The Rider's Fitness Program »

Dianna R. Dennis is a full-time equestrian writer and lifelong rider. She has written for many equestrian magazines in the United States and abroad, including The Chronicle of the Horse and Equestrian (Horse Show) magazine.

John J. McCully is a certified fitness professional and personal trainer. He co-founded Equestrian Fitness Company, which tailors fitness programs for individual riders.

A specialist in sports development and rehabilitation, Dr. Paul M. Juris has served as Kinesiologist Research Coordinator at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City and as a consultant to numerous professional athletes and sports teams in the United States.

Here is the perfect book for beginning riders who are using muscles they never knew they had before, advanced riders who want to stay in top form (especially as they get older), and weather-bound riders who can't get out during the winter but want to be fit when spring arrives.

The Rider's Fitness Program details a fun and effective six-week program that strengthens the muscles riders use while improving overall balance, flexibility, and coordination. The book features more than 85 exercises designed to help new riders get over the aches and pains of getting started and experienced riders hone their skills and technique and prevent injuries. The ultimate goal, of course, is to achieve "oneness" with the horse.

The routines are flexible, so individuals can customize the workout they need for jumping, dressage, reining, endurance, polo, or rodeo. The exercises are accompanied by step-by-step photographs that demonstrate how to perform each action properly (with an emphasis on safety). The exercises are progressive, from basic to advanced, and suitable for riders at all fitness levels.

The authors also include fundamental information on diet, general health and safety, and what clothing and equipment are necessary.

The Rider's Fitness Program is a comprehensive handbook for riders of all experience levels, with workout routines for every type of riding discipline.