THERE are many books and publications devoted to the care of horses and ponies, but now the industry's main body, the British Horse Society, has produced what it calls "the definitive guide".

The BHS Complete Horse and Pony Care covers everything you need to know, whether you are a novice or a more experienced rider.

In fact, on the basis that you learn something new every day, there are very few people who wouldn't gain from a study of the 290 pages of information, advice and illustrations.

For those who are contemplating owning a horse or pony - usually, it has to be admitted, the latter is for the children - this is a brilliant place to start.

It has to be said, unless you come from a horsey family and are used to having them about, the introduction of a child's pony into the household can be a social shock of some order.

They are not like cars. They don't sit happily in the garage when you don't need them, they require feeding and looking after every day, rain or shine.

On a sunny day in summer the commitment is not so bad. In winter, when it's raining stair rods, trudging across a muddy field in the dark with an armful of hay rapidly diminishing as its blown away by a Force Nine gale is less attractive.

So, read the necessary chapters in this book first before you ever contemplate pony ownership.

It provides a wealth of information on all you need to know from basic stable management, handling and diet, through to health care, treatment of injuries and a rider's first competitions.

There's even a chapter on how to hitch up the horse trailer. This seeming simple act is a sure source of arguments and aggravation, since no matter how advanced the planning, it always seems to be done in a hurry with marks left on the bumper of the car.

Most useful is what seems so obvious and yet sometimes tends to get overlooked - how to buy a horse or pony that's right for you.

This is vital if a youngster is not to be put off really before they have even started and the best advice is to take someone experienced with you when you go.

For the experienced owner the book covers equine health disorders and injuries and it is sometimes a paradox that the more you pay for a horse, the more it will get itself injured.

Murphy's Law, it's called, and you will soon find yourself on first name terms with your vet! So, your own ability to deal with minor injuries and ailments can be quite important.

Follow the guidelines here and you shouldn't go wrong, but always, always, call the vet whenever you are in doubt.

Showing and competitions, grooming and shoeing, safety and equipment, housing your horse, management at grass, exercising, what to wear when, transporting your horse and a list of useful addresses and contacts are just a few of the subjects covered here.

It may be a tad early for Christmas, but every horse and pony owner, experienced or novice, would benefit from finding this book in their stocking.

l The BHS Complete Horse and Pony Care (Collins, £20).

THE SAFE WAY TO PICK UP THE FRONT FOOT OF A HORSE

1. Speak to your horse, then touch or pat him on the shoulder so that he tunes in to your presence and stays relaxed; if you simply take hold of his leg, he may not be properly prepared. Run your hand down his foreleg.

2. Keeping in contact with him, run your hand down the back of his leg, towards the outside rather than the inside, until you reach the fetlock. Meanwhile, talk reassuringly and quietly to him all the time.

3. A gentle squeeze will encourage the horse to lift his leg for you and you can either hold the fetlock or grasp the foot a little lower down. Make sure that the horse is tied up or held by someone else when you do this.