Pilates is an invigorating and proven body conditioning method which helps to strengthen the core muscles used in riding, whilst simultaneously restoring the body's balance. In light of this Pilates for Equestrians is packed with colourful, easy to follow photographs, listing common rider injuries and niggles, with a list of core strengthening exercises to help maintain a more flexible, leaner, fitter body.

'The incredible story of the man who went from trying to win the Grand National to playing a key role in co-ordinating the French Resistance.' Daily Express An English racehorse trainer and horse dealer's son, John Goldsmith was born and brought up in Paris and spoke fluent French. In 1942 he was recruited in to the legendary Special Operations Executive, or SOE, and dropped three times behind enemy lines. In 1943 he organised the escape of a French air force general across the Pyrenees but a few months later he was caught by the Gestapo in Paris only to engineer his own getaway from a locked third floor hotel room. By the end of the war he had been awarded the DSO, MC, Croix de Guerre and Legion d'Honneur. Resuming his peacetime occupation in 1946 Goldsmith was sent numerous French racehorses to train. He found uncanny similarities between the secret agent's milieu and the black market world of Britain's post war racetracks and, in partnership with a high stakes Mayfair bookie, he orchestrated some of the most audacious betting coups in racing history.

Gary Witheford is one of the country's leading 'horse whisperers' and the man who famously broke a zebra to prove that all flight animals react in a similar way to human handling. If Horses Could Talk tells Gary's story through the prism of the horses and animals that have most affected his life. The book centres around the animals with inspiring and uplifting stories that will amuse and fascinate, interwoven with Gary's remarkable, and in parts, shocking life story.

A new, fully authorised biography of the most successful trainer in British horse racing history. In the stratified and often secretive world of racehorse training, Mark Johnston has always been different: forthright, combative, provocative, and candid - a man who delights in questioning convention. Over more than three decades, he has gone from being a vet from a thoroughly working-class Scottish background to, mathematically, the most successful trainer in the history of British horse racing. In this new, fully authorised biography, acclaimed author Nick Townsend provides a unique insight into the world of Mark Johnston and his phenomenally successful operation. With unparalleled access to Mark and those closest to him, Mark Johnston: Phenomenon will dig into his storied career, his strong and passionate views on the sport of horse racing, and how he's planning for the future in unprecedented times, offering a fascinating portrait of one of horse racing's most singular figures.

At the core of this book is a series of 'state of the art' experiments in which the author participated, designed to establish whether certain classical ideas about true collection could be scientifically proved. Discussion of the results leads into an exploration of how working towards collection informs the progression of training and the way in which the exercises are implemented. This pursuit of collection is likely to take a purer form if it is motivated by artistic values rather than by the rider's ego. In this fascinating and thoughtful book, the author urges readers to focus on their own individuality, rather than being motivated or misled by external pressures; to 'collect' or 'centre' themselves, as they work towards a similar state with their horses.

Once the domain of the equestrian elite, dressage (originating from the French word for " training" ) is now the most popular equestrian discipline in the United States. Fueled in part by its visibility as an Olympic event, dressage participation levels have reached an all-time high.
, br>This centuries-old practice of classical horsemanship, using time-tested and humane methods, is a slow process that requires patience and discipline, but is beneficial to every horse, regardless of breed. The goal of achieving seamless communication and dance-like precision with the horse appeals to riders of all levels, disciplines, and ages.
In this book, the United States Dressage Federation (USDF), whose membership has doubled in the past 20 years, demystifies basic dressage techniques for riders of all disciplines. Assuming no prior knowledge of the sport, The USDF Guide to Dressage leads riders through a full course of exercises, from simple to more complex, with easy-to-follow photographic sequences, all presented in full-color and demonstrated by outstanding dressage instructors.
This authoritative guide also includes the dramatic and colorful history of dressage, an overview of proper terminology and equipment, as well as information on competition, crosstraining for other disciplines, management of the dressage horse, cross-training for achieving rider fitness, and more.
This intricate ballet of athleticism and grace, demanding precise movement and excellent communication between horse and rider, is particularly appealing to the growing group of " baby-boomer" riders who are looking for opportunities to expand their riding skills and knowledge withoutthe physical challenges and risks involved in jumping and racing. Whether they've been in the saddle for years or are just taking up or renewing their riding practice, these eager riders will find The USDF Guide to Dressage key to building a more satisfying relationship with their horse.

Now in its 58th year, this popular guide to Jumps racing summarises the prospects of 100 steeplechasers and hurdlers who Raceform's expert race-readers expect to do particularly well in the coming 2019-2020 season. The 2018-2019 edition pinpointed 18 Grade 1 winners including: Al Boum Photo - Cheltenham Gold Cup. Altior - Tingle Creek Chase, Clarence House Chase, Queen Mother Champion Chase, Celebration Chase. Apple's Jade - Hatton's Grace Hurdle, Christmas Hurdle, Irish Champion Hurdle. Buveur D'Air - Fighting Fifth Hurdle. Delta Work - Drinmore Chase, Neville Hotels Novices' Chase. Duc Des Genievres - Racing Post Arkle Chase. If The Cap Fits - Ryanair Stayers' Hurdle. Kalashnikov - Manifesto Novices' Chase. Road To Respect - JWine.com Champion Chase. Supasundae - Aintree Hurdle. Topofthegame - RSA Novices' Chase. Big Priced winners chosen included: William Henry - 28/1, Al Boum Photo 12/1, Supasundae 15/2, Sharp Response and If The Cap Fits 7/1

Possessing the right mind-set and relevant mental skills has long been considered vital in achieving top performances in all sports. And yet, to many riders mental fitness still remains something of an afterthought. In Perfect Mind: Perfect Ride, the author demonstrates how to develop and achieve the right kind of attitude, motivation and mental skills to make the most of the rider's abilities whether it be riding as a recreation or as a competitive sport. Horses are highly sensitive flight animals - they'll react first and ask questions, well, never...! In essence, this means that every time riders get on their horse, they need to be fully committed, aware and in control of their body, their thoughts and their emotions, in order to communicate with their horse in precisely the right kind of manner. The combination of research in the field of sport and performance psychology and real-life examples contained in this book will help readers identify with and understand different topics. Current scientific theories surrounding sport and performance psychology are translated into practice, allowing readers to fully understand why they think, feel and act the way they do - and what they need to do to change it. Hands-on advice on how to develop relevant attitudes and mental skills will make Perfect Mind: Perfect Ride an essential companion for the rider wanting to get more out of the sport. Foreword by Mary King MBE

Racing Post Guide to the Jumps includes exclusive, extended trainer interviews, profiles of over 250 horses to run during 2019-20, specialist selections for horses to follow, dark horses unearthed and set to shine and Topspeed and Racing Post Ratings.

One great stable: Manton. Four training legends: Alec Taylor, his son, 'Young' Alec, Joe Lawson and George Todd. Here are their stories, from the Taylors' wars with the touts to Todd's defiance of the stewards. From the 43 classic winners to Todd's selling platers. Along the way, meet some of the grand eccentrics of the English Turf: the Duchess of Montrose, who hissed at a Royal procession; George Payne, who gambled away fortunes and tried to horsewhip a QC; and Lord Glasgow, whose hotel bill included a waiter's broken leg. Here are the men who guided Manton between the wars. Here too are the gambles, led by the Lincoln winner that paid for Manton, in cash, in a paper bag. The Masters of Manton is a wide-angle view of the horses, trainers, owners, jockeys and lads who peopled the Marlborough Downs between Old Alec Taylor building the yard in 1870 and George Todd's death in 1974.

In this long-awaited follow-up to the highly praised Cobs Can! Omar Rabia introduces the idea of a systematic, progressive series of exercises designed to develop suppleness, collection, obedience and ride-ability in cobs. He discusses the prerequisites of starting this journey and the reasoning behind working cobs in-hand before ridden work is commenced. While the exercises are set out in a progressive order, each exercise offers particular benefits and works on 'target areas', so you can choose exercises that will most benefit your cob before moving onto others in the series. Progression within each exercise is explained so that riders know when to move onto the next step within the exercise.

BHS Riding Out has been written primarily for people who work, or are thinking of working, in roles that include leading or escorting rides from licensed riding schools, trekking centres, horse hotels and similar establishments. It is recommended reading for those working towards a British Horse Society qualification of Stage 2 or Stage 3 Ride Leader. In addition to providing information to those whose professional role includes taking out rides, this book will be of value to those being escorted, whether newcomers to riding or those of greater experience. It contains plenty of practical advice that will be of use to private horse owners who habitually ride out by themselves, or in the company of small groups of friends.