A protege of the legendary Vladimir S. Littauer and for more than thirty years director of the riding program at Sweet Briar College, Paul D. Cronin is a well-known and highly respected trainer and riding instructor. Schooling and Riding the Sport Horse is Cronin's clear and practical guide to getting the most out of your horse in a humane and sensitive way. Beginning with a brief history of educated horsemanship from the earliest published riding masters of the sixteenth century, Cronin clarifies the differences between forward riding and classical dressage, and how at times the two have become inappropriately mixed. He then gives an in-depth presentation of the American forward riding system that is the basis of hunter/jumper riding and examines the ways in which a rider's position and controls are essential to the training of the horse. In the system as Cronin explains it, the three basic pillars are position, controls, and schooling. In clear language, he walks the reader from the beginning stages of training through advanced jumping and cross-country work. He sets out proper methods of early schooling of the young, green, or reclaimed horse, based on freedom of movement under the weight of the rider at the walk, trot, canter, and jump; of gaining the horse's trust and cooperation; and of establishing agility and calmness in the horse at all gaits and over fences. Schooling and Riding the Sport Horse is an important book on horsemanship for riding instructors, trainers, and amateur riders alike.

Heart to Heart with Your Horse is about how to be a better coach for yourself and your horse, so you can learn how to bring out the best in both of you. It will help you to learn more about yourself and what is important to you about riding and being with horses. It offers coaching tips, practical exercises, information and ideas that will enable you to improve your relationship with your horse, enjoy yourself more, gain more confidence and find the encouragement and support you need to progress.

On horsemanship deals with the selection, care and training of horses in general. Military training and the duties of the cavalry commander are dealt with in the Hipparchicus.Written in about 350 BC, the treatises of Xenophon were considered the earliest extant works on horsemanship in any literature.

Learn to Ride is a 96 page child's workbook written with an emphasis on safety and fun. It is a book recommended for Horse Camps and private instruction to assist in teaching 6-12 year old children beginning horsemanship.

For equestrians, horse trainers, and animal lovers, Basic Training for a Safe Trail Horse is a comprehensive, in-depth look at logical and humane training tips for optimal trail riding. Martha Leynes-Selbert, published writer and horse training specialist, has written a superb user's guide that gives trainers, riders and owners a distinctive way to establish a quiet and successful relationship with a horse. Leynes-Selbert's approach to a gentle way of training is explained in detail along with photographs that give the reader step-by-step instruction. Through her relationship with horse trainer, Patricia Allard, Leynes-Selbert's proven methods include relating to the horse as an "alpha mare" instead of a predator. She takes all aspects of fear-based training out of the equation and highlights the intelligence of this regal animal. Her methods include a more compassionate approach-how horses can actually respond to the rider or trainer through words and patient attention. Martha Leynes-Selbert lives with her husband, three dogs, three cats and three horses in the rolling hills of Virginia's countryside near Richmond. She has spent twenty years riding trails and has published articles about her adventures and about other horse owners in a local newspaper. A strong advocate for the humane treatment of animals, she continues to apply her knowledge to training and teaching others. Basic Training for a Safe Trail Horse is her first book.

This is a one-stop guide to training aids which outlines when they are useful and why they are an aid to training, not a substitute for it. Sound advice is offered on using training aids safely and their functions, pros and cons, and the aids discussed include martingales, the Market Harborough, the Chambon, elastic schooling reins, the de Gogue, draw reins, the Pessoa and Feeline systems, and more. The author also addresses training aids for riders. This handy book is an indispensable training aid in itself! * A concise guide to the training aids on the market, their uses and their pros and cons * From the traditional martingale to the most recent innovations, this handy book gives all the essential information on the subject * Clear, informative photographs illustrate throughout

Top Secret Tips Unveiled Within!
This work is geared towards the occasional handicapper looking for help, but takes you through the entire process, so, beginners can use it, too.
The entire process is clear and concise with plenty of examples and worksheets to guide you.
If you are going to play the horses, you need to read this!

With a rugged yet romantic mystique, western riding is as American as the Old West, Roy Rogers, and John Wayne. Whether you're more at home on the range, exploring the trails, or competing in the show arena, The Classic Western Rider will help you hone your skills. From America's proud cowboy heritage to today's training methods and competitive events, it covers: "Make or break" information about equipment, especially the saddle A guide to training--cowboy style The subtle skill sets of winning western horsemanship, including six common rider faults and how to fix them Nurturing a partnership with your horse The ins and outs of western competitive sports and events such as reining, western speed contests, and team penning

With photos and drawings and advice from industry professionals Bret Brokcte, Nancy Cahill, Suzi Drnec, Linda Huck, and Linda Morse, this primer is ideal for the new riding enthusiast or the more experienced western rider who wants to fine-tune his or her skills. Happy trails to you!

Techniques to help riders fine-tune their communication and riding skills

This follow-up to How Your Horse Wants You to Ride helps intermediate to advanced riders improve their communication with their mounts and polish their overall riding skills. Readers get a complete tutorial-much of which can be found nowhere else-on taking their riding skills to the next level.

Learn to ride correctly, safely, and confidently

In this breakthrough guide, renowned riding expert Gincy Self Bucklin offers adult riders a unique, proven method for developing a good physical, mental, and emotional relationship with a horse. Whether you're a beginner, a more experienced rider looking to enhance your skills, or someone who used to ride but is reluctant to try again, Bucklin's step-by-step exercises-slowly and carefully practiced first on the ground and then on your horse-will have you riding with confidence and without fear. You'll build a safe and caring partnership with your horse as you:

• Understand how your actions affect your horse
• Improve your form, release tensions, and find balance
• Communicate with your horse to gain his trust
• Stay in charge without being controlling
• Observe your horse's responses and learn from them
• Increase your horse's comfort-both physically and psychologically

"If you' ve ever said to yourself, 'Why can' t I . . . ?, ' you' ll find the answer here to why you can' t, and exactly how to solve the problem. Whatever your level, you'll gain greater understanding and become a better rider and horseman from reading this book."
-George H. Morris, internationally renowned clinician, USEF Show Jumping vice-president, ARIA master instructor, and member of the U. S. Equestrian Federation Board of Directors

"How Your Horse Wants You To Ride is chock full of innovative and practical tools presented in a thoroughly entertaining style. A delightful read for riders at all levels!"
-Jane Savoie, olympic alternate and author of That Winning Feeling!, Cross Train Your Horse, MoreCross Training, and It's Not Just About the Ribbons

One of the most important works ever written on dressage, "Breaking and Riding" is essential reading for the serious dressage enthusiast. In this work, the result of a lifetime spent training horses, James Fillis (1834-1913) clearly explains his theories and methods, starting with the basics of breaking--lungeing, work in hand, and first mounting--and progressing to advanced work, including canter pirouette, tempi changes, piaffe, and passage. Throughout the work, Fillis always returns to his basic principle: The horse must be "correctly balanced and light in forward movements and propulsion, in order that the rider may obtain the most powerful effects with the least exertion." Fillis was an apprentice to a student of the legendary trainer Francois Baucher. In this book, while expressing admiration for Baucher, Fillis also explains in detail the ways in which he believed Baucher was mistaken in some of his methods.

This is quite simply the most important book ever written in the English language by a military man on the subject of equestrian travel. It was designed to be used by the United States cavalry. Yet it differs from traditional manuals in that it has says nothing about drills and everything about horse journeys. If you want to learn how to properly pack and ride a horse over extremely long distances, then you are holding the cavalry man's sacred text in your hands. At the dawn of the 20th century experts were busy predicting the imminent demise of the horse. Mankind's most historically influential comrade would make way for the automobile, cynics said. Yet the young author of this remarkable volume disagreed with the critics. No machine of steam and steel, of cog or cam, no vapor-fed motor, no craft propelled by batteries or boilers would ever successfully displace the horse from our on-going needs, advised Boniface. Part text book, part history book and all inspiration, "The Cavalry Horse and His Pack" is the lasting tribute to the great horseman and talented writer who foresaw the day when horse travel would once again flourish and a book such as this one would be cherished by unforeseen generations of Long Riders, cavalry students and horse lovers.

Horses came to America from Spain, England, the Low Countries, and Arabia. Here they interbred and flourished as never before. "Out of the melting pot have come four entirely new breeds that rank among the finest horses of the world. Three of them originated through the painstaking and intelligent efforts of American horsemen, one through a freak of nature." That "freak" was a little bay stallion born when George Washington was president. This chunky, short-legged horse proved to be not only hardy and gentle but also able to outpull and outrun any other horse in New England or New York. Plagued by his owners' bad luck, the horse spent most of his twenty-eight years hauling freight but sired many offspring who also showed the strength, endurance, speed, heart, and peculiar conformation of the original Morgan horse. Based on extensive and careful research, this book tells the stories of the origins of the Morgan, the Standardbred, the American Saddle Horse, and the Tennessee Walking Horse as well as their progenitors--Figure, Messenger, Hamiltonian, Black Hawk, Dutchman, Lady Suffolk, Cockspur, Denmark, Tom Hal, Copperbottom, and Roan Allen--and the breeders and fanciers who recognized their special qualities.

A bestseller for 25 years, now updated for the 1990s, this perennial classic is packed with photographs and sound, practical advice on every aspect of horses, horse care, and horsemanship.

B & W photographs throughout


From the Hardcover edition.

*THE TOP 10 BESTSELLER FROM THE MOST DECORATED BRITISH FEMALE OLYMPIAN IN HISTORY* 'Refreshingly honest [...] a highly enjoyable, fascinating read.' Horse and Hound _______________________________________________ "To ride into that arena, next to a sea of British flags and hear the roar of clapping and cheering, was so exciting. It's a sound I will never, ever forget." Charlotte Dujardin and her charismatic horse Valegro burst onto the international sports scene with their record-breaking performance at the London, 2012 Olympics. The world was captivated by the young woman with the dazzling smile and her dancing horse. But no one quite knew what it took to get there, nor how hard the path to success would be - until now. Dujardin began riding horses at the age of two, but dressage was firmly the domain of the wealthy, not the life of a girl from a middle-class family. Her parents sacrificed all and with a undeterred focus, Charlotte left school at 16 to follow her dream. When she was invited to be a groom for the British Olympian Carl Hester, she began to ride Valegro, a dark bay gelding and an unbreakable bond was formed. This is their incredible story.

After 1912, when the great cattle empires began to crumble, hundreds of seasoned cowboys found themselves jobless. A handful of discarded horsemen, however, stumbled upon an entirely new frontier-Hollywood. In a rare insider's view, Diana Serra Cary tells the story of these cowboys, who survived for another fifty years as riders, stuntmen, and doubles for the stars. Filled with humorous anecdotes, The Hollywood Posse reveals the full story of the cowboys' long and bitter feud with autocratic director Cecil B. De Mille; their relationships with the great Western stars-from the flamboyant Tom Mix to the durable John Wayne; and above all, their touching loyalty, code of honor, and devotion to each other.

The fabled King Ranch of South Texas was renowned for its breed of horses, the King Ranch Quarter Horses. Here is the complete story of the ranch and its horses, how they were bred, and what they have achieved. We meet the Old Sorrel, the horse without a name who became the foundation stallion of the ranch Quarter Horses. The King Ranch produced winning show horses (Hired Hand, Anita Chica, Peppy) and race horses (Miss Princess, Nobody's Friend) and, above all, top-quality cow horses famed for their levelheadedness and ability to work in close partnership with their riders. Today they and their descendants are working cattle and winning competitions worldwide. For those who love Quarter Horses, and especially for those who own a Quarter Horse descended from the King Ranch and wish to know its history, this book will be a treasured volume.

Most Quarter Horse breeders and breed experts believe that in the production of great Quarter Horses one should never underestimate the importance of the dam. They are convinced that, in the long run,"the distaff side of the pedigree is the one to watch." They agree that one reason for the eminence of the Quarter Horse in racing, show, arena, and breed competition is the quality of the dams who helped found the breed and give it the unique conformation and blazing speed on the short track.

This book, filled with treasured anecdotes and track legends, will join its companion volume on the sires as an indispensable source for Quarter Horse breeders, owners, and racetrack and rodeo enthusiats, as well as for historians of the horse and its role in the Americas.

An expert shares his insights and applies them to the handling of young horses and their early training--from first bridling to turning on the rearhand--an essential reference for every Western-style rider.

'Poignant and compelling, an equine Bridget Jones.' Racing Post Being a stable lass is probably one of the hardest jobs in the country, and yet for Gemma Hogg it is the most rewarding. She works in the beautiful Yorkshire market town of Middleham and if her colleagues are occasionally challenging, then the horses are downright astonishing. Now, in Stable Lass, she takes us into the closed world of a top racing yard, from the elation of having several winners in one day to the almost indescribable grief of losing a horse. Like most stable lads and lasses, Gemma arrived in her yard as a teenager fresh out of racing college and had to cope with living away from home for the first time, as well as adapting to the brutal long hours, backbreaking work and often treacherous weather. She describes falling in love with Polo Venture, the first racehorse in her care, the pure exhilaration of riding him on Middleham Gallops for the first time and what happens when a horse takes against you, from the growling gelding Valiant Warrior to the potentially lethal Broadway Boy. She brings to life the characters around the yard, from straight-talking boss Micky Hammond to the jockeys starving themselves to make weight, the wealthy owners and the other stable lads and lasses who come from a range of different places and backgrounds. Stable Lass by Gemma Hogg is a unique look into the world of horse racing filled with heart-warming stories and amazing thoroughbreds - some loveable, some cantankerous, all impressive.

What is the best thing the Queen has every done for British horses ? - introduced Monty Roberts to British breeders and trainers. What happens when a top racehorse refuses to race ? - they call in Monty. Who can get a wild horse happily accepting a saddle and riders in half an hour ? - Monty. Where do senior executives of Disney go for a brainstorming weekend ? - Monty's California ranch. Who was Elizabeth Taylor's riding double in NATIONAL VELVET ? Who was James Dean driving to see when he was killed ? Who communicates with horses better than anyone else in the World ? - Monty Roberts.

The candid autobiography of one of the world's leading and most popular three-day eventers William Fox-Pitt has been one of the most successful three-day event riders for many years. He began eventing at the age of fifteen and decided to pursue this passion as a career after graduating from university. In 2004, he had a year of extremes, going from winning Badminton to having the agony of seeing his horse get injured during the Olympics, which destroyed his chances of an individual medal and prevented the team from winning gold. The following year, he won Burghley, Gatcombe and Bramham to confirm himself as Britain's top rider. In his eagerly awaited autobiography, he talks about the issues confronting the sport and reveals much about the vital partnerships with team-mates and, above all, the horses that help him to gain such success.