July’s Read:  “With Purpose: The Balmoral Standard”  

Traci Brooks, a woman who knows horses inside and out, having spent more than thirty years teaching both the two-legged and four-legged kinds. Then there’s Carleton Brooks, a man who’s not just a pro horseman but a respected “R” judge and a big shot in the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame and horse trainer whom I grew up on the west coast watching and admiring.

This book, “With Purpose,” is like a treasure map, leading you through the world of horsemanship. It’s divided into three exciting sections: “On Horsemanship,” “On Training,” and “On the Industry.” Traci and Carleton’s journey through the equestrian landscape is like a well-trodden path, offering rich wisdom and fresh insights.

Must Read!

With Purpose: The Balmoral Standard

$13.78

With Purpose’ delves into the essential elements of equine education, offering valuable insights for equestrians across all skill levels. This book is a must-read whether you're an experienced rider aiming to polish your expertise or a newcomer eager to establish a strong base in horsemanship.

The book's focus on the profound connection between horse and rider, highlighting the significance of trust and respect for authentic horsemanship, is particularly commendable. It's a refreshing take in an industry where these fundamental values are often overlooked.

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10/26/2026 09:37 am GMT

The opening “With Purpose” is like swinging the doors wide to the horse world’s schoolhouse. It’s got lessons for every rider, whether you’ve been in the saddle for years or are just about to mount up for the first time. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all horse book—it’s a custom-fit manual.

What’s terrific about Traci and Carleton is how they simplify the tricky stuff. They’ve penned a guide that carries you gently from the horse basics to the kind of advanced stuff that earns blue ribbons.

One of my favorite parts? How they stress the powerful connection between horse and rider. The bond is the cornerstone of everything—there’s no honest horsemanship without it. And it seems to have gotten lost in the hay somewhere along the line. Traci and Carleton’s love for horses shines through on every page, making you want to run to the barn and hug your horse.