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.

Xenophon's The Art of Horsemanship is the earliest known work on the horse and how to ride it. Though Xenophon wrote his treatise twenty-three centuries ago, it still provides the modern-day equestrian enthusiast with much food for thought and is delightfully easy to read. In this translation by Morris H. Morgan Ph.D., there are chapters on the Greek Riding-Horse, and Points of the Horse, with Notes on Xenophon's text. Illustrated throughout with numerous photographs and line drawings, carefully chosen by Professor Morgan for their usefulness in explaining the various subjects treated in the text, Xenophon's work appears for the first time in paperback.

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

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.

From the 1500s up until the dawn of World War I, horses played an imperative role in modern warfare, contributing their share to the rise and fall of nations. The enduring quote from Shakespeare's Richard III (1593), "A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse!" speaks to the abiding image of cavalry embedded in the cultural memory of the West. Riding to Arms: A History of Horsemanship and Mounted Warfare is Charles Caramello's thorough examination of the evolution of horsemanship and cavalry over the centuries. He follows how the debate between 'art and utility' in horsemanship caused a shift from the formal - equitation and manege dressage face=Calibri>- to the practical - namely mounted warfare. He also addresses the advent of mechanized warfare that led to the end of horse cavalry. In addition to practical history, Caramello engages with selected primary and secondary texts on horsemanship, from early works like Thomas Blundeville's The Arte of Ryding and Breakinge Greate Horses (1660) to Louis A. DiMarco's War Horse: A History of the Military Horse and Rider (2008), discussing the ways these works shaped horsemanship and calvary practices both in in their own time and throughout history. Melding together history and historiography, Riding to Arms: A History of Horsemanship and Mounted Warfare is a captivating work celebrating one of man's most constant companions in both war and peace.

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.

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.

Master the 40 basic elements essential to all riders in the classic disciplines of dressage, jumping, and eventing with this book and 90-minute DVD showing action sequences for each fundamental. These fundamentals include correct seat, leg, and hand positions for the rider; the three basic gaits of walk, trot, and canter; how to perform halt and half-halt; how to direct a horse's movement correctly and energetically; the stages of the training scale (rhythm, looseness, contact, impulsion, straightness, and collection); and how to perform basic schooling figures in the arena, from circles and serpentines to diagonals. Each fundamental is defined and explained in text and photos throughout the book, as well as in the 90-minute DVD, with an emphasis on how to avoid common errors. The DVD won a Telly Award for excellence in video production.

Volume 2 in our foundation series aims to develop the skills for aspiring equestrians, building on improving efficiency, depth of knowledge and understanding of equine care and management. Volume 2 introduces lungeing a horse for exercise, with practical riding skills progressing to basic show jumping. This title develops our Complete Horsemanship foundation series to include the initial principles for teaching and coaching in the industry. A great addition to any aspiring equestrian, this book also provides the recommended reading for the British Horse Society Stage 2 qualification in horse care, riding and teaching.

The London 2012 Olympic medalist on his stunning comeback. Mark Todd's eventing career is the stuff of legends and encompasses one of the greatest sporting comebacks of all time. When he 'retired' from competing in eventing in 2000, he had already been named 'Rider of the Century' for his natural empathy with a horse and his extraordinary success, which included back-to-back Olympic gold medals, five Burghley wins and three Badminton victories. He has also show jumped to Olympic level and trained winners on the racecourse. Considered a legendary horseman by his peers, he seemed to have done it all. He returned to train racehorses in his native New Zealand but, eight years later, the idea of a comeback took root, part dare, part personal challenge to see if he could still cut it in a changed sport. Within eight months, he was riding at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and in 2011 he hit the headlines by becoming the oldest rider to win Badminton. This was soon eclipsed by his stunning win at the London 2012 Olympics, however. The story of his progress from dairy farmer to world renown, is told with typically laid-back humour, but it reveals the fierce determination, discipline and personal sacrifice which lies behind the relaxed outlook.

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.

The official handbook for those studying the BHS teaching qualifications has now been fully updated and revised. Written for the BHS by a chief examiner, this handbook provides clear guidelines on how the skills of riding should be taught and how riding school lessons should be conducted. It is aimed at less experienced and trainee riding instructors, especially those involved with weekly riders and covers: - How to develop communication skills and effective body language - Advice on teaching adult novices and children, whether in groups or one-to-one - Valuable multi-option lesson plans - Choosing school horses and keeping them happy in their work - Safety and insurance, and how to cope with mishaps and accidents - Dealing with rider problems, such as nervousness, stiffness, poor coordination, etc.

With a show-jumping career spanning over forty years, Nick Skelton is a legend in the equestrian world. No other rider has won so many major competitions on so many different horses and he is as popular at Olympia and Hickstead as he is at Aachen, Geneva, Paris and Spruce Meadows. Skelton has competed in eight Olympic Games. He was part of the gold medal-winning Great Britain team at London 2012 and made history by winning the individual Olympic gold medal at Rio 2016, riding at the age of fifty-eight his beloved horse Big Star. Nick Skelton began riding at the age of eighteen months on a Welsh pony called Oxo. At the age of seventeenth in 1975, Skelton took team silver and individual gold at the Junior European Championships. He has competed many times at the European Show Jumping Championships, winning numerous medals, both individually and with the British team. In 1980 he competed in the Alternative Olympics, where he helped the British team to a silver medal. He still holds the British Show Jumping High Jump record that he set in 1978. In 2000, Skelton was forced into an early retirement after he broke his neck from a serious fall. But following an amazing recovery he came out of retirement in 2002 to compete again. Now he tells the full story of his eventful life and matchless achievements.

Karin Blignault has combined theory and experimentation to develop a system of training (and teaching) that is straightforward, fast and brings real results. The methods described in this book teach riders to achieve rhythm, balance, suppleness and the round flexor frame in their horses - and quickly. Most riding books, including those by classical masters, focus on 'what to do' rather than 'how to do'. This book is different. For example, Karin explains how you can apply your body in riding, rather than focusing primarily on your body position, and thus your riding position automatically becomes correct. She believes that riders should learn to control the whole horse as soon as possible and uses four exercises to teach riders control of the horse's head, his shoulders, his ribcage and his hindquarters. The results are immediate. These exercises are the building blocks of the shoulder-in and the half halt, which are the cornerstones of balanced riding. They are used to improve every movement in dressage and jumping.

Eventing Explained is a unique, all-around view of how to start eventing for riders of all ages wanting to compete in their first affiliated horse trials. As well as being packed with top tips and exercises for riders in all three phases, it is also an ideal aid for parents or other halves of would-be event riders whose weekends will never the same again once they hit the eventing circuit A who's who section includes, amongst others, the responsibilities of the course designer, builder, secretary, regional coordinator and organizer in running a horse trials, and how their roles are relevant to a competitor. As well as information on getting your horse fit, there are also sections on rider fitness and sport psychology to prepare for the event and to do your best on the day. Color-coded so you can pick out relevant sections at a glance, Eventing Explained is the must-have guide for riders wanting to compete at BE80, BE90 and BE100 levels (formerly Training, Introductory and Pre-Novice levels).

Have you got what it takes to make a successful career from teaching riding? Would you like to know how to make yourself indispensable to your clients? Ross Algar offers first-hand advice on how to establish yourself in this field of work and then how to move up the ranks. He explains how to deal with almost every type of client (children, teenagers, and more mature riders), whether they be competition riders or pleasure riders, confident or nervous riders, and whatever their chosen discipline. He tells you how best to assist your clients with their immediate goals and long-term aims, and how to conduct yourself professionally at all times. With essential advice for practically every teaching situation, this is an equine career training book like no other.

Women and their horses -- a symbiotic relationship based on trust, camaraderie, friendship, and love. In "Why We Ride," Verna Dreisbach collects the stories of women who ride, sharing their personal emotions and accounts of the most important animals in their lives.
This collection of stories includes the heartfelt thoughts of a range of women -- those who rode as children, those who spent their girlhood years dreaming of owning a pony, and those who have made a lifelong hobby or career out of riding. Each story reveals how horses have made an impact in the lives of these women. With a foreword by best-selling novelist Jane Smiley, "Why We Ride" offers a reflective view on the relationships between women and horses.

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

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

Horses are fascinating and perceptive creatures. Developing a thorough understanding of how a horse interprets the world around them and deliberately being self-aware as a rider, are the essential skills to a successful and fulfilling partnership. In The Psychology of Horsemanship, well-known equestrian author and horse expert, Claire Lilley, shares her passion and knowledge about horses and riders developed from over forty years' experience in the equestrian world, and more recently several years in the mental health profession. Divided into three sections, the book covers: Equine psychology - the horses's senses, primary responses and emotion; Training psychology - the rider's communication, training and learning from past experiences; Relational psychology - the goals, the development and the challenges faced in successful horsemanship. With high-quality photographs, diagrams and extended real-life examples, this book explores the application of psychology to the world of horses and how the understanding and evolvement of the horse-rider relationship impacts on both mental and physical development.