeous collection for every equestrian, horse enthusiast, animal lover, and anyone seeking a moment of peace, Zen in the Stable demonstrates that the human-horse connection can enrich our lives and make us happier, healthier, calmer, and more loving.

The softcover edition uses a single-page layout for an affordable price point. The hardcover edition displays each saying across a beautiful two-page spread with the full-color photo on the righthand page, making it the perfect gift.

Laine Cunningham, a three-time recipient of The Hackney Award, writes fiction that takes readers around the world. Her debut novel, The Family Made of Dust, is set in the Australian Outback, while Reparation is a novel of the American Great Plains. She is the editor of Sunspot Literary Journal.