Read more
Giddy up! Your guide to horseback riding is here!
There's nothing quite like the sound of a horse's gallop. Add to that the sight of its mane catching wind as its powerhouse body criss-crosses the boundary of strength and graceful agility. They are majestic creatures to behold--and if you've caught the equine bug, Horseback Riding For Dummies is all you need to get saddled up and started on your journey to riding into the sunset!
Inside, riders at the beginner level will discover the differences between Western and English riding styles, get the knowledge to select the best stable and instructor, and so much more!
* Choose the riding discipline that best suits your interests
* Find a qualified riding instructor
* Learn how to enter the competitive riding world
* Fit and care for the saddle, bridle, and other equipment
Once you've fallen for one of these beautiful animals, it's hard to hold your horses--and this guide is here to give you the skills and know-how to take that excitement to the ring!
List of contents
Introduction 1
Part 1: Horseback Riding Basics 5
Chapter 1: Giddy Up! Welcome to Horseback Riding 7
Chapter 2: Head to Hoof: The Mind and Mechanics of a Horse 17
Chapter 3: School's in Session: Taking Riding Lessons 35
Chapter 4: Mind and Body: Conditioning Yourself for Riding 47
Chapter 5: Safety First: Protecting Yourself around Horses 61
Part 2: Getting Set with the Right Riding Style and Gear 73
Chapter 6: Off into the Sunset: Western Riding 75
Chapter 7: Not Just for the Brits: English Riding 83
Chapter 8: Dressing Up Horses with Saddles 89
Chapter 9: Getting a Heads-Up on Bridles 105
Chapter 10: Equipping Yourself with Other Important Gear 115
Part 3: Settling into the Saddle and Easing into Riding 127
Chapter 11: Working from the Ground, Saddling, and Bridling 129
Chapter 12: Mounting and Dismounting 147
Chapter 13: Enjoying the Walk 161
Chapter 14: Bumping Up Your Skills with the Jog or Trot 185
Chapter 15: Getting on the Fast Track with the Lope or Canter 207
Chapter 16: Making the Leap into Jumping 225
Part 4: Riding into Advanced Pastures 241
Chapter 17: Graduating to the Next Level of Riding 243
Chapter 18: Taking the Plunge by Buying a Horse 249
Chapter 19: Exploring Horse Care 263
Part 5: Having Fun with Other Styles and Activities 283
Chapter 20: Step Up: Riding Gaited Horses 285
Chapter 21: Don't Fence Me In: Trail Riding 291
Chapter 22: Show Off: Riding in Competition 307
Chapter 23: Even More Riding Styles and Activities 321
Part 6: The Part of Tens 341
Chapter 24: Ten Rules of Riding Etiquette 343
Chapter 25: Ten Horseback Games to Improve Your Riding 349
Appendix: Resources for Riders 355
Index 359
About the author
Audrey Pavia is the former editor of
Horse Illustrated magazine and an award-winning writer of numerous articles on equine subjects. The author of 10 books about horses, she has also contributed to
Horse & Rider, American Farriers Journal, and many other animal magazines.
Summary
Giddy up! Your guide to horseback riding is here!
There's nothing quite like the sound of a horse's gallop. Add to that the sight of its mane catching wind as its powerhouse body criss-crosses the boundary of strength and graceful agility. They are majestic creatures to behold--and if you've caught the equine bug, Horseback Riding For Dummies is all you need to get saddled up and started on your journey to riding into the sunset!
Inside, riders at the beginner level will discover the differences between Western and English riding styles, get the knowledge to select the best stable and instructor, and so much more!
* Choose the riding discipline that best suits your interests
* Find a qualified riding instructor
* Learn how to enter the competitive riding world
* Fit and care for the saddle, bridle, and other equipment
Once you've fallen for one of these beautiful animals, it's hard to hold your horses--and this guide is here to give you the skills and know-how to take that excitement to the ring!
