Jumping For Joy »

Sarah Blanchard, author of the bestselling The Power of Positive Horse Training (Howell Book House), has over four decades of experience with horses. She is a horsewoman and riding instructor with a special interest in dressage and combined training. A licensed riding instructor, Blanchard is on the board of directors of the Hawaii Isle Dressage and Combined Training Association.

Many riders want to try jumping, but are intimidated. This guide helps riders of every age safely learn to jump by presenting a natural approach with progressive, step-by-step exercises, full explanations, and lots of photos and diagrams. It covers everything from preparing a green horse for the first jump to riding a challenging course in a show ring. It includes guidelines for every discipline and every breed of horse, plus information on the demands of different competitive events.

Acknowledgments.

Introduction.

1. A Horse's Talent for Jumping.

2. Finding a Talented Horse.

3. Getting Started: Readiness and Equipment.

4. Balance Basics: Center of Gravity.

5. Preparing for the Jump.

6. Understanding Strides, Distances, and Grids.

7. Beyond the Grid: Riding Single Fences and Courses.

8. Starting the Green Horse over Jumps.

9. Jumping with a Rider.

10. Specializing: Finding the Right Fit.

11. Troubleshooting.

References.

Index.