Search results for ""trafalgar square""

Coach Daniel Stewart has made a name for himself over the past 25 years, enthusiastically training riders of all levels throughout the world, as well as coaching top athletes on several US Equestrian Teams at World Championships, World Equestrian Games, and the Olympics.He's widely considered one of the world's leading experts on equestrian sport psychology, athletics, and performance, providing tips and quips at hundreds of clinics a year, in his bestselling books, and online through his Pressure Proof Academy. Now Coach Stewart is combining his popular rider mental conditioning techniques with ideas for physical conditioning, as well. In Fit and Focused in 52 for Riders, readers get quick-hit recommendations for one exercise for the body, and one for the mind, for every week of the year. The end goal is attaining full-on fitness that ensures improved performance on horseback, whatever your age, ability, or discipline. With 52 weeks of creative cross-training, and loads of ideas for customising workouts to fit personal goals and lifestyle schedules, riders are sure to find themselves positive, pumped up, and ready to go, from head to toe.

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Did you know there is an area of your brain known as the 'Lizard Brain' that thinks only about the immediate moment and your means of survival? Yes, in certain circumstances, your 'Rational Brain' can effectively 'shut down' and you are at the mercy of a reptile ...dry-mouthed, sweating, queasy, unable to think clearly — even though you know better. When does the Lizard Brain run the show? It can happen in any number of unfamiliar, uncomfortable, challenging, or 'stressful' riding situations. But here's the thing: with the right kind of training, you can learn to manage the reptile within, which leads to greater confidence with horses, better riding performance, and ultimately, happiness at the barn, at shows, and everywhere in between. Brain Training for Riders teaches you how to: handle uncomfortable emotions, such as fear, anger, anxiety, and embarrassment; hone your mental game and focus your riding time to get the most out of your hours in the saddle; care for your emotional injuries the same way you would care for an injured horse; and produce a state of 'Focused Calm' and tap into the skills you have (whether you know it or not!) to ensure an outstanding ride.

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In this fascinating book, dancer, choreographer, and visual artist Paula Josa-Jones combines her two greatest passions — movement and horses — in order to help us develop somatic awareness: Consciousness of breath, integrated and coherent motion, and development of movements and touch into sensitive channels of communication. Through stories and exercises, Josa-Jones demonstrates how connecting with the horse can develop this awareness. The body and mind of the horse and the human, she writes, are connected at the deepest levels — anatomically, energetically, psychically, spiritually, and emotionally. And because horses are authentic beings — their inside feelings and intentions match the outside expression and behaviour — our interactions with them can help us become more aware of our inner emotional landscape and its relationship to what we are expressing outwardly. Horses offer us the opportunity to become more trustworthy and more comfortable in our own skin. By listening inwardly, feeling the connections between our mind states and our expression, we become more attuned to the currents passing among us, more able to blend, empathise, and act with balance, sensitivity, and kindness.

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Carouser, competitor, taskmaster, dreamer, teacher, and visionary, George Morris has been ever-present on the rarified stage of the international riding elite for most of the seventy years he's been in the saddle. He has represented our country as an athlete and a coach and, at one time or another, instructed many of our nation's best horsemen and women. His carefully chosen, perfectly enunciated words are notoriously powerful. They can raise you up or cut you to the quick. His approval can be a rainmaker; his derision can end a career.But as much as people know and respect (or perhaps, fear) the public face of George Morris, he has lived, in other ways, a remarkably private life, keeping his own personal struggles – with insecurity, ambition, and love – behind closed doors. It is only now that he has chosen, in his own words, to share the totality of his life – the very public and the incredibly private – with the world.The result for many is a surprisingly frank, honest, personal retrospective from a man presumed to be strict, guarded, and even scary. But while deviating from his reputation as a stickler for formality in some respects, George Morris remains true to his loyalty to his sport and his country, providing an unparalleled chronology of the rise of American equestrianism and its major players – both human and equine.Within these pages readers will find a vivid and often touching portrayal of a man's journey from nervous youth to indelible leader, enmeshed in a fascinating description of high society, international travel, gay life, and elite sport through the past six decades.This engrossing autobiography, the real story of the godlike George Morris, beautifully demonstrates his ultimate humanity.

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Within riding there exists a fundamental conflict of interest: The rider needs to have control – their confidence depends on their ability to control the balance of their own body as well as that of their very powerful horse. The horse, by nature, needs to feel free—free in both mind and body to express himself through physical movement. In this book, author Beth Baumert, writer and editor at the internationally recognised equestrian magazine Dressage Today, resolves this conflict by taking a close look at the individual components that make up riding and dressage. Beth provides insight gleaned from years of working with the best riders, trainers, and judges in the dressage world, and details practical ways riders can learn to harness the balance, energies, and forces at play when they’re in the saddle. Readers will discover how to use 'positive tension' and what the author calls the four physical 'Powerlines' — Vertical, Connecting, Spiralling, and Visual — to become balanced and effective in the saddle. Readers will then find ways to understand and manage the horse’s balance and coordination challenges, including the fact that he is inherently crooked and naturally inclined to do too much with his front end and not enough with his hind. Ultimately, the rider learns to regulate and monitor the horse’s rhythm, energy, flexion, alignment, bend, the height and length of his neck, and, finally, his line of travel by properly aligning their spine with his. When the centre of gravity of a balanced rider is directly over the centre of gravity of a balanced horse, that place where two spines align becomes the hub for rider and horse harmony — a dynamic and remarkable riding rapport that yields beautiful performance.

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Many if not most women have been locked in a battle with their bodies for as long as they can remember. And when it comes to riding horses, they take their self-doubt with them every time they step into the saddle. Some quit riding completely. Others ride, but are frustrated by their lack of progress as riders or what they see as poor performance. Many worry how they look, what others think, and whether they have any business on the back of a horse if their jeans feel a little too tight. Regardless of seat size, riding discipline, or the degree or even truth of the body issues with which they struggle, female self-image issues in our society run deep and wide. So with humour, Melinda Folse, author of The Smart Woman's Guide to Midlife Horses, has decided to step in with a delightful, insightful, fulfilling new book. Riding Through Thick and Thin brings together experts, research, resources, and stories to encourage, inspire, and empower. Readers will find some answers that may surprise them: this is not about losing weight or getting fit (although, there is a section packed with helpful tools and ideas). This book is more about what is going on in every woman's mind, and it taps new findings in neuroscience to reveal that permanent change to deeply-ingrained body image issues is not only possible, but it may be much easier than we think.

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Kyra Kyrklund is one of the world's most talented dressage riders, and in this updated and revised edition of her very successful book she explains the unique system of training that has brought her repeated success with numerous horses, from the lower levels to Grand Prix. Step-by-step she guides the rider through what she calls her basic “ABCs,” revealing how she teaches horses to work hard, happily, while using the lightest aids possible. Throughout, she stresses the importance of an open and honest two-way communication between horse and rider—and above all else, a training system that is fair and enjoyable. Features three new chapters, including one on Kyrklund's famous horses, and many new photographs.

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Do you dream of having your own horse — a four-legged friend who comes when you call and whinnies when you’re nearby; who doesn’t judge or pick favourites; who always listens quietly when you need someone to talk to? When your horse or pony is still in the future and not in the stable outside, learning about how to ride and care for them is the next best thing! Horse Fun is for all horse-crazy children; whether you ride now or not yet, it combines real horse knowledge with super-fun games, quizzes, crafts, and activities. Go to the ‘riding school’ section to learn the basics of horse care and equitation. Test yourself with equine trivia; Make tote bags, picture frames, dream catchers, jewellery, and even a hobby horse to compete in hobby horse shows with friends! Follow Maxi, a horse-crazy kid who shares her thoughts in a diary for readers to enjoy and learn from. Having horses in your life is joyful, enriching, exciting, and FUN. That’s why this book is perfect for both those who love to saddle up, and those who still only have dreams to ride on.

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It has long been accepted that horses — and other domesticated animals too — can be trained to respond to our requests. How those requests are made, however, is a source of debate: Ask or tell? Firm or soft? Positive or negative reinforcement? Perhaps even more interesting is when we question the degree to which we expect horses to read our human behaviours. In general, we just 'act like us' and expect them to 'get it'. It is a testament to the horse's great patience that he usually keeps trying until he does!When we understand the function of both the human brain and the equine brain, we can to communication with horses on their terms instead of ours. And by meeting horses halfway, we not only save valuable training time, we achieve other goals too: we develop much deeper bonds with our horses; we train them with insight and kindness instead of force or command; we comprehend their misbehaviour in ways that allow solutions; and we reduce the mistakes we often make while working with them. In this illuminating book, cognitive scientist and horsewoman, Janet Jones, describes human and equine brains in collaboration. She explores the horse's way of thinking, as well as human brain function during athletic mastery. Mental abilities — like seeing, learning, fearing, trusting, and focusing — are discussed from both the human and horse perspective. Throughout, true stories of horses and handlers attempting to understand each other — sometime successfully, sometimes not — help illustrate the lessons.

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Tens of thousands of riders pursue the sport of dressage in North America, and the majority do so on a budget and with the horse they already have—or quite simply, the one they can afford. This means riders are facing the challenge of mastering one of the world's most esteemed equestrian events on horses that may not be bred specifically for the task, or even if they have been, may not be top prospects for any number of reasons. International dressage judge, clinician, and riding coach Janet Foy has ridden many different horses—different size, colors, and breeds—to the highest levels of dressage competition, and now she has compiled her best tips for training and showing in one highly enjoyable book. Her expertise, good stories and good humor are destined to bring out the best in dressage riders and their "not-so-perfect" horses everywhere.

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Eight techniques, sixteen patterns—infinite combinations, and endless inspiration! Vivian Høxbro, the knitting expert behind Traditional Danish Sweaters, is back with a brand-new collection of basic pattern figures—but don't let their simplicity fool you! Stripes, squares, triangles, angles, stairs, chevrons, circles, and shells are some of Høxbro's favorite foundational design elements, undeniably classic and endlessly flexible; these elementary shapes, reimagined and dynamically combined, form sixteen delightful projects, for knitting that's fun, playful, and undeniably clever. - Patterns for blouses, vests, shawls, scarves, pillow covers, and more - Step-by-step instructions for each fundamental shape, with accompanying full-color photographs - An inspirational toolset you can use to create new design combinations of your own

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Working equitation is a competitive equestrian sport that originated in Europe, with the first European Championship held in 1996. It quickly gained a fanbase for its beauty and its focus on classical horsemanship ideals and developing handiness under saddle. In 2004 the World Association for Working Equitation (WAWE) was established, and today, many countries have their own national organizations for governing working equitation competitions, including the United States—the USAWE was formed in 2020. Heralding the advent of a brand-new way to pursue and demonstrate horse-and-rider connection, working equitation competitor and trainer Ali Kermeen has written a much-needed reference for preparing both horse and rider to participate. The Working Equitation Training Manual provides a one-of-a-kind progressive training system to those new to the sport. Lessons focus on developing confidence with the obstacle phases of working equitation while incorporating dressage principles. The elements of each obstacle are broken down and then brought back together in step-by-step exercises that: - Prepare horse and rider to perform an obstacle properly. - Introduce horses and riders to competition obstacles. - Help improve and polish an obstacle's execution. With clear diagrams and color photographs, a helpful glossary of terms to help those unfamiliar with working equitation terminology, and variations and benefits for every exercise, readers are provided an appealing introduction to an exciting option for adding diversity to daily training, as well as showing and competing in other sports. “I started teaching these skills to all my students, regardless of their riding discipline,” says Ali. “These working equitation exercises help my riders excel at dressage, endurance, trail riding, pony clubbing, eventing, jumping, gaited horses, groundwork, Cowboy Dressage, and breed shows.” The Working Equitation Training Manual promises to do the same for you.

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Invite light, warmth, and the freshness of spring into your home in time for Easter! Designer Thea Rytter, a fan favorite for her beautifully subtle color palettes and undeniable creativity, is back with a brand-new selection of decorations, ornaments, and more—including both well-known Easter classics such as colorful eggs and fluffy hares, and fun, festive springtime designs for flowers, feathers, and a sweet, soft friend or two. Welcome the season in style, with cozy, charming, characteristically Norwegian Easter knits. - Start small and work your way up: quick single-color patterns keep it simple for beginners, and wrapped-yarn projects like birds and feathers are perfect for kids - Once you've mastered the basic patterns for eggs, flowers, and miniature birds—shake things up with color changes, beads, embroidery, and more! - Step-by-step instructions, full-color photographs, and additional guidance for techniques like short-row shaping, to guide knitters who've never tackled them before.

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Over 30 years ago, renowned horseman and popular storyteller Mark Rashid's first book, Considering the Horse, was published. In it he shared his experiences with horses and people, subtly delivering practical lessons in horsemanship and life in a conversational style that resonated with audiences around the world. Now Rashid considers all that has happened in the years that have passed since that first book was published—the transformative moments and impactful individuals who have helped shape his philosophies and methods since then. With his distinctive voice, he shepherds readers through topics of relevance in the equestrian industry while telling more of his life story, resulting in an engaging memoir-style read that remains rich in nuggets of wisdom that you can put right to work in your daily interactions with horses. In For the Love of the Horse, Rashid explores: - Ways he tried to find his own way of being with horses without actually knowing what he was looking for. - How the art of aikido, and the teachers he had, changed his ideas about life and relationships outside the dojo. - How it feels to be soft (and how it feels to not be), and how Rashid learned to stay true to the principles of softness as he understood them, regardless of the situation. - How he broke out of the pattern of assigning human emotions and comprehension to horses. - The impact neuroscientist Dr. Steve Peters had on Rashid's understanding of the horse's behaviors and responses and how they correlate to what is actually going on in the horse's brain. - The power of observation and learning how to be still, even in the midst of activity. - The difference between trying to connect with the horse versus allowing the horse to connect with you. - How over time Rashid has shifted from trying techniques that alter a horse's behavior, to adjusting his own thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in order to help the horse feel safer. In his familiar way, Rashid takes readers on a journey that rewards with both adventure and education, finding new inroads in our attempts to become better company and fairer caregivers to horses. With his thoughtful lifetime of study leading by example, we are all encouraged to consider how far horsemanship has come and how bright its future might be.

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Rider and trainer Christian Baier has been educated in horses and equitation all over the world. In his work to develop an international rider and trainer education and certification system, he realized the equestrian lexicon lacked a practical reference that brought all the classical "arena tracks"-patterns and figures used in training the horse in a schooling area-together in a simple way that is easy to understand. The arena tracks guide the rider in how to safely work the horse within a specific space in an organized way. They are also an integral tool in the conscientious trainer's development of the horse's body and conditioning. For the instructor, arena tracks are an important tool for communicating with the student. Ultimately, these classical tracks are at the foundation of everything we do in an arena with a horse, from the beginner rider just off the longe line, learning basic navigation around the ring, to the most experienced rider working a horse at the highest level of international competition. Even jumping courses consist of a combination (or variation) of arena tracks strung together from start to finish marker! In these pages readers not only find handy quick-reference sections on the correct arena tracks for training and riding, but also a unique collection of over 50 select exercises for using them in the development of a sport horse on the flat and over fences. Putting the arena tracks into practice is the basis for correct systematic training and education in both dressage and jumping. Baier shows the reader exactly how, with distinct sections devoted to clear illustrations of where to go and fundamental explanations for what to do. Progression in ability and understanding of both horse and rider is the goal, with tracks featured from simple to most complex, and the sections dedicated to cavalletti and jumping moving from the very first time riding over a pole to advanced exercises and courses at a very high level. The exercises shared in this book, used in combination with a working knowledge and understanding of the classical arena tracks, can lead to huge leaps in the growth and advancement of horse and rider-sometimes even after years of feeling "stuck." Arena Tracks is a fabulous reference for all riders to keep in the barn and for any instructor dedicated to teaching the classical art of riding, as well as being a much-needed learning tool for equestrian federations, associations, and schools worldwide.

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The Textile Museum in Blönduós, located in northern Iceland, houses a unique and fascinating collection of hand-knitted Icelandic mittens, dating back centuries. Drawn by the weight of history and the wealth of traditional motifs on display in their beautifully preserved one-of-a-kind catalog, Guðrún Hannele Hentinnen, an expert with a degree in textile studies—and the owner of a yarn shop located in Reykjavik—has reconstructed patterns and charts based on those historical examples, and breathed new life into a stunning selection of mittens and gloves for the modern knitter. In a variety of colors and styles, constituting a master class in multi-color stranded knitting and in a wide range of stitches and techniques, this collection doubles as design showcase and inspirational guide to these overlooked gems of Nordic knit tradition: warm, wearable mittens and gloves in a variety of colors and styles, with full-color photographs, charts, and step-by-step instructions to aid both novice and veteran mitten-knitters.

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Stretching is a necessary part of any athlete's exercise and maintenance routine. Long recognized to promote flexibility and prevent injury in humans, stretching can bring the same benefits to horses when made part of their daily care. This illustrated handbook makes it easy for riders and owners to include simple exercises that improve performance and increase longevity in their usual training schedule. Optimal equine performance requires strength, flexibility, coordination, and resilience. The practice of stretching makes it possible to develop and maintain all these elements in harmony. It also provides valuable transition time from hours that may have been spent in a stall to the gymnastic expectations we have for horses under saddle: rhythm and elasticity of the gaits, willingness to go forward, beautiful and dynamic movement, reliability and surefootedness, and more. With clear descriptions of the anatomical and physiological principles of stretching, readers gain an understanding of the exercises that may be best for their horses and disciplines in mind. Then, detailed instructions are provided explaining: - Simple, quick-to-do joint and muscle evaluations. - Stretches targeting specific muscle groups. - Stretches to promote suppleness and relaxation. - Stretches to warm up and prepare for work. - Stretches for cool down and recovery. Color photographs demonstrate evaluations and stretches step-by-step, supplemented by detailed explanations of what you may discover in your horse's reactions. Perhaps best of all, readers are provided a therapeutic reason for more hands-on time with their horses, and new ways to listen to him, to understand him, and to ultimately improve his well-being and performance.

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Revised and updated with the most current USEF rules and tests, Judging Hunters and Hunter Seat Equitation is the world’s favorite book on how to judge hunter show competitions, and understand exactly how they are judged. This must-have resource gives anyone competing in or judging hunter or equitation classes the edge, with professionally reviewed and approved sections that examine: - Conformation: structural composition; physical defects versus blemishes. - Hunters Under Saddle and Over Fences: length of stride, frame, and straightness; rhythm, transitions, impulsion, and bending; locomotion and form faults; honest and dishonest horses. - Equitation on the Flat and Over Fences: rider position; cadence, collection, and lengthening; approaching fences and in the air; USEF tests. Written with both the aspiring judge and the avid competitor in mind, the book offers invaluable explanations of what judges look for as well as the training methods necessary to accomplish the desired results. More than 100 color photographs with top equestrians in the tack demonstrate correct and incorrect positions in both horses and riders, sharpening the reader's eyes while also providing an unparalleled foundation of knowledge that makes self-correction in the saddle possible. In addition, readers will find a primer on both understanding and completing the Judge's Card, with explanations of numerical scoring, terminology, abbreviations, symbols, comments, and general impressions. This remarkably complete two-in-one reference can be the difference in your success, whether in the ring or in the judge’s box.

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It is no secret that riders often neglect their own needs in order to ensure their horses' are met. Countless dollars go toward massages, chiropractic work, and various other therapies that keep our equines comfortable and performing their best. We carefully schedule their training programs to achieve peak fitness at just the right time, and we juggle our personal lives—careers, family, you name it—around it all. But horse sports are a partnership, and if we want our horses to be at their best, then we have to be at ours, and that means paying careful attention to our own athletic bodies. Most riders argue they simply don't have the time to work out and still give their horses the time they need, so certified personal trainer Laura Crump Anderson has written a book that specifically targets the ever-present dilemma of how to fit fitness into a horse-crazy lifestyle. Beginning with explanations of why strength, flexibility, and balance is important to achieve out of the tack, Anderson provides important rules and guidelines for stretching, weight training, and cardio to keep you safe. A lifelong equestrian herself, she then approaches the scheduling issue head-on, helping readers determine where best to fit in the minutes they need in the places they need to be anyway—the tack room, the arena, the barn aisle. Using only basic items you are likely to find around the stable, she keeps equipment needs straightforward, recognizing that the less likely it is you forget something, the more likely it is you'll get that workout in. Readers are then treated to seven original fitness routines, each dedicated to a specific area like the lower body or the core, or designated as a full-body program. Full color photos of top riders, including Jan Byyny, Sloane Coles, and Sharon White, demonstrate how to perform exercises effectively, and step-by-step instructions ensure you get it right. With its clear and to-the-point delivery and attention to the realities of the modern riding life, this book is the perfect way to ensure more active, effective, pain-free years in the saddle.

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The definitive guide to individualized equine management based on the horse’s personality and body type. Dr. Ina Gösmeier leads the horse world in her area of specialization. A classically trained veterinarian, she supports her Western medical practice with knowledge gained through the study of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This handbook provides a basic introduction to the guiding principle of determining a horse's type before making decisions about handling, care, training, or treatment. According to TCM there are five horse types, assignments that are based not only on the horse's behavior, but on his build and body conformation, as well as diagnosis of his tongue and pulse. By determing the horse's type, you learn: How to understand and partner with each individual equine in the best ways possible. Appropriate choices related to training and handling techniques. Insight related to how a horse travels and what can keep him comfortable and healthy on the road. Why one horse learns quickly, why one always needs more rest, why another needs to be motivated with variety, and why some are fine alone while others need a friend at their side. A TCM type description helps the horse owner and rider assess the horse more accurately, promote the horse's training and well-being in a targeted manner, and troubleshoot existing and potential rideability problems. This book shares 11 case studies of horse types “in harmony” and “in disharmony” to demonstrate how the five horse types can be applied on day-to-day basis as well when treatment for injury or illness is necessary. Basic instructions for DIY acupressure and herbal therapy for health maintenance over the long term are also included.

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The goal of a relaxed and willing horse crosses disciplines. Whether striving toward competitive goals in the show ring, working long hours on the ranch, or simply enjoying a leisurely trail ride, a horse that is supple in body, relaxed in mind, and light in the hand will be better able to perform, and stay sound and healthy while doing it. The exercises in these pages are a classically correct and horse-friendly starting point to building a routine you can rely on to prepare your horse in the best way possible for training or performance, or to cool him down afterward. The author has organized them in three categories: - Exercises to relax and supple the horse from back to front (longitudinally). - Exercises to relax and supple the horse from the circle and other arena tracks and figures. - Exercises to relax and supple the horse from side to side (laterally). Addressing both general training targets and specific issues, the relaxation exercises include: - A summary of their benefits. - Explanations of what they are not likely to accomplish (their limitations). - Prerequisites that ensure the exercise is done safely and correctly. - Instructions on how to begin and complete it. - Troubleshooting-an idea of where things are likely to go wrong with either the rider or the horse. With lovely photographs for inspiration, and explanatory illustrations and diagrams to help instruct readers in the practical application of each lesson, this is a fundamental book for all riders who desire a healthy, happy equine partner who can perform his very best with ease and comfort.

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No Bored Horses is for every desperate equestrian whose horse is going stir-crazy, and for the owner of the horse with behavioral problems that she just canât seem to fix.

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Renowned wild horse ecologist Mary Ann Simonds provides a soup-to-nuts manual for stress-reduction in performance horses. Based on her 30-plus years of personal research and experience of wild horse ecology and domestic horse behaviour, as well as data provided by other equine scientists, readers will find a foundation of understanding related to the natural life cycle and history of the horse, from birth to forming friendships and families. The importance of gender, age, breed, culture, and habitat in the horse’s natural development are clarified. Simonds then explores horse-human relationships, communication, care, and training, as well as “the things we do with horses,” clarifying how to reduce the stress typically experienced by horses when pursuing specific equestrian disciplines and activities. Throughout, colour-coded tips, indicating whether its information is “Essential,” “Important,” “Makes Life Better,” or “Ensures Safety,” highlight the different ways riders and trainers can address the horse’s quality of life to ensure stress is minimised or negated whenever possible. Simonds analyses all manner of equestrian activities, including: - Pleasure riding, trail riding, and keeping horses at home. - Training for sport or performance. - Horse shows and competition. - Human-animal interaction programs, such as equine-assisted therapy and horse tourism. - Equine bodyworkers, including chiropractors, acupuncturists, and massage therapists. - Rescues and wild horses. - Clinical work and research. - Shipping and travel. - Sales barns and boarding barns. Fun, friendly, and informative, A Horse By Nature is designed to help both novices and experts gain better insight into how horses think, feel, learn, and generally perceive our human world. It also looks at humans and gives suggestions as to how we can change our own thinking or behaviour to better understand our horses, eliminating unnecessary stress and inhumane treatment while ensuring healthier, better performing equines, whatever the equestrian pursuit.

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The centuries-old art of Fair Isle knitting evolved on the Shetland Islands, inspired by colors and forms found in nature, for a distinctive look that's instantly recognizable. Now, Carina Olsson, one of Sweden's leading experts in Fair Isle knitting, is here to guide you through this technique's fundamental principles: how to choose and combine colors in vivid, organic palettes, with over 20 sample patterns for sweaters, mittens, hats, and gloves, ready to adapt to your favorite motifs—plus inspiration and instructions for designing a Fair Isle sweater of your own.

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The "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.

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While working with ground poles is not new to most riders, incorporating them in training with creativity and regularity may require a little inspiration and guidance. Enter Ann Katrin Querbach and her positive and persuasive ideas for developing the horse's body and movement in healthy and correct ways over poles. With progressive exercises at all three gaits, on the longe line and under saddle, she provides a basis for building a strong foundation, step by step. Or, just as easily, the reader can cherry-pick the exercises best suited to resolving a particular issue or improving a certain quality. Readers will find exercises that focus on: - Rhythm and tempo - Forwardness - Straightness - Transitions - Collection and lengthening - And building the horse's abs, legs, and hind end Pole work develops coordination, balance, and concentration in both horse and rider. It helps the rider develop a feel for a "correct" trot, active hindquarters, and lifted back in the horse. The rider learns to maintain "positive tension" ("engagement") in her body, while still remaining relaxed enough to follow the horse's movement. The horse must lift his hind legs significantly higher than usual in order to clear the poles, developing the coordination of the dorsal and ventral muscle chains, lifting the horse's back and engaging his neck. He is encouraged to build muscle in a manner that's both systematic and correct. This collection of exercises seeks to provide all these benefits and more, not only for the dressage rider seeking to correct or optimize the elements judged in competition but also for the recreational rider wishing to keep her horse fit and sound over a lifetime.

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“The gates to brilliance are surrounded by a cloud of sweat and tears.” That is what Olympic dressage rider and coach Robert Dover’s mentor, the revered Swedish equestrian Colonel Bengt Ljungquist, told him. It is a lesson that stuck—only with great passion and determination can one achieve success, and just maybe, happiness, too. In a fascinating book that reads like a potent elixir, three parts memoir and one part inspirational self-improvement guide, readers are ushered through 16 “gates to brilliance”—keys that Dover discovered as he made his way through his own life, from gawky, horse-crazy child to influential Olympic coach and entrepreneur. Sharing deeply personal stories that were fundamental to his evolution, Dover is candid about the path he took on his way to becoming one of the most successful equestrians in the world. Readers learn about abuse he suffered as a child, and his formative years as the only Jewish kid on Grand Bahama Island. He writes frankly about his father’s alcoholism, his parents’ divorce, and his unwavering devotion to his mother. The book delves into his fear of coming out, explores love and loss, and examines the perfectionist tendencies that have at times held Dover back, while at others, have helped him rise to all new heights. In addition, readers hear stories from the barns, arenas, and show grounds where Dover built his career, from his days as a wild Pony Clubber to his struggles in Germany under the tutelage of some of Europe’s great riding masters. We meet the horses and people he partnered with along the way as he offers a glimpse behind the curtain at the pomp and politics of international equestrian competition. Throughout, Dover’s dedication to self-betterment and belief in living a life with purpose stands front and centre, softened by his humour and willingness to cast a critical eye on himself. With countless moments of searing honesty bound to fundamental life lessons from which he hopes we can all learn, Dover assures us the road to success is there for the taking. The ultimate goal, though, is to emerge on the other side of whatever comes next a brighter, more compassionate, happier person—that is brilliance.

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The true tale of a voyage that broke a man down and built him back up, with the help of one special horse. At 37 Jesse McNeil - at times carpenter, commercial fisherman, dabbler in real estate - decided to buy an untrained horse, make himself into a horseman, and ride all the way across the United States, from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean. A fiercely independent traveler, Jesse had navigated previous coast-to-coast trips - solo journeys by moped, bicycle, and small airplane. This time, however, he had a partner: a five-year-old Tennessee Walking Horse named Pepper. An inexperienced horseman with an equally inexperienced mount, Jesse would quickly discover the immense challenges of his new undertaking. Over the course of eight months and fourteen states - beginning in Oregon and ending on a beach in New Hampshire - he would be tested many times over as he learned not only what it took to keep Pepper safe and healthy, but the true value of qualities that he had once easily dismissed: patience and companionship. The generosity of strangers, from helpful ranchers and storekeepers to suburban families, shaped the pair's journey east. And while at some points the miles didn't unfold as Jesse hoped, others yielded unexpected events that changed his perspective - and quite possibly, his future. Written with honesty, grit, and grace, On the Hoof captures an arduous voyage that broke a man down and built him back up, with the help of one special horse.

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Pet, show-ring competitor, pasture companion, driving partner, patient therapy horse — the Miniature Horse does it all. But whether you dream of winning ribbons or just hanging out, it is vital to have a solid understanding of safe handling and proper stabling; grooming needs and feeding requirements; general care and management essentials; special health and wellness concerns; and basic training how-tos. In these pages experienced Miniature Horse breeder Kendra Gale of Circle J Miniature Horses provides the most complete Miniature Horse resource available. You not only learn the ins and outs of making a Miniature Horse a part of your life, you gain invaluable professional insight when it comes to buying and breeding, registering and showing, training and handling, and so much more.

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Cables are beautiful and fun to knit—but if you’ve never worked one before, it’s hard to know where to start! Now your ultimate roadmap to the twists and turns of cabling is here. With The Cable Knitter’s Guide, discover 50 gorgeous variations on the basic cable, from the elegantly simple to the eye-catchingly complex, and become a cabling expert in no time, with detailed photographs, diagrams and step-by-step instructions. Then test your newfound skills on 25 delightful, striking patterns for garments, accessories, and furnishings, from socks to sweaters, potholders to throws and so much more! And knitters hoping for a little extra guidance are in luck: if you get stuck, just follow the links included to access YouTube tutorial videos by the author herself.

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High-quality wool, contemporary colour selection, the traditional spun look: tweed yarn has it all! A joy to wear and a pleasure to knit with, this finely-knobbled yarn adds texture and dimension to any project. For years, the handcraft specialists on the editorial team of the acclaimed Landlust magazine have been working with tweed yarn, considered a classic favourite for its understated natural variegation and its dual ability to spice up any solid piece and blend beautifully in colourwork. Landlust designs are beloved for their undeniable artistry and rustic charm, and now their most popular patterns have been brought together to form this sumptuous collection of over 50 projects. Explore a broad selection of hats, scarves, and cuffs, from striped toques to outrageously cute wrist warmers, slouchy cabled hats to cozy insoles. Wrap yourself up in striking sweaters, flattering vests, and draping pullovers; indulge your sense of style at home or on the go with pillows, seat pads, totes, and cushions — and so much more! Dive into Landlust’s terrific selection and discover the delightful possibilities when tweed yarn is tapped.

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Obstacle Training for Horses: 50 Effective, Step-By-Step Exercises for Every Rider.

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