Many riders want to try jumping, but are intimidated. This guide helps riders of every age safely learn to jump by presenting a natural approach with progressive, step-by-step exercises, full explanations, and lots of photos and diagrams. It covers everything from preparing a green horse for the first jump to riding a challenging course in a show ring. It includes guidelines for every discipline and every breed of horse, plus information on the demands of different competitive events.

This book is a welcome relief for millions of riders. More than six million people in the U.S. ride horses, and many riders at all levels suffer from chronic back pain. Complete with photos and illustrations, this spiral-bound, take-anywhere book prescribes a unique core muscle workout with three progressive, easy-to-follow exercise routines to help riders develop a balanced and aligned body with strong core muscles to secure spinal alignment and stability. Riders minimize the risk of injury, maximize performance, eliminate back pain and post-riding soreness, and have a more pleasurable riding experience. Readers can take each of the exercise routines anywhere on three gatefold, tear-out posters.

Unless you're familiar with the sport, you're probably intimidated! This practical book helps you get your child off to a positive start. It answers your questions, helps you avoid common pitfalls, shows you how to get your child into the saddle without saddling yourself with debt, and helps you ensure that your child has a rewarding, enjoyable experience. It takes you step by step from the initial "get acquainted" period through decisions and purchases you need to make as your child progresses, covering: Sampling the sport, including package deals that give your child exposure without necessitating a commitment Choosing a stable, riding style, instructor, and course of lessons Comparison shopping to save on equipment and apparel Proceeding through more advanced training Participating in horse shows or other competitions Buying a horse (or not)

On the Fence gives you the inside scoop on how to help your child get started and progress as a rider. It shows you how your child can enjoy horseback riding in a way that suits her, your family's lifestyle, and your budget.

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.

Training a horse brings an array of vexing challenges. What should a rider do with a horse who just won't listen? What about the horse who quickly tires, or becomes cranky during training? And there are horses who behave well in the presence of an instructor, but -maddeningly - never while alone with the rider. Situations like these can leave even the most enthusiastic equestrian feelingdiscouraged, frustrated, and even downright, helpless.Jessica Jahiel comes to the rescue with "The Horse Training Problem Solver", the third title in her popular "Problem Solver" series. In her informal yet informative style, Jahiel offers sensible answers to riders' most common training challenges. In a handy, accessible Q&A format, Jahiel uses real-life case studies to bring troublesome situations to life and then solves the problems with tested, proven solutions.The book's combination of basic training theory, effective solutions, and handy tips and strategies will help riders get the most out of every training session. Best of all, Jahiel breaks down training goals -from simple commands.

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.

The definitive guide to dressage--the art, science, and secrets of graceful horsemanship for riders who want to exude natural elegance in the saddle

Dressage has been described as "a beautiful ballet on horseback." It embodies an innate grace, a seemingly effortless flow, and an easy harmony between horse and rider.

Dressage elevates riding from a sport to an art form. One of the fastest growing equestrian sports in America, it appeals to competitive riders as well as those who simply want to improve their mounts and their skills. Because the principles of dressage encompass the art and science of horsemanship and every aspect of the horse-rider relationship, dressage training enhances other equestrian disciplines. The exercises and patterns help improve the horse's overall balance and athleticism and make the mount more responsive. Ideal for beginning enthusiasts or people who simply want to appreciate the elegance and finesse of classical riding, Deciphering Dressage unlocks the secrets of classical, precision riding. It covers: Choosing and caring for a suitable dressage horse Buying tack and riding apparel Sitting the horse correctly and using aids or subtle signals to cue the horse Preparing for competitions Riding a dressage test Competition and scoring Recognized shows, schooling shows, ride-a-tests, and eventing

Complete with over fifty photographs and drawings, as well as step-by-step explanations of exercises and maneuvers, this guide helps riders master the basics of this exceptionally demanding and rewarding discipline.

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.

In recent decades, knowledge in the field of equine physical therapy has accrued as different types of bodywork have steadily gained acceptance in the horse world. An understanding of anatomy and biomechanics, and a grasp of the variable options available to both keep the active equine healthy and rehabilitate following an injury or layoff have become integral aspects of general horse health management. Equine physical therapy expert Helle Katrine Kleven understands the need for a reference that supports the horse owner as she strives to keep her horse sound in body and mind, and at the top of his game. In this highly illustrated book, she begins with a comprehensible introduction to the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, as well as an instructive conversation covering biomechanics basics, then explores the major areas of therapy in detail. Readers will find practical how-to guidance in the most popular therapeutic modalities, as well as cutting-edge alternatives that are currently gaining ground: fascia work, stretching, massage, stability and strengthening exercises, laser therapy, kinesiotaping, and much more. With this incredible course in preventive and rehabilitative techniques, horse owners and professionals will be thoroughly prepared to ensure their horses' comfort and well-being.

Cinch today's top new riding techniques

In the past twenty-five years, a number of major innovations in horse handling have gained acceptance in the global community. Now Howell presents a one-stop resource for amateur adult riders to help them understand the new approaches and implement them to achieve fast results.

Written by renowned professional riding instructor Donna Snyder-Smith, The All-Around Horse and Rider is the first equestrian book to offer a precise road map to utilizing the new innovations in training. This unique book explains the basic lessons the all-around rider must master, showing how to set realistic equestrian goals and adopt the methods that best enable the horse to do his job. Snyder-Smith gets to the heart of "correct" riding, helping the rider harmonize with a horse's movements while translating acquired skills to a wide variety of disciplines.

• Covers the latest innovations in horse handling, including rider body awareness, equine movement awareness, and round-pen work
• Demostrates how the innovations and training methods inter-relate -- and how to combine them effectively
• Reveals how to increase the strength and endurance of both horse and rider
• Explains the different competitions and who is best suited to compete
• Shares inspiring, real-life experiences of all-around horses and their riders
• Identifies when to ask for help-and how to find it

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.

Listen to and communicate with your horse–successfully

"This is a book for everyone who has ever looked at the constantly increasing list of methods and systems marketed as ‘horsemanship’ and wondered which of the many possible approaches would be most suitable for a particular behavior problem. Gincy Bucklin has distilled her many years of experience with horses and riders into a very useful, step-by-step, hands-on book. Bucklin’s writing is smooth and easy to read, and no matter where you open this book, you’ll find that her deep respect and affection for both equines and humans shines through."
–Dr. Jessica Jahiel, author of Riding for the Rest of Us

"Gincy Bucklin uses her decades-long experience with horses to answer that most frequently asked question: ‘Why did my horse do that?’ And she comes up with creative solutions that weave together traditional horse handling with the best of modern horse training, including my own personal favorite, clicker training."
–Alexandra Kurland, author of Clicker Training for Your Horse and The Click That Teaches video lesson series

It takes time for a horse to learn everything we want him to know. If we don’t make our intentions clear to him in ways that he can understand, or if we don’t listen to what he wants, problems may result. Featuring easy-to-follow, step-by-step advice, What Your Horse Wants You to Know reveals how to communicate effectively with your horse to create an atmosphere of mutual cooperation.

What Your Horse Wants You to Know focuses on improving your horse’s behavior on the ground, so you can develop relationship and communications skills without the more challenging problems that arise once you’re on his back.

• Use your entire body to communicate with your horse
• Show your horse that you respect his needs and feelings
• Be patient and consistent with your horse while having fun
• Understand your horse’s fears and overcome them
• Respond appropriately to physiological or nutritional problems
• Use praise to make your horse feel confident and successful

Training Strategies for Dressage Riders is a unique guide to the art and technique of dressage, written by one of the most renowned equestrian trainers in the world today. It offers a complete training system for both horse and rider, paying special attention to how a rider’s actions can influence a mount. The book provides practical, in-the-saddle advice on a wide range of dressage topics, including:

• The art of classical equitation
• The development of the rider’s seat and aids
• Developing the basic gaits
• Gymnastic improvement
• Horse insubordination
• Clinics and competitions judging

Here is the perfect book for beginning riders who are using muscles they never knew they had before, advanced riders who want to stay in top form (especially as they get older), and weather-bound riders who can't get out during the winter but want to be fit when spring arrives. The Rider's Fitness Programme details a fun and effective six-week program that strengthens the muscles riders use while improving overall balance, flexibility, and coordination. The book features more than 85 exercises designed to help new riders get over the aches and pains of get- ting started, and experienced riders hone their skills and technique and prevent injuries. The ultimate goal, of course, is to achieve oneness" with the horse. The routines are flexible, so individuals can customize the workout they need for jumping, dressage, reining, endurance, polo, or rodeo. The exercises are accompanied by step-by-step photographs that demonstrate how to perform each action properly (with an emphasis on safety). The exercises are progressive, from basic to advanced, and suitable for riders at all fitness levels.

What can be done with a horse that's hard to bridle, won't stand for a new farrier, or kicks while being ridden? Why would a sweet horse suddenly turn mean? How can an owner calm a horse that becomes a nervous wreck at shows? And what should be done if a gelding attacks a mare?
Anyone who has spent much time around horses knows that horses can be shy, frightened, anxious, uncooperative, and even aggressive. But that does not mean that the horse owner should accept unwanted behavior. In The Horse Behavior Problem Solver, equine behavior expert Jessica Jahiel offers proven solutions to common horse behavior problems.
Jahiel explains how a horse thinks, how it learns, and why it acts the way it does. She identifies the types of bad habits that are the result of the horse being mishandled by humans. And she helps owners and riders understand that what may look like bad behavior to a human is actually, from the horse's point of view, a perfectly reasonable response. The trick is for the human to realize which behaviors are instinctive and which are learned. At the same time, people need to learn what can be done to prevent bad habits from forming and how to discourage or eliminate a horse's existing patterns of unwanted behavior.
For this eminently readable handbook, Jahiel has adopted a friendly question-and-answer format. Each question includes a detailed real-life case study. The author then identifies the source of the trouble and offers the owner or rider practical, proven techniques that can help solve the problem.
This book is truly comprehensive. First, Jahiel explains how to establish a healthy human-horse relationship. Then, she moves on to the problems, ranging from horses that don't like to be groomed or handled, to horses that regard a visit from the vet as a traumatic experience. And because the situations presented in this book are common to all horses and horselovers, Jahiel's advice is applicable to every breed of horse, and to Western as well as English riders.

Longeing and Long Lining the English and Western Horse Simply put, longeing and long lining are safe and time-efficient ways to teach a horse from the ground what he needs to do when he' s ridden. In addition, during ground training, you have the opportunity to form important associations with your horse. Longeing and long lining can be used to teach your horse to listen to you, stop and be patient, learn how to bend, become proficient in all of his gait transitions, and improve the form of his movement. Longeing and Long Lining the English and Western Horse is a total program. It describes what you do and why during the ground training of a yearling through an aged, seasoned horse. Over 250 photographs show you a variety of English and Western horses learning their lessons. You' ll see exactly what type of tack you use and why. You' ll see typical reactions, how to prevent and correct problems, and how to recognize both good and bad working form. Only by being informed can you develop you horse to his full potential. Rather than thinking of longeing as " going around in circles, " think of it as a way to establish good, solid habits with your horse. With this book and its companion volume, 101 Longeing and Long Lining Exercises: English and Western, you' ll have the foundation you need to help your horse work in a productive form.

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.

The autobiography of the most successful Three Day Event rider of all time - updated for the paperback edition. Pippa Funnell is the golden girl of the British equestrian scene - but it hasn't always been so. She seemed doomed to be a 'misser' in the really big competitions, lacking that special ingredient that makes a true champion. Everything began to change for her in 1999 when her results, including her first European title, were excellent, but it was at the Sydney Olympics that she really came of age, winning a silver medal. Since Sydney, Pippa went from strength to strength. She completed the double of European Championships in 2001, she won Badminton in 2002, and in 2003 won the Rolex Grand Slam and was awarded Sportswoman of the Year by the Sunday Times. In 2004 Pippa was a double Olympic medallist in Athens, and this autobiography includes her Olympic diary, as she records the ups and downs of the competition, the triumph of the dressage, her cross-country round and the showjump down that cost her a gold medal. As if all this were not enough, there was the controversy of the medals being reallocated on appeal, meaning Pippa won both a silver and a bronze.

If you are like most people, you know what you want your horse to do and how you want him to behave. You want your training experiences to be safe and enjoyable for both you and your horse. But maybe you aren't sure what to do and when. In 101 Longeing and Long Lining Exercises you'll find complete ground training lesson plans from square 1 to square 101. Cherry Hill starts with basic in-hand and free longeing lessons, then takes you through the addition of a longe line, cavesson, bridle, surcingle, side reins, saddle, and long lines. You'll learn a wide variety of ground training exercises suitable for both English and Western horses. In-hand section:
* Fancy footwork
* Whip works
* Pitching a wave
* Turn on the forehand
* Sidepass
* Longeing section:
* Stop, look, and listen
* Outside turns
* Inside turns
* Whip talk Spirals
* Wagon wheels
* Bending tune-up
* Contact and collection
* Long lining section:
* Long line lingo
* Yin y ang
* Figure-8
* Serpentines
* Backing
* Cavalletti work
* Trail obstacles

Each of the exercises is laid out with a diagram, step-by-step instructions, and an explanation of its benefits. The exercises progress from the basic skills to more advanced ones, such as counter-canter and flying changes of lead. This book and its companion volume, Longeing and Long Lining the English and Western Horse: A Total Program, give you a solid foundation for helping your horse work in productive form.

Longeing and ground training are an important part of horsemanship, both in training the horse and in the education of the rider.
This book explains the principles of handling and training horses safely from the ground, including leading, teaching good ground manners, and preparation for longeing. It provides an introduction to longeing, equipment, techniques, and longeing for various purposes, including longeing to improve the horse's movement and longeing the rider. Because longeing is an activity that requires skill, knowledge, and safe techniques, The USPC Guide to Longeing and Ground Training is essential to understanding what you will need, what to do, and how long to do it safely for yourself and your horse.
This guide can be used by Pony Clubbers, instructors, and all horse owners who want to learn about longeing and how to use this technique safely to benefit their horses' training.
The Howell Equestrian Library

Knowing about horse conformation, movement and soundness is important to any horse owner, whether you are selecting a horse, judging horses, or evaluating a horse's strengths, weaknessess, and ultimate potential.
The USPC Guide to Conformation, Movement and Soundness clearly explains and illustrates good, functional conformation and movement, faulty movement, conformation defects, blemishes and unsoundnesses, their causes, and how they affect the horse. This guide will be helpful to Pony Club and 4-H members, instructors, horse owners, and anyone interested in learning about evalulating horses' conformation, soundness and way of moving.
The Howell Equestrian Library

Anatomy, particularly functional anatomy, is a vital and dynamic subject, an appreciation of which leads not only to superior husbandry and welfare, but also to a better understanding of the anatomical challenges associated with riding, training, overtraining, injury and rehabilitation. Using Alexa McKenna's fabulous illustrations, this book shows the correlation of the skeleton, muscular system and locomotion, providing a clear insight into the functional and dysfunctional horse. It also addresses the largely misunderstood concept of 'perfect conformation' and looks at the effect on function of the rider and tack, using cutting-edge diagnostic techniques such as thermal imaging and gait analysis. Again with the emphasis on the visual, readers will be able to appreciate how muscles function in differing athletic disciplines by analysing the heat generated in musculoskeletal structures after exercise. This will also highlight the importance of post-competition recovery. The book concludes with a range of useful techniques to improve the function of any horse, including stretches, taping, wrapping and other proprioceptive techniques to increase balance, flexibility, awareness and posture.

Accomplished coach Islay Auty explains how to develop your teaching technique to bring out the best in your pupils, be they top-flight competitors or recreational riders. The text explains how modern coaching techniques can be applied to equestrian sport and, as such, the books is more about the skills of coaching than how to teach the actual skills of riding. It focuses on topics such as motivation, inspiring confidence, personal development, communication, awareness and judgement, psychology, and how people learn. The author examines the particular issues involved with teaching children, pleasure riders, and competitors at all levels - and brings her text to life with thought-provoking scenarios. - Deals with modern coaching techniques and how they can be applied to the equestrian environment - Written for riding teachers who wish to enhance their teaching skills, especially those who are newly qualified or still studying for their teaching certificate. - Excellent background reading for those seeking to achieve the UK Coaching Certificate in Equestrian Sport.

Widely known for her innovative teaching philosophy stressing body awareness, the value of "soft eyes," proper breathing, centering, and balance, Sally Swift has been a pioneering riding instructor for half a century. In book form for the first time, her methods enable horse and rider to achieve harmony, working together naturally, without pain.
Unlike traditional teachers, Sally Swift does not believe in forced training techniques that cause stiff bodies and tense riding. Instead, through the use of vivid, unusual, and highly creative images that transcend mechanics ("Pretend you're a spruce tree; the roots grow down from your center as the trunk grows up"), plus a thorough knowledge of human and equine anatomy, this wise and inspiring teacher enables the conscientious equestrian to reassess habitual responses, in order to ride in natural positions, break through frustrating plateaus, and achieve ever-rising goals with comfort, vitality, and precision.
Precise illustrations and photographs never before used in riding books explain anatomy and image work to give mind and body new and relaxed approaches to the inner process of riding.
"Centered Riding "is for those with little experience all the way up to world class.

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.