The Riding Handbook

by St Aubyn, Zoe

• ISBN13: 9781554072798
• ISBN10: 1554072794
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2007-07-28
• Publisher: Firefly Books Ltd

Summary

The Riding Handbook teaches the fundamentals of horsemanship in both the English and Western traditions. It is filled with expert advice and practical tips to help you improve your technique, increase your confidence and enrich the relationship with your horse. Topics include: Choosing the right riding equipment, Purchasing and caring for your horse, Riding positions and practice drills, Turning and jumping, Competitive riding. With more than 350 full-color photographs, easy-to-follow diagrams, step-by-step exercises and progressive practice programs, The Riding Handbook explores all aspects of equestrian sport. Book jacket.

Table of Contents

Introduction	p. 7
Getting to Know your Horse
Knowing your Horse	p. 8
Assessing Conformation	p. 10
Poor Conformation	p. 12
Choosing the Right Horse	p. 14
The Horse's Language	p. 16
General Handling	p. 18
Relationship Building	p. 20
Bonding Exercises	p. 22
Essential Equipment
English Tack	p. 24
Fitting an English Saddle	p. 26
Fitting a Bridle	p. 28
Other Equipment	p. 30
Western Tack	p. 32
The A-Z of Bits	p. 34
Work Clothes	p. 36
Riding Clothes	p. 38
What Not to Wear	p. 40
Riding Hats	p. 42
Body Protectors	p. 44
Learning to Ride
Basic Rider Fitness	p. 46
Mounting	p. 48
Dismounting	p. 50
Basic English Seat	p. 52
Common Problems	p. 54
Riding Western	p. 56
Achieving Balance	p. 58
The Aids	p. 60
Stopping and Starting	p. 62
The Walk	p. 64
The Trot	p. 66
The Canter	p. 68
The Gallop	p. 70
Turning and Circles	p. 72
Keeping Control	p. 74
Basic Jumping	p. 76
Bounce Strides	p. 78
The Right Instructor	p. 80
Lessons	p. 82
Understanding Terms	p. 84
Practice Drills	p. 86
Caring for your Horse
Basic Needs of a Horse	p. 90
The Grass-Kept Horse	p. 92
Feeding for Health	p. 94
Hoofcare	p. 96
Worming	p. 98
Teeth	p. 100
Vaccinations	p. 102
Pasture Management	p. 104
Preventing Ailments	p. 106
Choosing the Right Stable	p. 108
Bedding	p. 110
Grooming	p. 112
Checklist for Health	p. 114
When to Call the Vet	p. 116
A Holistic Approach	p. 118
Improving your Riding
The Right Approach	p. 120
Acquiring Advanced Skills	p. 122
Advanced Rider Fitness	p. 124
Lunging	p. 126
Long Reining	p. 130
Improving Transitions	p. 134
Your Jumping Seat	p. 136
Riding for Pleasure or Competition
Riding Club Activities	p. 138
Gymkhanas and Shows	p. 140
Competition Preparation	p. 142
Plaiting or Braiding	p. 144
Eventing and Hunter Trials	p. 146
Riding Classes	p. 148
Dressage	p. 150
Dressage Tests	p. 152
Cross-Country Schooling	p. 154
Le Trec and Endurance	p. 156
Racing	p. 158
Driving and Trotting	p. 160
Hacking and Trail Riding	p. 162
Holidays on Horseback	p. 164
Horse Transport	p. 166
Horses and Ponies of the World
How the Horse Evolved	p. 168
Humans and Horses	p. 170
Horse Breeds	p. 172
Breeds A-Z	p. 174
Glossary of Terms	p. 186
Index	p. 190
Acknowledgments	p. 192
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.

Excerpts

IntroductionEquestrianism is a sport on the increase. It is a great social sport and is one of the few where men and women can compete on equal terms. Riding can be started at any age and can very easily offer a lifetime of enjoyment for the whole family.Many people spend years attending riding clubs for regular lessons, while there are those who buy a horse and learn the ropes together. Whatever level you are at, there is always room for improvement, new skills to learn and better methods of achieving your goal.Horses are often portrayed as complex animals -- but this is not really true. They are very intelligent and, with the right level of understanding and training, they are totally cooperative. Their size makes them potentially dangerous so we, as humans, try to control and direct them in order to keep the upper hand.Horses like routine and continuity -- and these are good discipline for us as well. Having a horse or pony is not all about the riding: the stable management and what we do on the ground will set the standard for much of the ridden work.From a very young age I was enrolled in the Pony Club and our local riding club. Through both, I learned valuable lessons in horse and pony care and riding skills. Over the years I was able to take part in every discipline with a variety of ponies. I never had any fear but I did have huge respect for my animals and took the time to bond with them. It is fair to say that there are a lot more "gadgets" around today to assist the rider. In reality, though, there is no substitute for a good basis of knowledge both on and off the horse.I hope that this book will enable you to enjoy the sport of riding and owning your own horse to the utmost. It offers key advice on all of the important areas that you need to know about and aims to give you a desire to take your riding to the next level.Zoe St. Aubyn