Synopses & Reviews
Whoa! Don't get on a horse until you read this book.
Boost your self-confidence and get the most for your money with this one-of-a-kind companion guide to riding lessons.
Getting the Most from Riding Lessons gives you all the information you need to communicate effectively with your instructor and advance your riding skills outside of lesson time. Following the easy, step-by-step instructions, you'll learn how to:
-- Warm up and condition key riding muscles
-- Brush up the basics
-- Perfect the use of the aids
-- Improve control and coordination
-- Master diagonals, evasions, and collection
-- Advance to jumping and showing
Synopsis
This reassuring, introductory book will help novice riders maximize the benefits of their lessons. A Selection of the Equestrian Edge Book Club.
Synopsis
Stressing the benefits of preparation, Mike Smith helps you retain and even improve your riding skills in between lessons. Brushing up on the basics of horsemanship, identifying key goals, and conditioning riding muscles are all part of Smith's regimen, which is designed to enhance your riding experience and maximize the benefits of precious lesson time. With insights into understanding horse behavior and advice on how to effectively communicate with your instructor, you'll gain the confidence to take your riding to the next level.
Synopsis
This reassuring introduction to riding helps novice riders maximize the lesson experience with information about safety, horse behavior, basic riding exercises, and preparing for that first show. This companion guide will help readers feel confident and at ease with a qualified instructor, and help them hone their skills outside
About the Author
Author Mike Smith has extensive experience with horses, for he has been teaching riding for over 25 years, owns two horse centers and 50 percent interest in a third. He has a master's degree from the British Horse Society, and holds an Instructors Certification from the Potomac Horse Center in Maryland. Mike rides and trains to the 4th level in Dressage, and has trained and competed with A-Level hunters and jumpers. He has a rigorous training program for the instructors employed at his stables, and he is responsible for the instruction of 1,000 students. Mike's book, Getting the Most from Riding Lessons, is a popular Storey title. He resides in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Part I: The Basics
Lesson 1: Leading, Mounting, and Walking
Lesson 2: Learning to Trot
Lesson 3: Riding in a Field
Lesson 4: The Sitting Trot
Part II: The Finer Points
Lesson 5: Improving Control
Lesson 6: Half Halt, On the Bit, and Evasions
Lesson 7: Half Seat and Introduction to the Canter
Lesson 8: Trail Class
Lesson 9: Perfecting the Canter
Lesson 10: Training
Part III: Onward and Upward
Lesson 11: Jumping 101
Lesson 12: Jumping 102
Appendix 1: Exercises
Appendix 2: Standardized Aids
Glossary
Index