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

This book is about developing that 'perfect understanding'. Whether you practice dressage, hack, event or show, the improvement of your horse through an understanding of 'his' language, should allow him greater ability and confidence in all your work together. The aim of The Balanced Horse is to confirm in people's minds what they should be doing for each request, and what they must avoid. The author abhors the use of force and gadgetry in the schooling of horses and believes classical riding is the best way forward for all the disciplines.

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

A beautiful weaving of old age wisdom and knowledge within the circle of Truth. Reaching out magically to touch a young heart willing to learn.

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

This is a frank and encouraging guide aimed at everyone who knows their horse could be better. Key requirements of a perfect riding horse are identified and then explored in depth with a detailed breakdown of how to train each element. The perfect horse requires the perfect rider, and simple yet effective ways to become the rider your perfect horse deserves are discussed so you can train both yourself and your horse. This book takes the reader all the way from choosing the right horse through mastering the basics, lateral work and introducing jumping, all presented in a contemporary 'magazine-style' format. It also provides 'inside' knowledge and essential ingredients with clear step-by-step photography and text to help readers create their perfect riding horse for any discipline or level of ability.

This is an ideal training guide with simple explanations of the different jumping exercises used by world-class horse riding celebrities. The contributors are all Olympic riders or trainers at the very top of eventing. Their achievements include World, European and Olympic medals, Badminton and numerous Burghley Horse Trial wins. This book features sequential photographs and notes as to when to use the exercises, when not to, and how to fix common problems. It includes photographs of the celebrity riders and their training philosophies.

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

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

Drawing on the theories of the old masters of dressage, Lessons in Lightness:
The Art of Educating the Horse shows how both horse and rider can greatly benefit from traditional dressage techniques and exercises. Written by a veteran horse trainer with more than thirty years of experience, this is the only book that takes the core elements of classical dressage and applies them as the basis for good general horsemanship today.
With this step-by-step program, both horse and rider learn from each other. The rider is taught to focus on subtle nuances of communication, while the horse develops gymnastically so he can respond correctly to the aids. Once the horse masters the basic exercises, the rider not only has a very rideable horse, but also one that can perform and advance in almost any discipline for which it is suited--from dressage and show jumping to Western pleasure and performance riding.
An exploration into the horse's physiological and psychological state is the basis for building that strong bond most riders yearn to achieve. Learning lightness opens the door to the art of riding.

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

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

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

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

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

Eventing, known as the "complete competition," requires the same horse-and-rider team to complete a dressage test, a demanding cross-country obstacle course, and a show-jumping round on the same or successive days.
The author, one of this country's most successful competitors and trainers, offers a range of advice on selecting a compatible horse and appropriate tack and rider apparel, creating suitable and realistic training programs for all three phases, and preparing for and then competing in an entry-level event.
James C. Wofford competed on U.S. Equestrian Team three-day event squads for two decades, during which he won two Olympic team silver medals and an individual World Championship bronze medal. Now based in Upperville, Virginia, Wofford is one of this country's leading trainers whose students have won many major national and international eventing titles. He is also a well-known television commentator and magazine columnist.

Learn to ride correctly, safely, and confidently

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Whether it's for fishing or hunting, nature-watching or camping, or simply to get off the beaten path, there is no better way to travel through the backcountry than on horseback. And riding a sure-footed, responsive mount that has been trained to carry you and your equipment over the most rugged terrain is the best way of all.
To make sure that you and your horse are on the right foot, Dan Aadland, a seasoned horseman and packtripper, shares his expertise and experiences in The Complete Trail Horse. Beginning with advice on selecting a good trail mount (and why Tennessee Walking Horses and other laterally-gaited horses are especially suited for such work), the author delves into equipment, techniques, and strategies for training both the saddle horse and the pack horse to cover demanding and often dangerously steep inclines and descents, narrow ledges, and other features of backcountry terrain in a safe and efficient manner.
The book then moves on to tack and other items specifically designed for trail riding, more advanced training techniques (including contending with spooky, laggard, and overenthusiastic horses), and taking part in trail competitions. Concluding sections contain valuable information and insights into how to organize and then pack gear for the greatest comfort for yourself, the horse you'll ride, and the packhorse you'll lead.
Written with authority and enthusiasm, The Complete Trail Horse is the first--and the last--word on ensuring that you and your horses will be prepared for and can therefore enjoy to the fullest your trips through the backcountry and back home.
Dan Aadland, the author of Treading Lightly with Pack Animals: A Guide to Low-ImpactTravel in the Backcountry, is a frequent contributor to Western Horseman and other equestrian publications. He and his wife, Emily, live in Absarokee, Montana, where they breed Tennessee Walking Horses and organize packtrips.

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

B & W photographs throughout


From the Hardcover edition.

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

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

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