Riding Handbook: The Complete Guide to Safe and Exciting Horseback Riding »

Zoe St. Aubyn lives in England, where she owns and publishes a leading regional equestrian magazine and works extensively in equestrian training.

A well-illustrated comprehensive guide to both English and Western horseback riding that stresses an understanding of the horse and developing a solid relationship between horse and rider, and organized to follow the natural progression of a new rider.

Introduction     7
Getting to Know your Horse
Knowing your Horse     8
Assessing Conformation     10
Poor Conformation     12
Choosing the Right Horse     14
The Horse's Language     16
General Handling     18
Relationship Building     20
Bonding Exercises     22
Essential Equipment
English Tack     24
Fitting an English Saddle     26
Fitting a Bridle     28
Other Equipment     30
Western Tack     32
The A-Z of Bits     34
Work Clothes     36
Riding Clothes     38
What Not to Wear     40
Riding Hats     42
Body Protectors     44
Learning to Ride
Basic Rider Fitness     46
Mounting     48
Dismounting     50
Basic English Seat     52
Common Problems     54
Riding Western     56
Achieving Balance     58
The Aids     60
Stopping and Starting     62
The Walk     64
The Trot     66
The Canter     68
TheGallop     70
Turning and Circles     72
Keeping Control     74
Basic Jumping     76
Bounce Strides     78
The Right Instructor     80
Lessons     82
Understanding Terms     84
Practice Drills     86
Caring for your Horse
Basic Needs of a Horse     90
The Grass-Kept Horse     92
Feeding for Health     94
Hoofcare     96
Worming     98
Teeth     100
Vaccinations     102
Pasture Management     104
Preventing Ailments     106
Choosing the Right Stable     108
Bedding     110
Grooming     112
Checklist for Health     114
When to Call the Vet     116
A Holistic Approach     118
Improving your Riding
The Right Approach     120
Acquiring Advanced Skills     122
Advanced Rider Fitness     124
Lunging     126
Long Reining     130
Improving Transitions     134
Your Jumping Seat     136
Riding for Pleasure or Competition
Riding Club Activities      138
Gymkhanas and Shows     140
Competition Preparation     142
Plaiting or Braiding     144
Eventing and Hunter Trials     146
Riding Classes     148
Dressage     150
Dressage Tests     152
Cross-Country Schooling     154
Le Trec and Endurance     156
Racing     158
Driving and Trotting     160
Hacking and Trail Riding     162
Holidays on Horseback     164
Horse Transport     166
Horses and Ponies of the World
How the Horse Evolved     168
Humans and Horses     170
Horse Breeds     172
Breeds A-Z     174
Glossary of Terms     186
Index     190
Acknowledgments     192