In this book, you will find exercises for all levels of horse and rider, from novice level to advanced, in both dressage and jumping, including the use of props in training. The author shows how exercises can be combined to create the optimum learning experience for rider and horse, both from a teaching perspective and for solo training – a ‘teacher in a book’. Claire Lilley draws on her may years of experience as a riding coach, with insight from being a student in her formative years. She explains exercises from the teacher's perspective: what to look for, and key teaching points to consider. The last section of exercises is for development as a teacher, inviting the riding teacher to evaluate their own skills so as to to improve their coaching methods. Suggestions are given to improve coaching methods, such as observational skills of the physical and mental capacities of both horse and rider. Finally, training plans are given, using the exercises in practice, with consideration as to whether lessons are individual, shared or group, as well as lesson location. This book will be a valuable resource for riding instructors and pupils alike, a welcome addition to the teacher's library.

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.

For six decades, Lynn Palm has been a mainstay of the horse training, showing, and clinicing industry. Her successes in diversity in training and the development of willingness and ability across disciplines are unparalleled. She has four Superhorse Titles-a prize awarded to a horse that demonstrates a broad skillset and proficiency in multiple sports. In these pages, Lynn shares the eight keys to her success in training and competing, and how you, too-whether you're eventing or ranch riding-can shape a horse with a good attitude, correct movement, healthy biomechanics, and top-notch conditioning. A "Superhorse" will take you farther for longer, and you'll enjoy every minute of it. Readers will learn how: - Not all knowledge is good knowledge, and which knowledge is best. - Groundwork in the form of in-hand, longeing, liberty work, long-lining, and trick training is integral to attaining training goals - To incorporate longevity training with progressive lessons that have the "long game" in mind - The rider's ability directly impacts the horse's - A competitive edge serves both the recreational rider and the one who shows - To overcome the inevitable challenges when training a horse and facing questions of persistence versus suitability - We need to do better for the horse in equestrian sport - "Giving back" to the industry provides a foundation for Superhorses for generations to come With a rich mix of stories curated from years of horse adventures, practical ideas you can put to work in your own arena, and exercises to incorporate in your daily practice, Finding Your Superhorse is the rare inspiring read that teaches. Throughout, Lynn's warmth of character and intense commitment to horses, horse people, and improving the industry that has given her a life and a livelihood shine through, guiding us all toward what's possible and the "super" in every horse.

Examine the anatomy of a horse from an entirely different perspective. This intriguing and original explanation of the 11 internal body systems of horses shows them painted on the outside to describe everything on the inside. The horse is a highly sophisticated living organism so to enable him to reach his full athletic performance and give him a happy, healthy quality of life it is vital to understand both his capabilities and limitations within the context of his structure and function. Gillian Higgins turns her trademark technique of painting internal diagrams directly onto live horses to show how all the systems work, and work together, to influence performance and reduce the risk of injury. Divided into 12 chapters, Horse Anatomy for Performance combines high quality photographs and intricate paintings with top tips and fascinating facts to provide a practical and useful guide to horse anatomy. Visually appealing, original and easily understandable, the book explains how anatomy influences the way we manage, ride and train our horses. This book is a sequel to How Your Horse Moves by Gillian Higgins; together the books provide a comprehensive guide to horse anatomy in action. 'Finally a book where you can learn how your horse ticks - inside out - and it is easy to understand and fun to read. A must for every serious equestrian.' Dr W. Bechtolsheimer

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.

'Poignant and compelling, an equine Bridget Jones.' - Racing Post Being a stable lass is probably one of the hardest jobs in the country, and yet for Gemma Hogg it is the most rewarding. She works in the beautiful Yorkshire market town of Middleham and if her colleagues are occasionally challenging, then the horses are downright astonishing. Now, in Stable Lass, she takes us into the closed world of a top racing yard, from the elation of having several winners in one day to the almost indescribable grief of losing a horse. Like most stable lads and lasses, Gemma arrived in her yard as a teenager fresh out of racing college and had to cope with living away from home for the first time, as well as adapting to the brutal long hours, backbreaking work and often treacherous weather. She describes falling in love with Polo Venture, the first racehorse in her care, the pure exhilaration of riding him on Middleham Gallops for the first time and what happens when a horse takes against you, from the growling gelding Valiant Warrior to the potentially lethal Broadway Boy. She brings to life the characters around the yard, from straight-talking boss Micky Hammond to the jockeys starving themselves to make weight, the wealthy owners and the other stable lads and lasses who come from a range of different places and backgrounds. Stable Lass by Gemma Hogg is a unique look into the world of horse racing filled with heart-warming stories and amazing thoroughbreds - some loveable, some cantankerous, all impressive.

A collection for equine enthusiasts *An all-new collection of the best of the classics *Editor was anchor of horse sports in ESPN *Fresh, new series design A perfect gift for riders, writers, or literary buffs, Horse Stories is an essential collection of some of the most compelling stories ever written about America's horses.

The average rider doesn't have Olympic aspirations and a $10,000 horse. Most riders just want to learn as much as they can about horses, to ride as well as possible, and to enjoy the companionship of their equine partners. Many riders, however, feel frustrated with their lack of progress, struggle with uncomfortable tack or painful joints, or find themselves losing confidence after a frightening experience.
In her informal yet informative style, clinician and equine behavior expert Jessica Jahiel addresses numerous rider concerns, from head (properly fitting a helmet) to toe (breaking in a pair of stiff new boots) and everything inbetween (those aching knees). Following the successful question-and-answer format of "The Horse Behavior Problem Solver, she presents real life situations and addresses them in comprehensive detail, offering proven solutions to common problems.
Starting from the ground up, Jahiel covers technical issues in Part I: Mount Up and Ride, addressing questions about mounting and dismounting, position in the saddle, and jumping and trail riding. Part II covers physical and emotional issues, ranging from finding the right size horse to facing fears to seeing things from the horse's point of view. A third section on tack and clothing includes a variety of topics, from holding the reins correctly to using a whip to making saddles more comfortable. Finally, in Part IV: Getting Better all the Time, Jahiel discusses finding (and working with) a good instructor, attending clinics, preparing for shows, and understanding what the judges might be thinking.
The problems presented in this book will be familiar to riders of all levels of experience andin all styles of riding. Jahiel's detailed advice encourages riders to relax and enjoy their relationship with the horse, to always keep learning, and above all, to put the horse first.

Schooling your horse is fundamental to any equestrian activity, so getting it right is essential to you and your horse's progression. 101 Schooling Exercises enables you to plan the exercises you want to ride according to you and your horse's level of ability. Whether you want to increase your horse's balance, general impulsion or practice more advance lateral work the easy-to-follow exercises explain everything in order for you to ride the movement correctly, what may go wrong and advice on how to correct it. Each exercise is accompanied by an aerial illustration of the arena and additional diagrams showing the rider's position, including where the emphasis should be on the rider's aids. Stars from the equestrian world also divulge their favourite training exercises including top celebrity tips and advice. * Includes progressive exercises for all levels of riding from novice to intermediate * Easy-to-follow diagrams and illustrations * Favourite training exercises from celebrities of the equestrian world including Richard Davison, Pippa Funnell, Tim Stockdale, Lizzie Murray, Sylvia Loch, John Lassetter, Jennie Loriston-Clarke, Karen Dixon, Mary King, and Lee Pearson * Compiled in consultation with Andrew Day, former international event rider and Senior Lecturer at the Training the Teachers of Tomorrow Trust (TTT) 'This book is simply a must-buy volume.' Horse

ONE OF USA TODAY'S "20 SUMMER BOOKS YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS" In the bestselling tradition of works by such authors as Susan Orlean and Mary Roach, a New York Times reporter and Pulitzer Prize finalist explores why so many people-including herself-are obsessed with horses. It may surprise you to learn that there are over seven million horses in America-even more than when they were the only means of transportation-and nearly two million horse owners. Acclaimed journalist and avid equestrian Sarah Maslin Nir is one of them; she began riding horses when she was just two years old and hasn't stopped since. Horse Crazy is a fascinating, funny, and moving love letter to these graceful animals and the people who-like her-are obsessed with them. It is also a coming-of-age story of Nir growing up an outsider within the world's most elite inner circles, and finding her true north in horses. Nir takes readers into the lesser-known corners of the riding world and profiles some of its most captivating figures. We meet Monty Roberts, the California trainer whose prowess earned him the nickname "the man who listens to horses," and his pet deer; George and Ann Blair, who at their riding academy on a tiny island in Manhattan's Harlem River seek to resurrect the erased legacy of the African American cowboy; and Francesca Kelly, whose love for an Indian nobleman shaped her life's mission: to protect an endangered Indian breed of horse and bring them to America. Woven into these compelling character studies, Nir shares her own moving personal narrative. She details her father's harrowing tale of surviving the Holocaust, and describes an enchanted but deeply lonely upbringing in Manhattan, where horses became her family. She found them even in the middle of the city, in a stable disguised in an old townhouse and in Central Park, when she chased down truants as an auxiliary mounted patrol officer. And she speaks candidly of how horses have helped her overcome heartbreak and loss. Infused with heart and wit, and with each chapter named after a horse Nir has loved, Horse Crazy is an unforgettable blend of beautifully written memoir and first-rate reporting.

To develop a harmonious partnership with your horse, whether you have ambitions in the competition arena or not, you need to develop a two-way communication system that is clear to both of you. In this new paperback edition of The Building Blocks of Training, Debby Lush, international dressage rider and senior instructor at the Training the Teachers of Tomorrow Trust, offers practical assistance in developing such a system, a progressive and logical one that is firmly rooted in classical training. The ultimate aim is to enhance the horse's mental and physical capabilities and so allow him to move easily and happily forward from the earliest simple steps to the more complicated efforts required further up the competition ladder. With step-by-step guides to every aspect of schooling from lungeing to lengthening (touching on the foundations to move on to the more advanced movements), and with troubleshooting sections to identify why things are going wrong and how to solve them, this book will be invaluable to countless horse and rider partnerships.

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.

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.

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.

The Lady Rode Bucking Horses depicts an era of the American West when capturing renegade horses from the hills above the homestead served as training ground for extraordinary horsemanship. It documents the life of the outstanding girl who outrode them all at stampedes and roundups and the woman she became, her spirit undaunted throughout a life marked with courage and adventure, triumph and heartache. Born on a Montana homestead in 1887, at the age of two, Fannie Sperry declared "I gonna catch me a white-face horsie." A remarkable woman who became a world champion, she raced thoroughbreds with a women's relay team known as the Montana Girls, twice won the title of Lady Bucking Horse Champion of the World, rode with Buffalo Bill Cody and other top western performers, became the first woman in the state of Montana to be granted an outfitters license, and was named a charter member of the Cowboy Hall of Fame.

A crucial element of eventing is that horse and rider complete the cross-country course within a set time ('the optimum time'). If the competitor takes longer, significant penalty points are awarded against him or her. Many eventers try to achieve the optimum time by taking unnecessary risks, which, as Stuart Tinney explains, can be avoided if the correct training is carried out.

Stuart Tinney, an Olympic gold medallist, completed the Sydney Olympic course easily within the optimum time, not through uncontrollable speed but through accurate and controlled riding. This skill and the associated training and horse management are explained and demonstrated in the book, including:

- Equipment for the horse and rider

- Walking the course

- Riding cross country safely and efficiently

- Training for cross country in the arena

- Horse fitness and management

- Horse types

This book will therefore be of interest to all eventers from introductory to advanced level.

Photograph of Stuart Tinney riding Calvin at Berrima by Max Wilson: agenda photography

Jane Houghton Brown shows how to teach both horse and rider to successfully clear show jumps and cross-county fences with confidence--at all stages of horse and rider development from novice rider to advanced-level competitor. The book will serve as a specific reference for the career instructor following the British Horse Society examination system. For the rider, the book will also be a manual for the training of young horses or the retraining of older horses. This book shows how successful techniques can be taught effectively at all levels of competence, setting out key points, objectives and solutions to problems at all stages, including how to tackle fear and build confidence.

Dressage training has changed little over the centuries and the principles laid down by the Riding Masters are as pertinent now as they have ever been. Understanding Dressage Training provides essential reading to those wanting to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of successful training. Everything you do on top of your horse, and how you do it is considered 'training' because you are forming habits for both the horse and yourself. For a balanced partnership between horse and rider it is important that it is fully understood what it is that you are aiming to achieve and exactly how you go about achieving it.

Do you struggle with pain, a lack of mobility, or a position in the saddle that just won't improve? Do you ever feel like you cannot find the right exercise routine to help your body and your riding, let alone fit it into your busy schedule? Biomechanics for the Equestrian wil show you how to prepare your body for life in and out of the saddle by changing the way you move throughout the day. Discover what is causing your lower back pain or the stiffness in your hips and learn how you can move yourself away from discomfort and towards performance, without having to find extra time in your day. Key topics covered include: the physiology of movement; understanding your body; the riding connection; alignment; expansion breathing; mobilization; strengthening and integrating exercises into a busy day. Working with the mechanics of the human body and how we were all designed to move, you will learn how to build a sustainable and functional body that can sit in the saddle with comfort, strength and balance.