Riding, showjumping and horsemanship Books

Book SynopsisDressage 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.

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Book SynopsisFor riders at all levels, Carl Hester and Bernadette Faurie aim to make dressage training accessible with step-by-step guides for improving the horse's paces, riding dressage movements, and competing. Essentially this book is about every rider making the most of his or her potential and, in the process, producing a horse that is more pleasing to ride and more athletic in its body. The book offers advice on training all types of horse and in everyday language, explains how to set about improving the horse's paces and suppleness, whilst keeping him happy and enthusiastic in his work. It describes how to ride dressage movements, from simple circles to flying changes, and pointing out common mistakes and how to correct them. Carl Hester is seen, in over more than 100 specially shot photographs, schooling his horses at home, bringing on youngsters and fine-tuning the more experienced animals.Table of ContentsDedication & Authors What is Dressage Q word from Carl & Bernie Carl's horses Perfect Paces: 1 Walk 2 Trot 3 Canter 4 Transitions 5 Halt, Move off, rein back 6 Engagement Smart Moves: 7 Circles & Turns 8 Starting lateral work - leg yield 9 Shoulder-in 10 Travers and half pass 11 Flying changes Putting it all into practice: 12 Practising your test 13 Dressage to music 14 Working through the seasons 15 Tense, spooky horses 16 Tack 17 Keep on improving

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Book SynopsisReal Riding offers different ways to approach traditional and natural principles of horsemanship. The emphasis throughout is on employing empathy and understanding and looking at things from the horse's point of view. It sheds light on common misconceptions, difficulties and contradictions, and the pages are crammed with exercises, simple "tricks" and things to do that can make a real difference. Perry Wood aims to put harmony with horses within grasp of every rider and brings the art of riding into the 21st century.Trade ReviewIf I could prop it between my horse's ears to refer to whilst riding this would be a bonus. Table of ContentsPart 1: Horsework 1.Horses are totally amazing! 2.Nine ridiculously obvious facts about horses Part 2: Riderwork 3.True balance: standing up with a horse between your legs! 4.Legs, legs, legs 5.Hands, fist, elbow and wrist 6.Contact - and the million-dollar question 7.Is it a bird, is it a plane, or is it an aid? 8.Go, stop and changing gear 9.Effective steering Part 3: Mindwork 10.Positive attitude 11.Developing infinite patience 12.Using role models 13.Visualisation and imagination 14.Confidence and nerves 15.Beyond the mind: the state of true 'being' with horses Part 4: Partnership Work 16.The three paces 17.School figures: how and why never to find them boring! 18.To be or not to be 'on the bit' 19.Taking lessons 20.Sideways movements 21.'The magic tool' : inside leg to outside hand 22.Creative experimentation Part 5: Horsemanship Work 23.Aspects of safety - for the rider 24.The horse's safety 25.Basics revisited: leading, tacking up and mounting 26.Crisis management 27.Freedom, fun and fresh air

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Book SynopsisLungeing and Long-Reining, published in association with The British Horse Society, is a step-by-step guide to training, exercising and suppling horses from the ground, written by Britain's leading exponent of the art. The book begins with advice on handling untrained youngsters and works through a logical training progression, culminating in advanced dressage movements. Straightforward guidance is given on: Training foals and young horses Lungeing equipment and technique Introducing long-reins and early lateral work Backing and riding young horses Lungeing over poles and fences Advanced long-reining; including cantering, rein-back, shoulder-in, travers, half pirouettes, half-pass, renvers, canter half-pass, canter pirouettes and tempi flying changes. Piaffe and passage Olympic dressage rider and trainer Jennie Loriston-Clarke has broken and schooled countless dressage and jumping horses, and initially uses lungeing and long-reining to establish the horse's basic education and create mutual respect between horse and handler. The knowledge she has gained over the years while working with novices and older 'difficult' horses sent for retraining, is distilled in this book into simple instructions, so that others can avoid making costly mistakes when training their horses. The goal throughout is to produce a horse that is confident, keen and happy in his work — which should be the aim of every trainer. Illustrated with specially commissioned sequence photographs, this book will prove particularly valuable in the early training of young horses, as well as in improving or retraining older horses, and refining dressage movements in advance horses.Trade ReviewA step-by-step guide to the art of training, exercising and suppling horses from the ground, by one of the world s leading exponents of the art. Starting with training foals and young horses, Jennie works through to perfecting in-hand piaffe and passage. Often lunging is rushed through in the trainer s eagerness to get the horse going under saddle, which surely is the ultimate aim when a horse is being broken in. In this beautifully illustrated book Lorison-Clarke shows how lunging and long reining can be used to firstly establish the horse s basic education, but also how to use this with older, difficult horses. Loriston-Clarke's knowledge, and willingness to share this, shines through in the text of this book. It is written in an easy to read, no nonsense style that will make this book one that can be dipped into over and over again.The book is a must read for anyone training a young and/or inexperienced horse, I wish I'd have known a lot of the safety techniques when re-schooling an ex-racehorse we had to stay last Summer. Since reading I have a deeper understanding of lungeing – why we do what we do – and feel more confident and effective in my training. I have added a new string to my bow in the form of long reining...something I have only ever done once before and I am thoroughly enjoying playing with the technique in the safe confines of the school and as I gain experience I am looking forward to practising the more advanced moves to improve our suppleness. -- Jessica ChallenorTable of ContentsPreface Acknowledgements 1. Handling 2. Training the Young Horse 3. Lungeing 4. Long-Reining the Young Horse 5. Backing and Riding Young Horses 6. Lungeing over Fences 7. Advanced Long-Reining 8. Piaffe and Passage Conclusion Index

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Book SynopsisThis is the 51st "Threshold Picture Guide" where Perry Wood gives much needed advice on common riding problems. It gives practical tips on how to improve your horse's behaviour under saddle, making him safer to ride and a pleasure to own. Subjects covered include bucking, rearing, head-tossing, shying, jogging, bolting, napping, refusing to jump, nose poking, difficult to mount, hard-mouthed, overexcited and inattentive to the rider.Trade ReviewThis book provides helpful techniques and tips to deal with the problem horse, covering most behavioural problems including bucking, rearing, shying, refusing to jump and many more. The book gives a definitive guide of each problem, the causes, riding tips and actions used to resolve the issues. The information helps the reader to understand the problem from the horse's point of view and practical tips that are easily applied. The book is basic but informative, clearly laid out, easy to read and concise. It is particularly useful for the novice rider, helping to gain greater knowledge into the horse's mind.

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Book SynopsisRiding skills guru Mary Wanless looks at a series of common rider faults or problems and, through words and photos, explains how to correct them. Each fault or problem is demonstrated by a different rider - some working at basic level, others advanced. Mary gives each rider a lesson, taking them through the (often subtle) changes they have to make, and recording their progress with specially taken photographs. Readers can witness the changes taking place and understand through Mary's gifted teaching, how to make the necessary shift to improve their own riding skills.The 'before' and 'after' pictures show not only the improvements in the rider's position and effectiveness but also in their horse's way of going, for the two are interconnected. Among the topics for in-depth discussion are rider position, muscle tone and stabilisation; how our minds and bodies learn new techniques or change old habits; rider asymmetry; mental attitudes; lateral work; advanced work; and faults such as tipping forward, leaning back, hollowing the back, rounding the back, and pulling on the inside rein.Table of ContentsForeword by Heather Blitz Acknowledgements Introduction Part 1: Ride with Your Mind 1. On learning 2. The model: walk, trot, canter Part 2: The Clinic The Four Defaults 3. Tipping forward 4. Hollowing the back 5. Rounding the back 6. Leaning back Asymmetries 7. Symmetry and the turning aids 8. Stacking the torso Building the Skills 9. Focused concentration 10. Lateral work 11. Advanced work: half-pass, piaffe, passage and pirouettes Epilogue Index

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Book SynopsisIf you want to progress up from novice and need some help with the more advanced novice and elementary movements you will find this book really helpful. Kottas looks at each of the horses paces and gives a clear guide to what is required and most importantly how to achieve this. There are some excellent illustrations which clearly show everything from the rider's aids to the flexion required from the horse. The book also includes some stunning photographs which again are very easy to understand. There are also sections on lateral movements, changes of lead and piaffe and passage for those with greater ambitions.

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Book SynopsisAccomplished 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.Trade ReviewThis book focuses on the skills of coaching rather than how to teach the actual skills of riding. In true Islay Auty style this book is easy to read and hard to put down. It's packed full of useful, easy to find information, making it perfect for anyone who is thinking of, or already training for the UK Coaching Certificate in Equestrian Sport, as well as anyone who is newly qualified or still studying for their teaching certificate.The book is written in an interactive style with thought provoking questions embedded into each chapter, such as When you ask a question, do you listen to the answer? At the end of each chapter is a useful summary and top tips. Also various scenarios or case studies are used for further explanation. Coaching Skills is written for riding teachers who wish to enhance their teaching skills, especially for those who are newly qualified or still studying for their teaching certificate. In particular, this book provides excellent reading for those seeking to achieve the UK Coaching Certificate in Equestrian Sport. An interesting and thought- provoking read.Table of ContentsIntroduction - How to use this book - A few definitions Chapter 1 - 'You' as a Coach - Qualities of a coach - Developing as a coach Chapter 2 - Communication - First impressions - Listening - Questions Chapter 3 - How People Learn - Good and Bad Experiences - The learning process - Development teaching/coaching styles Chapter 4 - Awareness and Judgement - Developing awareness as a coach - Developing awareness in the rider - Physical ability and fitness - Psychology of rider and horse Chapter 5 - Taking Responsibility - The coach's responsibility - The rider's responsibility - Joint responsibility to the horse Chapter 6 - Aims - Planning - Assessment - Outcomes Chapter 7 - Coach-led and Rider-led Training - How styles develop - Changing emphasis Chapter 8 - Coaching Children - Starting age and motivation - Physical considerations - Teaching pointers - Exceptionally talented riders Chapter 9 - Working with the Recreational Rider - Pleasure riders and the riding school - Nervous riders - Riders who come to the sport late in life - Riders returning to the sport - Non-competitive riders Chapter 10 - Coaching the Competitive Rider - Recognising young talent - From weekly rider to competitive rider - Motivation - Dealing with success and failure Chapter 11 - A Career in Equestrian Coaching - Basic requisites for coaching - Developing and specialising - Employment Chapter 12 - The Practical Application of Coaching - Facilities - Problem-solving and exercises for lessons - Reflection - Maintaining self-motivation Chapter 13 - Understanding your Sport - The British Equestrian Federation and member bodies - Competing and coaching - The British Horse Society and its role in instruction - Other training and coaching qualifications and initiatives Index

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Book SynopsisWhat does the horse feel when a rider is crooked in the saddle? What is it like to go faster or slower, to round curves and travel straight, with an unbalanced load to carry? What goes through the horse's mind when he is over-flexed and over-aided...when he is forced into biomechanically unsound positions? What happens when a prey animal (the horse) must learn to defeat his own preservation instinct and perform on cue with a predator (humankind) clinging to his back? In this important book, Dr. Ulrike Thiel-a clinical psychologist, psychotherapist, sport psychologist, dressage rider, riding instructor, judge, and Xenophon Society classical trainer-examines these important questions, and others. With the use of exercises and astute comparisons, Thiel gives readers an eye-opening tour of the realm of the ridden dressage horse, ensuring we all work to make the job of "being ridden" part of a mutual pursuit-a dance involving two engaged and caring partners, a friendship binding mind and body.

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Book SynopsisThe book outlines the connections within - the different factors affecting the horse/rider partnership (e.g. rider biomechanics, horse posture and proprioception, saddle balance, mental focus, how horses learn). Lindsay looks at how we can improve our own biomechanics, explains dysfunction patterns in the rider's body, and offers cutting-edge anti-spasm and nerve-mobility exercises to improve the rider's shock-absorption capacity. A chapter on fluidity and flow provides a unique standing exercise series to mobilise postural lines and unwind stuck patterns. There is an 8-week conditioning programme of short workouts, focussing on balancing the hip muscles and spinal mobility; and for the horse, a selection of highly effective exercises to improve his posture, carriage and muscle recruitment. There are tricks and tips to reduce training trials and tribulations, including how to sit even the biggest-moving horse's trot. She even explains how to teach your horse a language of aids for clear communication between horse and rider. The mind/body connection is also examined, using Emotional Freedom Technique to reduce performance anxiety and develop the skills of mental rehearsal - absolutely vital for creating and stimulating neural pathways for learning dressage tests, jumping a confident show jumping round or even just hacking without fear affecting performance.Trade Review'Whether you just enjoy hacking out or you have serious competition ambitions, this book will help you understand all about biomechanics and how to apply it when you are in the saddle.' * Horse Magazine *"Wilcox-Reid is an experienced dressage trainer who applies her knowledge of animal behavior, biomechanics and psychology to deepen the bond between horse an human and help you achieve equestrian mastery." * Pilates Style magazine *

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Book SynopsisKarin 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.

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Book SynopsisWhile there are many excellent books that help the rider to address the technical goals of dressage, Ride from the Heart can transform the way in which the reader communicates with his horse. Rider and trainer Jenny Rolfe has written this book to share the experiences she gained in Portugal, a country with a long and spiritual history of classical training. For many years Jenny has been writing articles about classical horsemanship and her innovative techniques - particularly communication through breathing - which aim for ultimate lightness and empathy in riding have been met with much interest. Through techniques used in loose work, work in-hand and under saddle, the reader will be on the way to enhancing a sense of 'feel', which in turn will encourage oneness and a spirit of dance between horse and rider. The book underlines throughout, the importance of maintaining a bond of leadership, respect and friendship with our horse and within the pages are important tools for achieving these goals. Wherever you are within your level of training, this book will help to enhance and enrich your relationship with your horse so that art may be formed through love.Trade ReviewLearn to communicate with your horse with breath-energy awareness. Jenny teaches a deeper connection from the ground and in the saddle. -- Reviewer, Horse & Rider * Horse & Rider *

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Book SynopsisSchooling the horse is not just about riding - many problems or misunderstandings between horse and rider can, and should be, sorted out on the ground before attempting to ride at all. This book explains how to school your horse from the ground, starting with fundamental techniques, and gives progressive exercises to work through. It explains the importance of stretching work, how to establish a correct outline, and how to build strength and suppleness. Remedial work is also included to improve crookedness, unbalance, and stiffness, for example. Also covered is the use of training aids where necessary, and schooling over ground poles and cavaletti, as well as jumping the horse on the lunge. Observing your horse working without a rider gives you valuable insight as to the correctness of his paces, how his muscle development can be improved, and his general attitude and willingness. When your horse is moving beautifully on his own, there is no reason why he cannot do the same with you in the saddle.Trade ReviewFor novices, there are lots of tips to help you - the handler - get it right. Horse Magazine

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Book SynopsisAt last a book that demystifies the communication system between rider and horse. Equestrian sports physiologist Eckart Meyners, and Hannes Muller, head instructor for the German National Riding School, show how good riding is a three-dimensional dialogue. Beginning with a thorough explanation of the classical training scale and a six-step program to build balance and rhythm, Meyners and Muller go on to three basic riding techniques -the flexing technique, the bending technique, and the half-halt technique, which they believe to be the foundation for all training. These are the primary skills for riding in dialogue with a horse. Throughout, exercises are provided to refine technique and work through the training scale, finally achieving the skill level necessary for horse and rider to work in collection.Trade ReviewEffortless communication is what every rider aims to achieve with their horse - and this book holds the key. It combines the expertise of a sports physiologist and the head of the German National Riding School Horse Magazine "Through detailed explanation and a range of exercises to refine techniques and preparation, the book aims to show how to build balance and rhythm" NYU Countryside Magazine

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Book SynopsisDo 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.Trade Review" The message of this book is uplifting and encouraging. I have read several books on 'bodywork' of various sorts for riders but this is probably the one that has really enabled me to understand the various processes involved in the everyday movements we make and where so many of us are going wrong. " * Tracking Up *

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Book SynopsisHorses 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.Trade ReviewThis is a heartening exploration of ways of being with horses that are satisfying and rewarding for both horse and human. * Therapy Today *I commend to you Claire Lilley's excellent book on The Psychology of Horsemanship. -- Capt S R A Nicholls, The Blues and Royals, Riding Master * The Household Cavalry Journal *

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Book SynopsisAs riders, we often spend many hours training independently without regular access to high quality coaches, sport psychologists, biomechanic specialists or exercise physiologists. This can be the difference between performing well and performing to the best of your ability consistently and reliably over the long term. By bringing together the science of training, coaching and psychology, Be Your Own Equine Sports Coach explores the horse and rider as individual athletes and how, as a combination, you can meet the demands of competition by building highly personalized strategies and techniques that enable you to reach your potential in whatever discipline you choose and whatever your ambition. Key areas covered include: making sports psychology work for you; understanding human peak performance; the physiological and biomechanical demands of horse sport; developing sport specific training programmes; analysing your performance, and finally, strategic development and authentic leadership.Trade Review'This book provides the reader with a complete picture of the requirements for achieving success in equestrian sport. The successful rider will not only be a great competitor on the day but will have an understanding of all the components that come into play in terms of training, conditioning and developing the equine athlete, who is their partner. This well researched book will stimulate the reader to analyse and understand what elements are involved in achieving the best out of their equine partner. I would recommend this book to any rider, whether amateur or professional, young or mature, who has aspirations to compete at the top level of equestrian sport.' -- Christopher Bartle FBHS, High Performance Coach - British Eventing Team

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Book SynopsisThere are many books and DVDs devoted to the technical training of horse and rider - how to perform movements correctly, clear obstacles, communicate efficiently, and in other ways attain the idealised image of an athletic partnership that results in competitive success. But this book is different: its focus is how the rider and trainer can make it easier for the horse to perform optimally. This includes improved understanding of what are reasonable expectations for a particular horse at a certain level of schooling, how to improve his fitness (including strength and conditioning), as well as background on how injuries may develop as a result of interaction between internal and external factors, such as genetics, conformation, management, and training. Relying on her veterinary background, in-depth research, and dozens of interviews with top riders and trainers from around the world - including Beezie Madden, Carl Hester, and Pippa Funnell, to name just a few - Lonnell provides guidelines for nurturing a happy, healthy equine athlete. With special focus on conscientious pacing when building the horse's physical capability over time, diversification of schooling practices, detail-oriented management and care, and putting the horse's needs above competitive ambition, readers are given a solid grasp of what it takes to truly reach the pinnacle of equestrian sport - and remain there - on a consistent basis. Throughout, gorgeous colour photographs of world-class horses and the people who work with them visually demonstrate the success of these methods.Trade ReviewThis is a book of infinite use to the rider who wants to improve their riding and horse management, for someone who is interested in providing the best for their horse. It is filled with good sense and offers plenty of references for research possibilities for the rider who is hungry for further knowledge. -- Louise Broderick * Horse and Pony Ireland *Written by an equine vet, there is input from some top GB riders like Carl, Pippa and John Whittaker through interviews which help to build a picture of how they train, what they do, how they cope with loss of performance and how they carefully build the horse's physical capabilities over many years to produce top sport horses that can continue to compete for as long as possible and be successful... Dotted around the book are some universally relevant snippets of information and good advice from author and contributors: ride on a variety of surfaces, treat each horse as an individual, keep the horse happy and give him as good a life as possible, the most expensive horses don't always end up at the top, don't compete too much, feed carefully (especially supplements) and lots of other worthy information. -- Wendy Parsons * Essex Rider *Table of ContentsForewordAcknowledgements1. Background – why this book?2. The horse’s body – anatomy and functionThe internal organsThe musculoskeletal system3. Preventing injuryWhat does scientific research say?What do champion riders and top vets say?4. The ‘right’ horse – are you a good match?Points to considerAre you a good match?Advice when buying a horse5. Allow your horse timeShow the young horse respectTreat the horse as an individual6. Your responsibilities as a riderThe horse’s manager – youImproving yourself mentally and physicallyBuild a skilled team7. Feeding, supplements and water8. Riding surfaces – vary where you rideSurface characteristics and useMaintenance9. TrainingBasic training principlesInjury risk and training antidotesTraining planning10. Competition plans and travelCompetition planningTravelling (to competitions)11. Supplements, medication and dopingReferences – Scientific studiesCopyright

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Book SynopsisAimed at the first-time pony owner, this book provides sound and practical advice on all aspects of finding, buying and caring for a pony. Beautifully illustrated throughout, Pony Care: A Complete Guide to Buying and Caring for Your First Pony is an essential step-by-step guide for the non-horsey parent. Topics include: Points to consider before buying, how to find and try the right pony and when to buy Where to keep the pony, transport Daily routine, feeding, health and exercise Shoeing, tack and equipment, clipping and turnout Selling the pony. Written in an accessible and light-hearted style, readers will benefit from Alison’s wealth of experience and gain a true insight into what is involved in owning a pony.Trade ReviewYou may well be saying to yourself ‘not another first-pony book’ but I can assure you that this one is better than most. It is long, comprehensive, with lots of sound advice and, although covering all the things parents want and/or need to know, it also has colour photos and other illustrations on just about every page, which will help retain the interest of children, too. -- Gill Cooper * Tracking-UP *Table of ContentsChapters include: Points to consider before buying When is the right time to buy? Trying the pony Where to keep the pony Daily Routine Feeding Shoeing Exercise Pony Health Tack and equipment Transport Selling the pony

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Book Synopsis"This is a much needed book on the Weight Aids which should be close to the heart of all who teach and coach riding." - Patrick Print OBE FBHSThis book is designed for all riders from the very novice to the most advanced. Sylvia Loch teaches through illustrations and photos how each tiny shift of the riders weight will affect the horses balance.The weight aids are generally taught only to higher level students especially those learning the more advanced skills. Yet, by including them from the beginning, novice riders will develop a much greater understanding of their own bodies and abilities and those of the horse from day one.In Sylvia's words...: The time has surely come to show all riders how their body-weight impacts on the horse for good or bad. Feel and balance should govern the whole ethos of equitation. In this book, I show through pictures how the giving of the aids can transform the horse in each and every movement so that our communication with this wonderful animal takes us to new levels of understanding and empathy. The Rider's Balance is well written and easy to understand, and is yet another classic riding book from one of Britain's leading classical riding advocates, Sylvia Loch.Trade ReviewThe chapter headings give an inkling of the scope of this book, but not of the minute detail and clarity of the explanations and expansions of each sub-topic, which slot it all into place. You will not be able to not use weight aids when you've read this book! If you only buy one book this year about riding, make it this one. -- Gill Cooper * Tracking Up *Table of ContentsForeword About Sylvia - A Special Connection Introduction Chapter 1. Mindfulness Chapter 2. The Weight Aids Chapter 3. Natural Balance Chapter 4. Our Basic Aids Chapter 5. The Weight Aids of the Rider's Seat Chapter 6. Straightness, Forward and Back Chapter 7. How the Horse Moves into Pressure Chapter 8. Moving Away from Pressure Chapter 9. Jumping into Canter Chapter 10. Onward and Upward Chapter 11. Going with the Flow In Conclusion Picture Credits Acknowledgements

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Book SynopsisEvery horse person strives to grow in ability and understanding over time whether in the saddle, on the ground, or in the stable; whether in ways that are small or those that are significant. This effort, when done right, lasts a lifetime, and along the way requires the addition of knowledge and experience gleaned from numerous others. Where does one find leadership within the equine industry? How does one know to whom to turn for information? Does riding require an instructor, a trainer, a coach? Can you get by with part-time guidance? Can you effectively learn on your own, with just the occasional directive, and still find personal or competitive success? With this book, renowned clinician and international team coach Eric Smiley intends to fill the gap when it comes to these questions and others, providing a reliable resource and educational companion for any aspiring equestrian. Smiley addresses fundamental topics pertinent to riders, with philosophical discussion and practical exercises applicable to all levels. Along the way he strives to educate them on being taught, and perhaps, one day, becoming the teachers. His aim is to bring together the mind of the rider with the mind of the horse, while highlighting the key component in their synergy: understanding. How that understanding is acquired, retained, and put to use is the key to success.Trade ReviewEric Smiley is one of the few in the equestrian world who has gone from being a top international rider to a top international trainer and coach. He has a great technical knowledge that he combines with a well-thought-through ideology and philosophy. Eric is a naturally good horseman who has a common-sense approach to not just coaching the horse and rider, but also to solving problems where they occur. It’s therefore no surprise to me that Eric has given his book the title Two Brains, One Aim, and it’s a must read for not just coaches but also for riders on all levels. -- Yogi BreisnerIt is a truism to say that the best coaches are those who are themselves great students. For the 40 years I have been his supporter and colleague, Eric Smiley has always been a great student. Always listening, always questioning, always thoughtful, he never rests on his laurels but continually looks for new challenges and better ideas. This attitude, combined with his wide experience, gives his words special value. -- William MicklemI have known Eric Smiley, for many years, firstly as a competitor and then as an instructor, trainer and coach up to championship level. Eric has, like me, worked with riders at every level of experience and natural ability. I have had the opportunity to read his book Two Brains, One Aim and am struck by the evident practical horsemanship that comes through combined with reference and connection to the classical principles of equitation. Eric often puts himself into the mind and skin of the horse, so his advice has obvious feeling at its heart—what it feels like to be a horse. At the same time he also relates to the pupil and what it is like to be taught a skill. This is an interesting and thought-provoking book for anyone involved as a coach, instructor, or trainer at any level in the sport. -- Christopher BartleI have known Eric Smiley, watched him ride/compete and teach for many years, indeed, have been on the receiving end of some of these lessons. He has always had an incredible ability to break down any problems with a sympathetic and easily understood method—often with a great sense of humor added to take the sting out of any constructive criticism. This book will be an incredible help and reference point for any equestrian. Covering all aspects of training, teaching, and understanding of our equine athletes, it is a must-have. -- Ian Stark, OBETable of ContentsChapter One: Introduction Chapter Two: How You Learn Chapter Three: Coaching Now and Then Chapter Four: How Horses Learn Chapter Five: The Young Horse Chapter Six: The Inappropriate Partner Chapter Seven: Early Training Chapter Eight: Developing Skills Chapter Nine: The Gaits Chapter Ten: Dressage Outside the Arena Chapter Eleven: Pole Work Chapter Twelve: Jumping in the Arena Chapter Thirteen: Riding in Open Space Chapter Fourteen: At the Competition Final Thoughts Acknowledgements Index

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Book SynopsisThe “Scales of Training,” “Training Scale,” and “Training Pyramid” are familiar terms to riders. Around the globe and across disciplines, equestrians hear reference to them or study them as a part of their equestrian education. Dressage rider and trainer Sue Grice grew up with these concepts, too, and like many, found them to be not only fairly boring, but also confusing when it came to actually implementing them as part of daily training. In the course of her work with other riders, she came to realize that although many seemed to know about the Scales of Training in theory, few actually applied them in practice. Grice determined that this was because there was really no clear framework or methodology for implementing the system in a progressive manner. So Grice conceived a new approach based on the standard but with a focus on a better rate of success. Success could be achieved when the rider was engaged with the system and understood how to continually adhere to it, even as advances (or falters) might occur. For over 30 years she has continued to develop and apply her ideas, and now she has finally brought them together to share with the world in this book. Here readers find a detailed plan for applying what Grice calls the “Training Spiral.” She does not try to rewrite what history has shown to work in the development of the riding horse, but instead simply provides a fresh framework that enables riders and trainers to: - Apply the classical elements of the Training Scale in a more progressive and logical manner, and, - Employ them systematically within daily training as well as over a longer period of time. Grice provides clear explanations of how to use each of the six elements (Rhythm, Suppleness, Contact, Impulsion, Straightness, and Collection), how the elements are to be used in order, and what can go wrong if they are applied in the wrong order. Clear examples are given at all levels of training, and detailed case studies demonstrate how the Training Spiral can succeed where traditional systems have failed. The spiral structure provides a means of applying the Scales of Training in practice that is not just logical but also extremely easy to follow. The clarity of Grice's approach also helps horses understand what is being asked of them, leading to a happier relationship between horses and riders, and training that progresses more quickly and easily overall. The Training Spiral is an invaluable and immensely practical guide for trainers and riders at all levels, from novice to advanced.Trade ReviewThis is an insightful book and Sue is a feeling rider that trains all horses to improvement. I am one of several trainers she works with and I just love how she improves the ordinary horses as well as the well bred superstars. She is always thoughtful and kind with her training methods; this book expresses her inner thoughts - Pammy Hutton

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Book Synopsis"Learning never stops. It still surprises me that I can discover new and effective ways to train" Gill Watson's lifelong dedication to training and mentoring young riders has taken her on a journey that has spanned decades. Many of today's most renowned British eventers began their international careers under Gill's watchful eye. Full of insight, humour and occasional spills, Gill has drawn together memories from over forty former pupils and colleagues. This is an extraordinary record of life as an international team coach, and a fascinating look at the skills and techniques which forge young talent into future stars. With guest contributors including Olympic Gold Medal winner Laura Collett and a foreword by Pippa Funnell.Trade Review'This book is a must-read for all coaches' -- PIPPA FUNNELL; 'Anyone who looks at the results that Gill pulled out of the bag, year after year, with so many different riders, will understand what a talented trainer she is' -- LAURA COLLETT; "The book is a huge testament to Gill’s skill as a horsewoman and technical coach, plus her ability to bring out the best in people ... I wanted to start again at the beginning as soon as I finished it" -- HORSE AND HOUND magazine

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisSince a young age, Lorenzo has delighted audiences with his spectacular horsemanship and stunning equestrian shows. Over the years, increasing numbers of horses, black and white, have taken the stage with him, whirling dervishes of energy and virtuosity performing to perfection in spectacles imbued with poetry and magic. At the final curtain, every show is greeted with lengthy standing ovations. Because what the audience has witnessed is not just Lorenzo’s technical prowess but a unique relationship between artist and horse. Through the sensitive lense of the Swiss photographer Heini Heitz, we follow Lorenzo at his secret ranch in the Camargue and also in the arena in performance. He talks about his special relationship to his horses, and how he trains sixteen at a time in total freedom to create his incredible feats of showmanship. We discover how he works with foals, how he lives alongside horses, and what they become in their retirement. We also meet Lorenzo the instructor teaching equestrian acrobatics to increasing numbers of young people while constantly inventing new figures to astound us in the arena.

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