Any female who has dreamed of owning her own pony will delight in Clare Balding's Horse and Pony Encyclopaedia.

Written by equine experts, it offers a great insight into the world of horse management - curry combs, hay-nets and mucking out.

The CD-Rom is in sections, each offering a wealth of information on specialised areas of horse ownership.

It starts with a detailed look at different breeds, including photographs, videos and a useful descriptions.

The information includes details of each breed's ancestry and characteristics, with information on how every breed of horse has been carefully bred to suit a particular purpose.

The section Observing your Horse is about looking after your pony and making sure you are aware of all the pitfalls associated with ownership.

It describes the equipment a horse needs and discusses stables and fields.

There are several sections to hold readers' attention and provoke thought. I was fascinated by the data on herd instinct and a horse's memory and fears.

Understanding your Horse is all about how a horse's anatomy works and what you can do to make sure your horse is kept in the best of health.

There are comprehensive diagrams and descriptions of the digestive, urinary, and breathing systems, circulation, senses and reproduction.

The On Horseback section deals with everything to do with staying on the horse's back, including balance, using your hands and legs effectively, walking, jumping, racing, dressage and polo.

This title would provide hours of entertainment for anyone thinking of owning their own horse.

Price: £19.99.

Contact: 01480 496600.

Feel good factor: 9 out of 10.