Learn the underlying principles of speaking both "horse" and "human" from an internationally acclaimed horseman. Life Lessons from a Ranch Horse describes celebrated horse trainer Mark Rashid's experiences with one special--and especially challenging--horse named Buck. Mark finds that Buck's unique personality teaches him a wealth of information about how to build a strong relationship with what may initially seem like a difficult horse. During his time with Buck, Mark not only trains Buck but also observes how Buck "trains" other horses in order to maintain a stable and respectful group. Mark comes to understand that there are six underlying principles to both Buck and Mark's most successful horse training techniques: non-confrontation, planning ahead, patience, persistence, consistency, and "fix it and move on." The second half of the book is devoted to demonstrating how horse owners can apply the six principles to their own experiences in horse training. Mark Rashid is unique among writers of horse training books for his skill at teaching trainers to lead by example rather than by force, using clear and consistent methods. In the afterword, Mark Rashid reflects on what he has learned since first writing about Buck, and how Buck's life allowed Mark to dramatically improve his own emotional and physical well-being. Life Lessons from a Ranch Horse is essential reading for all compassionate horse owners who care about cultivating a mutually respectful and satisfying relationship with their horses.

While working with ground poles is not new to most riders, incorporating them in training with creativity and regularity may require a little inspiration and guidance. Enter Ann Katrin Querbach and her positive and persuasive ideas for developing the horse's body and movement in healthy and correct ways over poles. With progressive exercises at all three gaits, on the longe line and under saddle, she provides a basis for building a strong foundation, step by step. Or, just as easily, the reader can cherry-pick the exercises best suited to resolving a particular issue or improving a certain quality. Readers will find exercises that focus on: - Rhythm and tempo - Forwardness - Straightness - Transitions - Collection and lengthening - And building the horse's abs, legs, and hind end Pole work develops coordination, balance, and concentration in both horse and rider. It helps the rider develop a feel for a "correct" trot, active hindquarters, and lifted back in the horse. The rider learns to maintain "positive tension" ("engagement") in her body, while still remaining relaxed enough to follow the horse's movement. The horse must lift his hind legs significantly higher than usual in order to clear the poles, developing the coordination of the dorsal and ventral muscle chains, lifting the horse's back and engaging his neck. He is encouraged to build muscle in a manner that's both systematic and correct. This collection of exercises seeks to provide all these benefits and more, not only for the dressage rider seeking to correct or optimize the elements judged in competition but also for the recreational rider wishing to keep her horse fit and sound over a lifetime.

First Published in 1996. This is a lexicon of Arabic horse terminology covering Egyptian, Bedouin and Classical Arabic. The Egyptian data for this book were collected in Cairo between October 1982 and September 1983, December 1983, December 1984, and March to April 1988. Most of this time the author spent exercising and training Egyptian and European horses, and later, teaching horse riding.

This is a complete guide to horse breeds around the world, and how to ride horses for sport, show or pleasure. It features expert advice on saddles, bridles and bits, training aids, equestrian clothing and protective equipment. It shows you how to look after your horse on a day-to-day basis, including exercise routines and grooming techniques, and information about basic health care and first aid. The noble horse combines speed, strength and beauty with intelligence and a willing nature, and this beautiful box set contains four books for every horse enthusiast. An Illustrated Guide to Horse Breeds of the World is a round-up of the world's breeds, such as Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses. The Practical Rider's Handbook covers the basics of riding, from mounting to dressage. Saddlery & Horse Equipment is an illustrated guide to tack and clothing. A Practical Guide to Caring For Your Horse explores the practicalities of equestrian care, such as feeding, watering, plaiting and shoeing. Together, these books form an essential collection for all horse riders.

Learn all there is to know about horse riding, from horse care and show jumping to mastering dressage. Suitable for both novice and advanced riders, and for equestrian fans of all ages, this book will guide you through every stage of the riding process from the first time in the saddle to advanced riding skills. Featuring all of the latest techniques and equipment, this comprehensive and fully updated edition covers everything you need to know about basic horse training, dressage training, and mental and physical preparation - for both horse and rider - as well as how to find and develop your ultimate horse. Dive deeper into this brilliant book about horses: - llustrated in full colour throughout, with specially commissioned photographic sequences and artworks that show every riding technique with unparalleled clarity. - Includes detailed, updated sections on dressage, showjumping, cross country, and young horse training as well as how to find and develop your ultimate horse. - Combines a practical approach to technique - including illustrated troubleshooting sections - with a deep understanding, and invaluable analysis, of horse behaviour. - Presents standard riding methods in a fresh and imaginative way with overlapping "action" photo sequences. - Explains the symbiotic relationship between horse and rider that is at the heart of all successful riding. Presented in spectacular visual detail, it is the ultimate guide to perfecting your equestrian skills. Featuring tips from internationally renowned horse trainer William Micklem, Complete Horse Riding Manual is a truly thoroughbred guide that is a must-have for any horse lover.

Ask someone who works with horses how best to communicate with a balky colt and she will tell you that horses do not respond to human cajoling. To be successful the human must understand and work with, not against, the horse's instincts, needs, and fears. When a trainer resorts to human teaching methods -- reasoning, begging, bribing, even hugging and kissing -- the horse will become confused and unable to respond appropriately. But if horses are treated respectfully with methods they understand, everyone involved -- animal and human -- will be happier, safer, and more productive.
Horse trainer and instructor Cherry Hill believes that every human/horse relationship benefits from a greater human understanding of what motivates horses, how they experience the world, what makes them happy, and what worries them. Journey through the equine mind with Hill as she explores all that makes a horse tick. How do his basic needs dictate his behavior and mood? What touches and tastes appeal to his senses? How does his "flight or fight" instinct dictate his response to sudden movements?
Hill offers interactive experiments -- fun for both horse and human -- that bear out her findings on horse behavior. And her final chapter presents simple training methods that draw from the insights and information presented throughout the book.

This is an invaluable guide to every aspect of horsemanship, from the diverse and specialist equipment for both horse and rider to learning to ride and competing in riding competitions. The first section of the book is a directory-style approach to the full range of horse equipment. Saddles, bridles and bits; training aids and gadgets; clothing and protective equipment are all discussed in detail. The second section is a step-by-step presentation of riding techniques, and the final section covers the world of horse riding competitions. This section examines the wellknown sports of show-jumping, polo and dressage, as well as the more obscure competitions, such as endurance riding, vaulting and driving.

Whether you're an experienced rider or an enthusiastic beginner, A Basic Guide to Equestrian offers practical pointers for riding, training, and caring for your horse in a safe, responsible, and enjoyable way. If you love horses and enjoy watching equestrian events at shows and on television, this book will tell you what to look for and help you appreciate the finer points of dressage, show jumping, and three-day eventing. You'll also learn the basics about buying a horse, finding a stable, taking riding lessons, or purchasing a new saddle or bridle. Special features include: Results of the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia; profiles of US Equestrian Team members; history of Olympic equestrian competition; how to select a riding school; buying a horse or pony; stabling, feeding, and horse care; tack and clothing; warm-up exercises for horse and rider.

Working equitation is a competitive equestrian sport that originated in Europe, with the first European Championship held in 1996. It quickly gained a fanbase for its beauty and its focus on classical horsemanship ideals and developing handiness under saddle. In 2004 the World Association for Working Equitation (WAWE) was established, and today, many countries have their own national organizations for governing working equitation competitions, including the United States-the USAWE was formed in 2020. Heralding the advent of a brand-new way to pursue and demonstrate horse-and-rider connection, working equitation competitor and trainer Ali Kermeen has written a much-needed reference for preparing both horse and rider to participate. The Working Equitation Training Manual provides a one-of-a-kind progressive training system to those new to the sport. Lessons focus on developing confidence with the obstacle phases of working equitation while incorporating dressage principles. The elements of each obstacle are broken down and then brought back together in step-by-step exercises that: - Prepare horse and rider to perform an obstacle properly. - Introduce horses and riders to competition obstacles. - Help improve and polish an obstacle's execution. With clear diagrams and color photographs, a helpful glossary of terms to help those unfamiliar with working equitation terminology, and variations and benefits for every exercise, readers are provided an appealing introduction to an exciting option for adding diversity to daily training, as well as showing and competing in other sports. "I started teaching these skills to all my students, regardless of their riding discipline," says Ali. "These working equitation exercises help my riders excel at dressage, endurance, trail riding, pony clubbing, eventing, jumping, gaited horses, groundwork, Cowboy Dressage, and breed shows." The Working Equitation Training Manual promises to do the same for you.

Riding in perfect balance with the lightest application of aids is something most riders strive to achieve. But without the help of an instructor by your side at all times, it is easy for bad habits to develop unnoticed. With over 100 photographs showing common riding faults - such as tipping forward, weak lower leg position, heavy hands and incorrect application of the aids - this is an outstanding guide for anyone aiming for grace, balance and accuracy in their riding. Each of the 100 features includes a technique to work on and advice on what might go wrong and how to put it right. Focus is also given to the right mental approach, rounding off this complete riding problem solver. Classical riding instructor Susan McBane offers simple yet effective advice on how to identify and remedy 100 of the most common riding problems, with a straightforward and accessible approach to horses. Designed in easy-to-reference sections, 100 Ways to Improve Your Riding is the ultimate equestrian problem solver, helping you to get the most out of your ability and your horse. 'The instruction given in the book is ... based on sound classical principles ... a good buy for just about any rider and riding teacher.' The Classical Riding Club

Rider and trainer Christian Baier has been educated in horses and equitation all over the world. In his work to develop an international rider and trainer education and certification system, he realized the equestrian lexicon lacked a practical reference that brought all the classical "arena tracks"-patterns and figures used in training the horse in a schooling area-together in a simple way that is easy to understand. The arena tracks guide the rider in how to safely work the horse within a specific space in an organized way. They are also an integral tool in the conscientious trainer's development of the horse's body and conditioning. For the instructor, arena tracks are an important tool for communicating with the student. Ultimately, these classical tracks are at the foundation of everything we do in an arena with a horse, from the beginner rider just off the longe line, learning basic navigation around the ring, to the most experienced rider working a horse at the highest level of international competition. Even jumping courses consist of a combination (or variation) of arena tracks strung together from start to finish marker! In these pages readers not only find handy quick-reference sections on the correct arena tracks for training and riding, but also a unique collection of over 50 select exercises for using them in the development of a sport horse on the flat and over fences. Putting the arena tracks into practice is the basis for correct systematic training and education in both dressage and jumping. Baier shows the reader exactly how, with distinct sections devoted to clear illustrations of where to go and fundamental explanations for what to do. Progression in ability and understanding of both horse and rider is the goal, with tracks featured from simple to most complex, and the sections dedicated to cavalletti and jumping moving from the very first time riding over a pole to advanced exercises and courses at a very high level. The exercises shared in this book, used in combination with a working knowledge and understanding of the classical arena tracks, can lead to huge leaps in the growth and advancement of horse and rider-sometimes even after years of feeling "stuck." Arena Tracks is a fabulous reference for all riders to keep in the barn and for any instructor dedicated to teaching the classical art of riding, as well as being a much-needed learning tool for equestrian federations, associations, and schools worldwide.

A great foundation for any aspiring equestrian, providing safe, modern and current foundations to progress from in the equestrian industry. Filled with practical knowledge in horse riding, knowledge and care, the first volume in the foundation series is a must for anyone looking to learn the highest standards of equestrianism from the world leading British Horse Society education team. Recommended reading for the British Horse Society Stage 1 award in horse care and riding for those wishing to start their career in the professional industry.

Hazel had been scared of horses all her life, and an earlier attempt to overcome her fear had ended in failure. She was still overcoming fear in other areas, travelling around the world with her job, reporting on areas recovering from war, famine, disease and catastrophe. And eventually she took up riding again - only to face bigger fears, when illness struck her. Even worse, her father's dementia grew so bad that her mother had a heart attack and Hazel had to put her father into a home. As poor health threatened to derail her career, and family tragedy looked likely to break her heart, she was loaned a big old horse called Duke. He stood far taller than her at every point, and she was afraid. Yet somehow, as she rode him through the Hampshire countryside, she found solace and healing. Gradually her fears began to subside.

Whether competing in the show ring or riding at home on the trail, every rider wants to be more secure and balanced in the saddle and effective with their aids. This innovative guide uses highly effective exercises to develop your athleticism on horseback so you can say goodbye to common rider problems, such as: - Swinging lower legs. - Stiff arms. - Trouble balancing over the horse's center of gravity. - Half-halts that go unanswered. - Incorrect mechanics, on the flat and in the jumping position. - And more. Division I collegiate riding coach Sally Batton has spent over 30 years perfecting her methods specifically designed to refine and polish riders, whatever their level. In her work with hundreds of varsity team athletes, she found that trouble with position and lack of specific horsemanship skills happens for two reasons: First, riders may not have an understanding of the biomechanics required to maintain the correct position. Second, they may not have attained the suppleness and strength required to maintain a fluid, elastic position on the horse. Her secret to combatting these difficulties won her teams dozens of championships and awards through the years. Here you learn both her time-proven warm-up and her exciting "Equicize" routine: a series of progressive exercises similar to aerobics on horseback. Batton's recommendations help you build and strengthen the major muscle groups used by equestrian athletes, and all exercises can be customized so you can raise or lower the intensity as needed to suit your age, level, and riding style. Plus, readers find dozens of creative training "hacks" that will get them on their way to greater levels of riding proficiency in no time at all.

*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.

Stretching is a necessary part of any athlete's exercise and maintenance routine. Long recognized to promote flexibility and prevent injury in humans, stretching can bring the same benefits to horses when made part of their daily care. This illustrated handbook makes it easy for riders and owners to include simple exercises that improve performance and increase longevity in their usual training schedule. Optimal equine performance requires strength, flexibility, coordination, and resilience. The practice of stretching makes it possible to develop and maintain all these elements in harmony. It also provides valuable transition time from hours that may have been spent in a stall to the gymnastic expectations we have for horses under saddle: rhythm and elasticity of the gaits, willingness to go forward, beautiful and dynamic movement, reliability and surefootedness, and more. With clear descriptions of the anatomical and physiological principles of stretching, readers gain an understanding of the exercises that may be best for their horses and disciplines in mind. Then, detailed instructions are provided explaining: - Simple, quick-to-do joint and muscle evaluations. - Stretches targeting specific muscle groups. - Stretches to promote suppleness and relaxation. - Stretches to warm up and prepare for work. - Stretches for cool down and recovery. Color photographs demonstrate evaluations and stretches step-by-step, supplemented by detailed explanations of what you may discover in your horse's reactions. Perhaps best of all, readers are provided a therapeutic reason for more hands-on time with their horses, and new ways to listen to him, to understand him, and to ultimately improve his well-being and performance.

Mike Tucker was born into a life of farming and horses. His passion and hard work enabled him to progress from international groom to successful international event rider, top level Eventing official and television commentator. The pinnacle of Mike's career as a commentator was covering Nick Skelton's Gold Medal at the Rio Olympics in 2016 for the BBC. In `The Man Behind the Mike' we learn about Mike's family history and the connection with the Badminton Estate where his grandfather farmed; The Beaufort Pony Club, a huge influence in his life with many top level riders being members; a visit to Australia, staying with the Roycroft family, which proved to be a pivotal moment in his efforts to become a successful event rider; and about Mike's second place at Badminton, which laid the foundations of his credibility as a rider and commentator. The `voice behind the microphone' had the experience and knowledge to commentate with authority and to command respect from the listening public at venues of not just horse trials but also show jumping, dressage, and shows in general. The wealth of experience and lifetime involvement in the world of equestrian sport has enabled him to travel all over the world meeting many different people and sharing his expertise. We are told many funny, revealing, fascinating and sometimes sad anecdotes of his experiences of the successes and failures along the way and we are given a true insight into the real stories behind the headlines, and `The Man Behind the Mike'.

New in paperback for 2022, this book aims to show how - and why- the horses muscles work and explains how this knowledge can be put to good use in all aspects of horse care and riding. With careful anatomical drawings supported by explanatory text, Sara Wyche 'dissects' the horse's musculoskeletal system and describes how the various muscles work together with bones, joints, ligaments and nerves to produce movement. Throughout, there are valuable insights into how man's use of the horse can adversely affect this movement, how good riding practice can help to avoid problems, and why the horse is sometimes unable to meet the strenuous demands that are so often placed upon him. Riders, trainers, saddle-fitters - all who have an interest in the way the horse moves - will find this book to be a fascinating exploration of the horse's musculoskeletal system. More than this, it is an important guide to understanding exactly what it is they ask of the horse and, therefore, an aid to improving the horse's performance.

Harry de Leyer first saw the horse he would name Snowman on a truck bound for the slaughterhouse. The recent Dutch immigrant recognized the spark in the eye of the beaten-up nag and bought him for eighty dollars. On Harry's modest farm on Long Island, he ultimately taught Snowman how to fly. Here is the dramatic and inspiring rise to stardom of an unlikely duo. One show at a time, against extraordinary odds and some of the most expensive thoroughbreds alive, the pair climbed to the very top of the sport of show jumping. Their story captured the heart of Cold War-era America-a story of unstoppable hope, inconceivable dreams, and the chance to have it all. They were the longest of all longshots-and their win was the stuff of legend.

As an instructor it takes time to develop a repertoire of exercises to suit all ages and abilities. This book has the answer: it provides a wide range of ideas for lesson plans, with notes on how these can be adapted and developed for different levels of recreational rider, from beginner to advanced, whether children or adults.The lesson plans are organised into teaching subjects to allow instructors to go straight to a chosen topic and find exercises to suit riders of different abilities, along with teaching tips for a professional delivery.

Beth Baumert's first book, When Two Spines Align: Dressage Dynamics, was a popular and critical success. Lauded by Olympian Carl Hester as the book he most frequently quotes at clinics, it examined the ways the physical bodies of horse and rider work together-the physics behind riding in balance. In Baumert's new book How Two Minds Meet, she takes us beyond physical harmony to look at the minds of both horse and rider, each complete with its own set of emotions and mental capabilities. Readers will explore: How the mind of the horse works. The rider's "two minds"-the analytical mind and the sensory dimension of the mind (with which the horse more readily identifies). Specific ways to get into the "non-thinking place" where the best communication between horse and rider takes place. Principles of Learning that enable riders to improve the use of the traditional, knowledge-accumulating part of their brains. Nine ideas for boosting your ability to learn, retain, and apply knowledge that's useful in training horses. Methods for organising and "filing" information so it can be best utilised. How to ensure the horse is physically comfortable (balanced) under saddle to allow for a meeting of the minds in the first place. Not only does Baumert explain how to optimise the use of the "thinking mind" in order to become a better learner in the saddle, she provides techniques for maximising mental and emotional harmony with the horse, a state of unity that feels so good, Baumert calls it the "charming addiction"-once a rider has it, she wants to attain it again and again. Feeding this addiction is possible, says Baumert, with the thoughtful, practical insight she shares in these pages.

Over thirty years after the first publication of Reiner Klimke's classic work comes this new fourth edition, with completely new photos and updated by his daughter, Ingrid. Based on sound practical and theoretical advice, this instructional handbook gives advice on establishing a specific training plan for recreational riders as well as competition riders to enable them to train their young horses successfully. Every aspect of the education of a young horse is covered, including: basic education and handling from foalhood; lungeing and free-schooling; backing and training under saddle; developing impulsion from suppleness; assessing and improving basic gaits; cavalletti work; jumping training; cross-country training and, finally, preparing for the first competition.

Horse trainer Jonathan Field has made a name for himself with his unique ability to give people simple, understandable, doable steps that lead to working with a horse "at liberty" in a safe and progressive manner. At its most basic, many think of liberty as "playing" with a horse without halters, leads, or other tack. True liberty, says Field, is much more than simply removing equipment and stepping outside the pen or arena: It is moving with your horse, communicating only with intention, and creating a seamless, smooth, and rhythmic dance. "When you do liberty right, you become one with the herd," he writes. "And not only do you develop an amazing connection with your horse, but it's one of the most fun things you will ever do."
Developing communication skills and your relationship with your horse through liberty benefits all that you do with your horse--whether on the ground or in the saddle; whether competing or riding for pleasure. Quick responses to subtle cues, clear aids, and a relaxed and attentive horse: These are the keys to liberty, and they are also objectives when we ride, drive, or work with the horse on the ground around the barn. Liberty, therefore, teaches you to be a better horseman. With Jonathan Field's step-by-step liberty training method, you learn to have a better "feel," to reward the horse sooner, and to time your aids just right to ensure you get the response you want. Plus, you discover how to approach things from the individual horse's perspective--an important key to getting a horse to act because he wants to, rather than because he has to. This fabulously illustrated book, featuring hundreds of action-packed photographs taken on Field's spectacular ranch in British Columbia, gives you practical and fun ways to teach your horse to genuinely like being with you in all that you do together--not through use of force or by bribing with treats, but because he feels safer and more secure by your side.

Land Between The Lakes Outdoor Handbook, by Johnny Molloy, is the only comprehensive guide to the magnificent Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area on the Kentucky-Tennessee state line. The handbook is divided into two sections--water activities and land activities. The water section guides visitors to important fishing spots and lakes, as well as outlines one of the longest paddle trails in the Midwest--the 85-mile-long Land Between The Lakes Paddle Route. Descriptions of all lake accesses and swimming beaches are also included. The land section offers detailed descriptions of more than 300 miles of hiking trails (including the 60-mile-long North-South Trail). Finally, the guide offers an extensive reference section, detailing alternate lodging possibilities, outfitters, and conveniences located in nearby towns. This new edition is completely updated and features new trails and new photos.

p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica} Olympian Anne Kursinski's acclaimed book on riding horses over fences delivers on-target counsel and the kind of sophisticated, quality instruction you can only get in top stables around the world. Let this medal-winning international competitor show you 'how it's done' with step-by-step descriptions of 20 exercises to improve your position, your 'feel', and your overall understanding of how to confidently and successfully master a jump course. Throughout, explanations are clarified with hundreds of illuminating photographs, completely reshot in full colour for this new edition. Inside, you'll find a top-notch education in basic flatwork and jumping, including bending, adjusting stride length, moving laterally, riding straight lines and curves, jumping without stirrups, and flying changes. You'll also learn advanced flatwork and jumping, with lessons in flexion and collection, counter-canter, half-pass, ways to perfect distances and count strides, and tips for riding different kinds of combinations, bigger jumps, and natural fences. In addition, this revised edition includes a new chapter on riding derby-style courses. Now with all new colour photographs!