A go-to manual for any horse owner, this book addresses a range of equine behavioral problems, from the mild--refusing to stand still or tail rubbing, for example--to the severe, such as rearing under saddle or attacking other horses. With topics broken into four main categories--bad habits in the stable, correcting ground manners, problems under saddle, and the reluctant traveler--noted rancher and horse book author Heather Smith Thomas dissects each topic by addressing the source of the problem, providing solutions to the behavioral issue, and discussing what to do if the fix doesn't stick.

Approaching dressage from a newcomer's perspective can be a little daunting.There seems to be so much to learn, so much to understand and some confusion surrounding what judges are looking for in tests. Even experienced riders find it difficult to break out of the 65-70% range in their test marks.Using the steps of accuracy, fluidity, understanding, practice and review Master Dressage gives readers a clear framework on which they can build confidence in their approach to dressage training and test riding. These steps reveal where readers could be losing valuable marks and arms them with the understanding needed to achieve much higher scores. Published privately, the first edition of this book was a great success, garnering over five-star reviews and being placed in the top best-selling books on Amazon. Its popularity owed much to the 'easy to understand language', the clear diagrams and photographs and the overall philosophy of communication, empathy and skill development. These aspects are all retained in this revised edition, which has been expanded to include chapters on groundwork, and rider fitness. After reading this book you will be able to have a better relationship with your horse, ride more beautiful tests and get higher marks.

Are you and your horse a match made in heaven? Would you like to achieve the perfect partnership between horse and human? If you want the best possible relationship with your horse this is the book for you. With her practical advice and proven success, Kelly Marks can help you achieve amazing results. This book invites you first to analyze your own behaviour and how it affects your horse, and then goes on to show you how to develop mutual trust and respect to form a relationship that doesn't just last but flourishes. This book includes a series of practical exercises and tips that will greatly enhance your feel and timing and therefore your riding and ground work skills. In addition, through case studies and often amusing stories, Kelly explains the best techniques and attitudes to overcome any challenges that may come up in your relationship. Kelly's experience, enthusiasm and humour, alongside her respect and affection for the animals she works with, combine to make this the essential guide for any horse owner.

This title covers all facets of lateral work as a foundation for a classical training programme. Lateral work is an essential part of any training programme leading to a supple horse. This book offers a step-by-step guide through all of the lateral movements, introducing exercises to prepare horse and rider for the first lateral movements, through to training exercises, as well as stretching and loosening exercises. The exercises are intended for all types of horses - not just those preparing for competition. Following the many examples provided, the rider is taught how to structure a training session, how to ask the horse clearly for the required movements, and with the help of lateral work to systematically educate the horse.

Find guidance on how to perform a range of schooling exercises in a variety of disciplines. This comprehensive and visual guide gives novice and experienced horse riders alike all the basics they need to get the best from their horses. Exercises such as teaching the horse to flex properly when riding circles and how to change pace without resistance are shown in specially photographed step-by-step sequences. Troubleshooting panels tell readers which mistakes to watch out for and how to put them right. There are also gridwork exercises and advice on using polework to help readers vary a horse's lessons and improve a rider's own position. A final section on Western riding techniques will show how to perform the basic tests required in reining classes, or introduce new ideas to those wishing to cross-train their horses in this growing equestrian field.

Everyone knows Billy and his trusty horse, Blaze. And now Aladdin is gently colorizing C. W. Anderson's elegant cover art so that new young readers will have a chance to see Blaze in full color for the first time. Introduce this classic series to your favorite horse lover with the exciting story of Blaze Finds the Trail. Billy and his horse Blaze start out one day for a ride in the forest. But their adventures soon lead them off the trail and deep into the woods. Before they know it, the sky grows dark with a coming storm, and Billy can't find the way out of the woods. Can Blaze find the trail and get them safely home again?

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.

This book is a complete guide to maintaining soundness, with top veterinary advice from the experts, to help every horse owner keep their horse consistently healthy and rideable, and deal with problems as they arise. It tackles the key areas in which the horse can be plagued by persistent problems that lead to loss of performance: the legs, back and teeth. It contains accessible, clear information with detailed descriptions and photographs to aid diagnosis as well as practical advice on treating and dealing with problems, from headshaking to laminitis.

This is a practical, accessible guide to understanding horses, from the inside out, that bridges the gap between military style training and horse whispering techniques. Abigail Hogg shares her knowledge of working with horses and riders in a range of cultural settings. The author draws on her extensive studies of horse behaviour to give sympathetic, informed and intelligent advice on how to get the best out of both horse and rider. Case studies, colour diagrams, tables and checklists describe in graphic detail how and why horses behave as they do.

This volume brings together Jean Froissard's two definitive books on dressage and classical horsemanship. Part one, "A Guide to Basic Dressage" is an essential text for all riders who aspire to train correctly and compete successfully. The stages of classical school based on General L'Hotte's concise maxim "calm, forward, straight" are given in a simple and logical progression. Starting with the selection of a suitable dressage horse, Froissard leads the reader patiently through each movement and transition, with emphasis on the rider's influence, and aids being properly applied at the correct moment. Part two, "Classical Horsemanship for Our Time" presents the heritage of classical theories of riding in a modern, highly readable format, taking the reader through the development of a dressage horse - that is, dressage in its truest sense: the training of a riding horse. Froissard begins with criteria for selecting a horse and early training that should be basic for any horse, whatever its equestrian discipline. With constant emphasis on rewards for even the slightest improvement, Froissard then takes the reader through the training progression up to the highest dressage levels. The emphasis throughout is always on the practical rather than the heavily theoretical. While particularly addressing the dressage rider, "Classical Horsemanship for Our Time" is a supreme aid for all riders and competitors who desire a deeper and more complete understanding of the classical way of riding.

In the pursuit of excellence - which must be every dressage rider's preoccupation - problems or difficulties are bound to arise. This practical handbook should enable the dressage rider to identify faults, find their cause and set about putting them right. Areas covered include: rider's position and horse's outlines; saddlery; dressage terminology; paces; school movements; rein-back and pirouettes; flying changes; piaffe and passage; and finally test riding. The author is a List 1 dressage judge, promoted to full international status and made a World Cup judge in 1994. As a rider he has represented Great Britain at home and abroad including the World Dressage Championships.

"If you buy that horse, you're buying your daughter's death warrant," Jane Pohl's father was warned at the army barracks in the spring of 1941. But the potential that his teenage daughter Jane saw in the small, temperamental Thoroughbred was enough to convince him otherwise. Earlier that year, when Fitzrada arrived at the army base where Jane's family lived, the horse was stubborn, unpredictable, and dangerous. Any man who dared addle him up soon found himself face down in the dirt. Jane, excited to ride any horse and up for the challenge, had the most success with Fitz. She was patient and consistent, and the horse responded well at last, showing a great affinity for jumping. Then, inexplicably, a terrible riding accident resulted in serious injuries for both Jane and Fitz, and the army decide that it was time to destroy the horse. Heartbroken, Jane pleaded with her reluctant father: the only way to save Fitz was to buy him from the army. Jane Pohl's foresight proved to be correct. Jane and Fitz went on to take the Virginia show-jumping circuit by storm, winning 37 jumper and 6 hinter championships. At a time when women were rarely seen in jumping classes at horse shows and were not taken seriously by male competitors, Jane and Fitz helped to break down barriers against women riders competing in the Olympics. In 1946, Jane and Fitz found themselves at the Jumper Championship at the prestigious National Horse Show in Madison Square Garden-the highest jumping title in North America. The road there for horse and rider was a five-year test of faith, patience, and understanding friendship.

Get your relationship right with your horse and he'll try to get it right with you, too. It's not about following steps to success or special equipment. It's about very subtle signs that show him you are on his side, and when you're with him he can let you take responsibility for his safety. This is the heart of great horsemanship. Be With Your Horse is a clear and accessible guide to finding the best relationship with your horse. Tom Widdicombe invites the reader to embark on a search for the perfect partnership, learning how to make your horse a willing friend, and find the balance between leadership and respect. The book is full of practical advice applicable to all horse owners and horse lovers, and peppered with accounts of Tom's own experiences with horses and how they shaped his ideas about training horses and humans to achieve a greater understanding of one another

A Tai Chi manual designed specifically for the needs of riders. This book teaches equestrians the techniques of Tai Chi and the internal arts that have proven so effective for good riding: concentration, focus, breathing, relaxation and range of motion. Readers will gain an understanding of how horses and humans were designed to move.

Experience the sheer joy of being one with your horse and one with nature.

When you're riding the trails with your horse, you enjoy a refreshing feeling of freedom, the exhilaration of exploration, and an invigorating escape from the demands of the day. You're in control--as long as you can control the 1,000-pound creature you're riding. Trail Riding: A Complete Guide takes you from the basics to more advanced trail riding skills with information on: How to choose a horse, including basics on conformation Finding the best trail-riding lessons, tack, and equipment Feeding, care, grooming, health care, and stable management Conditioning--for the horse and yourself Trailering to trails Advanced trail riding, including information on camping with your horse, how competitive trail riding is judged, and racing on the trail Tips on how to find the best trails, both locally and around the country

This book helps you develop the knowledge and skills that will give you a leg up every time you climb in the saddle. You and your horse will become the perfect pair for relaxing yet energizing adventures off the beaten path.

Introduction to Equestrian Sports offers parents and riders who are new to the scene detailed descriptions of what is involved in each of the four main disciplines: hacking/showing, dressage, showjumping and eventing. It is equally beneficial for those wanting to change from one type of competition to another. Each discipline description includes how it originated, its current status, types of classes, levels of competition, what rules apply, who runs the competitions and how they are judged. 'Ground rules' are explained, based on the author's considerable experience, to help take the mystery out of competitions, such as how to find out what competitions are taking place and how to enter, which classes are being judged, what to wear, what to do when you arrive, where best to park, where you can and cannot warm up, checking your gear and reporting to the judge. Other topics include how to prepare for a competition, from one month before to the night before the event, and the equipment required to compete, from choosing a horse to what rugs will be needed. Finally, illustrations of arenas, website links and examples of competition programs are provided to help beginner riders further understand their chosen sport. Introduction to Equestrian Sports is not another 'how to ride' book, but a practical, hands-on guide to make equestrian competitions enjoyable for all riders.

Written with the full participation of the American Quarter Horse Association - the largest equine breed registry in the world - The American Quarter Horse: An Introduction to Selection, Care, and Enjoyment is a fully illustrated manual for prospective and novice owners and riders. The American Quarter Horse is the world's most popular horse and America's oldest breed, with origins tracing back to the 1600s, along the eastern seaboard. Originally bred to fill colonists' passion for short-distance match racing, these heavily muscled, compact horses were perfectly suited to run faster than any other horse along narrow streets. As America moved west, so did the American Quarter Horse, and pioneers quickly learned of the horse's natural ability for herding cattle. This quintessential American horse has been refined over the years, his natural talents and famous dependability and athleticism enhanced. His willingness, intelligence, and disposition make him the ideal choice not only for first-time owners and recreational riders, but also for riders interested in all facets of Western, English, and racing competitions. As a show horse or trail horse, the American Quarter Horse is bound to please. Beginning with a brief history of the breed this book offers detailed advice on locating and selecting a horse, as well as stabling, feeding, grooming, and otherwise taking responsible care of the animal. Also explained are the American Quarter Horse's many uses: from informal trial riding to barrel racing, cutting, and reining; from Western horsemanship to show jumping, dressage, and racing. Each activity is clearly defined - including what it is that judges look for in the showring. With its easilyaccessible reference material, The American Quarter Horse is the indispensable guide for anyone interested in owning and riding America's favorite horse. (8 1/4 X 10 1/4, 324 pages, color photos, b&w photos, diagrams)

Most how-to-ride manuals assume that the beginner is mounted on a well-trained horse. "Do this, this, and that," other books instruct, "and your horse will respond in such-and-such a way." In the magic world of these manuals, nothing ever goes wrong. But in fact, Steven D. Price points out in the introduction of Essential Riding, "the vast majority of us learn to ride on lesson horses at public stables or on privately owned "backyard" horses . . .. When the beginning rider does "this, this, and that," the horse is just as likely to respond with no more than a yawn . . .. The purpose of this book is to provide a 'real world' perspective for you as a beginning rider." Price introduces us to Fred, the kind of horse most beginners learn to ride on. Fred is a sweet fellow, but a bit bored and stubborn after years of being a lesson horse. You'll learn whether a problem is your fault or the horse's, knowledge that makes all the difference in your equestrian education. Essential Riding begins with a broad introduction to riding fundamentals that apply to all styles of English and Western horsemanship. There's vital information on: finding the right instructor; proper attire; equine behavior as it affects riding; basic rider position; the horse's gaits and how to ask for them; stable and trail safety and etiquette; jumping basics; preparing for horse shows; an overview of the different disciplines; a glossary of horse-related terms; and more. Never has a riding manual contained such commonsensical advice. Aspiring riders of every discipline and of all ages will find everything they need to understand their mounts and more fully enjoy the sport. (6 X 9, 208 pages, b&w photos, diagrams)

A classic work on horses and horsemanship by one of the most acclaimed riders in show jumping history.

Driving and judging dressage is a symbiotic process. Drivers are trying to interpret the requirements of the tests, while judges are trying to estimate the success of the driver's efforts. Both parties need to have roughly similar ideas about the whole purpose of the exercise. The object of this book is to discuss the meaning of the FEI rules for dressage and the problems facing both drivers and judges in meeting the intentions and purposes of the dressage discipline. The author makes the point that, while driven dressage is derived from the ridden discipline, it poses very different problems for both drivers and judges. Pulling even a lightweight carriage in a dressage test requires the horse to use quite different muscles and the driver to use different aids in order to achieve a well-balanced, accurate and lively performance. It is these differences that judges need to understand and appreciate in order to mark all competitors fairly. The book is written in the hope that it will help beginners on both driving and judging dressage.

A complete compendium of equestrian terms, The Horseman's Illustrated Dictionary goes beyond simple words and phrases. In addition to providing easy-to-understand definitions of both esoteric and commonly used terms, Steven D. Price delves into their fascinating derivations. You'll learn, for example, that the name of the Percheron draft horse comes from the breed's origins in the La Perche area of Normandy, France; that "bishoping" -doctoring a horse's teeth to show a younger age - refers to an unscrupulous eighteenth-century horse dealer named Bishop; and that the "canter" gait is a shortened version of "Canterbury gallop," purportedly inspired by the pilgrims who rode to Canterbury at that pace. You'll discover that a "coop" does not necessarily hold chickens; find out why an "alligator" might be found in a horse arena; and learn that an "elevator" does not carry passengers but fits in a horse's mouth.
Edifying and entertaining, The Horseman's Illustrated Dictionary is both a useful reference work and a lively, panoramic view of the culture and history of the horse. This beautifully illustrated volume proves that horse people of all interests can learn to speak one another's language. It makes a perfect gift for any horse lover.

A manual of teaching exercises for both professional and amateur horse riding instructors and horse riders.

The Most Fun You Can Have on Horseback!

Improve your equestrian skills and have a great time with your friends using this collection of safe, exciting, and challenging games for horse and rider. Whether you're a beginning, intermediate, or advanced rider, these games will improve your skills of starting and halting, mounting and dismounting, balance, reining, and leading, making you a better and safer rider.

You'll find easy-to-follow, illustrated instructions for more than 50 games that meet the highest safety standards, including:

Group Games

Follow the Leader

Charades

Treasure Hunt

Elimination Games

Simon Says

Ride-a-Buck

Musical Pairs

Races & Relays

Red Light, Green Light

Pony Cart Race

Root Beer Relay

Timed Games

Barrel Race

Pole Bending

Obstacle Course

Distance Games

Ride and Tie

Point-to-Point

Mock Fox Hunt

Mounted Drills

Mounted Team Drill

Pinwheel

Cavalry Drill

This revised and updated version of Reiner Klimke's classic book on cavalletti work now has an extended section on gymnastic jumping by the author's daughter, Ingrid Klimke. First published over 30 years ago, the original information on schooling horses over cavalletti is still valid today but the book also encompasses the changing face and requirements of the modern sport horse. (6 1/2 X 9 1/2, 144 pages, color photos, illustrations, diagrams)

Keys for developing a partnership with your horse.