The Classic Western Rider »

DONNA SNYDER-SMITH has spent over forty years teaching the equestrian arts. In 1991, the American Riding Instructors Association honored her with its first Lifetime Achievement Award. A respected journalist whose articles have appeared in many major equestrian magazines, Snyder-Smith is also the author of All-Around Horse and Rider and The Complete Guide to Endurance Riding and Competition.

With a rugged yet romantic mystique, western riding is as American as the Old West, Roy Rogers, and John Wayne. Whether you're more at home on the range, exploring the trails, or competing in the show arena, The Classic Western Rider will help you hone your skills. From America's proud cowboy heritage to today's training methods and competitive events, it covers:

• "Make or break" information about equipment, especially the saddle
• A guide to training—cowboy style
• The subtle skill sets of winning western horsemanship, including six common rider faults and how to fix them
• Nurturing a partnership with your horse
• The ins and outs of western competitive sports and events such as reining, western speed contests, and team penning

With photos and drawings and advice from industry professionals Bret Brokcte, Nancy Cahill, Suzi Drnec, Linda Huck, and Linda Morse, this primer is ideal for the new riding enthusiast or the more experienced western rider who wants to fine-tune his or her skills. Happy trails to you!

Preface.

Introduction.

1 Classic Western Riding: History and Hollywood.

2 Saddle Savvy: The Tools of Your Trade.

3 Training Your Horse Successfully.

4 Equitation: Six Deadly Position Faults.

5 Dressing the Role with Suzanne Drnec

The Story of the Cowboy Hat by Bret and Linda of the Priest Hat Company.

6 Winning Western Horsemanship with Nancy Cahill.

7 Reining with Linda Morse.

8 Western Speed and Skill Contests with Linda Huck.

9 Team Penning.

Glossary.

Index.

About the Contributing Authors.