This year's documentary winner at the famous Sundance Film Festival (the most prestigious festival in the world for independant film makers) was the documentary film BUCK, follwing the life and teachings of one of America's greatest modern day horseman, Buck Brannaman.

Buck Brannaman is the fabled horse healer that Robert Redford based his famous character on in his movie THE HORSE WHISPERER. The man truly is a genius beginning a modern day revolution in the way we now handle and treat our horses.

Although the documentary isn't yet released, the book based on the film is now available. THE FARAWAY HORSES is a great read and a fitting tribute to a truly great horseman.

THE FARAWAY HORSES - PAPERBACK BOOK $24.95

 brannaman.com/

After having such a wonderful time watching the Royal Wedding with the most delightful friend and author Carmel Rowley, I went in search of some books and information on the magnificent horses of the Royal Procession, and boy oh boy, did I find some beauties.

The first one is the most devine coffee table book and companion DVD compiled by one of my all-time favourite horse photographers, Henry Dallal. PAGEANTRY AND PERFORMANCE is a stunning tribute to the one of the greatest horse legions in the world, The Queen's Household Cavalry.

You might remember Henry Dallal's other spectactular book, INDIA'S 61ST CAVALRY and if so, this one is very similar in format. His books are of the very highest of quality with the most magnificent glossy photographs, and I'm sure no one could help to be thrilled in receiving this books as a gift.

PAGEANTRY AND PERFORMANCE coffee table book $110.00
PAGEANTRY AND PERFORMANCE companion DVD $19.95


If you're more interested in documentary viewing, then try THE QUEEN'S CAVALRY, a TV series following the life of some young recruits in the hopes of joining the prestigious unit. Most of them can't ride at all, and they are put through the most rigorous training programme which includes jumping with no stirrups while waving a sword and endless hours of grooming and equipment cleaning. And then or course, there are the tanks ....

THE QUEEN'S CAVALRY DVD $39.95

An then there is a lovely book written for children (but certainly of interest to older readers too) about the history of the Queen's famous black horse BURMESE, who she rode for 18 years. A gift from the Canadian Mounted Police, she carried the Queen safely through many big occasions and dramas, including the attempted shooting in a parade in 1981.

Burmese was eventually retired at age 25 to a paddock where the Queen could always see her, and when she finally passed away Queen Elizabeth had a magnificent bronze statue commission of her to stand in Windsor Park.

THE QUEEN'S HORSE: GIFT OF THE MOUNTIES $19.95

And finally last but not least, a book for the true history buff. HORSE GUARDS is the definitive text book written on the history of the Household Guards. From it's formation in 1660 right through to present day, this book is packed with information and photos for all history buffs.

THE HORSE GUARDS BY BARNEY WHITE-SPUNNER $70-

I mentioned some time ago that finally May Gibb's treasured Gum Blossoms are finally making it to film. I had quite a few people ask me for more information, so I emailed the producer Robert Raymond to see if he could let me know any more news.

According to Robert, there will be a 3D animated movie along with a spin-off TV series called GUMNUTS. It's all still in the development stage, so he isn't quite ready to let us know more yet, but has promised to send a press kit as soon as it becomes available.

I've seen a screen shot of the movie, and I have to say it looks totally amazing. I'm sure all the many May Gibbs fans out there are going to be absolutely thrilled.

And just before I leave and head for home on a Friday afternoon, there have been a few new releases in some popular children's book series.

I will list them quickly here, just as a reminder to fans so you don't miss out on the latest book in your favourite series.

BOOK 12 IN PONY CAMP DIARIES BY KELLY McKAIN - DAISY AND DANCER.
This is one of the most popular series I have in first chapter books for young readers. Written in a diary format as life at pony camp, it is a real winner with young readers.

BOOK 14 IN TILLY'S PONY TAILS BY PIPPA FUNNELL - BUTTONS, THE NAUGHTY PONY.
This is another popular series for young readers, written by the English Olympic eventing star, Pippa Funnell. It's a great series with plenty of horsemanship tips woven into the story, and has some lovely black and white illustrations as well.

JINNY AT FINMORY BOOK 5 BY PATRICIA LEITCH - GALLOP TO THE HILLS.
I bet there are plenty of mum's who remember growing up with this fantastic adventure series from the 1970's. I absolutely adored the adventures of Jinny and her beautiful but wild Arabian mare, Shantih and now a whole new generation can enjoy them in this new binding.

and finally a brand new series ...,

BLACK PEARL PONIES BY JENNY OLDFIELD
Book 1: Red Star
Book 2: Wildflower
Jenny Oldfield has written so many popular horse stories, including The Horses of Half Moon Ranch and My Magical Pony amongst many others.

This is her latest series and there will be many more to follow for quite some time, so it's a great one to start now right from the beginning.