Getting the Most from Riding Lessons »

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.

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

Author Biography: 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.

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