How to Be Your Own Veterinarian (Sometimes): A Do-It-Yourself Guide for the Horseman

Sometimes you know you need to call the vet right away and sometimes you are just not sure. This is a great reference for those times when you are not sure or when you can take care of things on your own without incurring expensive vet bills! Very clear and easy to read.

If you only buy one book on equine care, this is the book I recommend to any and all, whether they be experienced or first time horse owners. The book covers all the main topics of horse care, from pre purchase exams to lameness issues; cuts and bruises to administering injections. Most people should be able to read and understand this book. I call it my “Horse Care Bible”. It is filled with pictures of wounds, how to give injections, detailed anatomy and the list goes on. No horse owner should be without this book!

About the Author Ruth B. James, DVM

Dr. James took her pre-veterinary training at the University of Denver and graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Colorado State University. She replaced veterinarians who were on vacation in five western states for several years before establishing a successful equine practice in Casper, Wyoming.

She has emphasized preventive medicine for her clients, preferring to prevent problems rather than to treat them, and has given horse health clinics and seminars for horsemen. She has both judged and competed in competitive trail rides, as well as serving as veterinarian for endurance rides.

She pilots a Super Cub airline to make calls to distant ranches, and currently divides her time between Arizona in teh winter and Wyoming in the summer.

Her other interest include hiking and backpacking, tracking and big game hunting, jogging, riding cutting and trail horses, aikido (a martial art somewhat resembling judo), and travel.