“The Consumer Guide to Horse Ownership and Purchase” by Rob Liotti was recently published. Liotti is a Parkersburg native living in Charleston, S.C. (Photo Provided)

Staff Report

PARKERSBURG — A consumer advisory for the national horse industry is the latest book from a Parkersburg native now living in Charleston, S.C.

“The Consumer Guide to Horse Ownership and Purchase” by Rob Liotti was published by Equine Consumer Limited and includes a foreword written by Zack Mills, DVM, a noted veterinary expert.

Liotta has written several books about horses and last year published a book of fiction, the psychological thriller “Zero Turn.” The consumer guide was based on a manuscript for an adult education class he wrote in 1996, Liotti said.

“After writing ‘Zero Turn,’ I came across the manuscript again and realized that it was still relevant. Additionally, my goddaughter, Giovanna Fusco, is in her second year of veterinary medicine training at Mississippi State University, and I felt it to be a wonderful tribute to her, something she could use to educate her clients in the future,” Liotti said. “The dedication required to even be accepted into a veterinary med program is incredible and she is excelling.”

Liotti at the time owned a Polish Arabian show horse, Rhythm King, a descendant of Bask. A statue of Bask is on display at the Kentucky Horse Park, Liotti said.

“I wrote a number of magazine articles published in national trade magazines like ‘Horseplay’ and ‘Horse Illustrated,’ but at the time, there wasn’t really a comprehensive work that did a deep dive into horse purchase and ownership at the consumer level,” Liotti said.

“Fast forward to 2026. I sat down, reworked the manuscript, and brought everything up to date. With that, Dr. Mills’ foreword really sets the reader up to delve into the commitment of ownership.”

“The Consumer Guide to Horse Ownership and Purchase” helps new and aspiring horse owners with the clarity needed to make confident, informed decisions, Liotti said. The book breaks down the real costs, responsibilities and legal considerations of horse ownership while exposing common industry pitfalls that can mislead buyers, he said.

The guide offers guidance on evaluating horses, selecting reputable professionals, understanding contracts and ensuring proper care after a horse is purchased in a blend of equine expertise and consumer protection insight, Liotti said. Readers are empowered to navigate the buying process with confidence, avoid costly mistakes and build a safe and rewarding partnership with their horse, he said.

“The Consumer Guide to Horse Ownership and Purchase” is only available on Amazon.com. It is free for Kindle Unlimited members, the hardback is $29.99 and the paperback is $24.99.

Liotti, a graduate of Parkersburg South High School, last year published “Zero Turn,” a psychological thriller based on a screenplay he wrote.

Liotti, the son of Mary and Charles Liotti of Parkersburg, also is a musician, screenwriter and actor and starred in “Family Values,” a TV pilot he wrote.