Includes bibliographical references (p. [311]-317) and index.

Horse Crazy explores the meaning behind the love between girls and horses. Jean O’Malley Halley, a self-professed “horse girl,” contends that this relationship and its cultural signifiers influence the manner in which young girls define their identity when it comes to gender. Halley examines how popular culture, including the “pony book” genre, uses horses to encourage conformity to gender norms but also insists that the loving relationship between a girl and a horse fundamentally challenges sexist and mainstream ideas of girlhood. Horse Crazy looks at the relationships between girls and horses through the frameworks of Michel Foucault’s concepts of normalization and biopower, drawing conclusions about the way girls’ agency is both normalized and resistant to normalization. Segments of Halley’s own experiences with horses as a young girl, as well as experiences from the perspective of other girls, are sources for examination. “Horsey girls,” as she calls them, are girls who find a way to defy the expectations given to them by society—thinness, obsession with makeup and beauty, frailty—and gain the possibility of freedom in the process. Drawing on Nicole Shukin’s uses of animal capital theories, Halley also explores the varied treatment of horses themselves as an example of the biopolitical use of nonhuman animals and the manipulation and exploitation of horse life. In so doing she engages with common ways we think and feel about animals and with the technologies of speciesism.

The Joy of Keeping Horses is a celebration of how to best keep happy and healthy horses at home. With an emphasis on the differences between owning a horse at a boarding stable and keeping that same horse at your own small farm, this beautiful, clear guide is written specifically for horse lovers who are considering taking the plunge into farm ownership. Jessie Shiers lays out all the important facts and information, from purchasing property and building facilities to daily grooming and nutritional needs. Shiers also dispels some common myths and misconceptions about horses, and answers questions the novice owner may not know to ask. Along the way, she shares anecdotes from her own experiences and from interviews with other horse owners that demonstrate the main reason people choose to keep horses: the joy they bring to the lives of their owners.

Many if not most women have been locked in a battle with their bodies for as long as they can remember. And when it comes to riding horses, they drag their arsenal of self-doubt with them every time they step into the saddle. Some quit riding completely. Others ride, but are frustrated by their lack of progress as riders or what they see as poor performance. They succumb to silent self-torment as they wonder how they look, what others think, and whether they have any business on the back of a horse if their jeans feel a little too tight. Regardless of seat size, riding discipline, or the degree — or even truth — of the body issues with which they struggle, the scars on female self-image in our society run deep and wide. So with the humor and big-sisterly swagger that readers and reviewers have come to love, Melinda Folse, author of bestseller The Smart Woman’s Guide to Midlife Horses, has decided to step in with a delightful, insightful, fulfilling new book. Riding Through Thick and Thin delves to the bottom of the issues that have long held women hostage, bringing together experts, research, resources, and stories to encourage, inspire, and empower. Readers will find some answers that may surprise them: Believe it or not, this is not about losing weight or getting fit (although if that’s a point of interest, there’s a section packed with helpful tools and ideas). This book is more about what’s going on in every woman’s mind — and it taps new findings in neuroscience to reveal that permanent change to deeply ingrained body image issues is not only possible, but it may be much easier than we think.

Meet, date, and start a relationship with Mr. or Ms. Right–after 50 Almost everyone associates falling in love with their younger years, but as the boomer generation ages, more and more people over 50 are jumping back into the dating scene for the first time (in a long time) and need advice and guidance on how the dating world (and ways to find a soul mate) have changed since they last tested the water. Dating After 50 For Dummies covers the gamut of topics for those dating after 50: the physical and emotional benefits of sex and relationships as we age; dating confidence boosters; dating site options (and signing up for the first trial); safety concerns when dating; fun and different dating ideas; how to introduce a new partner to your children; and much more. Dating and relationship advice for baby boomers How to deal with medical issues that can make sex difficult Dating advice for gays and lesbians How to build self-esteem for dating after 50 If you're single and over 50, the trusted advice in Dating After 50 For Dummies gives you everything you need to get out there and meet the partner of your dreams.

Every 3rd issue is a quarterly cumulation.